About Us

April Zalesky

April Zalesky

The AV8FX team is led by April Zalesky along with a core staff of special effects experts. April Zalesky, a native of Vancouver, BC, is the heart and soul of AV8FX. Born into a flying family, April, a licenced pilot as well as an Airshow Pyrotechnics Coordinator, has been involved in the airshow business from an early age. She was drawn into the excitement of airshow pyro and fireworks over 20 years ago and has produced pyrotechnic displays for both large and small shows across Canada and the United States.

AV8FX provides:

  • Fully licenced and trained professional pyrotechnicians
  • Approved ICAS “Shooter in Charge”
  • “Airport Friendly” setup and operation
  • In-depth knowledge of airport operations
  • Hand-held VHF radios for communication with airboss, pilots, and key personnel
  • An excellent safety record
  • Informative briefings with fire department and safety personnel
  • Assistance with permits

Among the staff are special effects coordinators for the film industry who have worked on major motion pictures and television shows such as Jumanji, Viper, Red Scorpion, and others. April and her crew have worked together in the airshow pyro business for many years and have and exceptional saftey record. All AV8FX technicians will work hand in hand with your show boss, airshow monitor, and other members of your team.

Our Technicians are fully licenced and experienced in all aspects of airshow pyrotechnics and movie special effects. We can custom design displays to meet your site requirements, and can work safely within tight crowdlines.

All AV8FX team members are familiar with all airshow operations including radio work, air and ground control, fire prevention, crowd safety, and performer needs. VHF radios and an electronic firing system make up an important part of our show package.