Originally Posted by
Big Pistons Forever
Aircraft operating in US waivered airspace ( i.e. airshow airspace) can only carry essential crew. I am guessing they made the case to the FAA that they had to have a second crewman to operate the jet safely
Backseater appears to have been a fellow United pilot, and has already acquired, or is about to buy his own Mig23, so, maybe FAA granted observer permission for airshow routine prior to his work up to his own display qualification? That's not uncommon by all accounts.