If you're handling your first aviation job then you may want to read through some tips beforehand. Unless you specialize in aerial photography, chances are that you don't really get a whole lot of practice in this field. The following tips should have you going from complete amateur to promising beginner in no time. These tips apply equally whether you're photographing planes from the ground or photographing from the passenger seat of a chopper:
Start with a Wide Lens
The wider your lenses the better. You won't get a lot of opportunities for closeup photography at your typical airshow. What you're looking for is big action shots, full length shots of parked airplanes and jets, and on-the-fly photo-grabs when something truly exciting happens. Bring some wide angle lenses and set your camera for a high speed if you want to be able to catch clear, exciting action.
Bring Sunscreen, Shades and a Hat
Not so much a direct photography tip as a good tip for anyone who's going to be spending hours baking in the hot sun, staring skywards at airplanes all day long or exposing themselves to the elements while hanging out the side of a helicopter. If you want to stay out there and grab some great shots then you need to protect yourself from the harsh rays of the sun while doing so.
Bring Plenty of Spares
Bring a bunch of spare batteries, memory cards and so on. If you're paying to get into an air show or book a helicopter for the day, then you don't want to waste it. Make sure that you're prepared for whatever happens, and if you have a spare camera then go ahead and toss that in your bag too.
Much of aerial photography really comes down to being in the right place at the right time, so there aren't a whole lot of tips regarding how to get exciting shots. It's 25% wide angle lens, 25% high shutter speed, 25% chance and 25% instinct.