If it was being flown at an airshow, it would have be maintained under FAA regulations and operated the same. The stated purpose in the report was public use aircraft, which means they don't have to use certificated pilots or mechanics, in addition to all sorts of other regulations that don't apply. To a large extent, they can "do what they want" or not do what they want, when the aircraft is public use. Maybe something worth thinking about before taking such a gig, as you may be "on your own" more than you think...