This week, NAAA’s presence exhibiting and participating in the
Experimental Aircraft Association’s annual expo and airshow, AirVenture, has
been awash in kudos. Its drenching success to date is attributed to Air
Tractor and its chief test pilot, Mike Rhodes, who coordinated to have Michael
Hutchins of Custom Air in Roe, Ark., fly his firefighting-equipped AT-802 during
Tuesday and Wednesday’s afternoon airshows.
Aerial firefighting is a major
theme at this week’s show and Hutchins’ precision aerobatics and bullseye water
drop left attendees’ mouths agape; a once active fire, smoldering; and raised the
Single Engine Air Tanker’s reputation into high-altitude airspace. The
AirVenture show, celebrating its 50th year in Oshkosh, Wis., includes NAAA
members Air Tractor, Thrush Aircraft, AG-NAV and AgAir Update in booths #446,
457, 458. Come visit us at the “world’s greatest aviation celebration.”
AirVenture continues until 4 p.m., Sunday, July 28.
Aerial applicator Michael Hutchins performs an aerial firefighting
demonstration during one of the daily airshows at AirVenture.
During the week, there are over 1,000 forums on aviation
topics and hundreds of exhibitors including NAAA. NAAA is working to actively
recruit pilots or pilots-in-training with a genuine interest in pursuing an ag
pilot career. On Monday morning, NAAA Executive Director Andrew Moore gave an
educational presentation to AirVenture attendees on how to pursue a career in
ag aviation, along with NAAA Operator member Lynn Carlson, Eric Rojek of
Thrush Aircraft and Mike Rhodes of Air Tractor.
Attendees view an
Air Tractor 802 on display at AirVenture 2019.
In addition to recruiting, NAAA is promoting the importance
of agricultural aviation to food, fiber and biofuel production as well as to
forestry and public health protection by distributing its "Flying for Your
Food,” brochure.
Moore also conducted several media interviews throughout the
week, discussing the importance of aerial application and the unique flavor
aerial application aircraft bring to the diverse event.
A Thrush 510G on
display at AirVenture. Come visit NAAA, Air Tractor, Thrush Aircraft, AG-NAV and
AgAir Update in booths #446, 457, 458 through Sunday!
NAAA Executive
Director Andrew Moore gives an educational presentation on how to pursue a
career in agricultural aviation.
Many NAAA members are contributing important manpower to
equip and staff the NAAA booth at EAA AirVenture, particularly Air Tractor,
Thrush, AG-NAV and AgAir Update’s Graham Lavender, as well as 2019 NAAA Secretary
Jane Barber-Pitlick, Transland’s Anthonie York, Lane Aviation’s Logan Lane,
Lynn Carlson of Carlson’s Ag Aviation in Wendell, Minn., Michael Hutchins of
Custom Air in Roe, Ark., Tom May of Flying M Enterprises Inc. in Nebraska, and several past
and present members of NAAA. Also, a thank you to Richard Packer, NAAA Ohio
Board Member, for assisting with the aircraft move for setup.
AirVenture Oshkosh, which is organized by the Experimental
Aircraft Association each summer at Wittman Regional Airport, is a weeklong
celebration of aviation. Nearly 10,000 aircraft will be on display while more
than 800 exhibitors, 1,000 forums and workshops, 4,800 volunteers and
approximately 600,000 visitors are expected this year.
Stay tuned to the AirVenture excitement on NAAA's Facebook and Twitter pages for
updates and to view photos while NAAA staff are onsite at AirVenture.
A firefighting-equipped Air Tractor 802 owned by Michael
Hutchins of Custom Air Inc. on display with other firefighting aircraft.
