In response to a seemingly never-ending supply of misleading marketing material regarding the capabilities of UAVs and aerial application, NAAA put out a press release addressing some of the most common inaccurate claims. Read More

NAAA Executive Director Andrew Moore discussed federal tower-marking requirements for towers in rural areas on KXDJ-FM in Perryton, Texas, last week. He appeared on KXDJ Radio host Chris Samples’ show Sept. 6. Read More

Following a recent announcement that Thrush Aircraft will be bringing in new leadership along with a financial reorganization that will allow the company to increase its capabilities and capacity, Thrush has now entered the second phase of its planned restructuring with a filing of the standard petition for Chapter 11 reorganization. Read More

The FAA announced that the publication of a draft rule for the tracking and identification of UAVs to better address their safety in the national airspace has been pushed from this month to December. The publication date for this proposed rule has slipped several times over this year. Read More

USDA’s ReConnect program is set to disperse $600 million in loans and grants later this year to generate private sector investment in providing broadband services to rural communities. USDA is currently evaluating loan and grant applications with awardees expected to be announced next month. To awardees who erect towers in rural communities know their obligations under the law, USDA will provide recipients with educational materials developed by NAAA that detail not just tower marking regulations, but industry best practices as well. Read More

NAAA this week submitted comments to the FAA on UPS Flight Forward’s (UPS FF) request for exemption from several Federal Aviation Regulations. Formed this past July, UPS Flight Forward is the UAV subsidiary of UPS. The petition requested UPS FF use the Matternet M2 sUAS for package delivery. The M2 is approximately 50 x 50 x 10 inches in size, with a maximum gross takeoff weight of 29.1 pounds. The maximum payload capacity is 4.4 pounds. Read More

NAAA’s eBallot for members to vote on proposed amendments to its Bylaws is now open through Sept. 26. If you are a 2019 member of NAAA eligible to vote, you should have received a notice via email on how to log onto the eBallot to cast your positions. Another notice will be sent for those that have yet to vote. The email will include a weblink to click and a name and password for you to use to vote in the eBallot Read More

Read More

We look forward to seeing you at the 2019 NAAA Ag Aviation Expo in Orlando, Nov. 18-21. Our room block is nearly 80% full; thank you for booking your hotel room. Now, register for the Ag Aviation Expo online or print and mail a registration form. We are continually updating the schedule of events for this year’s convention.  Read More

It’s not too late to take advantage of BASF’s financial incentives for participating in an Operation S.A.F.E. Fly-in clinic this year (2019).  This is a continuation of a program BASF initiated in 2010 in collaboration with NAAA to provide financial support for participating aerial applicators that can be used toward membership in NAAA or for new spray equipment. Read More

The 2019-2020 PAAAS Program is ready to help you and the agricultural aviation industry improve safety, application accuracy and professionalism. The following four modules will be given and state and regional agricultural aviation association meetings this fall and winter. Check the NAAA calendar and make sure you plan on attending. Read More

NAAA members are invited to join your Arkansas brethren for a fun weekend of golf and fellowship Oct. 19–20. The Red Apple Inn and Country Club in Heber Springs, Ark., is hosting the 2019 Ag Aviation Golf Tournament. This year’s proceeds will benefit the Miracle League of Arkansas, a baseball league for children with intellectual and/or physical disabilities. Read More