The FAA has released a Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO) for 14 CFR Part 137 Operations that provides information on the best practices for agricultural aircraft operations. SAFO 20004, dated March 20, 2020, is part of the FAA’s response to the NTSB’s Special Investigation Report (SIR) on the safety of agricultural aircraft operations. The SIR recommended that the FAA work with NAAA and NAAREF to reduce hazards associated with agricultural aviation. The SAFO covers fatigue recognition and prevention, pre-flight planning, and knowledge and skills. The SAFO highlights recommendations from two prior Advisory Circulars:

1. Advisory Circular 137-1B, Certification Process for Agricultural Aircraft Operators
2. Advisory Circular 120-100, Basics of Aviation Fatigue

To help deal with the fatigue associated with agricultural aviation, SAFO 20004 recommends establishing a bedtime routine and getting eight hours of uninterrupted sleep a night. It also advises ag aviators to take breaks and naps when possible. Recommendations related to pre-flight planning include conducting pre-flight and in-flight surveys, fuel management, flight and weather information, weight and balance, and flight maneuvers during application. The knowledge and skills portion of the SAFO provides a summary of all the requirements that pilots must satisfy for Part 137 operations.