NAAA has joined a growing coalition that opposes the FCC’s recent decision to approve Ligado Networks’ application to operate a 5G network in the L-band radio spectrum, which is the band adjacent to the one used for GPS. Ligado’s network will interfere with GPS and other satellite-based technology. NAAA is one of over 60 organizations and companies in this coalition. Other members include AOPA, GAMA, numerous airlines, Farm Bureau, shipping companies, weather associations and numerous GPS companies. Read More

While the NAAA Ag Aviation Expo is months away, scheduled for Dec. 7-10, NAAA is diligently working on plans to help with social distancing throughout our convention. We are also working with the city and our contracted facilities to understand their steps for additional disinfecting/sanitizing during our show. Read More

NAAA, always working to diversify and enhance the professionalism of the aerial application industry, has been advocating drones for aerial imaging while being skeptical  about the limitations and issues related to their making efficacious and targeted aerial applications due to their limited size, speed and a dearth of data on their effectiveness. A recent article in Ohio’s Country Journal detailed some of the same issues raised by NAAA. Read More

Last Friday, the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) announced that AirVenture 2020 has been cancelled. This year would have been NAAA’s fifth appearance since 2016. AirVenture is held each summer at Wittnam Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wis., and is a weeklong celebration of aviation. Nearly 10,000 aircraft are displayed with more than 800 exhibitors, 1,000 forums and workshops, 4,800 volunteers and more than 600,000 visitors each year. Read More

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, NAAA has been in near-daily contact with the FAA regarding the many regulatory hurdles that are nearly impossible to comply with during the pandemic. In response to this, the FAA yesterday released a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) addressing many of these concerns. The following exemptions will be valid upon the rule’s publication in the Federal Register. Read More

Thanks so much for being a 2020 member! We appreciate your ESSENTIAL services as agricultural aviators and related businesses, especially in these stressful times. We've discounted all our merchandise by 30% as we begin to close NAAA’s online eStore. Aerial applicators prefer to shop for NAAA's quality merchandise at the annual Ag Aviation Expo, so that is where our sales focus will be devoted and continue. Read More

One of the highlights of each NAAA convention is the chance to honor a distinct group of the committed individuals and companies for their service to the agricultural aviation industry. The aerial application industry is filled with exceptional people who go above and beyond the call of duty, but the Awards Committee depends on members like you to identify these unsung heroes. If you’ve been sheltering in place, take advantage this unique interlude to nominate someone for a 2020 NAAA Award! The nominating process is even easier now thanks to NAAA’s new online awards submission form. Read More

Attention, higher-education students: Don’t miss out on the opportunity to compete for a combined $3,000 in educational scholarships. The deadline for the 2020 Support Scholarship Essay Contest is Sept. 15. The NAAA Support Committee will award a $2,000 scholarship as top prize and Covington Aircraft Engines has generously agreed to sponsor a $1,000 scholarship. Read More

Attention, operators and aspiring ag pilots: The NAAA “Ag Wings of Tomorrow” Scholarship is back! Thanks to the generous support of BASF and Thrush Aircraft, $20,000 in aid is available via the 2020 NAAA “Ag Wings of Tomorrow” Scholarship Program to assist four aspiring ag pilots in their journey. The goal of NAAA’s “Ag Wings of Tomorrow” Scholarship Program is to strengthen the aerial application industry by helping operator members bring new pilots into the profession. Read More