| July 30, 2020 |
| EPA Releases Proposed Aircraft GHG Emissions Rule |
 Last week after a review by the Office of Management and Budget, the EPA
released its proposal to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from
jet and turboprop powered aircraft. The EPA’s current proposal is to regulate (among other types) turboprop aircraft with a takeoff mass greater than 8,618 kilograms (18,959 pounds). This weight puts all the current agricultural aircraft outside of the rule. Read More |
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| FAA Proposes Airworthiness Directive for All Air Tractor Models |
 The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Air Tractor Inc. (Air Tractor) Models AT-250, AT-300, AT-301, AT-302, AT-400, AT-400A, AT-401, AT-401A, AT-401B, AT-402, AT-402A, AT-402B, AT-501, AT-502, AT-502A, AT-502B, AT-503, AT-503A, AT-504, AT-602, AT-802, and AT-802A airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracks in the flap torque tube actuator attachment brackets that may cause the flap actuator to detach from the flap torque tube. Read More |
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| Get Ready to Cast Your Ballot in the 2020 National Agricultural Aviation Association Proposed Bylaw Amendments Election |
 Get ready to cast your ballot in the 2020 National Agricultural Aviation Association Proposed Bylaw Amendments Election. The election will run from 12 a.m. EDT Aug. 21 through 12 a.m. EDT Sept. 21. The election is being administered by AssociationVoting.com, similar to last year’s Bylaw Amendments Election, and involves three proposed amendments. AssociationVoting will be sending an email to all NAAA eligible voting members Aug. 21 with instructions on how to vote. Read More |
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| Sixth Fatal Accident of 2020 Takes Terry Harchenko |
| NAAA staff and members extend our sympathies and condolences to the family and friends of longtime member Terry Harchenko. The 65-year-old pilot died in a helicopter accident July 17. He had been spraying Christmas trees when the Hiller helicopter he was piloting crashed into a field near Mehama, Oregon. Read More |
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| Rest in Peace: Joe Varjassy, Prairie Aerial Applicators |
| NAAA and the ag aviation industry are saddened by the loss of Joseph “Joe” Varjassy, a longtime member. Varjassy, 75, passed away July 18 in Fort Myers, Florida, after a six-year battle with cancer and other health issues. Read More |
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| October NAAA Board Meeting & December Ag Aviation Expo Update: We’re Still a Go and Taking Precautions for Everyone’s Well-being! |
The October NAAA and NAAREF Board Meetings and December Ag Aviation Expo are scheduled to take place in person. NAAA is working on plans to help with social distancing and safety, while at the same time accomplishing important business and enjoying each other’s camaraderie at both meetings. The Fall 2020 NAAA and NAAREF Board Meetings will take place in Knoxville, Tennessee, Oct. 8–10. The 2020 Ag Aviation Expo will be held in Savannah, Georgia, Dec. 7–10. More than
100 companies have purchased booth space already and 11 aircraft will be on display. Read More |
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| In Case You Missed It! |
| NAAA Provides Proof of Distance Needed to Safely Turn an Ag Aircraft to Refute Claims Made by Wind Farms, Towers, Other Obstructions |
 NAAA has developed useful information to refute proposed setback distances
from wind turbines and other tower-like obstructions. The
information may be used by operators and state associations when dealing
with wind farm and tower companies making claims that their
obstructions do not hamper aerial application activities to crops. Read More |
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| Richter Aviation First Operator to Support the Centennial Celebration of Aerial Application, Many More Sponsorship Opportunities Available |
 Thank you to our first operator-sponsor, Richter Aviation in Maxwell, California, for committing to supporting the 100th anniversary of the aerial application industry. USAIG committed to its sponsorship last month. In 2021, the agricultural aviation industry is preparing to celebrate its first 100 years of service of providing food, fiber and biofuel, in addition to protecting forestry and controlling health-threatening pests, to our great nation. Read More |
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| NAAA Membership Renewals Now Open: Your Support will Result in Continued Accomplishments |
 Renewals are now open for the NAAA 2021 membership year! You will soon receive your renewal form in the mail, but there is no need to wait! You can renew online today. As a member of NAAA, you associate with the best and brightest in the agricultural aviation industry and your support is imperative in helping us accomplish our initiatives. Read More |
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| Shine a Light on Our Unsung Heroes with NAAA’s Quick and Easy Online Awards Form |
 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. The nominating process is even easier now thanks to NAAA’s new online awards submission form. Read More |
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| Last Chance to Provide Accurate Data for Agricultural Aviation Industry, Please Complete FAA Survey |
| The Federal Aviation Administration’s 42nd annual General
Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey is coming to an end. If you
are selected to participate in this year’s survey, you will receive either an
email or postcard invitation to complete the GA Survey soon. Read More |
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