If your aircraft has not been through Operation S.A.F.E. in 2022 or 2023, NAAREF recommends doing so prior to the start of the 2024 season. While many across the country have their aircraft pattern tested in the Spring, it is not at all uncommon to do so in the Fall. Performing this critical testing on your equipment in the Fall presents several benefits. The operational pace, for one, is typically milder in Fall compared to Spring. You also may have ideas for application setup changes fresh in your mind after a season focused on your work. 

 

If you are unable to attend a traditional Fly-In this Fall, as an NAAA member, you have alternative options.

 

Earlier this year, NAAA announced the release of DropFlight, an iPhone/iPad app which allows extremely fast scanning and analysis of water-sensitive spray cards, all on your Apple mobile devices. This tool, created under the direction of a U.S. aerial applicator, is targeted specifically for aerial applicators to use in assessing spray pattern uniformity, effective swath width and droplet size across the swath. 

 

 

 

 

Another option for conducting your own spray pattern testing is to use AccuPatt, the same desktop (Windows/MacOS) software that Operation S.A.F.E. Analysts use. Originally developed to run the string testing systems you may have seen at a Fly-In, AccuPatt has grown to include spray-card-analysis functionality that can be used independently to perform spray-card-only pattern testing. Now, it is being offered to NAAA members for use in their own operation at no cost. A flatbed scanner is required to digitize the spray-cards for analysis.

 

 

To further reduce friction in getting your spray pattern testing underway, DropFlight is also offering all the needed testing gear. Available as a convenient kit, or by the piece, their card mounting system makes it simple to lay out cards uniformly and in the correct orientation to the wind. This testing gear will work with both DropFlight and AccuPatt and is the fastest and most convenient way to acquire all the equipment you need to conduct your own pattern testing.

 

As always, if you consult with a NAAREF-recognized Operation S.A.F.E. Analyst about your pattern testing data, they can report this to NAAREF as participation in Operation S.A.F.E. NAAA members will receive an official letter of participation and credit toward C-PAASS certification.

 

The application window for 2023 C-PAASS Certification will close shortly after the Ag Aviation Expo. Make sure your name is on this prestigious list for the inaugural year of C-PAASS; if Operation S.A.F.E. credit is the only box left for you to tick before applying, this is your opportunity. If you haven’t done so yet, you can check your 2023 C-PAASS eligibility here.