NAAA and NAAREF are proud to announce the general availability of the Agricultural Airman Guidelines (AAG).

 

This new resource serves a dual purpose:

1. To assist operators, supervisors, pilots and FAA personnel when preparing for, or administering, a 14 CFR §137.19(e) Knowledge and Skills Test, and
2. To serve as consistent safety education and training guidance for agricultural aviation operators and pilots whether it be for an initial evaluation of their knowledge and skills or a training review.

 

For over six years, veteran ag pilots throughout the US have come together to create, deliberate upon and refine the AAG. Review and vetting have been provided by attorneys and stakeholders from state pesticide lead agencies, ag aircraft manufacturers and FAA.

 

The AAG is intentionally crafted in the framework of the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) and, similarly, provides a basis for attaining and maintaining the knowledge, ability to manage risks and skills consistent with acting as Pilot in Command conducting agricultural aircraft operations.

 

The AAG consists of 12 Areas of Operation arranged in a logical sequence, beginning with Preflight Preparation and ending with Postflight Procedures. Each Area of Operation includes applicable Tasks – 71 in all – which begin with an Objective stating what the applicant should know, consider, and/or do. This is supported with helpful references to applicable regulations, FAA guidance, handbooks and other industry resources. The Task then lists the aeronautical knowledge, risk management, and skill elements relevant to the specific Task, along with the conditions and standards for acceptable performance.

 

The release of the AAG also marks the beginning of an exciting new endeavor at NAAA. Using the Tasks outlined in the AAG as direction, along with other criteria on aviation safety, operations security and environmental professionalism, the association is working to create a catalog of self-paced online courses to augment current educational opportunities for ag pilots – all offered at no cost to NAAA members.

 

NAAA encourages all pilots and operators to check out the AAG and consider how it may be used to enhance ongoing training in your operation.