NAAA Spreading the Good Word of Aerial Application at EAA’s AirVenture 2017

This week, the Experimental Aircraft Association’s annual expo and airshow, AirVenture, is being held in Oshkosh, Wis. NAAA, Air Tractor and Thrush Aircraft are exhibiting in booths #439-441. Come visit us at the “world’s greatest aviation celebration.” AirVenture continues until 4 p.m., Sunday, July 30.

NAAA Staff spoke to hundreds of people about the aerial application industry and what it takes to become an ag pilot.

During the week, there are over 1,000 forums on aviation topics and hundreds of exhibitors including NAAA. NAAA is working to actively recruit pilots or pilots-in-training with a genuine interest in pursuing an ag pilot career. Thrush Aircraft has their simulator onsite in the Redbird Flight Simulators booth #304-305.

Past NAAA President Rick Reed visited the booth and answered prospective pilots’ questions.

In addition to recruiting, NAAA is promoting the importance of agricultural aviation to food, fiber and biofuel production as well as to forestry and public health protection by distributing its "Flying for Your Food,” brochure.

Many NAAA members are contributing important manpower to equip and staff the NAAA booth at EAA AirVenture, particularly Air Tractor and Thrush, as well as AgAir Update’s Graham Lavender, Transland’s Anthonie York, Lane Aviation’s Logan Lane and Eagle Vista’s Beverly Berry. 

Thrush has its 501G on display.

Air Tractor has its 802 on display.  

NAAA is working to actively recruit pilots or pilots-in-training with a genuine interest in pursuing an ag pilot career.

What’s Next on the Congressional Agenda: Tax Reform, NAAA Pushes for Shortened Ag Aircraft Depreciation Schedules

With efforts to reshape health care seemingly on life support, Congress now confronts tax reform. The stakes are high for the Republican Congress and the Trump administration because another loss or major stall on one of its most important objectives would likely negatively affect its reputation to effectively govern with the electorate. With this stage set, NAAA has been wearing out shoe leather on Capitol Hill over the past several days urging a fair aircraft depreciation schedule for the aerial application industry, holding visits with the Joint Committee on Taxation, the Senate Finance Committee and numerous U.S. Senators and Congresspersons that serve on the tax-writing panels.

One concern going into this attempt at tax reform (one of dozens of attempts since the last major reform of our tax system in 1986 under the Reagan Administration) is that the last tax reform attempt in 2014 by former House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI) would reduce overall tax rates, but in order to pay for those lower rates it would extend depreciation schedules including those for general aviation fixed-wing aircraft from the current five years to 12 years. NAAA, in its recent Hill meetings, has been making its case to congressional staffers that ag aircraft are unique, operate in more rugged conditions and as such should be depreciated in a much shorter timeframe. NAAA’s reception to keep ag aircraft to a shorter depreciation schedule, similar to farm equipment, has been well-received. It has also come up in discussions that full-expensing of such equipment is a policy proposal that is seriously being considered in the tax reform proposals currently being developed, in addition to a reduction in tax rates.

 

It is uncertain how tax reform will be paid for in order to not markedly increase the federal deficit. One plan under consideration is a border adjustment tax (BAT) levied on goods and services coming from outside of the U.S. into the country.  

NAAA will keep members apprised of federal tax reform efforts in Washington, D.C., and will push for beneficial depreciation schedules for agricultural aircraft.

Senate Appropriations Committee Approves Ag Spending Bill for 2018 Fiscal Year

On Thursday, July 20, the Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously approved an agriculture spending bill for the 2018 fiscal year. The bill provides $145.4 billion in both mandatory and discretionary funding, including $2.55 billion for agricultural research. Overall, the bill is $4.85 billion above the President’s budget request and $7.9 billion below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level.

Specifically, the bill provides $1.18 billion for the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) where the aerial application research unit is housed. This is a $12 million increase from the 2017 fiscal year. The bill does not allow for the termination of any research programs or the closure of laboratories. Additionally, NAAA ensured language was included in the Senate committee report emphasizing the value of aerial application research. The report reads in part: “The committee recognizes the importance of the ARS Aerial Application Technology Program. The program conducts innovative research making aerial applications more efficient, effective and precise. Research for aerial application serves the public good as a vital tool for the future, as agriculture strives to meet the food, fiber, and bio-energy demands of a growing population”.

In contrast, the House agriculture appropriations bill cut funding for the ARS by 3 percent. However, NAAA again successfully pushed for language in the House committee report to the bill indicating Congress’s continued support of the USDA-ARS Aerial Application Technology Program.

The next step will be for the full House and Senate to enact the bills and then reconcile them before a final spending bill is sent to President Trump for his signature. Both spending measures are funded above President Trump’s original budget request. NAAA will keep the membership informed of federal agricultural spending, particularly as it pertains to research for aerial application technology conducted at USDA’s Agricultural Research.

EPA plans to rewrite WOTUS rule by December

EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt is continuing to take steps to rewrite the Obama administration’s rule expanding the definition of what constitutes the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS). The EPA plans on revealing the rewritten rule for public comment by December.

This is an important development for aerial applicators because a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Pesticide General Permit (PGP) is required to operate over WOTUS. The expanded definition would very likely affect many aerial applicators because of its extended reach to include dry riverbeds, just as the 2011 release of the NPDES PGP shut down aerial mosquito and invasive species control efforts due to the high paperwork and potential lawsuit costs.

The EPA took the first step last month when it proposed to formally rescind the Obama era rule. The next step is soliciting input from the public so the agency can rewrite the rule.  

In addition to the rule rewrite, 30 states took the Obama era WOTUS rule to court in 2015 after its new definition was released. The case is currently making its way through the legal system, and the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in October to resolve the jurisdictional issue of whether the Sixth Circuit has the authority to be the first court to hear WOTUS lawsuits, as opposed to district courts.

Additionally, in May of 2017, the U.S. House passed the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act, sponsored by Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-OH), for the fourth time. The bill would exempt pesticide applications from NPDES Pesticide General Permit requirements. This is because the environment, including waterways, are already protected from pesticide applications through the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), making costly NPDES PGP requirements redundant. NAAA is working on getting the Senate to consider similar legislation.

Banner New Aviation Book Spotlights Delmarva’s Ag Aviation Sector

NAAA member Jeff Chorman graces the cover of the book “Flying Over Delmarva: Spray Planes, Banner Planes & Bi-Planes,” a richly illustrated historical account of military and agricultural aviation along Delmarva, a peninsula occupied by most of Delaware and portions of Maryland and Virginia.

Along with exploring the history of aviation in Delmarva, author Joanne K. Guilfoil’s book features stunning photos, tales about ag aviation, airshows, aerobatics, barnstormers and banner tow jockeys, and chapters on father-son aerial applicators.

The book is filled with mentions of past and present NAAA members and their aviation stories, including:

• “Crop Dusting” Joe Hudson of Harbeson, Del., one of the first crop dusters on the Delmarva Peninsula. Hudson first flew as an aerial applicator in 1948. He started his own aerial application operation in 1950 with two WWII vintage airplanes. Eventually, he owned and operated seven Stearman spray planes. Allen Chorman flew one of Hudson’s Stearmans and served as his chief pilot for 21 years before buying him out. Hudson told Guilfoil that aerial application is a “very interesting business, with the emphasis on business.” Hudson was inducted into the Delaware Aviation Hall of Fame in 2013.
• “Gentleman” Jimmy Vreeland of Milford, Del., a longtime ag pilot, operator and respected flight instructor. Vreeland started Delmarva Ag-Aviation Inc. in 1977 and earned a reputation of being an extremely safety-conscious ag pilot. A former university agricultural extension herbicide specialist told Guilfoil that Vreeland “flew like no one else, with accuracy, safety, and respect for the neighbors.” Vreeland retired from ag aviation for good in 2014 and was inducted into the Delaware Aviation Hall of Fame in 2016.
• Father and son aerial applicators Carter and Matt Crabbe, of Melfa and Mechanicsville, Va., respectively. Matt followed in his father’s footsteps, but not before selling medical supplies for five years, attending college and becoming a charter pilot. Matt decided that corporate life didn’t suit him, so he returned to his roots, starting Crabbe Aviation with locations in Hanover County, Va., and Elizabeth City, N.C. Carter Crabbe continues to fly an Ag-Cat and treat small farm plots on the Virginia portion of Delmarva.
• Father and son aerial applicators Allen and Jeff Chorman of Greenwood, Del. Allen Chorman bought Joe Hudson’s aerial application operation in 1987 and renamed it Allen Chorman Inc. After his son, Jeff, graduated from college Allen renamed the business again, changing it to “Allen Chorman & Son Inc.” Allen retired from flying fulltime in 2016. Son Jeff manages the Greenwood, Del., while Allen oversees another location in Milton. They also work off of nine satellite strips. Allen Chorman was inducted into the Delaware Aviation Hall of Fame in 2013, along with Hudson, his mentor.
  

The book also includes a full chapter of short first-person accounts, in the pilots’ own words, of numerous aerial applicators Vreeland met and worked with throughout his 58-year career in aviation.

Overall, the book provides a very positive view of aerial application in the Delmarva Peninsula. Guilfoil concludes each chapter by presenting “Another Side,” the purpose of which, the author explains, is to “provide an additional viewpoint, issue, circumstance, incident … pleasant or unpleasant, but always respectful.” One “Another Side” spotlights an organic farmer worried about the potential for drift from aerial application work being done on fields adjacent to her farm. Another “Another Side” addresses the “powerful myth … that crop dusters were rogues, pirates, and worse,” perceptions that do true aerial application professionals no favors.

“Flying Over Delmarva” retails for $49.95 and may be ordered at grandlivingpublishing.com.

In Memoriam: Original NAAA Member Robert L. Mueller Passes

Robert L. “Bob” Mueller Sr., one of NAAA’s earliest members, passed away July 17 at the age of 96. Mueller was a decorated Marine captain and pilot who started his own aerial application business in 1946 in Breedsville, Mich. Mueller Crop Dusting Service served Michigan’s growers for several decades. Mueller was equally dedicated to the industry and his association. He received NAAA’s Outstanding Service Award in 1990 for his longstanding service.

Besides ag aviation, Mueller was a star swimmer and did some bit acting in movies with the likes of Barbara Stanwyck and Humphrey Bogart. He even dated Hollywood starlet Ann Baxter for a time. Baxter starred in The Ten Commandments with Charlton Heston and won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1946 for her role in The Razor’s Edge.

Mueller was preceded in death by his son, Robert S. Mueller, who was killed in Vietnam in 1967. He leaves behind three daughters, Cathy Moorhead of Kalamazoo, Mich., Chris Mueller of Richland, Mich., and Mary Mueller of Sedalia, Mich. He also has six granddaughters and 13 great-grandchildren.

Friends are invited to share their thoughts and members of Bob Mueller on the family’s online guestbook at www.FilbrandtFFH.com.

Support the Ag Aviation Expo with an Auction Donation

While we’re still several months away from the 2017 NAAA Ag Aviation Expo taking place Dec. 4–7 in Savannah, it’s never too early to donate an item for the Live and Silent Auction. Help us make this year’s auction a blowout! The Live and Silent auctions support NAAA programs and services to aerial applicators. We know that companies receive many auction solicitations and we appreciate your consideration and support.

 

Special thanks go to Pratt & Whitney Canada, which for the fifth year in a row (and seventh time in twelve years) is donating a brand new PT6A-34AG engine. Other auction items include a three blade Hartzell propeller, donated by Air Tractor, B-29 ride, APS-USAIG Upset Prevention & Recovery Training (UPRT) Course and a rifle with Quail Hunt, benefitting NAAREF!  These donations garner a wide audience—an audience that is aware of all companies and individuals that donate to the auction.
 
The earlier you inform us of your auction donation, the more advertising you’ll receive on the NAAA website and in NAAA publications. Support the aerial application industry by donating an auction item! Thank you to the companies that have already donated an item.
 
Click here to download a donation form or email all of your donation details to lbarber@agaviation.org. Big ticket items are reserved for the Live Auction, with smaller items are allocated for the Silent Auction, but final determinations are made onsite once all the offerings have been inventoried. Please include the value of your item on the document or in your email.

 Dates: Dec. 4-7, 2017 

• Location: Savannah International Trade & Convention Center. Some events will also take place at the Westin, which is located directly next to the convention center.
• Schedule of Events: Current schedule here. Subject to change.
• Hotel: Hotel details below.
• Attendee Registration: Register today
• Exhibitor Booth Sales: Booth sales are open. Click here
• Sponsorship Opportunities: Click here to view available sponsorships.
  

Book Your Hotel Room

2017 NAAA Ag Aviation Expo housing is coordinated through the Savannah Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Housing office. Please do not call the hotels directly; use the link and/or phone number below to book your room.

 
Rooms are available at the Westin Savannah Harbor (directly next to the convention center), Hyatt Regency Savannah and Savannah Marriott Riverfront hotels (across the river from the convention center and Westin—transportation provided).
 

Book your room today by clicking here or calling the housing bureau at (912) 644-6465. Please note that reservations are taken Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. If you cannot call during those hours, please book your room here.

 

PLEASE NOTE THE CANCELLATION POLICY FOR THE WESTIN FOR 2017. For each reservation canceled after Nov. 1, a non-refundable one-night room and tax will be charged to the credit card on file. Guests who check out early (prior to the reserved check-out date) will be assessed one full night's room charge, plus applicable taxes. This was put in place in 2015 due to many people cancelling rooms at the Westin a few days before the NAAA Ag Aviation Expo, leaving dozens of rooms unfilled at that hotel.

Complimentary Transportation & River Taxis

Complimentary river taxis and bus transportation will be provided between the hotels, convention center and the downtown Savannah entertainment district for all exhibitors and attendees.

Exhibitors: Beware of Fraudulent Company Trying to Book Hotel Rooms for NAAA Convention

This week, we received notification that an independent third-party company is contacting our NAAA Allied Members with room rates that are not in the NAAA room block or at our host hotels. We are not aware of the number of companies making these calls, but one company we know of is called NTA. Do not book a room with this or any other companies that directly contact you; we cannot guarantee that you will have a hotel room this December if you book with this company.
 
As a reminder, no one from (or on behalf of) any of the hotels or NAAA will contact you to book a hotel room. You should only book your hotel room directly with one of NAAA’s headquarter hotels for the 2017 NAAA Ag Aviation Expo Dec. 4–7 in Savannah, which are the Westin, Hyatt and Marriott. Please book your own hotel room by calling the phone numbers and using the links on the NAAA website at AgAviation.org/hotel.