One Million UAVs Officially Registered with FAA

Last Wednesday the number of UAVs registered with the FAA eclipsed 1,000,000. According to the Department of Transportation, the 1,000,000-total registration figure includes 878,000 hobbyists, who receive one identification number for all the UAVs they own, and 122,000 commercial, public and other UAVs, which are individually registered. For comparison, there are currently 320,000 manned aircraft registered with the agency.

 

Registration was originally required under the FAA’s small drone registration rule effective December 21, 2015.  Under this rule, aircraft weighing more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) and less than 55 pounds (approx. 25 kilograms), including payloads such as onboard cameras, must be registered. After briefly being halted by a judge in 2017 for conflicting with the 2012 FAA Modernization and Reform Act, which prohibited the FAA from regulating model aircraft, the registration system was reinstated through the 2017 National Defense Reauthorization Act. 

 

NAAA has long been advocating for the safe integration of UAS into the national airspace to protect manned aircraft. In addition to UAS registration requirements, NAAA has promoted the installation of tracking technology like Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) on all UAS, visible strobe lighting, rigorous training for UAS pilots and requiring all UAS to get an airworthiness certificate from the FAA.

 

To help keep ag aviators safe from the ever-growing number of UAVs, you can donate your GPS data to Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory (RFRL). The RFRL is leading a team of aviation researchers to help determine when and where unmanned aircraft systems can operate safely with other aircraft at low altitudes. By anonymously sharing your GPS data logs with Mississippi State University, the university will work with the FAA to show it where ag pilots fly. This, in turn, could lead the FAA to have sufficient data to better protect ag aviators flying in and around UAVs, based on submitted GPS data logs.

 

NAAA also developed a checklist for low-level aviators should they have an encounter with a UAS.

BASF continues support of Operation S.A.F.E. in 2018

Collaboration with NAAA incentivizes aerial applicators to participate in S.A.F.E. Fly-Ins

 

NAAA is pleased to announce that BASF has renewed its commitment to offer financial incentives to NAAA members who participate in Operation S.A.F.E. Fly-In clinics in 2018. This is a continuation of a program BASF initiated in 2010 in collaboration with NAAA to provide financial support for participating aerial applicators that can be used toward membership in NAAA or for new spray equipment.

 

Complete details are specified in the official program rules, but in essence, aerial application operators can earn a $225 incentive to be used to help subsidize either 2018 NAAA operator membership dues or up to $225 of the cost of purchasing new nozzles and/or tips for each eligible aircraft that they pattern test at an Operation S.A.F.E. Fly-In. Pilots participating in an Operation S.A.F.E. Fly-In may be eligible to receive a $170 rebate that would reimburse them for nearly the full cost of their NAAA membership dues. The eligibility period for BASF’s incentive program encompasses Operation S.A.F.E. Fly-Ins offered between Oct. 1, 2017, and Sept. 30, 2018.

 

The goals of the Aerial Application Equipment and NAAA Membership Program are to encourage operators and pilots to:

• Pattern test their aircraft at an Operation S.A.F.E. Fly-In
• Provide an incentive to equip eligible aircraft with new nozzles and/or tips
• Encourage membership in NAAA
• Promote aerial application optimization and stewardship

Terms and Conditions

To qualify for BASF’s Aerial Application Equipment and NAAA Membership Program, an operator or pilot must be an NAAA member and be the pilot flying the pattern evaluation. Although it is not necessary to be an NAAA member at the time of the Operation S.A.F.E. calibration clinic, the participant must become an NAAA member before applying for and being granted approval for the rebate. The operator or pilot must also be sure that the Operation S.A.F.E. analyst has his complete and correct information so that the analyst can provide that information to NAAA for submission to BASF. The operator or pilot must complete the application and send it to BASF to be reimbursed for a portion of his 2018 membership dues or submit receipts to receive a rebate for nozzles and/or tips purchased for the aircraft. Submissions must be received by the rebate program’s auditor no later than Oct. 15. Payments will be made on or about Dec. 15, 2018.

 

The Aerial Application Equipment and NAAA Membership Program is part of BASF’s ongoing stewardship efforts for aerial applicators and the safe and proper application of its products. Visit www.plant-health-pilots.com for a variety of resources BASF provides aerial applicators.

 

NAAA and NAAREF encourage operators and pilots to measure and calibrate each spray system every 24 months or after any modification is made to the aircraft, the distribution system or flight procedures that could significantly affect the swath profile. Operation S.A.F.E. calibration clinics are held regularly throughout the year and can be sponsored by a state association or company. Operation S.A.F.E. clinics NAAA is aware of are listed on the event calendar at AgAviation.org.

NAAA Industry Survey Coming to You Soon

NAAA is getting ready to begin the 2018 Survey of Part 137 Operators and Pilots. It’s been six years since the last survey and now more than ever we need current and accurate data about what is happening in the aerial application industry.

 

A separate set of questions will be presented to operators and pilots. The information gathered in this survey is used to highlight the scope, importance and professionalism of the agricultural aviation industry. It is also used to counter theoretical overestimates of risk that federal agencies, such as the EPA, might make about aerial applications because of the actual data collected from survey responses. Results are also used to highlight potential threats to the future of the industry, such as towers and drones. The 2018 survey will contain questions about acres and crops treated, number of aircraft, drift mitigation techniques, wind turbines and met towers, drone encounters, health and additional important topics.

 

Many of the questions used in the 2018 survey are the same as those in the 2012 survey. This allows NAAA to track changes in the industry, which is beneficial for showing the adoption of technologies and techniques that improve accuracy and safety. As an example, recently the EPA has accepted that GPS is the dominant means of swath guidance in agricultural aviation and that human flaggers are no longer used.

 

Very shortly you will be receiving a letter, an email or both inviting you to participate in the survey. Included in the invitation will be a link directly to the survey. The survey is web-based on a secure website. The response to the first question asking if you are an owner/operator of a business that holds a part 137 certificate will either direct you to the operator or pilot set of questions. Operators should answer questions taking into account their entire operation and pilots should answer based on the aircraft they usually fly. Completing the survey should take no longer than about 20 minutes.

 

Completing this survey will help the industry communicate with farmers, constituents and policy makers and further inform decision makers. As in the 2012 survey, NAAA will be summarizing the results and sharing them with you and your colleagues.

 

Please dedicate a few minutes to respond to the survey when you receive your invitation. Your participation is vital—the higher the response rate, the more valid the results, and the stronger our voice. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of documenting the importance of agricultural aviation and provide the information needed to protect the future of our great industry.

National Marine Fisheries Services Issus Biological Opinion on Three Widely Used Crop Protection Products

The National Marine Fisheries Services has issued a biological opinion concluding that three widely used crop protection products (chlorpyrifos, malathion and diazinon) are harming salmon and other various species. The EPA now has one year to develop methods to better protect salmon and their habitat.

 

Environmentalists and salmon fishermen have been demanding that the federal government act to limit these products. Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, called "Interagency Cooperation," is the mechanism by which Federal agencies ensure the actions they take, including those they fund or authorize, do not jeopardize the existence of any listed species.

 

It is unclear what methods, if any, the EPA will develop to enforce this biological opinion. NAAA will continue to follow this issue and keep the membership apprised. 

Last Chance to Update Your Information for the 2018 Membership Directory

Have you moved or changed employers since you renewed your 2018 NAAA membership? Allied companies, have you reviewed your company description lately? Time is short to ensure your listing in the 2018 NAAA Membership Directory is correct before going into production.

If any information has changed, please let us know right away. You can provide your information by:

1. Updating your information online at AgAviation.org. Log in using your username and password and update your information under My Profile;
2. Responding to the letter or email that you will receive soon;
3. Emailing your changes to information@agaviation.org;
4. Faxing your changes to (202) 546-5726; or
5. Calling the NAAA office at (202) 546-5722.
   

We must have your updated information by January 19 to guarantee accurate inclusion in the 2018 NAAA Membership Directory!

Members Only Content Expiring Soon! Renew Today!

It’s 2018, which means it is time to renew your NAAA Membership if you haven’t already done so. Your exclusive membership content such as NAAA eNewsletters and access and inclusion in the online membership directory will expire soon. Renew today to be included in the 2018 Membership Directory—the best resource to connect you with NAAA members, government officials and allied companies that provide you with the parts and services to run your business. 

 

Once you renew your membership, you can take advantage of NAAA’s new Recruit-Rebate-Rewards Program where you can receive a 10 percent rebate for recruiting new members to join NAAA. Click here for more details so you can start referring and earning today!

 

NAAA membership is as important as ever as NAAA needs resources to continue pushing for stringent tower-marking requirements and to promote the safe integration of UAVs into the national airspace system (NAS) to ensure the safety of ag pilots (click here to view NAAA’s UAV safety campaign video). Similarly, NAAA has worked hard to make sure EPA and manufacturers register crop protection products with labels allowing aerial use.

 

NAAA continues to advocate daily on these and other important issues for the safety and continuity of the aerial application industry. An NAAA membership comes with numerous benefits whether you’re an operator, pilot or allied company. Take a look at this infographic to see why your membership matters:

Online Renewal Instructions

You can renew your membership at AgAviation.org by logging into your account in the upper right hand corner. Once you’ve logged in, click Membership Renewal on the left-hand toolbar (as seen in the graphic below).

 

Auto Renewal Information

NAAA offers auto renewal for membership and NAAREF donations. When you sign up for auto renewal, NAAA will automatically charge the credit card on file every Sept. 1. There are four ways to sign up for auto renewal:

1. When you receive your renewal statement in September, mark the box in the payment area for auto renewal.
2. Renew your membership online and you’ll be asked during the process if you’d like auto renewal.
3. Call the NAAA office at (202) 546-5722 and request auto renewal.
4. Return the membership form in the next Agricultural Aviation magazine and mark the box in the payment area for auto renewal.

NAAA and NAAREF Board Meetings Feb. 16-17

We look forward to seeing you Feb. 16-17 at the NAAA and NAAREF Board Meetings, with a couple of meetings beginning on Feb. 15. All meetings are open to NAAA members. We will be back at the Hilton Old Town Alexandria for our meetings. The hotel is across the street from the King Street Metro stop (take either Blue or Yellow Line), which is the second stop south of Ronald Regan National Airport (DCA). You can view a map of the metro system here.

You can view a schedule here. Please email Lindsay Barber if you will plan to attend the meetings.
 
Hilton Old Town Alexandria, 1767 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Rate: $148/night plus tax (King bedrooms only available; night of 2/14 is sold out)

 
Reservations: Call 1-800-HILTONS (mention NAAA Board Meeting) or make your reservation online here.
 
Room Block Closes: Jan. 19. Room rates will be higher after block closes and we cannot guarantee rooms after this date.

Donate Your GPS Data to Keep Ag Pilots Safe from UAVs

Currently, there’s no economically feasible way to completely protect pilots from UAVs. But NAAA is constantly working to do so. Now, we need the help of our ag aviation operator readers to potentially protect your pilots from unmanned aerial vehicles.

 

In 2016, NAAA began to reach out to operators to tell them about an opportunity our industry has to help the FAA keep manned aircraft safe from UAVs. By anonymously sharing your GPS data logs with Mississippi State University, the university will work with the FAA to show it where ag pilots fly. This, in turn, could lead the FAA to have sufficient data to better protect ag aviators flying in and around UAVs, based on submitted GPS data logs.

 

Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory (RFRL) is leading a team of aviation researchers to help determine when and where unmanned aircraft systems can operate safely with other aircraft at low altitudes. To do this, the RFRL research team is collecting data on when and where low-altitude aviators fly. But air traffic control radar doesn’t provide coverage 10 feet above ground level (AGL), where ag aviators are. If we want to show the FAA where low-level UAV flights could put ag aviators at risk, we need to send the RFRL our GPS data logs.

 

The data you provide will be used to build representative flight profiles for agricultural aviation operations. Your data, when combined with flight data from other pilots, will help the RFRL team create the most accurate computer model ever built for low-altitude flight operations. This model will help to more reliably determine where drones can operate safely.

 

As important as this research will be to flight safety, protecting your privacy is even more important. The data you provide will be stripped of personally identifiable information before it is stored and processed for this project. Your data will only be used for this purpose, and will not be released outside of Mississippi State’s flight research team without your express permission.

 

If you are willing to provide GPS data to support the RFRL’s objective of enhancing low-altitude flight safety, MSU has set up a website that allows you to securely upload 1GB of your GPS track files. Go to www.hpc.msstate.edu/raspet-naaa/ and follow the instructions. The page will ask for a login—the username is: raspet-naaa, and the password is DATA#submission. Or if you prefer, you can simply email your files to agdata@raspet.msstate.edu (please limit email deliveries to 15 MB). For deliveries over 1 GB, you can save them on a thumb drive (or any external storage device) and mail it to:

 

Raspet Flight Research Laboratory
Attn: Madison Dixon
114 Airport Drive
Starkville, MS 39759

 

Additionally, if you have a large set of files you are currently storing on Dropbox or another file hosting site, email agdata@raspet.msstate.eduto request a link to share your files through Mississippi State's secure file sharing site. 

 

The RFRL will make recommendations to the FAA that will inform policy, procedures and operational guidelines for drone use that will help make our national airspace system safer. Most importantly, the results of this research may help save lives by making sure that everyone has the space they need to operate safely and effectively.

 

The RFRL at MSU was recently in the news for its contribution to a study showing UAV strikes are more dangerous to aircraft than bird strikes. The study was conducted through the Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence (ASSURE). In addition to using resources from Mississippi State, researchers from Montana State University, Ohio State University, and Wichita State University also contributed.

 

This GPS project has been sanctioned by NAAA staff and the NAAA Government Relations Committee, both of which strongly believe this will benefit ag aviators nationwide.