DOT: Regs for UAV Flights Over People Coming Soon

Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said in a speech last Wednesday that the U.S. Department of Transportation will make public new regulations allowing for UAV flights over people within the next couple of weeks. Currently, UAV operators need to seek a waiver from the FAA if they want to operate over people. The FAA has been working on the rule for several months, but it was previously delayed by the Department of Defense and FBI over security concerns.

 

The rule is expected to have a remote identification and tracking requirement, key pieces of technology NAAA and many other manned aviation groups deem necessary for the same operation of UAVs. 

 

Even the Commercial Drone Alliance, a group made up of UAV end-users, manufacturers and service providers, believe basic “rules of the road” are required for all UAS, including the registration, remote identification and remote tracking of all UAVs weighing above 250 grams.

 

The Alliance also believes the FAA needs to rethink the metrics it uses to assess risks of drone flights over people. For example, if inspecting infrastructure by drone instead of requiring someone to climb a very tall structure, potentially improving safety outside the aviation system, that should count toward the risk assessment. In effect, saying “no” to a UAS is saying “yes” to the potentially more dangerous alternative.

 

In the same speech, Secretary Chao emphasized the FAA’s focus on safe aircraft operations, particularly in light of the fatal Southwest airlines incident earlier this year. "This year, safety came into national focus with the tragic loss of life on Flight 1380," Chao said. "It was a stark reminder that safety requires constant collaboration and vigilance. The department's compliance philosophy encourages stakeholders to share knowledge or incidences that otherwise would remain hidden so that everybody can learn and benefit from what has happened. I think that philosophy has served our country well." DOT "will continue our strong focus on compliance because safety is measurable," Chao added. "The department is committed to continue to drive down fatalities by promoting safety management systems in all aspects of aviation."

Lightsquared Revisited: NAAA Joins Aviation Associations in Writing to the FAA about Ligado Possible GPS Disrupting Satellite Frequency Proposal

NAAA has joined a coalition of 10 other aviation associations in writing a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) expressing concern with a proposal by Ligado Networks (formerly LightSquared) to establish a terrestrial cellular network operating within what is a satellite frequency band located adjacent to the GPS band. It has not been proven that the system will not negatively impact operational aviation environment.

 

In 2011, LightSquared received a tentative approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to build a network of 40,000 broadcast transmission towers throughout the U.S. These towers would operate in the band adjacent to GPS frequencies but the strength of the broadband transmitter would have been much stronger compared to the low-power GPS signals originating from satellites risking  interference with the signals used by aviation and many other users. According to a study performed at that time, the Garmin 430 starts to notice the effect of the interference at nearly 14 miles from the LightSquared transmitters and completely loses the GPS signal at just over 5 miles. 

 

LightSquared maintained that they planned to install filters on the transmitted signal so that properly filtered GPS units would not be affected. Garmin representatives said that a filter on the GPS receiver could technically be built but they are large and potentially expensive. The nearer the aircraft unit is to the tower, the worse the interference would be. That is helpful to high altitude traffic but would show up on the critical low-altitude phase of approaches. Likewise, aerial applicators could be working in the vicinity of one of the transmitters at low, working altitude.

 

LightSquared, now Legado Networks, maintains that changes have been made to remedy the previous problems but the aviation coalition feels that independent tests should be made to prove there is no risk to aviation systems. The concerns were clearly specified in the letter to the FAA linked here.

Tragic Loading Accident Fatal to Future Ag Pilot, Cody Crow; Fund Established to Help Family

The ag aviation industry is saddened by the loss of a young man preparing to enter our fellowship of ag pilots. Cody Crow, 22, was fatally injured while helping load an aircraft on Saturday, June 16, 2018 in Lawrence County, Ark. Crow was reported to have climbed on top of a hopper-bottom truck loaded with fertilizer that wouldn’t unload. The dry fertilizer caved in around him and he suffocated. Crow had completed his ag pilot training at Flying Tigers and had secured his first seat for the up-coming corn fungicide run.

 

We extend our sincerest sympathy to his family including his fiancé, Tabitha Nicole Hyten, and his baby daughter. Please remember them in this time of sorrow.

 

If you desire to send a memorial for the family, it can be sent to Tabitha Nicole Hyten, 237 Main St., Lafe, AR 72436. A GoFundMe account has also been set up to benefit the family. Donations can be made by clicking here. 

 

At this time, funeral arrangements have yet to be scheduled at the Heath Funeral Home in Paragould, Ark.

Industry Leaders Dr. Carrol Voss and Chuck Hendrickson Pass

NAAA is sad to announce the passing of two individuals who played an important role in the agricultural aviation industry. 

 

Dr. Carrol Voss passed away on June 10, 2018 at his home in Maine at the age of 98. Dr. Voss was an early pioneer in ag aviation, in particular on the use of helicopters for agricultural work. Dr. Voss showed an early interest in both agriculture and aviation. He studied entomology at the University of Nebraska and received his PhD on pest control from the University of Wisconsin. His graduate work was interrupted by World War II. Dr. Voss served in the Navy Air Corps where he was a flight instructor.

 

In the late 1940’s his interests in agriculture and aviation came together, and he received his helicopter pilots certificate and started working in the aerial application industry. In 1958 he started his own ag aviation operation, AGROTORS, which became a leader in aerial application operations. In the mid 1960’s, AGROTORS opened a helicopter flight school and its ag courses were known throughout the U.S.

 

Dr. Voss was active in many other capacities as well, including serving as consultant to the World Health Organization for establishing aerial applications to control insect outbreaks in Africa. He was also involved with Helicopter Association International (HAI), and received several awards from the association. 

 

Chuck Hendrickson, a long-time Illinois operator, passed at the age of 73 on June 17, 2018. Chuck was born in Rochelle Illinois and was raised on a farm nearby. As with Dr. Voss, Chuck showed an interest in both agriculture and aviation. He studied agriculture at Western Illinois University.

 

Chuck entered the army in 1966 and graduated from flight training as a Warrant Officer in May of 1967. Chuck served as a Huey helicopter pilot in Vietnam, assigned to the 1^st Calvary Division. By the end of 1967 he became an aircraft commander. After finishing his tour, he served as a flight instructor at Ft. Wolters.

 

After being discharged from army in 1970, Chuck sought to find a way to combine his love of farming and flying. He leased a helicopter which he set up to spray crops, and soon realized aerial application was his passion. Chuck established Hendrickson Flying Service in 1971.

 

Both of these individuals performed a valuable service to the NAAA by serving on a NAAA/FAA working group which met in the late 1990s to encourage the FAA to update regulations under which Part 137 operators must work. The working group was also responsible for writing a much-needed update to Advisory Circular 137-1, which had not been revised since it was written in 1965. The revision became AC137-1A.

California Judge Affirms Not Labeling Glyphosate a Carcinogen

A federal judge kept in place his injunction that prevents California regulators from requiring warning labels stating that glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup, may be linked to cancer.

 

U.S. District Judge William B. Shubb for the Eastern District of California concludes that research the attorney general provided by the International Agency for Research on Cancer did not provide enough proof that glyphosate causes cancer. "The overwhelming majority of agencies that have examined glyphosate have determined it is not a cancer risk," the judge wrote.

 

This is a significant labeling victory, since California seems to want to label everything a “possible carcinogen”, including coffee. This is because under the California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, also known as Prop 65, businesses must give customers a "clear and reasonable warning" about the presence of substances that are considered toxic or carcinogenic and can possibly impact a consumer’s health.

 

California added glyphosate to Prop 65 after the World Health Organization declared glyphosate to be “probably carcinogenic.” However, an investigation by Reuters later found key information had been omitted from the report that supported the conclusion the pesticide does not cause cancer in animals. In 2016, the EPA affirmed glyphosate does not cause cancer, and in 2017 a long-term study by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) following 50,000 people over 20 years also showed no link between glyphosate and cancer.

Attention, Low-Time Ag Pilots! NAAA Ag Aviation Expo Pricing & Sessions Geared Toward You

If you’re an ag pilot with less than five years of experience or you’re interested in becoming an ag pilot, attend the NAAA Ag Aviation Expo Dec. 3–6 in Reno for professional growth opportunities and to network and meet other pilots, operators and allied companies. We are offering a special price to attend the NAAA Ag Aviation Expo for pilots with less than five years of experience; further details below.

 

You are the future of the aerial application industry and an important piece to sustaining the industry. Compaass Rose and “Ask the Expert” Speed Mentoring sessions have been designed and improved over the years with you in mind. Attend these sessions to ask questions, network and learn from established operators and pilots.

Special Ag Aviation Expo Pricing for low-time Ag Pilots

NAAA is pleased to announce a special discounted registration price new this year to pilots with less than five years of experience. Qualifying pilots can attend the 2018 Ag Aviation Expo for $185. (Price includes everything but the Monday Kickoff Breakfast or Thursday Excellence in Ag Aviation Banquet; tickets can be purchased for these events.)

To qualify for the low-time pilot registration, you must:

1. Be an NAAA member.
   
2. Be a pilot with less than five years of experience.
3. Be sponsored by an NAAA Operator, Allied or Pilot member. Sponsorship will be verified. 
4. Attend one Compaass Rose and/or “Ask the Expert” Speed Mentoring Session at the Ag Aviation Expo in Reno. Attendance must be confirmed.
5. Complete and return the low-time registration form by Nov. 3.
   

If you qualify as a low-time member pilot, please email Lindsay Barber at lbarber@agaviation.org for a registration form; forms will be emailed after July 1 when attendee registration opens. The registration form MUST be received by Nov. 3.

CompaassRose Sessions

Attend two Compaass Rose sessions in Reno on Sunday, Dec. 2, from 4:45 to 6:15 p.m. and Wednesday, Dec. 5, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. (immediately following the close of the NAAA Trade Show).  Under a new format NAAREF initiated in 2017, Compaass Rose separates new and experienced pilots at the beginning of the session. This allows the new pilots a secure venue to ask the questions they might not feel comfortable asking in the larger group. A series of guided questions asked to both groups helps drive the discussions. The two groups reunite afterwards to discuss responses and have an overall group discussion.

The goal is to enhance your knowledge, continue to gain agricultural aviation experience and improve your individual professionalism. Attendees have an opportunity to discuss ideas and philosophies about the business, make informed decisions about their future and interact with some of the industry’s top operators.

‘Ask the Expert’ Speed Mentoring Session

Attend the “Ask the Expert” Speed Mentoring Session on new day, Monday, Dec. 3, from 4:15 to 6 p.m.  At this session, a group of experienced industry experts meet with small groups of attendees in short mentoring rounds to answer questions in a more personal setting. The experts may represent operators, pilots, ag flight schools, ag insurance representatives and regulatory advisors. Speed mentoring is a great forum to find an expert to answer your questions about starting out in the agricultural aviation industry.

Other Sessions and Events of Interest

A variety of educational sessions will take place throughout the week. These sessions are opportunities to become more familiar with specific areas of interest about the industry, such as low-level obstacles, airframes, helicopters, engines, federal aviation regulations and more.

And don’t forget all the networking opportunities, including the Kickoff Breakfast, Welcome Reception, Pratt & Whitney Reception, on the NAAA Trade Show floor, at the Auction Reception, Farewell Reception and Excellence in Ag Aviation Banquet.

Additional Details for 2018 NAAA Ag Aviation Expo

• Dates: Dec. 3–6, 2018
• Location: Atlantis Casino Resort Spa and Reno-Sparks Convention Center
• Schedule of Events: Current schedule here. Subject to change.
• Hotel: Hotel Details Below
• Auction Donations: Thank you to Pratt & Whitney Canada for donating a PT6-34AG engine to this year’s NAAA Live Auction. While we’re still several months away from the Ag Aviation Expo, but it’s never too early to donate an item for the Live and Silent 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 item today. Email Lindsay with your donation details.
  
• Attendee Registration: Will open July 1
  
• Exhibitor Booth Sales: Will open July 12 for 10x10 and 10x20 spaces. Email Lindsay if you’d like a large booth space (aircraft, island or 10x30+) or plan to be a Diamond or Platinum sponsor.
• Sponsorship Opportunities: Sponsorship opportunities here. Please email Lindsay to discuss your sponsorship! We offer sponsorships for all budget sizes.
  

Book Your Hotel Room

Atlantis Casino Resort Spa is a world-class, Four Diamond resort destination. A splendid oasis created for relaxation, celebration and rejuvenation, the Atlantis has always been a favorite resort destination for travelers near and far, recognized for luxurious accommodations, a world-class revitalizing spa and salon, award-winning dining and fun casino action.

Atlantis Casino Resort Spa

• Rate: $109/night + taxes (NAAA has negotiated to waive the resort fee. Included in your room rate is complimentary in room Wi-Fi or wired internet, self-parking, use of fitness center, use of indoor pool, extended check out time of 12 p.m. and complimentary airport shuttle service)
• Reservations: Book Online Here or call (800) 723-6500 and reference the NAAA Convention (SNAA18). Online reservations require a deposit of one night’s room charge + taxes. Call-in reservations will not be charged a deposit, but require a credit card to hold reservation.
  
• Block Deadline: Monday, Nov. 12
• Hotel Address: 3800 S. Virginia St. Reno, NV 89502
• Airport Shuttle: Atlantis provides a free airport shuttle that runs at 15 and 45 minutes after the hour from 5:15 a.m. to 12:45 a.m. leaving the airport. The shuttle leaves the hotel on the hour and 30 minutes after the hour from 5 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
  

NOTE: No one from (or on behalf of) the Atlantis hotel or NAAA will contact you to book a hotel room. NAAA recommends that you make your own hotel reservations using the information on this page. Do not book a room with any company that calls you directly.

Donate to NAAREF today to help support educational programs from PAASS to Operation S.A.F.E.

The National Agricultural Aviation Research & Education Foundation (NAAREF) was formed in 1982 as a non-profit organization to promote and foster research, technology transfer and advanced education among aerial applicators, allied industries, government agencies and academic institutions. NAAREF is responsible for several great ag aviation educational programs from PAASS to Operation S.A.F.E. Due to a drop in government support and other factors NAAREF is behind on fund raising goals for 2017-2018 and needs your support.

NAAREF is primarily supported by charitable donations from individuals and companies wishing to invest in the future of agricultural aviation. In addition, NAAREF seeks grants from government agencies and private foundations on behalf of the aerial application industry’s educational efforts. These grants have been harder to get in recent years, largely due to cutbacks in government funding.

 

Please donate now to help these critical, life-saving stewardship programs. Visit http://www.agaviation.org/naaref to contribute your tax-deductible donation today. Your donations will help fund the following programs that both NAAA members and non-members can take advantage of:

PAASS

 

In 1996, NAAREF instituted the Professional Aerial Applicators’ Support System (PAASS). PAASS is a program that educates pilots on key safety and drift minimization issues important to flying, modern agriculture and crop protection.

 

PAASS is designed to improve understanding of the ‘human factors’ role in critical Agricultural Aviation Decision-Making skills. The primary PAASS Program goals are to reduce the number of aviation accidents and drift incidents associated with the aerial application of fertilizers and crop protection products.

 

Ag accident rates have decreased from 9.50 accidents to 7.37 accidents per 100,000 ag hours flown since the PAASS Program first hit the stage in 1998. This is a 22.4% reduction in the number of ag aviation accidents since the beginning of PAASS. Data from two surveys, taken before and after the beginning of the PAASS program, show a 25.8% reduction in the number of drift complaints. These numbers show the PAASS program has been greatly successful in reducing accidents and drift incidents.

Compaass Rose

In 2002, NAAREF introduced the Compaass Rose series of round table discussions designed to provide professional support and direction to new-to-the-industry agricultural aviation pilots. The goal is for the participants to enhance their own knowledge, continue to gain agricultural aviation experience, and improve their individual professionalism. A recent change in the Compaass Rose format has strengthened its ability to provide a forum for new ag pilots to share their concerns and questions related to the agricultural aviation industry.

Anyone interested in agricultural aviation as a professional career is invited to participate in the PAASS Compaass Rose Series. CompaassRose sessions are offered at the NAAA National Convention and some State/Regional AAA Conventions.

Operation S.A.F.E.

Operation S.A.F.E. (Self-regulating Application & Flight Efficiency), was designed to clearly demonstrate that ag aviation recognizes its responsibility to minimize the potential for adverse health and environmental effects of agricultural chemical application.

 

The backbone of Operation S.A.F.E. is the Professional Application Analysis Clinic—the Operation S.A.F.E. Fly-In. Professional application analysis clinics are a key part of Operation S.A.F.E. Participation in an NAAA-approved swath analysis clinic under the direction of an authorized analyst, is essential to qualify for the Operation S.A.F.E. emblem. Check with your state ag aviation association to see when a clinic will be offered in your area.

Fly-Safe Messages

What started as a campaign to “Fly Safe in July” over 10 years ago, has evolved into a safety program where important safety alerts are sent every other Monday in April, May, and June and every Monday during July and August, and whenever aviation activity warrants additional safety reminders. New messages go out by fax and email. Fly Safe messages from recent past years are archived here for NAAA Members to view.

 

Please donate now to help support all of NAAREF’s programs and cultivate education, safety, research and technology advancements in the industry. NAAREF programs save lives, reduce drift incidents, demonstrate the professionalism of the aerial application industry, and can help stave off additional government regulations.

 

Visit http://www.agaviation.org/naaref to contribute your tax-deductible donation today.