NAAA Participates in Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee and Meets with EPA on UAVs and Improving Aerial Registration Process

Wisconsin aerial application operator and NAAA Government Relations Chairman Damon Reabe was in the Washington, D.C. area, this week to represent aerial applicators on the EPA’s Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee (PPDC).

 

The PPDC is an important federal advisory committee and a forum consisting of diverse stakeholders to provide feedback to the EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs on various pesticide regulatory, policy and program implementation issues. Stakeholders include academia, state and local regulatory officials, environmental activists, grower groups and crop protection product manufacturers.

 

During the two-day meeting, Reabe gave a presentation to the committee regarding aerial application and UAVs, explaining many of the technologies advertised by UAV application are also available on manned aircraft. 

 

Reabe also explained how the EPA conducts a sophisticated spray drift risk assessment when registering a product for aerial use. The AgDrift

 

Reabe also explained how the EPA conducts a sophisticated spray drift risk assessment when registering a product for aerial use. The AgDrift model used for this predicts spray drift for fixed wing and single rotor applications. Other inputs into the model include weather conditions and boom length. These models do not necessarily apply to UAVs with two, four, six or more rotors. Reabe told the PPDC that without a similar model for unmanned aircraft, a proper spray drift risk assessment cannot be performed. Therefore, aerial pesticide labels should not apply to these unmanned aircraft until a proper drift assessment can be performed. 

 

Reabe closed by saying EPA and the registrants need to develop an AgDrift model to include multi-rotor aircraft. 

 

Other topics discussed at the PPDC included Farm Bill implementation and Hemp production, Biostimulants, and changes to the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act (PRIA). 

 

Following PPDC on Thursday, NAAA Executive Director Andrew D. Moore, Damon Reabe, and NAAA Coordinator of Government & Public Relations Frank Taylor met with several representatives from the U.S. EPA to discuss items related to aerial applications and pesticide re-registration. Topics included updating how the EPA models drift from aerial applications and the need to study UAVs in order to ensure safe and efficacious applications.

 

The conversation began with UAV’s, where many of the points from PPDC were discussed again. Jody Hemler from the FAA was present at the meeting to provide information to EPA on how the FAA hnadles UAVs being used for applications. EPA will be working to decide what they feel are the most important risk assessments to be conducted in terms of legalizing UAVs for pesticide applications.

 

As the meeting continued, conversation turned to AgDRIFT. Currently when the EPA evaluates a pesticide for registration or re-registration a model called AgDRIFT is used to predict the amount of drift from an aerial and other types of applications. This amount is then used with the toxicity and environmental impact profiles of the pesticides being evaluated to assess the risk to the environment and human health.

 

The model has several levels, or tiers, that allow more and more factors to be input into the model to see how they influence the amount of drift. The current risk assessments use the Tier 1 model, which only allows a few adjustments. The assumptions used with the Tier 1 model for aerial application are also not current industry standards or practices. These assumptions include the use of a fine-medium droplet size, not using a lowered spray boom, using a downwind swath displacement of only one-third of a swath width in a 10-mph crosswind, spraying in conditions right at the edge of being an inversion, and spraying over bare soil. The Tier 1 model also does not use a feature in AgDRIFT that changes wind direction if subsequent applications are made.

 

NAAA has commented many times to EPA on reregistration documents about the inaccuracy of these assumptions. More recently EPA has agreed to consider an alternative set of assumptions using a more advanced part of the model, Tier 3. These assumptions were discussed with the EPA on Thursday and include inputs for several variables that more accurately reflect how modern aerial applications are made.

 

First, NAAA proposes the aircraft modeled be changed from an AT-401 to an AT-502. The 2019 Operators survey shows that 81 percent of the agricultural aviation fleet in the U.S. is turbine powered, so using a turbine aircraft in the model is more realistic. For a droplet size, a medium droplet was suggested as opposed to a fine-medium. This was based on existing label requirements, nozzle selection surveys from PAASS, and observations from Operation S.A.F.E. fly-ins.

 

In order to reflect that fact that the vast majority of labels prohibit spraying during an inversion, NAAA recommended the atmospheric stability be set to reflect no inversion during the application. Instead of modeling over bare soil, a surface roughness more appropriate for a crop canopy was suggested, as most liquid aerial applications are post emergence, not pre-emergence. A boom drop of 24 inches with a length of 75 percent of wingspan was recommended for the boom configuration in the model. Finally, NAAA suggested that wind measurement height be set at 12 feet, a height appropriate for aerial application, as opposed to 6 feet, a height used for ground applications.

 

If EPA agrees with NAAA on the use of the Tier 3 model instead of the Tier 1 model as well as the new assumptions to be used with Tier 3, the estimated drift for aerial applications from AgDRIFT will be more realistic. This in turn will result in more accurate risk assessments for the environment and human health when aerial applications are reviewed during pesticide registration. 

 

A list of these proposals was presented to the EPA, who agreed to review them and let NAAA know their thoughts. If the agree with the use of the Tier 3 model with the updated assumptions, NAAA will formally request these changes through a letter.

 

In closing, Reabe asked if EPA would consider making the buffer zones on labels for treating next to water sources be wind directional. Since drift can not move upwind, it makes sense that any buffer zone be based on wind direction. EPA requested that NAAA include this request in the letter addressing the changes to AgDRIFT.

 

In addition to the proposed new tier and assumptions for AgDRIFT, UAVs were also discussed again, carrying forward the points Reabe brought up during his PPDC presentation.

 

Having an NAAA representative on the PPDC is important to the aerial application industry, particularly in light of efforts to push: 1) unnecessary and burdensome language on pesticide labels; 2) drift reduction technology protocols; 3) water permits; 4) proposed regulatory changes to the Worker Protection Standards for pesticide applicators and certification for pesticide applicators; 5) endangered and threatened species criteria involved in the registration of crop protection products; 6) protective measures for pollinators that the agency is considering; and 7) a variety of other regulatory proposals related to pesticides that the Agency expects to release soon.

California on Track to Ban Chlorpyrifos

The California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) announced that it plans to totally ban the use the chlorpyrifos at some point in the near future. CalEPA issued interim recommendations December to restrict chlorpyrifos use including a ban on aerial application and requiring a 150-foot setback from houses, schools and businesses. The agency has determined the restrictions are not practical and a total ban is necessary instead.

 

California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed budget requested $5.7 to "support the transition" to other pest control measures and is proposing a working group to identify and recommend alternatives. A final date for the use of chlorpyrifos has not been determined. The agency said the process could take up to two years.

 

CalEPA jumped ahead of state lawmakers who were already considering a ban on the product. CA SB458 (19R) introduced by state Sen. Maria Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles) would prohibit chlorpyrifos starting in 2020.

 

Last month, the Ninth Circuit Court of appeals issued a ruling giving the EPA 90 days to make a determination on a petition from environmental groups requesting a ban on all tolerances for the chlorpyrifos.

 

Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate insecticide that is used in more than fifty fruit, nut, cereal and vegetable crops, and has been the subject of activist group attacks and controversy for many years. The court ruling stems from a petition filed in 2007 by the Pesticide Action Network North America and the Natural Resources Defense Council.

 

The EPA is currently reviewing the courts order.

In Memoriam: Larry Neal, Neal Aircraft, 1946–2019

NAAA and the ag aviation industry are saddened by the loss of longtime member Larry Neal, who passed away peacefully on May 7 in Lubbock, Texas. Neal, 72, had been in the agricultural aircraft and general aviation industry for more than 45 years. He established Neal Aircraft in Slaton, Texas, in the 1980s, where he sold Piper Pawnees and Braves before becoming an Air Tractor dealer.

Larry’s Life

Larry Thatcher Neal was born in Lubbock, Texas, in 1946 and graduated from Lubbock High School in 1965. Spending time outside of school with his father Roy Neal, who worked in the aviation industry, sparked Larry’s passion for airplanes and flying at an early age. Larry showed an early love for the outdoors as well. As a member of the Boy Scouts of America, he earned its highest rank of Eagle Scout. Before graduating from high school, Larry obtained his pilot’s certificate before he graduated from high school.

He began working with his dad while starting college at Texas Tech University in the fall of 1965. He took a leave of absence from school in 1969 when he walked out of a final and enlisted in the United States Army. Larry served one tour in Vietnam in 1969 and ’70 as an air traffic controller at a small air base near the border of Cambodia called Tay Ninh. After returning from Vietnam, he completed his service at Fort Rucker in Alabama. He returned to Lubbock to complete his accounting degree at Texas Tech and graduated in 1973. Soon after he met Melanie Waters and they married on Aug. 23, 1975.

Larry began working at Wes-Tex Aircraft with his dad where he sold airplanes, taught flying lessons and chartered flights. In 1987 after his father retired, Larry moved and started Neal Aircraft at Slaton Municipal Airport where he became a certified Air Tractor dealer and airport manager. He became highly involved in agricultural aviation and was well known in the region for his knowledge of aircraft.

Along with serving his customers and the agricultural aviation industry for four decades, Larry served his community in many ways. He was a member of The Lubbock Rotary and Slaton Lions Club, sang in the First United Methodist Church choir, taught children’s Sunday school and coached many of his children’s sports teams. Larry had a passion for all things involving airplanes, but he also had many other hobbies. He loved the outdoors and spent much of his spare time fishing, hunting, gardening and camping.

Larry is survived by his wife, Melanie Waters Neal; his children and their spouses Robert and Cory Neal, Jeremy and Ginger Barbee, and Sam and Holly Mercer; a brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Carolyn Neal; and a sister, Joann Neal; six nephews, three nieces, and nine beloved grandchildren.

Service Information

A memorial service celebrating Larry Neal’s life will be held at First United Methodist Church in Lubbock on May 17 at 10:30 a.m. CT. Visitation will take place before the service at 9:30 a.m. in the parlor.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the following organizations that were important to Larry and his family: Ronald McDonald House, First United Methodist (of Lubbock) Music Program, Slaton Lions Club or the charity of your choice.

Congratulations to Lindsay Barber for Earning Certified Meeting Professional Designation

NAAA’s Director of Meetings, Marketing & Special Projects, Lindsay Barber, earned her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credential May 6. The CMP is administered by the Events Industry Council and certifies individuals through an internationally recognized certification program that evaluates the competency of meeting professionals. The CMP designation represents the standard of excellence in today's meetings, conventions and exhibitions industry and increases the professionalism of  meeting management professionals in all sectors of the industry by:

• Identifying a comprehensive body of knowledge in the meeting management profession
• Promoting industry standards, practices and ethics
• Stimulating the advancement of the art and science of meeting management
• Increasing the value of Certified Meeting Professionals to their employers
• Maximizing the value received from the products and services provided by CMPs

NAAA is proud of Ms. Barber’s achievement and how it will benefit her professionally and the association and the aerial application industry in further enhancing our meeting programming and exhibitions.  Congratulations, Lindsay!

Attention, Minnesota Applicators: Stop Local Governments from Regulating Pesticide Use

Last week, the Minnesota State House of Representatives passed HF 1733, a bill that would repeal statewide pesticide preemption laws. This would create a statewide patchwork-quilt of pesticide regulations, making it incredibly difficult to protect public health and cropland  from dangerous pests and erect burdensome regulatory hurdles for future generations.

 

NAAA along with several other national groups signed a letter opposing this legislation that would allow local governments to regulate pesticide use when pressured by activists, and not expert scientists at the state and federal levels. If you are an applicator living in Minnesota, you can contact your state legislators asking them to do the same by clicking here.

 

The Minnesota State senate appears as if it will not include this provision it’s Agriculture Omnibus bill, SF 1859. While that is welcome news, both the House and Senate will have to reconcile the differences in their bills in a conference committee. That is why it is still vitally important to contact your state legislators and tell them to oppose the repeal of Minnesota’s pesticide preemption laws. 

 

NAAA advocated for a provision in the 2018 Farm Bill that would only allow the EPA and state lead pesticide agencies to solely regulate the use of pesticides, not individual county jurisdictions. The provision passed in the House version of the farm bill, but was not included in the final conference report due to opposition from Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI).

 

Preemption laws are important to safeguarding professional agricultural production, as illustrated in Oregon by the disrupting ballot initiatives banning aerial application in Lincoln County.

NAAA to Exhibit at AirVenture 2019 in Oshkosh, Wis.

After three successful appearances at EAA’s AirVenture in 2016, 2017 and 2018, NAAA will once again exhibit at AirVenture this year in Oshkosh, Wis., July 22–28. NAAA has partnered with Air Tractor, Thrush Aircraft, AG-NAV and AgAir Update for this year’s exhibit. Both Air Tractor and Thrush will be providing aircraft for the booth and AG-NAV will exhibit their navigation system and accessories. NAAA staff and volunteers will be on hand throughout the week to speak with attendees who want to learn more about ag aviation.  

AirVenture Oshkosh, which is organized by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) each summer at Wittnam Regional Airport is a weeklong celebration of aviation. Nearly 10,000 aircraft will be on display while more than 800 exhibitors, 1,000 forums and workshops, 4,800 volunteers and more than 600,000 visitors are expected this year.

 

NAAA exhibits at AirVenture bring more awareness to careers in the aerial application industry because the weeklong show is flooded with aviation enthusiasts, military personnel and young aviators looking for new opportunities. AirVenture is one of the largest airshows in the United States and NAAA’s presence will help our industry recruit potential ag pilots. NAAA is also adding awareness by hosting an AirVenture Forum on Mon., July 22 from 10 – 11:15 a.m. in Workshop Classroom A, where we’ll be discussing the industry and how to become an ag pilot in further detail.

Moreover, it’s a wonderful way to educate adults and children about the importance of our industry in producing a safe, affordable and abundant supply of food, fiber and bio-fuel, in addition to protecting forestry and controlling health-threatening pests. The representation by our industry at AirVenture is a move in the right direction to bring positive awareness about aerial application to the general public.

July is a very busy time of year for ag pilots; however, we know some operators and pilots visit AirVenture and some even exhibit their own aircraft. There are also many NAAA Allied members who exhibit each year, and we encourage you to visit with them if you are onsite. If you’ll be at AirVenture, visit us in Booths 446, 457, and 458 in the main aircraft display area near the traffic control tower. If you’ll be exhibiting your aircraft, let us know where you’ll be!
 

Are you looking for a way to spread the good word of aerial application and share our industry with your community? Check out NAAA’s brochure that talks about the positives of aerial application, “Flying for Your Food,”. And don’t forget to use NAAA’s Media Kit when speaking on behalf of the industry.

 

Stay tuned to the AirVenture excitement on NAAA’s Facebook and Twitter pages for updates and to view photos while NAAA staff are onsite at AirVenture.

Book Your Hotel Room for the Ag Aviation Expo

We’re still several months away from the 2019 Ag Aviation Expo in Orlando, Nov. 18-21, but it’s not too early to book your hotel room. Rosen Shingle Creek is a full-service, luxury hotel with impeccable customer service and top-notch amenities. The location is prime—on Universal Boulevard and 10 minutes from the Orlando International Airport. Besides networking, learning and having fun at the 2019 Ag Aviation Expo, enjoy your beautiful sleeping rooms, amazing restaurants, including everything from fun bars to casual dining to fine-dining, relaxing spa and the fun and competitive golf course. See below for information on booking your room.

2019 Award Nominations Deadline July 10

The NAAA Awards Committee has moved the 2019 awards nomination deadline up to July 10 to adjust for the 2019 Ag Aviation Expo’s earlier pre-Thanksgiving dates this year. The 2019 NAAA Award recipients will be honored Nov. 21 at the Excellence in Ag Aviation Banquet, but the committee depends on readers like you to nominate worthwhile candidates.

 

The aerial application industry is filled with exceptional people who go above and beyond the call of duty, often with little fanfare. Please help us identify these unsung heroes, and do it before you get into the thick of your season. There are nine NAAA Award categories and one NAAREF Award. Anyone can submit a nomination, but nominees must be members of NAAA.

 

The 2019 Awards Nomination Form is available as print-only and fillable PDFs at AgAviation.org/awards.

NAAA Award Categories

Agrinaut Award: Honors an agricultural aircraft operator or operating organization that has made an outstanding contribution in the field of ag aircraft operations. The recipient for the award must be or have been actively engaged in commercial agricultural application with an agricultural aircraft and the achievement cited should be a “state of the art” contribution for the benefit of the agricultural aircraft industry as a whole.

 

Allied Industry Individual Award: Recognizes an NAAA member or staff and/or an allied industry individual who has significantly contributed their efforts for the benefit of the allied industry and the aerial application industry. (Presented by the NAAA Allied Industry Committee)

 

Delta Air Lines “Puffer” Award: Recognizes an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the design of agricultural aircraft and/or related equipment.

 

Evans-Christopher Operation S.A.F.E. Award: Recognizes individuals or entities that have made outstanding contributions to the Operation S.A.F.E. program. (Presented by NAAREF)

 

John Robert Horne Memorial Award: Honors a pilot with five or fewer years of experience in the agricultural aviation industry who has an exemplary safety record and/or has contributed to safety in ag aviation.

 

Larsen-Miller Community Service Award: Recognizes outstanding contributions by a member to his community.

 

Opal & Bill Binnion Memorial Award: Acknowledges those who contribute to NAAA in its efforts to educate the public about aerial application. (Presented by the NAAA Support Committee)

 

Outstanding Service Award: Awards outstanding service to the commercial agricultural aviation industry or to its association.

 

Related Industry Award: Recognizes outstanding contributions by an allied industry member and his or her company.

 

William O. Marsh Safety Award: Recognizes significant achievements in safety, safety education or an outstanding operational safety program.

 

To make a nomination, send completed entries by July 10 to NAAA at (202) 546-5726 (fax) or information@agaviation.org.

NAAA Now Offering Legal Services on Federal Transportation Laws to Operator and Pilot Members

To continuously improve upon its service to the aerial application industry, NAAA has entered into an agreement to provide legal-consulting services to its aerial application operator and pilot members on federal transportation issues. The agreement is with the Law Office of John L. Wright, PC, out of Broomfield, Colo., and NAAA will provide up to one hour of legal consultation to an operator and/or pilot member of the association on federal aviation laws, including federal aviation taxation issues and federal transportation laws. The agreement will last at least through 2019. Members in this category seeking these legal services should first contact NAAA’s main office (202-546-5722, information@agaviation.org) and NAAA will serve as the bridge connecting members in need of legal consultation with Mr. Wright.

 

Mr. Wright has received some fame in the agricultural aviation industry as of late by successfully representing several Colorado aerial application operators that were facing off-target application charges filed by the Colorado Department of Agriculture. The case was dismissed by an administrative law judge due to evidence showing the professionalism of each operation involved, such as participation in Operation S.A.F.E. fly-ins, keeping application and weather site records, circling the field prior to application, checking wind direction, and EPA testing for safety of the products used.

 

The Colorado Agricultural Aviation Association and several Colorado aerial application operators that use the legal services of Mr. Wright have attested to his legal abilities. NAAA may also seek Mr. Wright’s services and interpretation of certain federal transportation laws and regulations to better serve NAAA members.

Enter the 2019 Environmental Respect Awards Contest

 

Now in its 29th year, the Environmental Respect Awardsis the agricultural industry’s premier stewardship program honoring outstanding work in preserving the environment through safe, responsible business practices. Interested aerial applicators have until June 7 to make a compelling case for their operation’s environmental stewardship program. The Environmental Respect Awards program is open to retail farm supply businesses that store, handle, sell, and/or apply crop nutrient and crop protection products.

 

New in 2019, the Environmental Respect Awards have broadened the awards to include not only crop protection and seed retailers/agents/agencies, but also service providers, integrated producers and public agencies.

 

Over the years, a number of NAAA members have been recognized for the environmental respect on display at their operations. In 2016, for example, Glenn and Scott Heinen of Heinen Brothers Agra Services in Seneca, Kan., won the Environmental Respect Award for the state of Kansas.  Tim Tyree of Tyree Ag Inc. in Kinsley, Kan. Tyree received a Kansas state Environmental Respect Award in 2009 and was named a 2011 Environmental Respect Award regional winner, Darrel Mertens, 2018 NAAA vice president of Aero Applications in Sterling, Colo., has been a national finalist.

 

To compete for an Environmental Respect Award, you must submit a self-audit entry at environmentalrespect.com. Creating a self-audit entry has never been easier, thanks to the Environmental Respect Awards’ save-as-you-go entry process. Aerial applicators can save their entries and update them at a later time by logging in with their username and password.

 

The Environmental Respect Awards are sponsored by Corteva Agriscience, the new agriculture division of DowDupont, and presented by CropLife magazine and AgriBusiness Global. One business in each state and a sub-regional winner from each of three U.S regions (East, Central, West) plus Canada will be recognized as the best business in their respective areas. Regional Winners from each of three U.S. regions plus Canada are invited to Washington DC for a gala celebration that will take place in October 2019. A top regional award – named as “Ambassador of Respect” –  is revealed only at the grand finale of the gala celebration.

Contest Tips

Want to get a leg up on the competition? Here are some tips from past judges to make your self-audit entry stand out:

• Supply photos, such as pictures that pertain to your security, mixing and loading, storage and safety procedures. Pictures will bolster the claims you report in your self-audit booklet.
• Supply supporting materials. Consider newspaper and magazine articles about your business, community letters, marketing materials, copies of written emergency plans, facility maps, press materials, etc. The more information, the better.
• Include comments and explanations. Several areas throughout the self-audit online application request comments or explanations. Use those areas to explain your business procedures,
• Provide background information and communicate your company policies. The selection panel refers to the comment sections to help make final decisions about winning entries.
• Make sure every question is answered in the self-audit. All unanswered questions count as a “No” response and can significantly affect your entry score.

Visit environmentalrespect.com for more information and to get started.

We’ve Added New Items to the NAAA Online Store: Shop NAAA Merchandise Today!

If you missed out on merchandise at the 2018 Ag Aviation Expo in Reno, NV, we’ve added some of that merchandise to the online store. NAAA’s eCommerce site is your one-stop shop for NAAA branded merchandise to show your pride for the association and we’ve got something for everyone. 

 

 

NAAA's online store gives members access to a wide range of NAAA branded clothing and accessories including jackets, t-shirts, hats, jewelry, drinkware, and much, much more. Members can also be able to purchase gift certificates for birthdays, holidays and special occasions. 

 

The NAAA Support Fundraising Committee will continue to provide brand-new items for sale at the NAAA Ag Aviation Expo in Orlando in November, which will later be available online beginning in the new year.

 

Show your pride and support NAAA by going online today at Shop.AgAviation.org and purchase your NAAA merchandise. 

If you have any questions regarding the items, you can email shop@agaviation.org or call us at 202.546.5722

$20K in Scholarship Aid Available for Aspiring Ag Pilots

How does $5,000 sound to help someone pursue their dream of becoming a professional ag pilot? Thanks to the generous support of BASF and Thrush Aircraft, $20,000 in aid is available under the 2019 NAAA “Ag Wings of Tomorrow” Scholarship Program to assist four aspiring ag pilots in their journey.

 

NAAA awarded $5,000 scholarships to four aspiring ag pilots at the 2018 Ag Aviation Expo. From L–R, NAAA “Ag Wings of Tomorrow” Scholarship recipients Parker Gore, Walter Meise, Will Souther and Emory Lobley, with Thrush Aircraft VP of Sales Eric Rojek and BASF’s John Sabatka, respectively. BASF and Thrush co-sponsor NAAA’s pilot training scholarship.

The goal of NAAA’s “Ag Wings of Tomorrow” Scholarship Program is to strengthen the aerial application industry by helping operator members bring new pilots into the profession and help fund their training. Applicants must be sponsored by an NAAA Operator member, and scholarship recipients may use the proceeds for flight training or aviation or ag-related coursework at a university, college, community college or other institution of higher learning. A stipend for a trainee in an NAAA Operator-sponsored apprentice program is also permissible. The scholarship program is administered by NAAA and funded by educational grants provided by BASF and Thrush.

 

This year, NAAA will award up to four scholarships valued at $5,000 each. This is a win-win for NAAA Operator members and individuals seeking training funds to support their pursuit of becoming a professional ag pilot.

How to Apply

To be considered for the 2019 scholarship, along with completing the two-part application, every applicant must submit:

• A letter of recommendation from the NAAA Operator member sponsoring the applicant.
• An essay of 250 words or less explaining why you want to pursue a career in agricultural aviation and how you would use NAAA’s “Ag Wings of Tomorrow” Scholarship to further your education and training.
• A one-page résumé or list of activities detailing all agricultural and aviation experiences, education and training.

NAAA will award the recipients of the 2019 “Ag Wings of Tomorrow” Scholarships in November at the Ag Aviation Expo in Orlando. Last year NAAA awarded $5,000 scholarships to four young individuals who represent the future of ag aviation: Parker Gore of Cleveland, Miss.; Emory Lobley of Dalhart, Texas; Walter Meise of Moses Lake, Wash.; and Will Souther of Douglas, Ga.

 

To learn more about the 2019 NAAA “Ag Wings of Tomorrow” Scholarship, please review the instructions included with the 2019 application. Please contact NAAA at (202) 546-5722 or information@agaviation.org for clarification about any of the application requirements.

 

While the applicant must be sponsored by an NAAA Operator member, NAAA membership is not a prerequisite for the person applying for the scholarship. Becoming an NAAA Associate member, however, is a great way for candidates to learn more about the industry and augment their training.

 

The deadline to apply for a 2019 “Ag Wings of Tomorrow” Scholarship is Aug. 31.