NAAA Urges FAA to Extend Expiration Dates of Certain Aviation Requirements Granted in SFAR 118 for 1 to 3 Months
NAAA joined in another letter last week to the FAA requesting extension of certain exemptions expiring June 30, 2020, due to continued shutdowns of government facilities and limited access to CFIs, DPEs and AMEs based on the coronavirus quarantine. In April, NAAA and other general aviation associations were successful in urging the FAA to issue SFAR 118 (Relief for Certain Persons and Operations during the Coronavirus Disease 2019) to allow affected pilots, aircraft owners and manufacturers to continue their important role to the U.S. and worldwide economy and overall public benefit. This recent request to the FAA is to extend the relief provided in SFAR 118 beyond June 30, 2020, to include:
- An additional one month of flexibility for pilots, operators and certificate holders to comply with certain training, recent experience, testing and checking requirements provided in SFAR 118.
- Additional relief until Sept. 30 for duration, medical and renewal requirements provided in SFAR 118.
- Relief for pilots, operators and certificate holders who face expiring experience, testing, checking, duration, medical and renewal requirements in July, August and September 2020
NAAA joined the other aviation groups justifying these extensions by stating, “The Centers for Disease Control announced the U.S. reached 100,000 COVID-19 related deaths on May 28, 2020, and continues to recommend limited contact with those outside of your household. Even though some restrictions are beginning to ease or disappear, many states and local governments still enforce social distancing requirements.” The letter to the FAA may be read here.
The original relief in SFAR 118 issued in April included the following:
- Medical Certificates: The FAA extended the validity periods of medical certificates expiring between March 31 and May 31 through June 30. This is an important distinction between the FAA’s previous decision to simply suspend enforcement actions against expired medical certificates, which could have potentially caused insurance complications.
- Flight Reviews: The FAA is offering a three-calendar-month “grace period” for those whose flight review expire between March 1 and June 30. However, there are two conditions to be eligible for this extension: The pilot must have logged at least 10 hours of pilot in command time (PIC) within the 12 calendar months preceding the month the flight review was due, in an aircraft for which that pilot is rated. Eligible pilots must complete FAA Safety Team online courses totaling at least three Wings credits. The courses must have been completed in January or later to meet this requirement, according to the rule. For Robinson R-22 and R-44 pilots, the 10 hours of PIC time noted above must be in an R-22 or R-44, provided the pilot has at least 200 hours of helicopter time with at least 50 hours in an applicable Robinson helicopter. R-22 or R-44 pilots with less than the above level of experience may extend their flight review an additional three months provided that of their 10 hours of PIC time in an R-22 or R-44, 3 hours has occurred in the 3 calendar months preceding the month the flight review was due, and they complete a minimum of three hours of self-study that includes specific subjects as denoted in the SFAR.
- Knowledge Tests: Applicants whose knowledge tests expire between March and June will have their knowledge tests’ validity extended by three months.
- Flight Instructors: Unlike pilot certificates, flight instructor certificates expire every two years. The FAA will extend the validity of flight instructor certificates that expired between March 31 and May 31 until June 30.
- Inspection Authorization: Airframe and powerplant mechanics with inspection authorization who were not able to meet the first-year renewal requirements by March have until June 30 to complete one of the listed activities to meet the first-year renewal requirements.
NAAA will keep the membership apprised of the FAA’s actions to extend these expiration dates.
You can get the very latest policy guidance on the COVID-19 pandemic important to agricultural aviators at agaviation.org/covidresources.
NAAA’s Position on UAV Pesticide Applications Shared by International Organization
A seminar held by an international organization shows that participants share many of the same concerns as NAAA when it comes to using UAVs to make pesticide applications. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) held a joint meeting of the Chemicals Committee and the Working Party on Chemicals, Pesticides, and Biotechnology where they discussed reducing the risks associated with evolving digital and mechanical technologies used for pesticides and pest management. OECD is an intergovernmental organization that represents 36 countries in North America, South America, Europe and Asia.
The seminar took place last year in France, with the final report published in January 2020. The purpose of the seminar was to provide an opportunity for OECD governments and stakeholders to share knowledge and experience about emerging technologies and identify benefits, risks and impacts on current regulatory systems. Several of the presentations were about using UAVs for pesticide applications.
Three representatives from FMC spoke about their experiences using UAV application technology in the U.S. and China. They noted, among other observations, that “the same effort dedicated to creating pesticide product label guidance for drift reduction for manned fixed-wing aircraft needs to be undertaken for multi-rotor drone use” and that “minimal attention has been made to optimizing how the spray system mounted and integrated to various drone models can deliver a quality spray.”
These concerns are the same ones NAAA has expressed in recent years, culminating in a letter sent to EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler in January 2020, requesting the EPA verify the precision, safety and efficacy of UAV applications. The EPA also presented at the OECD seminar on UAV pesticide applications. The agency’s message discussed updating federal regulations to account for UAV use and how it is engaging stakeholders to accomplish this goal. The EPA identified several items it feels need to be resolved before UAVs can be safely used, including questions associated with labels, UAV drift analysis, data in order to make accurate risk assessments similar to those done for aerial and ground applications, and user and bystander safety.
The seminar concluded by recommending that risk assessment models and assumptions for UAV pesticide applications be validated and compared to conventional application equipment, and a mechanism be developed to share this information among regulators. NAAA supports a thorough and data-based assessment of the accuracy of UAVs and will continue to advocate for this need, as well as provide expertise to the EPA and state lead agencies on manned aerial applications.
Make NAAA’s Auction Awesome Again!
We’re still several months away from the 2020 Ag Aviation Expo in Savannah, Dec. 7‒10, but it’s not too early to donate an item for the Live and Silent Auction. Help us make this year’s auction an unmitigated success and use it as a way to spotlight your company to the aerial application industry! Companies that donate to the NAAA auctions have an opportunity to get their company name, brand and positive image in front of 1,600 attendees! The Live and Silent Auctions support NAAA programs and services to aerial applicators. 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!
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. A few final determinations are made onsite once all the offerings have been inventoried. Please include the value of your item.
Thank you to Pratt & Whitney Canada for already committing to donating yet another PT6-34AG engine to this year’s NAAA Live Auction. We appreciate their continued support and generosity to NAAA and the aerial application industry. NAAA appreciates the generosity of every company and person who donates an auction item to our Live and Silent auctions.
The 2020 Ag Aviation Expo features the premiere trade show for agricultural aviation, great networking opportunities and a great lineup of speakers and events! It doesn't matter if you're a veteran operator, a fledging ag pilot, or an allied supplier to the ag aviation industry, you won't find a better venue than NAAA's Ag Aviation Expo to help you achieve your professional goals and business objectives.
Save the Date for the 2020 Ag Aviation Expo
- Dates: Dec. 7–10, 2020
- Location: Savannah 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: Opens July 1
- Exhibitor Booth Sales: Large booth sales and Diamond sponsorship booth sales are currently open; this includes aircraft, islands and 10’x30'. 10'x10' and 10'x20' booth sales open on Thursday, July 9. Please email Lindsay if you’d like to be contacted regarding large booth space.
- Sponsorship Opportunities: Sponsorships are now available. View the opportunities online. Please email Lindsay if you would like to secure a sponsorship from last year or would like to be contacted about 2020 opportunities! We have sponsorships available for all budget sizes.
- 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, we are already accepting donations 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.
Book Your Hotel Room
The 2020 NAAA hotel room block is coordinated through Visit Savannah, which is 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). All room blocks close Nov. 13 at 5 p.m. ET.
- Westin Savannah Harbor: $150/night plus taxes
- Westin Cancellation: For each reservation cancelled after Oct. 30, 2020, a nonrefundable one night room + 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 taxes.
- Hyatt Regency Savannah: $148/night plus taxes
- Savannah Marriott Riverfront: $142/night plus taxes
All room rates above are single/double occupancy and do not include taxes.
Book your room today by clicking here, call the housing bureau at (912) 644-6465 or email reservations@visitsavannah.com. Please note reservations are taken over the phone Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. If you cannot call during those hours, please email your reservations details or book your room online here.
Complimentary Transportation & River Taxis
Getting across the river is quick and easy thanks to the free ferry service that will shuttle attendees back and forth throughout the day and evening. The Savannah Belles Ferry provides water transportation from the Hyatt and the Marriott to the convention center and Westin hotel. The trip takes five to 10 minutes, and ferry service will be continual during convention hours; schedule will be available onsite. Free shuttle bus service is also available for those who are not comfortable on the water.
Ag Aviation Expo Sponsorships Available
Join us for the 2020 Ag Aviation Expo in Savannah, Dec. 7‒10! Take advantage of getting your company name in front of the expected 1,500+ operators, ag pilots and other attendees directly related to the agricultural aviation industry through an Ag Aviation Expo sponsorship.
Five reasons why you should be a sponsor at the 2020 NAAA Ag Aviation Expo:
- A targeted audience will see your company’s name and/or logo.
- Sponsorship enhances your company’s credibility and rapport.
- You will gain brand awareness and recognition.
- You will generate new sales and/or leads and potential business partnerships.
- You can drive attendees to your booth and message
through your sponsorship.
According to a
post-convention survey, 75 percent of aerial applicators stated that they would
be “very likely” to use the products and services of a company that sponsors an
event at the Ag Aviation Expo. View sponsorship
opportunities here.
By becoming a sponsor, attendees will:
- Remember your company, services and products.
- See you as a supporter of the ag aviation industry.
- Recognize your brand.
- See you as a partner and industry visionary.
- Hold you above others in purchasing decisions.
Save the Date for the 2020 Ag Aviation Expo
- Dates: Dec. 7–10, 2020
- Location: Savannah 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: Opens July 1
- Exhibitor Booth Sales: Large booth sales and Diamond sponsorship booth sales are currently open; this includes aircraft, islands and 10’x30'. 10'x10' and 10'x20' booth sales open on Thursday, July 9. Please email Lindsay if you’d like to be contacted regarding large booth space.
- Sponsorship Opportunities: Sponsorships are now available. View the opportunities online. Please email Lindsay if you would like to secure a sponsorship from last year or would like to be contacted about 2020 opportunities! We have sponsorships available for all budget sizes.
- 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, we are already accepting donations 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.
Book Your Hotel Room
The 2020 NAAA hotel room block is coordinated through Visit Savannah, which is 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). All room blocks close Nov. 13 at 5 p.m. ET.
- Westin Savannah Harbor: $150/night plus taxes
- Westin Cancellation: For each reservation cancelled after Oct. 30, 2020, a nonrefundable one night room + 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 taxes.
- Hyatt Regency Savannah: $148/night plus taxes
- Savannah Marriott Riverfront: $142/night plus taxes
All room rates above are single/double occupancy and do not include taxes.
Book your room today by clicking here, call the housing bureau at (912) 644-6465 or email reservations@visitsavannah.com. Please note reservations are taken over the phone Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. If you cannot call during those hours, please email your reservations details or book your room online here.
Complimentary Transportation & River Taxis
Getting across the river is quick and easy thanks to the free ferry service that will shuttle attendees back and forth throughout the day and evening. The Savannah Belles Ferry provides water transportation from the Hyatt and the Marriott to the convention center and Westin hotel. The trip takes five to 10 minutes, and ferry service will be continual during convention hours; schedule will be available onsite. Free shuttle bus service is also available for those who are not comfortable on the water.
Want to Win Thousands in Educational Scholarships? Enter Our Support Scholarship Contest!
Attention, higher-education students: Don’t miss out on the opportunity to compete for a combined $3,000 in educational scholarships. The deadline for the 2020 Support Scholarship Essay Contest is Sept. 15. The NAAA Support Committee will award a $2,000 scholarship as top prize and Covington Aircraft Engines has generously agreed to sponsor a $1,000 scholarship.
The theme for this year’s contest is “Why is Agricultural Aviation Important?” The scholarship is not restricted to pursuing a “flying career.” Any educational pursuit beyond high school (at any age) is eligible. The competition is open to all NAAA members and their family members.
Entrants must be a senior in high school or be registered in higher education by the fall semester of 2020. Previous winners are not eligible to compete. Submissions must be an essay of at least 1,500 words or a 5-minute multi-media presentation. Submissions should be sent as an email attachment by Sept. 15 to information@agaviation.org. More information about eligibility requirements, contest guidelines and sample essays from past scholarship recipients are available online here.
NAAA’s ‘Ag Wings of Tomorrow’ Scholarship is Back with $20K Available in ’20
Attention, operators and aspiring ag pilots: The NAAA “Ag Wings of Tomorrow” Scholarship is back! Thanks to the generous support of BASF and Thrush Aircraft, $20,000 in aid is available via the 2020 NAAA “Ag Wings of Tomorrow” Scholarship Program to assist four aspiring ag pilots in their journey.
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.
NAAA awarded $5,000 scholarships to four aspiring ag pilots at the 2019 Ag Aviation Expo. From L–R, NAAA “Ag Wings of Tomorrow” Scholarship recipients Caleb Swanson, Raudel Mendoza, Liam Zahm and Jacob Radermacher.
How to Apply
To be considered for the 2020 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 2020 “Ag Wings of Tomorrow” Scholarships in December at the Ag Aviation Expo in Savannah. Last year NAAA awarded $5,000 scholarships to four young individuals who represent the future of ag aviation: Raudel Mendoza of Sunray, Texas, Jacob Radermacher of Shipshewana, Indiana, Caleb Swanson of Canton, South Dakota, and Liam Zahm of Marne, Michigan.
To learn more about the 2020 NAAA “Ag Wings of Tomorrow” Scholarship, please review the instructions included with the 2020 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 the 2020 “Ag Wings of Tomorrow” Scholarship is Aug. 31.