2020 National Agricultural Aviation Association Bylaw Amendments Overwhelmingly Enacted

The AssociationVoting ePolls were open from Aug. 21 until Sept. 21 for the 2020 National Agricultural Aviation Association Bylaw Amendments election and NAAA members overwhelmingly enacted three amendments to its Bylaws. The percentage of votes needed to enact changes to the NAAA Bylaws is a minimum of 50% of a quorum plus at least one additional vote. A quorum, as defined by the NAAA Bylaws, is 10% of the voting membership. Over 17% of NAAA’s voting membership participated in the Bylaws amendment election so a quorum was easily obtained.

The first amendment was designed to augment the professionalism of the association membership (and the industry) with a Code of Conduct guiding members’ professionalism. That amendment was enacted by 95.7%.

The second amendment augments membership and reduces unnecessary administrative costs to the association by removing the requirement that operators and pilots belong to a state or regional agricultural aviation association in order to join NAAA. This amendment was approved by 85.5%. It was designed to spread the NAAA’s professionalism and safety measures to all in the aerial application industry and, in turn, augment NAAA’s resources needed to deliver core services and carry out its mission on behalf of the agricultural aviation industry. NAAA’s commitment to the state and regional associations remains ever-present.

The third amendment, approved with a 94.9% majority, would broaden the electorate and validity of allied board member elections. All these changes were recommended and approved by the association’s counsel and board of directors to enable NAAA to better provide the industry with policy advocacy, public relations, education, communication and networking services. For a copy of NAAA’s newly amended Bylaws, click here.

NAAA Continues to Urge EPA to Grant Aerial Application Uses, This Time for Key Microbial Active Ingredient

On Monday NAAA submitted comments to the EPA concerning proposed new uses for the microbial active ingredient Trichoderma asperellum strain T34. Trichoderma asperellum strain T34 is currently approved as an end-use fungicide product on ornamental plants in greenhouses. Under the proposed use expansion, the end-use product could be used as a fungicide and bactericide to increase plant defenses against soil-borne fungi and bacteria. Proposed applications include food and non-food crops in agricultural, commercial and residential settings.

Upon reviewing the proposed label for the product allowing the new uses, NAAA noted that it did allow for foliar applications to a variety of food crops in agricultural settings. However, the language about what types of application equipment was rather vague, simply listing “sprayer with a boom” along with handheld sprayer types. NAAA pointed out that this does include aerial application, as agricultural aircraft are outfitted with booms, but that NAAA would like to see this clarified to specifically state aerial application is allowed.

NAAA will continue to monitor and comment on all relevant pesticide registrations and reregistrations to ensure you have access to the products your growers need to feed the world’s growing population.

NAAA Comments on FAA’s Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grant Program to Make Training Grants Available to Future Ag Pilots

Last week, NAAA sent comments to the FAA regarding the Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grant Program. This grant program is designed to generate interest in and prepare students to become aircraft pilots, aerospace engineers or unmanned aircraft systems operators. NAAA commented that in light of the current pandemic and the subsequent pilot layoffs in the airline and the corporate aviation sectors, these grant resources should also be eligible to help transition pilots into other areas of aviation, mainly into the agricultural aviation sector of General Aviation.

A shortage of agricultural pilots is a concern that was expressed by 60% to 76% of experienced ag pilots and operators during the 2019–2020 Compaass Rose educational sessions. Agriculture and aviation have both been considered “essential services” during the current pandemic. Some Compaass Rose participants also expressed concern about losing pilots to the Single Engine Air Tanker, or SEAT, aerial firefighting program since agricultural aviation is a gateway to the SEAT program. SEAT pilots also provide an essential service.

In NAAA comments, the FAA was asked to consider modifying the grant to facilitate the transitioning of currently certificated pilots into Part 137 operations and to include Part 137 certificated operations as eligible applicants. NAAA’s comments are available here. To read more about the program, go here.

The FAA also announced a second grant program. The second program is designed to support proposals that generate interest and prepare students to pursue aviation maintenance careers. If you are interested in the Aviation Maintenance Technical Workforce Development Grant Program, the FAA has more information on its development grants webpage.

The FAA expects to release the notice of funding opportunity on or around Nov. 13, 2020.

Pre-Register for the Ag Aviation Expo to Avoid Long Lines On-site & Save Money; CEUs Available

Are you joining us for the 2020 NAAA Ag Aviation Expo in Savannah, Dec. 7-10? We urge you to pre-register for the 2020 Ag Aviation Expo, which saves you $75 per person and pre-registered attendees can cancel for a full refund. Pre-registration helps us to have accurate food, beverages, and seating counts at our events. Make sure you are counted!

We are 100% going forward with our Ag Aviation Expo in person! We want you to know unequivocally that your health and wellness are of the utmost importance to our team.

States are beginning to respond to our CEU request; review the list of CEUs and check back often as we will continue receiving CEU approvals between now and the convention.

Must-Attend Events!

We are continually updating the schedule of events for this year’s convention. Below are some must-attend events at the 2020 Ag Aviation Expo:

• Kickoff Breakfast Speaker changes: Kickoff Breakfast Speaker Damian Mason, Author of new book Food Fear: How Fear Is Ruining Your Dinner and Why You Should Celebrate Eating, Host of “The Business of Agriculture” and “Do Business Better” podcasts and Agricultural Comedian.
• General Session: Medical, Legal and Food Trends Affecting Ag Aviation – This session will feature substantive presentations about legal, medical and food trends occurring in the ag aviation nationally and how that might affect you and your business. Starting the session off will be aviation attorney John Wright, discussing a legal case he tried in Colorado between an aggressive state government agency and reputable, professional aerial applicators. Following rudimentary procedures resulted in a victory for our industry. Wright also provides complimentary legal services for NAAA. Next on the dais will be Dr. Stan Musick, aviator and AME, who will address numerous medical topics, including OTC drugs’ potency, fatigue and how to be granted a medical special issuance. Last but not least to take the podium will be Agri Marketing magazine publisher Lynn Henderson to discuss fairly radical changes in consumer food trends and how that may affect the aerial application industry. This General Session will be chock-full of information whether you are an operator or an ag pilot or a supplier to the industry.
• NAAA Trade Show – featuring seven aircraft and an expected 120+ exhibitors. View the NAAA Trade Show Floor Plan to review the companies that will be visiting with attendees on the NAAA Trade Show floor.
  
• Aerial Application Technology Research Session and more than a dozen educational sessions where you can earn potential CEUs (additional details will be posted as they become available and CEUs will be available this fall)
• Excellence in Ag Aviation Banquet honoring individuals and companies in the aerial application industry.
  

Make NAAA’s Auction Awesome Again! Support NAAA with an Auction Donation!

The 2020 Ag Aviation Expo Live & Silent Auctions are looking for auction donations; can we count on you? Join us Dec. 7–10 in Savannah, Georgia, as we celebrate the end of 2020! Help us make this year’s auction an unmitigated success and use it 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 attendees on-site and through thousands of readers of Agricultural Aviation magazine!

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 will receive on the NAAA website and in NAAA publications. Support NAAA and 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. Potential buyers need to supply a letter of credit to NAAA. The value of the engine is $535,661. The engine build specification (BS) is 1334, used on the Air Tractor, Thrush and Turbine Conversions STC. The winning bidder is required to pay $20,000 down onsite and remainder of payment is due within 30 days. We appreciate Pratt & Whitney Canada’s 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

NAAA and NAAREF Board Meetings Oct. 8-10

We look forward to seeing you in Knoxville, Tennessee, for our October NAAA and NAAREF committee and board meetings. Most meetings take place Oct. 9–10 with a couple of meetings beginning on Oct. 8. PAASS Train the Trainer will take place Oct. 7–8. All meetings are open to NAAA members. You can view a schedule here.

NAAA is continually monitoring federal and state health guidelines related to protections from the COVID-19 virus. We are proceeding as is for our October Board Meeting and our December Ag Aviation Expo, yet simultaneously evaluating the health and safety of an in-person meeting, and/or a virtual format. We will keep you posted should any changes be made. The October Board Meeting will follow many of the same recommendations and procedures as our December Ag Aviation Expo. You can view NAAA’s procedures for a healthy and safe meetings at AgAviation.org/healthyexpo. Additional information on protections will be provided to attendees of the October meetings.

Location and Reservation Details

Crowne Plaza Knoxville Downtown University

401 W Summit Hill Drive SW

Knoxville, TN 37902

Phone: 877-834-3613

Rate: $138/night plus tax (upgrade to King for $158/night)

Reservations: The room block is closed; however, the hotel may still have availability. Call (865) 522-2600 and provide code: NAA. You can also provide your arrival and departure dates to Lindsay Barber for assistance (please do not book outside the block).

Show Your Support by Renewing Your NAAA Membership

Renewals are now open for the NAAA 2021 membership year! Renew online or by mail today. As a member of NAAA, you associate with the best and brightest in the agricultural aviation industry and your support is imperative in helping us accomplish our initiatives. We would like to remind you of just a few new offerings NAAA has recently released such as:

• Ensuring your aerial application business and job is ESSENTIAL during COVID-19 and extending license expirations due to quarantine shutdowns. Check out our COVID-19 Resources webpage. 
• Offering legal services on Federal Transpiration Laws to Operator and Pilot Members.
• Receive the 2019 NAAA Operator and Pilot Survey Report which is chock-full of key statistics providing a healthy status of the U.S. aerial application industry. 
• We have an awesome 2020 Ag Aviation Expo planned for you this year! Hear from James Bradley, author of Flags of our Fathers and Flyboys. It is four days packed full of educational sessions where you can earn CEUs. Registration is now open!
• Don’t forget to take advantage of financial incentives such as NAAA’s Recruitment Rewards Program.
• Our 2020 NAAA Membership Directory has been mailed out. It is your one-stop shop where you can find professional members that might be looking for help or offering help and a plethora of qualified allied services in the industry.
• Stay up to date on the latest issues affecting your profession through the NAAA eNewsletter, Agricultural Aviation magazine and exclusive member resources online such as our Media Relations Kit.

NAAA is dedicated to protecting and advancing the needs of the industry by improving the public's perception of the aerial application industry and spearheading the industry's environmental stewardship and safety initiatives. If you haven’t gotten a chance to review all our accomplishments this past year in the 2020 NAAA Membership Directory, you can download our Annual Report.

 

We appreciate your membership as it will help us continue to fight and win to keep aerial application as an essential service during the current global pandemic and on important issues like unfair user fees and taxes; requiring tower marking requirements; and ensure the safe integration of drones into the national airspace; and advocating that EPA keeps a healthy inventory of crop protection products for aerial use without unnecessary restrictions. Your membership helps us better represent your interests.

Beware of Fraudulent Company Trying to Book Hotel Rooms for NAAA Ag Aviation Expo

NAAA received notification that an independent third party company is contacting our NAAA Allied members to book sleeping rooms in Savannah for the 2020 Ag Aviation Expo. This company is NOT associated with NAAA or any hotel in Savannah; your hotel room should only be booked through the information we provide (www.AgAviation.org/hotel). Ignore their calls/emails and do not return their calls. The only company that may contact you, if you leave a message to make a reservation, is Visit Savannah, which handles the housing arrangement for our convention.

 

Please remember that no one from (or on behalf of) NAAA or any of NAAA’s headquarters hotels will contact you (phone, email, etc.) to book a hotel room. NAAA recommends that you make your own hotel reservations using the information in our NAAA publications or at www.AgAviation.org/hotel. Do not trust these companies; they will take your money and you may not have a hotel room in Savannah.  

 

The headquarter hotel for the NAAA Ag Aviation Expo this Dec. 7-10 in Savannah is the Westin, Hyatt and Marriott. Booking details are at www.AgAviation.org/hotel.

NAAA Urges FAA to Continue COVID Regulatory Relief

This month, NAAA, along with six other national aviation associations, signed a letter to the FAA requesting extending regulatory relief due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The letter included requests for extensions in the following areas:

1. Additional Extension of Relief from Certain Training, Recency, Testing and Checking Requirements through Dec. 31, 2020 (14 CFR parts 61.55, 61.56, 61.57, 61.58, 91K, 91 Subpart N, 125, and SFAR 73)
2. Additional Extension of Relief from Duration and Renewal Requirements through Dec. 31, 2020 (14 CFR parts 61, 63, and 65)
3. Additional Extension of Relief for Flight Instructor Renewal under 61.197 and Experience Requirements under 61.57(e)(4)(i)(C) through Dec. 31, 2020
   

Regulatory Relief provided by SFAR 118 and amended SFAR 118-1 added a grace period to many FAA Part 61 certificate requirements expiring March through September 2020. The three-month extensions granted by the SFAR were not cumulative. If an original federal aviation license expired March 31, 2020, the SFAR extended it until June 30 only. SFAR 118-1 did not grant the March 31 extended expiration another three months to Sept. 30. To review the current SFAR 118 and amended SFAR 118 – 1, click here.

Agriculture and aviation are both considered essential services. If granted, this latest extension would add the grace period to certificates expiring in October, November and December 2020. NAAA is monitoring the FAA’s response to this request and will forward updated information on this topic via the NAAA eNewsletter.