NAAA Joins Hands to Attain FBO Fee Transparency and Standardization of FAA Airport Diagrams
Under the “Know Before You Go initiative,” FBOs may voluntarily list their fees and prices for turbine and piston aircraft in AOPA’s Airport Directory.
NAAA recently joined the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and many other state/regional agricultural aviation associations and national general aviation associations in calling for fixed-base operator (FBO) fee transparency at the nation’s public-use airports.
One program in particular, known as “Know Before You Go,” encourages FBOs to voluntarily place their prices and ramp fees online so all pilots can make informed decisions in their preflight planning. Ramp fees include infrastructure fees, security fees, tie-down fees, handling fees, parking fees, overnight fees, etc. that are charged to both piston and turbine aircraft operators.
Letting pilots of piston and turbine aircraft know what the fees are at a particular airport before they arrive enables pilots to make an informed decision on the best place to land and creates more competition among FBOs. At this point, about 25% of the 3,000 FBO locations are participating in this transparency initiative, mostly small and independent FBOs. This coalition effort, which includes the support of multiple aviation groups, seeks to increase the compliance rate, especially with the large chain FBOs.
With respect to airport ramp transparency, the “Know Before You Go” campaign encourages the use of standardized General Aviation parking labels, where applicable, on FAA-required airport diagrams. This, too, will help pilots in their preflight planning and effectively address the use of multiple terms currently being used to describe the same parking area.
Today, about 700 airports are required to have an airport diagram, and the FAA is moving to increase that number to over 3,000. A recent AOPA survey found nearly 30 different labels for the same type of GA parking ramp—in Southern California alone. On a national scale that number multiplies, hence this effort to standardize. Standardized General Aviation parking labels for airport diagrams, where applicable, include GA Transient Ramp, GA Tenant Ramp, FBO Ramp and CBP Ramp.
Under the “Know Before You Go initiative,” FBOs can voluntarily use their own website, an airport website or the AOPA Airport Directory to list fees and prices for turbine and piston aircraft. AOPA’s airport database is a great tool for ag pilots migrating to help operators in need of ag pilots in other parts of the country as they relocate their aircraft.
Pilots Approved for Johnson and Johnson Vaccine, with 48-Hour Flight Restriction
The Janssen COVID-19 vaccine produced by Johnson & Johnson, which requires one dose, is available to the American public under provisions of an emergency use authorization issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The FAA recently released this statement:
Holders of FAA-issued Airman Medical Certificates or Medical Clearances may receive the single dose Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine; however, a 48-hour “No Fly/No Safety-Related Duty” interval must be observed after the injection.The 48-hour no-fly restriction is the same as was issued for the Pfizer-BioNTech and the Moderna vaccines, both of which have been approved for use by pilots. Individuals holding an Airman Medical Certificate are reminded that they are prohibited from performing flight crewmember duties if they do not meet medical certification requirements, including those related to adverse events from medications that render them unable to perform such duties.
Anecdotal reports from those who have taken the two previously approved vaccines indicate side effects in the first 48 hours that may make it difficult to perform their duties. As more vaccines become available, it is expected that more pilots will move into the eligible category. Essential workers are receiving the vaccines; however, it varies from state to state as to who is eligible at any given point. Check with your state or local Department of Health for more information. For more information from NAAA on the pandemic and how to prevent it from negatively affecting your business, consult the COVID-19 Resources page on the NAAA website.
Support the Centennial Celebration of Aerial Application, Many More Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Thank you to the companies that have committed to supporting the 100th anniversary of the aerial application industry. This year, the agricultural aviation industry is celebrating its first 100 years of service of providing food, fiber and bioenergy, in addition to protecting forestry and controlling health-threatening pests, to our great nation. As NAAA prepares for this centennial celebration, we invite you to take part as a donor and participant in this once-in-a-lifetime anniversary. You are part of this industry and should be celebrated! You can learn more about sponsorship opportunities and the 100th anniversary on the new website AgAviation100.com.
We have four sponsorship levels available and your logo, advertisement and/or story can be seen for years in a book, documentary, in eBlasts and on our 100th anniversary website.
Aug. 3, 2021, marks the 100th anniversary of an experiment in Ohio when lead arsenate dust was spread over catalpa trees to kill sphinx moth larvae. In honor of this accomplishment, we are planning a major campaign to include a short documentary, a complete history book of the industry and a significant outreach campaign to the public and the media through media briefings, press releases, website and social media that showcase the proud history and promising future of aerial application.
Sponsoring the 100th anniversary is a great way to show your support of the industry's longevity and potentially showcase your contributions to the industry. Your level of support provides you the opportunity to be seen for years to come in the book, on the website and social media, at events and in the documentary.
Click here to view our 100th anniversary sponsorship brochure. This is an industry-wide celebration; we welcome your sponsorship ideas if there is a different way that you would like to support the anniversary and industry.
Our industry has a remarkable story to tell. It plays a crucial role in helping farmers feed, clothe and provide biofuel to the world. And we hope you will join us in supporting the 100th anniversary celebration of the aerial application industry.
Call for Savannah’s 2021 Ag Aviation Expo Aircraft Exhibitors
Join us at the 2021 Ag Aviation Expo in Savannah Dec. 6-9 for the premier trade show for agricultural aviation, great networking opportunities and a terrific lineup of speakers and events! In addition to new aircraft, we are also seeking vintage aircraft to help celebrate the industry’s 100th anniversary.
NAAA will begin placing aircraft on the NAAA Trade Show floor in March. Savannah is a popular aircraft destination! Floor space for aircraft is first come, first served for exhibitors. Any additional aircraft that do not fit in the hall can be placed outside in Bryan Square.
In Savannah, aircraft are flown onto the pit area behind the Westin. Aircraft are then pulled over to the convention center by truck. Aircraft can also be trucked into Savannah. Please contact Lindsay Barber if you plan to exhibit an aircraft at the Ag Aviation Expo or are an operator interested in exhibiting a vintage aircraft.
Aircraft Exhibitor Schedule
- Saturday, Dec. 4 – Meeting at 4 p.m. for pilots who are flying aircraft in on Sunday. Aircraft trucked in can arrive at the convention center in the afternoon.
- Sunday, Dec. 5 (early morning) – Aircraft land onto Westin property and move into the convention center.
- Monday, Dec. 6 – Exhibitor Setup 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
- Tuesday, Dec. 7 – Exhibitor Setup 8–11:30 a.m., NAAA Trade Show Hours 12–5:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, Dec. 8 – Trade Show Hours 10 a.m.–4 p.m., teardown 4–10 p.m.
- Thursday, Dec. 9 (early morning) – Aircraft out of Savannah Convention Center and fly out.
2021 Hotel Details
The NAAA hotel room block details will be available in March.2021 Ag Aviation Expo Sponsorships
Thank you for your consideration of a 2021 Ag Aviation Expo Sponsorship. We have several sponsorship opportunities at multiple price points. Get your name and message in front of the aerial application audience. For more details on sponsorship, please email Lindsay Barber. Last year’s sponsors have the first right of refusal on their previous sponsorships.
NAAA Unveils Aerial Application 100th Anniversary Website as Part of Big 2021 PR Push
NAAA’s push to parlay the industry’s centennial into positive coverage gained steam last week with the unveiling of AgAviation100.com, a website devoted to promoting the agricultural aviation industry’s 100th anniversary. The website houses an in-depth timeline of the past 100 years of the industry that details important events, technologies and industry inventions. It also includes videos and other information on the industry’s history, importance and evolution.
The new website will serve as the online hub for promoting the aerial application industry to aviation, agriculture and news media, as well as those in the industry. Aerial application b-roll video footage and photos will soon be added to the press section of AgAviation100.com. The media elements will be available to download and marketed to the media as storytelling aids to help them construct their stories and TV segments about agricultural aviation on the industry’s 100th anniversary. The centennial website will continue to expand as the year progresses with more details on NAAA’s historical book and upcoming 100th anniversary events.
NAAA has tapped former Leadership Training Program instructor and PR consultant Steve Powell to help coordinate NAAA’s media and public outreach efforts surrounding the 100th anniversary. NAAA sent a media advisory to the major ag publications last week encouraging them to explore the role that 100 years of ag aviation has played in meeting the demands placed on farmers for efficient, environmentally sound food production. The advisory directed ag journalists to the press room of AgAviation100.com to view NAAA’s video about the first 100 years of ag aviation and the illustrated timeline showing the evolution of the industry. Additional announcements to aviation trade and news magazines, newspapers, social media and television sources will be sent informing them of the anniversary and industry information.
NAAA is also recruiting approximately 30 regional representatives to serve as designated spokespersons for media interviews in their areas. Media training will be provided to ensure consistent messaging as NAAA’s ag aviation ambassadors educate the media and the public about the important role of agricultural aviation. Powell will lead a series of media training sessions via Zoom, beginning in March, to prepare NAAA’s designated spokespersons for possible media interviews during the industry’s centennial coverage.
Bookmark AgAviation100.com and visit it throughout the year for updates on NAAA’s industry centennial events and initiatives!
COVID Relief Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Forgivable Loans Still Available
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering first draw and second draw Personal Protection Program loans until March 31 as part of the continued federal relief provided due to COVID-19. A business qualifies for a PPP loan if it has no more than 300 employees and can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between any one of comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020. Eligibility also depends on the business’s gross income. Originally the PPP eligibility depended on the business’s net income. This change may make more businesses eligible. The loan may be used for payroll costs, including benefits, and to pay interest on mortgages, rent and utilities. Loans will be fully forgiven when employees are kept on the payroll.
A business may apply for a second draw loan only if it has received and used a first draw loan initially offered last spring. However, if the business did not apply for a first draw loan or was not eligible at that time, it may apply for the initial first draw loan at this time until March 31.
Many financial institutions are SBA lenders, and the best source of information is the lender. If you are unsure of who your SBA lender is, check the SBA website. More information from the SBA may be found here.
Last week, the Biden administration announced that businesses with less than 20 employees will have preferential treatment between Feb. 24 and March 9 to submit their PPP loan applications. Contact your SBA lender for more information.
Save on Recommended Replacement Interval Parts with PWC Commercial Support Programs
Pratt & Whitney Canada (PWC) has active commercial support programs (CSP) to help operators comply with certain Service Bulletins (SBs). A CSP campaign provides operators with replacement parts at a significant discount to encourage compliance before a possible event may occur. Participating in a CSP is an opportunity to comply with a recommended replacement interval to address safety-of-flight issues. A CSP also provides a substantial savings on the cost of the replacement part(s).
Commercial support programs originate in a Service Bulletin (SB) as a reference document with the cause, reason and instructions for compliance. CSPs have a termination date at which time the parts affected will no longer be offered at reduced pricing. It is best practice to comply with SBs and take advantage of CSP programs to offset the expense of SB compliance. Only PWC’s owned shops or designated overhaul facilities (DOFs) can assist with the handling and administration of CSP programs. There are no credits offered against unused commercial support programs, so it is imperative to use the CSP before the termination date.
During the fourth quarter of 2020, Pratt & Whitney Canada issued two CSP notifications on engine models used in agricultural and firefighting operations. The first was an extension of the CSP program for engine model PT6A-67AG on second-stage PT blades.
Second-stage PT blades on the PT6A-67AG engine have a recommended replacement interval of 5,000 hours as stated in SB 14503. As the fleet size of -67AG powered ag aircraft has grown, more PT6A-67AG engines are approaching or have exceeded 5,000 hours. As part of the CSP program, Pratt & Whitney Canada is offering replacement second-stage PT blades at 50% off the list price for the replacement part. Replacing the PT blades at 5,000 hours during overhaul or hot section inspection (HSI) is recommended to minimize aircraft downtime. If you are operating an engine that has exceeded the 5,000-hour limit, contact your Pratt field service representative to help determine how you can take advantage of the commercial support program.
The second CSP program issued is for engines models PT6A-67AG and PT6A-67F. Pratt & Whitney Canada dispersed Service Bulletin 14549 in July 2020. It states that some engine small exit ducts have a row of cooling holes missing. The missing cooling holes may impact the durability of the hot section components. SB 14549 provides a summary for how to do a visual inspection for the holes and the action needed if the engine is found to be missing cooling holes. As part of the replacement, if needed, PWC is offering 50% off list for the replacement small exit duct and first-stage power turbine blades. If your small exit duct is found to be without the cooling holes, it downgrades the life limit of the first-stage power turbine blades to one overhaul period, which is 3,000 hours. The Service Bulletin provides a list of engines that Pratt & Whitney Canada suspects are affected.
It is very important that one’s maintenance provider receives current publications from the engine OEMs. The service publications will provide communication of inspections and product enhancements via the latest Service Information Letter (SIL), Service Bulletin and if a CSP is offered with each Service Bulletin issued. If you have questions or concerns on current PT6A Service Bulletins or commercial support programs, contact your maintenance provider or Pratt-designated overhaul facility for more information.
Relief from PPE Shortages Still in Effect
In June of 2020, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a statement that gave options to handle the shortage of respirators when required as personal protective equipment (PPE). The options as reported in the June 11, 2020 eNewsletter are:
- Use a NIOSH-approved respirator that meets or exceeds the level of protection of the respirator required by the pesticide label.
- Use an alternative pesticide that fits the intended use but does not require a respirator.
- If possible, delay the use of using the pesticide until additional compliance options become available.
If these compliance options are exhausted, the EPA provided these options:
- Extend the use or reuse disposable N95 filter facepiece respirators.
- Use filter facepiece respirators that are beyond their recommended service life.
- Use filter facepiece respirators that have been certified in other countries or jurisdictions.
The above options are still in effect; however, annual respirator fit testing, which could be delayed in 2020, is now required in the same manner it was pre-pandemic. For more information regarding fit testing, click here.
FAA Certification Extensions and FMCSA waivers No Longer Available
As reported in the February 4, 2021 NAAA eNewsletter, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has chosen not to extend SFAR 118 further. The FAA first issued this special regulation to provide relief to airmen and other certificate holders who were having trouble completing recurrency training and recertification requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic made it difficult to meet required biennial flight reviews, medical exams, instrument currency and other regulation-required deadlines. NAAA was heavily involved in the process of obtaining these extensions. The FAA has left open the possibility of regulatory relief in the future but determined it was not needed at this time. All Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration waivers ended Dec. 31, 2020.
Must-Watch: 56 Seconds to Live!
Can you imagine being in a situation where you only had 56 seconds to live? If you are a low-altitude pilot and find yourself in Unintentional Instrument Meteorological Conditions (UIMC), those precious 56 seconds could be a reality. The U.S. Helicopter Safety Team created a gripping video that highlights the pitfalls of succumbing to pressure and going against your better judgment. Watch it to see just how rapidly a pilot can lose control of their aircraft when attempting to continue a Visual Flight Rules flight into Instrument Meteorological Conditions when not qualified and what the fatal repercussions can be for the pilot and his loved ones. The video is directed at helicopter pilots, but the message is applicable to all low-altitude VFR pilots. It’s a must-watch!
Please Participate in the FAA’s 2020 General Aviation Survey Currently Underway
The Federal Aviation Administration’s 43rd annual General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey (GA Survey) is now underway, reporting on calendar year 2020 aviation activity. The GA Survey is the only source of information on the general aviation fleet, the number of hours flown and the ways people use general aviation aircraft. Please help our industry and aviation in general by providing accurate information to the FAA. This survey is crucial in collecting safety data on the aerial application industry.
If you are selected to participate in this year’s survey, you will receive either an email or postcard invitation to complete the GA Survey soon. You may complete the survey online, or a survey form will be mailed to you along with a postage-paid envelope. Your participation is voluntary, but the aerial application industry needs your help. NAAA encourages everyone who is contacted to respond to the survey so that agricultural aviation activity is accurately represented. Please respond even if you did not fly your aircraft during 2020, sold it, or if the aircraft was damaged.
Data from this survey are used by governmental agencies and industry to:
- Compute safety metrics, such as fatal accident rates.
- Understand the impact of the GA industry on jobs, economic output and investments in aviation infrastructure.
- Track the success of safety initiatives, including avionics recommendations.
- Determine funding for infrastructure and service needs.
- Assess the impact of regulatory changes.
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 2021 Support Scholarship Media 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 “What role does ag aviation play in producing a local commodity?” 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 anyone sponsored by an NAAA member.
Entrants must be a senior in high school or be registered in higher education by the fall semester of 2021. Previous winners are not eligible to compete. Submissions must be an essay of at least 1,500 words or a 5-minute multimedia 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 here.
NAAHOF Accepting Nominations for NAA Hall of Fame
The National Agricultural Aviation Hall of Fame (NAAHOF) Nomination Board has changed its procedure for evaluating candidates for induction into the NAA Hall of Fame. Under the policy change, the Nominations Board will consider individuals one year before their induction to allow more time to deliberate on NAAHOF nominees’ credentials. NAAHOF has updated its nomination form accordingly and is accepting nominations for people who would be inducted in 2022. Nominations to be considered for induction into NAAHOF in 2022 are due by Sept. 1, 2021. The 2022 NAAHOF Candidate Nomination Form is available here.
The National Agricultural Aviation Hall of Fame is located in the National Agricultural Aviation (NAA) Museum in Jackson, Mississippi. The purpose of the NAA Museum is to educate the general public about the contributions of the agricultural aviation industry. Induction into the NAA Hall of Fame is the highest honor that can be paid to agricultural aviation achievers. The Hall of Fame honors agricultural aviation leaders, pilots, operators, scientists, engineers, inventors and other individuals who have helped promote the agricultural aviation industry with their outstanding contributions.
The National Agricultural Aviation Hall of Fame is not affiliated with NAAA, but new members are inducted at the Excellence in Ag Aviation Banquet at NAAA’s convention. Previous inductees include such industry-shaping individuals as Lt. John A. Macready, Dick Reade, Fred Ayres and Leland Snow. A complete list of enshrined members into the NAA Hall of Fame is available on NAAA’s Industry Links webpage.
Eligibility for NAAHOF Enshrinement
- All nominations must be documented. All information that has to do with the reasons/accomplishments of the nominee must accompany the written/typed nomination letter. The utmost attention should be paid to all accomplishments of the nominee.
- A nominee must have made a significant contribution to the agricultural aviation industry in the United States. Accomplishments must be national in scope.
- Any person currently sitting on this Nominations Board is automatically ineligible for consideration for enshrinement to the NAAHOF until such time as they are no longer an active part of the governing process of this institution.
- Any person nominated for enshrinement must not have anything in their past which will reflect in a negative manner upon the agricultural aviation industry.
The NAAHOF Nomination Board is chaired by Brian Rau. NAAHOF nominations may be sent directly to the chairman at:
Brian Rau
4142 57th Avenue SE
Medina, ND 58467
For more information, please contact Brian Rau at (701) 486-3414 or medinaflying@aol.com.