January 27, 2022
NAAA eNewsletter

NAAA Continues to Battle Harmful 5G Signals and Towers

NAAA continues to address aviation concerns with cellular network services that have developed over the last couple of years. In recent months the following three separate issues, all related to 5G networks, have warranted attention from NAAA.

5G Interference with Radio Altimeters

This situation has been very prominent in the news media recently. The good news is that this does not affect aerial application. The cellular industry’s proposed rollout of the 5G system has caused concern primarily for the airline industry and others who need to perform category III and some category II instrument approaches. It also affects aircraft that have auto-land features. A radio altimeter, also called a radar altimeter, is the only system that provides direct measurement of height above the ground. The frequency of 5G is close enough to what a radio altimeter uses that interference is expected. Concern was great enough that the FAA issued NOTAMs regarding Category II and III approaches. Verizon and AT&T recently agreed to temporarily limit some 5G services near key airports.

NAAA is not aware of any aerial application that uses radio altimeters. Some application aircraft do use laser altimeters to determine application height above the ground, but this is not affected by 5G.

Ligado’s L-Band Spectrum 5G System’s Interference with GPS

Of great concern to the aerial application industry is Ligado Networks’ L-band 5G system. Ligado (formerly LightSquared) plans to use the L-band frequencies, which are next to the frequency band in which GPS operates. Ligado’s 5G technology would interfere with aviation and other GPS receivers when the receivers get close to a Ligado 5G tower. A study by the Department of Transportation revealed that most non-IFR-certified GPS equipment, such as that used for general aviation, would experience interference at close to a mile from a Ligado tower.

As early as May 7, 2020, and as recently as July 15, 2021, NAAA has been reporting on efforts to prevent Ligado from moving ahead. Last week, NAAA participated in an aviation briefing for the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) committee responsible for conducting the independent technical review of the Federal Communications Commission’s decision to authorize Ligado to develop a network in the L-band radio spectrum. Agricultural aviation was used as a case study on how Ligado’s proposed network will negatively impact non-certified GPS receivers.

NAAA provided an overview of how agricultural aviators rely on GPS for all facets of an application mission, ensuring every pass is precisely made. The NAS was also briefed on the airspace utilized by agricultural aircraft, in particular the fact that they would operate well within a 250-foot radius around any tower in or adjacent to an application site. Ligado has designed its system to minimize interference outside the 250-foot radius to its towers but falsely assumed that no aircraft commonly operate within 250 feet of towers. NAAA corrected the record for the NAS committee on this matter.

NAAA also provided the NAS committee with some figures for how important the aerial application industry is to the U.S. food supply and the environment. These figures included that:

  • Aerial application treats 127 million acres, or 28%, of U.S. cropland.
  • The speed, timeliness and precision of aerial application protect 27.4 million acres of wildland from being converted into cropland annually.
  • The aerial application industry adds $37 billion to the U.S. economy for just corn, soybean, wheat, cotton and rice crops.

A video of the committee meeting in which NAAA spoke can be found here. Scroll to the bottom of the page to find the 1/20/22 committee meeting. Dr. Scott Bretthauer, NAAA’s director of education and safety, spoke on behalf of the aerial application industry and his comments may be found starting at the 2:28:48 point.

Obstruction Issue Caused by 5G Towers

A separate but equally important issue to agricultural aviation related to the growing 5G network is the need for more towers to support the 5G system. To transmit more data faster, 5G uses higher frequency radio waves that have a shorter physical range and thus require more tower locations. To counter this safety concern, NAAA continues to stay in contact with the FAA regarding publishing the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on tower marking between 50 and 200 feet. The expected date for the NPRM continues to be pushed back.

NAAA is pursuing action through federal legislative representatives to put pressure on the FAA to act on this important safety issue. House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-Mo.) is pressuring the FAA to expedite its completion of the tower marking/logging rule. In a Sept. 28, 2021, letter to the FAA, Congressman Graves reminded the FAA in no uncertain terms that the FAA is “blatantly ignoring this congressionally directed and long-overdue safety-critical rulemaking.”

Unpacking CropLife America’s Research on Consumers’ Perceptions of Pesticides

Last week CropLife America (CLA) shared findings from a series of consumer listening sessions conducted in 2021 to see how various messages aimed at fostering a better understanding of pesticide use registered and find ways to better communicate with the public on pesticide issues. The research firm Povaddo conducted the public opinion research on behalf of CLA and the American Seed Trade Association, building upon previous focus group research CLA commissioned in 2019 that explored current perceptions around pesticides.

 

 

Understanding that most people are on the fence or have unfavorable attitudes about pesticide products and that there is a dearth of positive stories about pesticides in the media, the objective of the new round of research was to determine how to better communicate with elected officials and the public about agriculture and pesticides. Povaddo conducted 12 focus groups with 96 participants across three cities, first to listen to concerns and perceptions and then to see how participants would respond to messages crafted around the themes that pesticides are sustainable, necessary and innovative.

Message 1: “Pesticides contribute to sustainable agricultural practices.”

The first message the focus group participants considered is that “Pesticides contribute to sustainable agricultural practices.” That statement was buttressed by supporting statements about no-till farming and cover crops:
  1. Pesticides support sustainable agricultural practices by enabling farming operations that improve soil erosion, conserve water, and reduce fuel, such as no-till farming.
  2. The use of cover crops is another pesticide-enabled farming practice that contributes to sustainable agriculture.
Povaddo Director Wendy Lawrence said that most participants responded favorably to messaging about no-till farming and cover crops. Povaddo backed the aforementioned supporting statements up by citing data from trusted sources and using terms like “low residue” and “short-lasting herbicides.” The focus group participants learned that no-till farming reduces soil erosion by about 90% and achieves dramatic fuel and energy savings. Quantifying the energy and carbon savings through comparisons to car emissions and the energy used to power homes also hit home with participants. With cover crops, the participants were informed that they mitigate soil erosion, reduce runoff by 80% and improve soil structure.

Takeaway: When promoting pesticides’ roles in contributing to sustainable agriculture, it is important to make strong correlations between the benefits of the practices and pesticides’ specific roles in enabling them, Povaddo counseled.

Message 2: “Pesticides are necessary.”

Povaddo tested three messages to support the premise that “pesticides are necessary”:
  1. Farmland is shrinking.
  2. Without pesticides, farmers’ businesses will be threatened.
    • Crop yields could decrease by 70 to 80% without pesticides, and decreased crop yields that would occur without pesticides could put many farmers out of business.
  3. Pesticides are important for feeding the world.

Lawrence said that 2 out of 5 participants reacted positively to the message that pesticides are necessary because farmland is shrinking and 1 in 5 reacted negatively. Most people responded positively to the supporting messages related to farmers’ businesses being threatened without the availability of pesticides. The idea of decreasing crop yields struck a chord, even with people with a pessimistic view of pesticides, Lawrence said. The winningest message by far, though, was one that remains timely and topical: “Food demand and prices are increasing, affecting the world’s poorest.”


However, Lawrence cautioned that while that message resonates now with consumers who have seen the effects of rising inflation and shortages of consumer goods firsthand, it could be a temporary phenomenon. Consumer attitudes may change as the challenges we face continue to evolve. If things get back to normal, saying pesticides are necessary to help the world’s poorest often is considered a weak message. “Feeding the world” and “Making food more affordable” did not resonate with focus groups in 2019, for example.

Takeaway: When framing arguments around the idea that pesticides are necessary, Povaddo recommends using messages that are timely and appropriately empathetic.

Message 3: “Innovation and technology in pesticides move farming and society in the right direction.”

Two of the statements offered to bolster the theme of innovation and technology were:
  1. Innovations increase productivity and reduce agriculture’s environmental impact.
  2. Innovative pesticide products allow farmers to use fewer, more targeted pesticides.
Focus group participants liked hearing that digital tools help reduce greenhouse gasses and pesticide water runoff. Phrases such as less toxic, using the smallest amounts possible, taking a targeted approach/making targeted applications, and farmers only using pesticides as a last resort (integrated pest management) registered well with participants.

Takeaway: Focusing on positive change within the pesticide industry, including new, modern innovations and technologies, is highly recommended, Povaddo advised.


In addition to written messages and supporting information, the focus group participants watched a video of a farmer describing his farming practices, including his use of pesticides. The combination of video and narrative content had a powerful effect, Lawrence stated. Sharing personal stories impacts what people think about pesticides.

CropLife America will be sharing additional insights from its public opinion research in the coming weeks.

Supreme Court to Hear Case Questioning Reach of Clean Water Act

The U.S. Supreme Court will once again be deciding the scope of the Clean Water Act (CWA) after granting a petition to determine whether the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit “set forth the proper test for determining whether wetlands are ‘waters of the United States’” under the CWA. The court issued its decision Jan. 24.

The justices said they will hear an appeal from Chantell and Michael Sackett, a couple from Idaho entangled in a 15-year-old battle to build a house on land that federal regulators say is protected wetlands. The Sacketts won a 2012 Supreme Court ruling in which the court ruled that they could challenge the EPA’s compliance order requiring restoration of the purported wetlands.

Last August, the 9th Circuit issued a decision affirming the EPA’s wetlands determination. The Sacketts filed a new petition seeking a review by the Supreme Court of the court’s fractured Rapanos v. United States ruling dating back to 2016. The fractured 4-1-4 decision in Rapanos interpreted the term “waters of the United States” as covering “relatively permanent, standing or continuously flowing bodies of water” that are connected to traditional navigable waters, as well as wetlands with a continuous surface connection to such waters. Justice Kennedy’s opinion defining covered waters as having a “significant nexus” to “navigable waters” has remained open to judicial interpretation and considerable controversy. Some regulations included water features such as intermittent streams, playa lakes, prairie potholes, sloughs and wetlands as “waters of the United States.”


The EPA urged the court to deny the Chantell and Michael Sackett petition, citing the lack of conflict in the Circuit Courts of Appeals. With that said, the Sacketts have the support of 21 states and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Ultimately, the court could weigh in on what Congress intended for the Clean Water Act’s reach, which could in turn limit the EPA’s authority. The Supreme Court is expected to hear arguments in Sackett v. EPA next term.

Aerial Applicators’ Growing Role Videos Available for Member Use


You have seen NAAA’s 2021 documentaries commemorating the industry’s 100th anniversary. Now NAAA members can share the industry’s legacy after a century of agricultural aviation themselves by downloading all three versions of NAAA’s “Aerial Applicators’ Growing Role: 100 Years of Aerial Application” video series to play at events such as school or club presentations, community fairs and air shows.


NAAA’s documentary is available in three lengths:
  • Full-length extended version (19 minutes)
  • Consumer version (9 minutes)
  • Trailer (2 minutes)
The download versions are only available to NAAA members. Downloading the videos avoids potential glitches that can occur if the documentary is being streamed for an audience through a Wi-Fi or mobile hotspot connection.

To download the videos, follow the download instructions at AgAviation.org/growing-role-downloads. You must log in with your member username and password to access this webpage.

NAAA and NAAREF Board Meetings, Feb. 18-19, Moved from Montreal to Fort Worth

The February 2022 NAAA & NAAREF Board and Committee meetings have moved from Montreal to Fort Worth, Texas, Feb. 18-19. Click here to view a schedule.


All meetings are open to NAAA members. If you’re not a board or committee member but you’re interested in attending, please contact Lindsay Barber for more details.

Hotel Details

Kimpton Harper Hotel

714 Main Street

Fort Worth, TX 76102


Reservations: Call 800-482-8372, Code is NAA (only two A’s) or online here.

Room Rate: $199/night

Room Block Closes: Feb. 8, 2022

Airworthiness Directive Issued on Model UH-1H (Huey) Helicopter Drive Shafts

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain type certificated Model UH-1H restricted category helicopters. This AD was prompted by multiple reports of failure of the main driveshaft. This AD requires establishing a limit to replace certain main driveshafts and a one-time and repetitive inspections of the main driveshafts. NAAA reported on the proposed AD in the April 8, 2021 NAAA eNewsletter.

 

The AD may require action before further flight after its effective date. This AD is effective Feb. 25. The entire AD is available here.

Proposed Airworthiness Directive on Bell 205 and Related Helicopter Models’ Tail Boom Spar Caps

The FAA has proposed a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Textron Inc. Model 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 210, 212, 412, 412CF and 412EP helicopters with a specific part-numbered tail boom left-hand fin spar cap installed. Reports of cracked spar caps prompted this proposed AD. It would require inspecting each spar cap and removing the spar cap from service depending on the inspection results.

Several Bell alert service bulletins (ASB) were issued on April 15, 2020. There are differences between this proposed AD and the alert service bulletins. To view the proposed AD or to submit comments, click here. Comments are due by March 7.

The 205 is the civilian version of the UH-1 (Huey) military helicopter.

Future of Leaded Av Gas Uncertain


In mid-January, the EPA released a letter addressed to several environmental groups and one county in California stating that the agency now intends to develop a proposal regarding whether lead emissions from piston-engine aircraft cause or contribute to air pollution that may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health or welfare. The EPA plans to issue a proposed endangerment finding later this year. After evaluating comments on the proposal, the EPA plans to issue any final endangerment finding in 2023. To read these letters, click here.


Although the automotive industry has been able to move away from leaded fuel by using fuels such as ethanol, the same fuel transition cannot be as easily accomplished with aircraft. Adding ethanol to avgas could lead to vapor lock, cause corrosion, possibly introduce water into the fuel system and reduce the energy content of the fuel. The EPA has in the past accepted the case for continuing to use lead in aviation fuel as it is necessary for the safety of flight with gasoline-powered engines. NAAA insists on safety first for aircraft operations that depend on leaded aviation fuels and will comment as such to the EPA.

An endangerment finding could result in the elimination of leaded avgas. There has been concern about lead in aviation fuel since the 1980s when lead was removed from automotive fuel. While no good solution has been previously found, a new unleaded fuel has been developed. NAAA reported in the July 29, 2021 eNewsletter that the Federal Aviation Administration formally awarded a supplemental type certificate (STC) to General Aviation Modifications Inc. (GAMI) for an unleaded 100-octane avgas called G100. The list of approved engines has been greatly expanded, with more engine approvals expected in the spring of 2022.

EPA Announces Endangered Species Act Protection Policy for New Pesticides

On Jan. 11, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reversed decades of practice by announcing a new policy related to Endangered Species Act (ESA) provisions. From now on, before the EPA registers any new conventional pesticide active ingredient (AI), it will assess the potential effects of the AI on federally listed threatened or endangered species and their designated critical habitats and initiate ESA consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service where appropriate.

Prior to this announcement, the EPA did not consistently assess the potential effects of conventional pesticides on listed species when registering new AIs. This policy often resulted in litigation for the EPA. The agency hopes the new policy will reduce ESA litigation and improve the legal defensibility of new AIs. If the EPA determines that jeopardy or adverse modifications to an endangered species are likely, it will only make a registration decision after adequate mitigation measures are in place.

The EPA is also continuing to explore applying these new ESA approaches to new biopesticide AIs and new antimicrobial AIs. Additionally, the agency is currently developing a detailed work plan to outline additional improvements to further the agency’s compliance with the ESA, including more stakeholder engagement opportunities.

NAAA Comments on Overwatch Aero LLC Drone Petition for Relief from FARs

Last week NAAA submitted comments on Overwatch Aero LLC’s petition for relief from specific parts of Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) 14 CFR § 61 and 91 to operate drones heavier than 55 pounds outside of TFRs and beyond active emergency flights. Because the drones are heavier than 55 pounds, they do not operate under FAR Part 107—regulations for commercial drones under that weight. Overwatch Aero had to request relief from the FAA to be exempt from parts of FAR Part 107 to operate. While requests from drone companies for relief have become routine, NAAA continues to comment against parts of the requests it believes make the airspace less safe for low-altitude manned aircraft.

NAAA’s comments oppose requests for exemptions dealing with airworthiness and maintenance and reiterated that the requirements for heavy drones outside of FAR Part 107 should be identical to those of manned aircraft. NAAA’s comments may be viewed here. If you would like to view the petition for relief, click here.

USDA Unveils Plan to Combat an Additional 50 Million Acres of Wildfires

Last week, the USDA laid out its plan to address the worsening threat of wildfires over the next decade. Specifically, 20 million acres in the National Forest System and an additional 30 million acres of federal, state, tribal and private lands are projected to be treated with preventative efforts like pruning and prescribed burns in the Pacific Northwest, the Sierra Nevada Range in California, the Front Range in Colorado and the Southwest.

 

The new measures are largely funded from the bipartisan infrastructure law that President Joe Biden signed in November. That package included $3.3 billion for the Forest Service and Interior Department for wildfire mitigation and firefighting resources along with $45 million annually for five years to carry out rehabilitation programs in burned areas.

Update Your Information for 2022 Member Directory

Have you moved or changed employers since you renewed your NAAA membership? Allied companies, have you reviewed your company description lately? Ensure your listing in the 2022 NAAA Membership Directory is correct today by logging into your account. If any information has changed, please let us know right away. You can provide your information by:

  • Updating your information at AgAviation.org. Log in using your username and password and update your information under My Profile.
  • Emailing your changes to information@agaviation.org.
  • Responding to the letter or email that you will receive in a couple of weeks.
  • Faxing your changes to (202) 546-5726.
  • Calling the NAAA office at (202) 546-5722.
We must have your updated information by Jan. 25 to guarantee accurate inclusion in the 2022 NAAA Membership Directory!

Set Yourself Up for New Year’s Success by Renewing Your NAAA Membership

Renewals are open for the NAAA 2022 membership year. You can renew online today or over the phone at (202) 546-5722. 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 and celebrate industry milestones. NAAA has spent the past couple of years gearing up to help the industry celebrate 100 years in 2021 and continuing into 2022!

Additional important NAAA membership benefits:

  • Discounts on NAAA attendee and exhibitor fees for the 2022 Ag Aviation Expo in Knoxville, Tennessee, Dec. 5-8. It is four days packed full of sun, fun, education sessions where you can earn CEUs and tons of networking!
  • Legal services on Federal Transportation Laws to NAAA Operator and Pilot Members.
  • NAAA provides proof of distance needed to safely turn an ag aircraft to refute claims made by wind farms, towers and other obstructions. Read more.
  • You'll receive the 2022 NAAA Membership Directory in May. 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, our social media accounts 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.

 

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 the EPA keeps a healthy inventory of crop protection products for aerial use without unnecessary restrictions. Your membership helps us better represent your interests.

NAAA Joins Over 350 Organizations to Oppose Senate Bill Proposing Changes to FIFRA that Eliminate Science-based Decision-Making

NAAA joined more than 350 organizations engaged with pesticide products in a letter sent to members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives that affirms these organizations’ support of the pesticide regulatory system in place today under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The letter is in response to recently introduced legislation (S. 3283) that would undermine the science-based standards contained within our nation’s pesticide law.

S. 3283, introduced by Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), seeks to amend FIFRA in several ways. The first would be to outright ban all organophosphates, neonicotinoids and paraquat. It would allow individual citizens to petition the EPA to identify pesticides the citizen deems to be too dangerous for use. It would ban the use of special local needs and emergency exemptions, registration tools that can provide quick access to pesticides that growers and land managers might need during an outbreak of a new pest or on a specialty crop not included on the original label. S. 3283 would eliminate state preemption for pesticide registration, meaning municipalities or counties could ban pesticides on their own despite the pesticide being approved by the state.


In complete disregard for the work of the EPA’s career scientists in evaluating pesticide safety and oversight of pesticide registration, the legislation would suspend the use of all pesticides considered to be unsafe by the European Union or Canada until the EPA has thoroughly reviewed the pesticides. Since a registered pesticide has already undergone a thorough science-based review by the EPA, it must be assumed that the EPA will be forced to ignore science and base its new conclusions on work done by other countries whose laws do not consider the benefits of pesticides during the registration process. Co-sponsors of S. 3283 include Sen. Kirsten E. Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.).

FIFRA has been amended by Congress several times to strengthen the regulatory standard for safety—most recently through the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) that added specific protections for infants and children. Under the provisions of the current law, pesticides that are approved for use are subject to thorough and continuous review whenever new scientific data becomes available. Officially, federal regulators must review each pesticide approved for use in the U.S. every 15 years, but the reality is that the pace of scientific development means regulators are making formal assessments much more frequently as more data becomes available.

The proposed legislation would jeopardize the continued availability and innovation of pesticide products by imposing an unscientific and unbalanced process that could unnecessarily remove pest control options from those who need them to safely grow crops, to adopt conservation practices such as conservation tillage and resource-saving crop rotations, to control pathogens and disease vectors, and to maintain green spaces, such as wetlands, parks and forests.

NAAA will continue to monitor all federal agencies and the activities of Congress to protect the products the aerial application industry needs.

Winter 2022 Issue of Agricultural Aviation Now Online!

The Winter 2022 issue of Agricultural Aviation is now available online and in the Agricultural Aviation Magazine App. The cover story profiles 2022 NAAA President Jim Perrin. Additional features include an examination of aerial application supply chain issues, a review of ag aviation accidents in 2021, tributes to the 2021 NAAA Award recipients, highlights from the 2021 Ag Aviation Expo and much more!


Highlights inside the Winter 2022 issue include:

Back issues are available in Agricultural Aviation’s Issue Library.

Get the Free Agricultural Aviation App

If you haven’t installed the free Agricultural Aviation Magazine App on your smartphone or tablet, you are missing out on a great way to tap into a library’s worth of Agricultural Aviation issues in the palm of your hand. Download the Agricultural Aviation Magazine App and see how easy it is to use. The app is compatible with all Apple, Google and Amazon mobile devices and can be downloaded from their respective app stores by searching “Agricultural Aviation Magazine.” Enable push notifications to be alerted when new digital editions are published and to receive occasional notifications about pertinent articles.

Order Aerial Application Centennial Specialty Items

Are you looking for gifts for ag pilot enthusiasts in your life? The Support Fundraising Committee has sourced great 100th anniversary of aerial application products so that you can commemorate the anniversary for years to come. These products are for sale until Jan. 31 and will be mailed directly to you.


Click here to view the items and download and fill out the order form. Please do not send the form to NAAA; email it to sales@bobscustomtrophies.com. Call (515) 961-7342 with questions.

 

  1. Wooden Cutting Board: 9” x 13”: $40
  2. Single Cork Coaster (left in photo): 4” with faux suede back: $10 or 4/$35
  3. Blue leatherette coaster with bottle opener: $15

 

  1. 100th Anniversary Logo-etched stemmed wine glass: $20
  2. 100th Anniversary Logo-etched pint glass: $20
  3. 100th Anniversary Logo-etched stemless wine glass: $20
  4. 100th Anniversary Logo-etched rocks glass: $20

Additional 100th Anniversary Resources

  1. AgAviation100.com, featuring three versions of NAAA’s “Aerial Applicators’ Growing Role: 100 Years of Agricultural Aviation” video, a historical timeline and news articles featuring the anniversary from across the U.S.
  2. Purchase Agriculture’s Air Force: 100 Years of Aerial Application book.
  3. Download the 100th anniversary logo for your use.

We All Have a Telling History: Use Yours and NAAA’s Materials to Broadly Communicate Agricultural Aviation’s

By Andrew Moore, NAAA CEO

If you are an active citizen in the world of aerial application, don’t be a static audience member during this epic centennial event. Take the stage with us and bring out your inner thespian as we enunciate the gospel of agricultural aviation to the public. 

 

History is not just documenting famous or infamous people, times and events. We all have a history—a story to tell about ourselves that can contribute to the next and future generations’ betterment. One could also believe that sharing our history is one of the meanings of life—to improve and evolve our world by sharing the key to living a good life and sharing the hazards and obstacles that may hinder such living.

 

NAAA has reached the climax in the centennial epic of sharing our industry’s history to the public, which of course was Aug. 3, 2021. But just because the official centennial anniversary date is behind us doesn’t mean all efforts to share the importance of our industry to the public have passed you by. We will be celebrating the centennial of agricultural aviation for an entire year. We continue to reach out to policymakers, our brethren in the fields of agriculture and aviation, to the trade press, to the public and to the national news media. We continue to share our history of improving the cultivation of food, fiber and bioenergy consumed globally and how we’ve learned from harrowing experiences and evolved technologically to fine-tune our craft, use less product to cover more acres and better care for Mother Earth. We are continuing to use all types of media to educate the public—three different length video documentaries, a comprehensive book of our history, social, print, trade and news media releases and a special website, AgAviation100.com, to share the 10-decade story of ag aviation and we will continue to due so through July of 2022.

 

If you are an active citizen in the world of aerial application—whether an operator, pilot, crew member, service-parts-equipment provider or related tangentially to the industry in another way—don’t be a static audience member during this epic, year-long centennial event. Take the stage with us as we enunciate the gospel of agricultural aviation to the public. Inform your local television stations, newspapers and radio stations about the industry’s 100th anniversary, even if it is by simply directing them to AgAviation100.com. On that site, there is a “Get Involved” tab with a draft press release about the 100th that discusses the importance of the industry, its progressive evolution, and directs readers to AgAviation100.com to learn more. Feel free to cater that press release to your own operation and experience and send it to your local news outlets.

 

You can also brush up on the ag aviation script about the importance of ag aviation, environmental safeguards that are common practice today and other industry talking points on NAAA’s media relations kit webpage that may be found here.

 

The media relations kit also includes suggestions on how to best communicate to the media and public when espousing ag aviation’s significance. If you don’t feel comfortable communicating directly, no worries. NAAA staff and an assortment of ag aviation ambassadors can be used as understudies and take over that role, but do make sure the public and news media in your area are informed of our centennial milestone to maximize the value of this pivotal once-in-a-lifetime event. 


Don’t forget, we all have a great story to tell about this industry. Whether it is how one got into the industry; the training to fine-tune ag aircraft and the application equipment; how ag aviation provides to local employment and the local economy; or how after five generations, our technology and experience are such that we produce more per acre, showing that our care for the environment continues to progress—all of these anecdotes are both important and fascinating to public audiences.

It’s up to us all to tell the story to continue this industry’s remarkable legacy. And again, just because the official anniversary date has occurred, our centennial lasts a year and you can still contribute plenty. Please join the ag aviation cast for this once-in-a-100-year performance that is leading to glowing public reviews and will continue to do so throughout the year.

NAAA Releases Book of the Century! Buy It Today

NAAA has released the book of the century—a century of agricultural aviation, that is.

One hundred years ago, an aerial crop dusting experiment spawned the birth of the agricultural aviation industry. To commemorate agricultural aviation’s 100th anniversary, NAAA is pleased to present Agriculture’s Air Force: 100 Years of Aerial Application.


Agriculture’s Air Force provides a new, updated account of aerial application’s history, 35 years after Mabry Anderson’s masterpiece, Low & Slow: An Insider’s History of Agricultural Aviation, was published. NAAA’s meticulously sourced book is based on a collective history of the agricultural aviation industry based on material from Agricultural Aviation magazine, AgAir Update, Low & Slow and other resources.


Beginning with Agricultural Aviation’s Spring 2021 issue, NAAA has been publishing excerpts from Agriculture’s Air Force and will continue to do so through the Fall 2021 issue. Those stories are just a small slice of what’s in the 268-page hardback edition, however. The complete book contains so much more.


Agriculture’s Air Force delves into the intersection of agriculture and aviation. It chronicles the agricultural aviation industry’s growth from its infancy in 1921 through the boom times after World War II and on to today’s modern era of high-tech aerial application.


The finished hardback book has been years in the making but well worth the effort. “This is a significant piece of work covering not just the industry’s history, but its essence,” NAAA CEO Andrew Moore said. “We are proud of it and believe it will make a lasting contribution to the industry.”

The story of agricultural aviation is much like the broader story of aviation: It is mostly punctuated with interesting smaller moments sandwiched between milestone developments. Aerial application is also the story of technological leaps and bounds.

Agriculture’s Air Force covers five eras spanning more than 10 decades. In addition, it features 34 Spotlight pieces focused on significant individuals, organizations, trends, technologies and topics related to aerial application.


Agriculture’s Air Force: 100 Years of Aerial Application may well be NAAA’s most enduring 100th anniversary initiative. One thing’s for sure: It is no textbook. The commemorative book is written from a fresh perspective that is entertaining and enlightening. Readers will come away with a new appreciation for agricultural aviation as a profession and the dedicated individuals who propel it forward.

Order Your Copy of Agriculture’s Air Force Today!

Agriculture’s Air Force retails for $45, excluding shipping. Order it from AgAir Update’s Online Store.