COVID-19 Versus an Ag-Pilot’s Safety

COVID-19 Versus an Ag-Pilot’s Safety

Today is March 16, 2020. Typically, I wait until the last week before publication to write my editorial. This allows me to comment on the latest happenings in the industry. However, I’m writing a little earlier this month with the recent developments of the coronavirus, COVID-19.

In the U.S., we are in the early stages of the now-declared global pandemic. Just over the weekend, schools have closed for two weeks, some longer. The airlines are reporting 40-75% reductions in flights. Large public gatherings are being canceled. People are cleaning out grocery stores. Things are becoming a bit inconvenient, unless you are elderly, or have a compromised immune system, and have the virus. Then, the inconvenience becomes life-threatening.

My hope is all this hysteria will subside as the northern hemisphere advances deeper into spring’s warmer climate, and the “social distancing” takes its toll on the virus spreading. This temperature change has been true with other flu viruses. At this time, it remains to be seen with COVID-19. However, today I received an email from one of my Brazilian representatives saying that the country is starting to implement safety measures, cinemas, and museums “ordered” to close and other social distancing practices. After all, they are beginning their cold season, whereas the northern hemisphere is ending its.

If the virus continues to spread into Latin America and other southern hemisphere countries that are entering into the fall season, social distancing will create problems. Depending on how the virus presents itself in the coming days and months, upcoming trade shows could be canceled; international airline tickets may not be available. Besides, who wants to sit on an aircraft for 10 hours worrying about catching the virus? Fortunately, ag-pilots work in a minimalhuman-contact environment, as do their grower

customers. There may be considerations given for industry trade shows and other gatherings, even mandated quarantines, but pests and plant disease are not going to respond in any manner related to COVID-19. Pests will keep eating and rotting. Plants will still require nutrients and water. So, I expect the agricultural industry to prevail during this trying time. I believe ag-operators will continue to need products and services, e.g., fuel, aircraft parts, maintenance, etc. Life at the airstrip won’t change.

Probably a greater danger to ag-pilots than COVID-19 is ourselves. Yes, that is true. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reports show year after year the industry suffers more from nonmechanical accidents than mechanical, meaning human error.

Sometimes we can’t control a mechanical accident. Of course, we can help minimize mechanical accidents with proper maintenance. However, we almost have complete control over a non-mechanical accident caused by the pilot. Everyone knows how this works; diet, rest and a safety-oriented mindset. When we “cheat” on these ways of improving safety, we inadvertently put ourselves in a position that could compromise our well-being.

In an analogy, ag-pilots become the elderly, and the virus becomes the accident. As those at risk practice clean health and social distancing, ag-pilots should do the same, but in the tone of a daily reset of the safety mindset. Just don’t allow fatigue and complacency to take hold. It is kind of like using sanitizer and hand washing for the brain.

Until next month, keep turning…