Unforetold Changes

FROM THE COCKPIT

Bill Lavender bill@agairupdate.com

Up until recently, in all of the 47 years I’ve been in ag-aviation as both an ag-pilot, operator and industry publisher, did I ever think there would come a time, or a situation, where multiple state trade shows would cancel their in-person events. Of course, in those decades I did not and (probably no one else) believe our country and world would be besieged by a virus to such a degree as Covid-19. This virus has become a game changer and I’m not so sure the game has been played correctly.

Yesterday, I received notification that the Northeast AA Association would be virtually hosting its convention instead of a traditional inperson event. In the past few weeks, I’ve received notices from a multitude of state shows including; Arkansas, California, Mid-States, Missouri, Northeast, Montana (AMAA), SEAF and Tri-States with possibly more canceling in the future. Based on the current situation with Covid-19, I can’t say that I blame these state shows’ decision makers for the decision they have made. Many believe they could host a safe convention, but regulatory rules in the various states with no standards make it difficult at best. No state association wants to be the “mask police”.

I’ve attended enough state shows to know that socializing is a key element of a state convention. I know it would be a challenge to tell an ag-pilot, “You are number 11 and our bar only allows 10.” Not good. Or, “Sir, you must wear a mask to enter this meeting.” Again, not good.

There are arguments on both sides about the best way to prevent catching Covid-19. Many would say, “So what? It’s no worse than the flu.” Maybe so for some, maybe not for others; that’s the big predicament.

AgAir Update will be attending most of the inperson state shows, as well as NAAA’s Ag Aviation Expo. It’s not that we are superhuman, but we believe in risk/benefit. At my age, 68, I’m a bit more cautious, while Graham, at 42, may not need to be. I say that while I am packing my bags to travel for 10 days to a “Do Not Travel” (per the U.S. Embassy) country, Brazil. Time will tell if that was a smart thing to do.

All in all, I believe each individual has to decide what is best. Whatever that decision is, support your state the best way that you can. This Covid-19 fiasco will pass with time and things will return to normal. Some say,”the day after the election.” I believe more likely a few months after an effective vaccine is distributed.

Moving from the present challenges of Covid-19, I’d like to reflect on one of the worst years in decades for ag-aviation fatalities. At this time, I know of at least a dozen fatalities, including four or five that were involved in aerial firefighting. Yes, I know aerial firefighting is not ag-flying. But, in most cases those pilots were brothers coming from ag-aviation and their loss to me is just as great. I can’t help but put their passing in the mix.

I know counting aerial firefighting in the fatality number is not good, or fair, to ag-aviation and doesn’t help to promote NAAREF’s PAASS program. Without a doubt, PAASS has saved a number of lives, a number we will never know. But, I have no doubts that PAASS has been a life saver, among a host of other benefits for the industry. The fatalities this year are not a reflection on PAASS, NAAA or any state’s efforts to enhance safety. It is a direct reflection on the pilots in most cases and to some degree the nature of the business.

I’m not about to armchair quarterback these fatal accidents. If you look, many were very hightime pilots, some young, some old. There really isn’t any trending to lock onto that we could say was the major contributor. If there was one thing all ag-pilots could do is to somehow evaluate every flight beforehand with safety as the primary element. But, if the engine quits at the exact wrong time with no warning, the outcome is what it is.

I can say to older pilots with firsthand knowledge, be very respectful of your age. If you believe you are as good as you ever were, then you are lying to yourself. Most of those that I know of the older generation, 60 years old and older, are slowing down and flying differently than in their youth. A good practice. The body ages and it doesn’t work the way it used to. This aging thing requires a degree of adaptation that may include hanging up the helmet. Even if you decide to fly less and easier missions in your 60s and older, all that does is exacerbate the problem by a reduction in proficiency. Denial in all phases of life is a very dangerous proposition.

Until next month, Keep Turning…