AgAir Update – August 2024

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| | INTO THE DARKNESS FLAMMABLE CLOTHING A BIRD OF A DIFFERENT FEATHER DON'T GIVE UP, GET UP

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DON'T GIVE UP, GET UP

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FROM THE COCKPIT

Fatigue

Most ag plots in the northern hemisphere are entering a time of increased fatigue. Some have already entered this phase, but still many are just starting. I know that everyone is aware of the insidious effects that fatigue is famous for: falling asleep in a turn or becoming inordinately absentminded, even denial. If you are an ag-pilot, you have experienced fatigue at some point. But did you take action to account for it?

I remember well that in the late 1970s while flying my Ag-Cat, I fell asleep on the way to the field. Fortunately, my falling asleep was a severe degree of nodding, waking up with a start wondering, what am I doing? It was scary, and the jolt kept me awake until I finished the load. A nap was in order before any more loads.

There is nothing to be ashamed of for taking a “power nap” in the middle of the day. Simply putting yourself in a comfortable position to relax and close your eyes will allow you to experience a power nap. The trick is to not go into a deep sleep. These naps work better if you lay down for 15-20 minutes in a twilight-sort experience. Falling into a deep sleep would be a mistake at this time unless you have ample time to sleep.

However, power naps will not replace chronic tiredness or sleep deprivation. In this case, you need a whole night’s sleep, whether six or ten hours, depending on your needs. You take the time to spray a field correctly, be sure loads are appropriately mixed and tend to do all the things that go along with being an ag-pilot. There is no excuse for ignoring your physical needs regarding proper rest during a spray season.

Getting enough rest and eating right go hand in hand when flying ag. It takes energy to function at your best, and energy comes from quality food and rest. You are in dangerous territory if you can’t manage these two requirements.

Quality food? Yes, complex carbohydrates, protein and fluids. I believe you will get enough fats incidentally. Take time to fuel your body in the mornings with breakfast and, at a minimum, a snack for lunch. A heavy lunch may not be a good idea during the season, no delicious Mexican burritos!

Don’t depend on coffee or any caffeinated food source to replace diet and sleep. While caffeine works fine initially, it can have a rebound effect, letting you down when you need it most.

Why am I bringing this up now? Obviously, it is that time of year. Everyone already knows the things that I have pointed out. Then, why do we still make fatiguerelated accidents? It takes an especially good ag-pilot to recognize these shortfalls and take action to resolve them. Are you one?

The U.S. ag-aviation industry has had multiple fatalities this season, and there are still several months remaining in the season. There isn’t a way to determine if any of these fatalities were related to diet or sleep deprivation. For those that had an accident and survived, they should know how sharp their mental state was at the time. Maybe they will have another opportunity to climb back in the saddle again. I believe now would be an excellent time for me to take a power nap!

Until next month, Keep Turning…

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

September 30 - October 4, 2024

2024 Operation S.A.F.E. Analyst Training Delta State University Cleveland, MS

Dr. Dennis Gardisser dgardisser@icloud.com 501-676-1762

October 10-12, 2024

NAAA & NAAREF Oct. 2024 Board Meetings DoubleTree Chattanooga Chattanooga, TN

Lauren Henretty Lhenretty@agaviation.org 202-546-5722

October 16-17, 2024

Michigan AAA Fall Meeting AgroLiquid Building

3055 W M-21

St Johns, MI 48879

Tim Swanson flyingfarmertim@hotmail.com 989-292-1362

October 21-23, 2024

Kansas AAA Convention Drury Broadway Inn Wichita, KS

Rhonda McCurry kaaa@ksagaviation.org 316-650-6857

October 28-30, 2024

California AAA Convention Embassy Suites, Napa Valley Napa, CA Terry Gage terry.gage@caaa.net 916-645-9747

November 04-05, 2024

Pacific NW AAA Convention

The Coeur D’Alene Resort 115 S 2nd St Coeur D’Alene, ID 83814

Tara Lea Brown pnwaaa@gmail.com 509-989-9098

November 18-21, 2024

2024 Ag Aviation Expo Fort Worth Convention Center Fort Worth, TX

Lauren Henretty Lhenretty@agaviation.org 202-546-5722

December 10-12, 2024

Mid-States Ag Aviation Conference Isle of Capri/Quad Cities Convention Center

Bettendorf, IA Quintin Childs 515-229-1856 qchilds@insmgmtgrp.com

January 03-05, 2025

Arkansas AAA Convention

Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort Hot Springs, AR

Katherine Holmstrom katherine@araaa.org 870-830-2308

January 06-08, 2025

Louisiana AAA Conference

TBA Kim Brown laagaviation@outlook.com 225-436-3199

January 08-10, 2025

Texas AAA Convention

TBA Chris Shields cshields@thetexascapitol.com 512-476-2644

January 14, 2025

Arizona AAA PAASS Program Custom Farm Service of Arizona Stanfield, AZ

Brittany Armstrong barmstrong@agairusa.com 520-705-9692

January 15, 2025

Ohio AAA Meeting

TBA Brian Gibbs gibbsaerospray@gmail.com 419-332-1724

January 15-16, 2025

Missouri AAA Convention Drury Hotel Cape Girardeau, MO

Eric Blair ericb802@yahoo.com 573-283-5590

January 16-18, 2025

Mississippi AAA Convention Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Biloxi, MS Vicki Morgan vickimorgan@msaaa.com 662-455-0070

January 19-21, 2025

Oklahoma AAA Convention Embassy Suites Norman, OK Sandy Wells sandy@okaaa.org 405-431-0381

January 22-24, 2025

New Mexico AAA Convention Inn at the Mountain Gods Mescalero, NM Seaver Tate seavtate@gmail.com 575-799-2504

February 3-5, 2025

Southeast Aero Cultural Fair (SEAF) TBA Ashley Houston aehouston81@gmail.com 270-293-3843

February 11-13, 2025

Tri-State Aerial Applicators Convention Alerus Center

Grand Forks, ND Cindy Schreiber Beck cindy@tri-stateaviation.com 701-899-3232

February 17-20, 2025

Canadian AAA Conference Bonaventure Montreal Montreal, Canada Shara Tardif

ed@canadianaerialapplicators.com 780-413-0078

February 20-22, 2025

NAAA & NAAREF February Board Meetings Bonaventure Montreal Montreal, Canada

Lauren Henretty Lhenretty@agaviation.org 202-546-5722

February 24-26, 2025

Nebraska ATA Convention Younes Conference Center North Kearney, NE

Taylor Moore taylor@youraam.com 402-761-2216

October 9-11, 2025

NAAA & NAAREF October Board Meetings

Sheraton Flowood The Refuge Flowood (Jackson), MS

Lauren Henretty Lhenretty@agaviation.org 202-546-5722

November 17-20, 2025

2025 Ag Aviation Expo Atlantis & Reno Convention Center Reno, NV

Lauren Henretty Lhenretty@agaviation.org 202-546-5722

November 16-19, 2026

2026 Ag Aviation Expo Savannah Convention Center Savannah, GA

Lauren Henretty Lhenretty@agaviation.org 202-546-5722

November 15-18, 2027

2027 Ag Aviation Expo

Oklahoma City Convention Center

Oklahoma City, OK

Lauren Henretty Lhenretty@agaviation.org 202-546-5722

AGAV PICS

A beautiful paint on this R44 spraying in South Africa.
- Photo by @bachelicopters on IG
A sunset shot of the most patriotic Thrush around. - Photo by @lifeoflauran on IG
A Thrush on a pass spraying soybeans in South Africa.
- Photo by @highlandfarms_za
A Thrush comes in for landing in Guatemala. - Photo by @aviacion_agricola_guatemalteca on IG
An Air Tractor sprays corn in South Africa.
- Photo by @taylor_holl on IG
A beautiful sunset as the day ends in Texas.
- Photo by @bernodp on IG
An AT-802 on a spray run in Arkansas.
- Photo by @samsmith.photos on IG
Corn spraying with the Ag Cat.
- Photo by @ejs.photography_ on IG
Crop spraying in Eldridge, Iowa.
- Photo by @tuckerwildlifeimages on IG
Forest Air treating pine trees in New South Wales, Australia.
- Photo by @forestairhelicopters on IG
Head on with the Air Tractor AT-802 in Arkansas.
- Photo by @deltaplanespotter on IG
The Bell 47, one of the oldest crop spraying helicopters in operation.
- Photo by @av8orrheli on IG

DON'T GIVE UP, GET UP

Guy McClary’s roots are in central South Carolina. He grew up on a tobacco farm, and as the son of a multi-generational tobacco farmer, Guy was destined to follow in the family tradition. Guy’s father, J.W. McClary, was a WWII veteran and one of 12 children. He was born and raised in the Williamsburg, South Carolina area, just as Guy was, and spent his life cultivating tobacco. However, Guy aspired to play

professional baseball and was accepted into college to do just that. A shoulder injury, one of the first setbacks in McClary’s life, set the stage for his lifelong determination and the never-give-up attitude he carries to this day. After the injury, Guy found himself ready to join the family business of farming.

(Continued on page 13)

“If you’re going to get into farming, you’re going to get into farming,” Guy explains what his dad told him in 1974, right before he took him to the local Production Credit Association to co-sign a loan. It was either “make it or break it,” according to Guy’s dad. He took out a crop loan for tractors, cultivators, and other items. Guy was now in farming and had the debt to prove it.

In Guy’s spare time, a local friend was flying Cessna 188s in the area, and Guy would assist him in loading the airplane and helping with the flying operation. The friend also owned a Cherokee 140, piquing Guy’s interest in aviation, specifically ag aviation. Guy went on to obtain his Private and Commercial certificates. After many afternoons of sitting, talking, planning, and learning, Guy started his ag flying career in a Cessna 188 with Henry Haddock of Haddock Flying Service, operating three Cessna 188s.

Guy’s first year wasn’t without challenges, having several encounters with power lines in the Cessna. True to what was shaping up to be his mantra, Guy didn’t give up and

(Continued on page 16)

learned from the experience. He continued flying for Haddock Flying Service for the next 13 years.

In the mid-1980s, after a downturn in local farming and a hurricane, the Cessnas were replaced with two AT-301s, and a third AT-301 was added to the fleet. Guy and Henry became partners in the business and added two Hiller 12Es for row crop and forestry work.

By the end of the 1980s, the pair added turbine power to their fleet, replacing the AT-301s with an AT-402. This arrangement continued until the partnership dissolved in 2000, and Guy formed Williamsburg Air Service with the AT-402.

Williamsburg Air Service grew throughout the next decade with Guy at the helm. Multiple airplanes and helicopters were added to the fleet, and mosquito control was added

(Continued on page 18)

to the forestry contracts. Guy mentored a new pilot during this period, Tommy Phillips, just as Guy was mentored in the 1970s with a Cessna 188. But, the growth wasn’t without challenges. With three AT-402s and various other aircraft, Williamsburg Air Service suffered a hangar fire that took out most of its fleet. Vowing not to quit and with perseverance, Guy pushed through.

Guy says, “When I lost all the airplanes in the fire, I thought this was it. But I don’t give up; I get up. As in sports, when I am injured or whatever life throws, I don’t give up; I get up.”

In 2013, Guy added a brand new AT-402 to Williamsburg Air Service, and in 2021, he traded his two AT-402s for a new 502XP. The AT-502XP was a game changer for Williamsburg Air Service, so much so that in 2023, he bought another one.

Williamsburg Air Service currently runs two AT-502XPs, an AT-402, a Cessna 188 equipped with CPs, and two Piper Aztecs with Micronairs for mosquito control. The Aztecs handle numerous mosquito contracts along the Eastern seaboard.

(Continued on page 20)

The fleet is equipped with Ag-Nav GPS guidance, which Guy has been a proponent of since he began using GPS. “The Ag-Nav GPS units are all we have ever used, and I couldn’t be happier with them; from row crop to forestry to mosquito control, they just work,” comments Guy.

Williamsburg Air Service mostly does 2-5 gallon applications for row crops and ULV applications for mosquito control.

Williamsburg Air Service is a family affair, with Guy’s daughter working alongside him, as do his grandchildren when they aren’t playing sports or in school. The family also runs a spray parts service for local growers as part of Williamsburg Air Service and even sells ammunition in the off-season.

Guy McClary credits God for his success through all his challenges and accomplishments. Over his long career in agriculture and aviation, his mantra has served him well: “I don’t give up; I get up.”

Into thE

There I was, a half-hour past sunset on a moonless night, returning to a remote airstrip from a spray run in a field 25 minutes away. Dusk had quickly turned into darkness. Navigation was no problem because you could see forever, lights from small towns’ acting like beacons in an otherwise stark, featureless landscape. Getting close to the airstrip wasn’t a problem, but sometimes, being close doesn’t cut the mustard.

Darkness

At least I could count on the single but powerful landing light. But the gods of aviation don’t take kindly to poor decision making - why was I spraying in marginal lighting conditions - and about ten miles back from where I thought would line up with the runway centerline, I lowered the landing light and switched it on. To my intense surprise and dismay, I found it was inoperative. Recycling the switch didn’t cure the situation.

(Continued on page 24)

So, there was the challenge: landing without lights on a very dark night on a dark green grass airstrip that I was unfamiliar with bordered by dark green wheat fields on both sides. However,there weren’t a lot of viable options, as my well-lit paved home strip was over an hour away and I didn’t have sufficient fuel to make the trip. My original plan was to refuel at the remote strip and then head home.

I remember two very distinct thoughts during the round out. Where was that darned runway anyway? It is impossible to see in the inky blackness distinctly. And briefly, recalling from a lecture long ago on how the eyes perceive in low light conditions, should I turn my head to let the rods handle the image-making, as the cones had now slipped into second-place functionality? It was another one of those moments where I wished I had listened a bit more during the lecture on how our eyes cope with various light conditions.

At any rate, I was first-time lucky and set down with a bit of a thump, but nonetheless, I was safe and secure on terra firma. I would characterize the taxing back to the loading area as gingerly at best, as I was still

struggling to perceive the border between the grass runway and the wheatfields.

Once I had the aircraft shut down and secured at the parking area and my blood pressure returned to some sense of normalcy, I had time to reflect on what could have been a much more serious outcome. The first question, of course, was why I had pushed the boundaries of spraying.

The simple answer was that I had made a poor judgment call. I had almost finished the field and wanted to get it done that day (now rapidly turning into night) fully realizing that the last few runs would be flown in borderline darkness. The one big item missing on my briefly concocted operations plan was the ‘oops factor’, i.e. that which will happen when the gremlins of aviation find one pressing the limits of operations.

At the center of the many issues was the fact that the landing light didn’t work. I couldn’t remember the last time I used it or checked it out on the ground. Pre-flight checks

(Continued on page 26)

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are made for this purpose: to ensure that simple items are not missed, which could become very complex in short order if overlooked.

The next item for review was my rigid stance on the need to finish spraying a field in marginal conditions. I remember that the weather for the next few days would prohibit operations, which was undoubtedly part of my decision-making process. Whether it is operating in wind or temperature or lighting conditions that should have been prohibitive, that a version of get-home-itis superseded safety margin, what I refer to as get-it-doneitis, that dangerous inclination to continue working, all the while overriding logic and just plain good sense.

There are many statistics available online highlighting the many accidents caused by pilots continuing to a destination or trying to complete a job at all costs. The basis is the self-imposed pressure to get the job done, which becomes the determining factor in the incident or accident. Lurking just behind that lurks the specter of fatigue, that ever-present danger that enters the fray at the worst possible time.

We’ve all been there when our good judgment gets the heave-ho. Armchair quarterbacks can offer sage but baseless advice on what you should have done. However, decision-making is a very complex exercise, where the diagnosis and situational awareness can be

compromised when made in an office moving at over 100 mph in a risky environment, most often done under critical time pressures.

Back to the central issue of landing in the darkness. My ad hoc safety report noted that when I checked the landing light the next day, it didn’t work then either. Cause? A simple popped circuit breaker that, once reset, fixed the problem. My preflight check hadn’t noticed the errant C/B, as it wasn’t as comprehensive and complete as possible.

Another issue was the landing area itself. It was great for daytime work where visibility wasn’t a problem, but not so good for night work of any kind. I had not considered that a factor when flying to remote locations from my home base. However, the next day, I got the owner to invest in highly reflective portable runway markers that were visible even on a very dark night. It is just one more piece of the puzzle that goes into making operations safe and effective.

It goes without saying that if you are an ag aviator, you may have been and most likely will be presented with issues such as this one, where the need to get the job done will move from the bottom of the list of priorities – well behind safety and effectiveness – to first place. Hopefully, you’ll take a second look, correctly reassess the situation, and put that strong urge to continue in its proper place back where it belongs.

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Air Tractor: AT-300, AT-301, AT-302, AT-400, AT-400A, AT-401, AT-401A, AT-401B, AT-402, AT-402A, AT-402B, AT-501, AT-502, AT-502A, AT-502B, AT-504

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NAAA Publicizing the Importance of Aerially Seeding Cover Crops

The National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) is the public relations advocate for the aerial application industry, promoting the important work of ag pilots throughout the year. NAAA’s efforts include providing external communications via press releases to agriculture and aviation media outlets, in addition to the larger news media; participating in media interviews; and contributing content to other agriculture publications, such as Farm Journal’s The Scoop

This includes educating the agriculture community on one of the most promising conservation practices aerial applicators can assist farmers with, which is seeding cover crops. Later this summer, for the second year in a row, NAAA will send a press release to media outlets highlighting the unique benefits of aerially seeding cover crops. Aerial application allows the cover crop seed to be spread over the existing cash crop without any disruption

to the standing crop. This means the cover crop can already be established when the cash crop is harvested, allowing it more time to hydrate, nourish and aerate the soil.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) 2022 agriculture census, 18 million cover crop acres were planted, which is 2.6 million (or 17%) more than the 2017 census. Cover crops were planted on 4.7 percent of total cropland in 2022. Cover crops are a huge opportunity for growth within the aerial application industry, as agricultural aircraft are by far the fastest method of application, allowing for the most acres to be seeded within the allowable planting window.

Growing cover crops increases soil carbon sequestration, which involves removing and storing carbon dioxide

(Continued on page 30)

Thirty-five years after the first great historical account of the industry—Mabry Anderson’s Low & Slow: An Insider’s History of Agricultural Aviation—comes a new, updated account of aerial application’s history from the National Agricultural Aviation Association: Agriculture’s Air Force: 100 Years of Aerial Application

Based on a collective history of the agricultural aviation industry sourced from Agricultural Aviation magazine, AgAir Update, Low & Slow and other materials, Agriculture’s Air Force 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.

Whether you are an aviation enthusiast, have an appreciation for agriculture or are simply awed by the aerial ballet of these low-flying aviators, pull up a seat and tag along with Agriculture’s Air Force! (Available in hardback.)

from the atmosphere. Aerial applicators seed 3.8 million acres of cover crops annually, which means they are responsible for helping to sequester 1.9 million metric tons of CO2 annually. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this would be the equivalent of removing approximately 412,000 cars with carboncombustion engines from the roads each year.

In addition to NAAA sending a press release to national media, NAAA has prepared a press release that members can personalize for their operation to send to local media outlets to impress their local community on this important conservation method. Find the press release at www. AgAviation.org/communications/media-relations-kit/.

In addition to this communications work, NAAA continues its external communications focus by providing an article in Farm Journal’s The Scoop, which is a widely circulated agricultural publication. NAAA is touting the benefits of aerial application and hiring ag pilots to handle the seeding of cover crops and other aerial application services. The article has the potential circulation to reach 150,000 ag retailers, crop consultants and farmers nationwide. In addition to the article, in August and September, two ads

will appear in The Daily Scoop eNewsletter promoting aerial application services and referring readers to search the location of NAAA operator member aerial applicator businesses in the “Find an Aerial Applicator” database.

Join NAAA

If you’re an aerial application operator who would like to be listed on the “Find an Aerial Applicator” database, join NAAA by calling (202) 546-5722 or visiting AgAviation.org/membership.

The most effective way to address the range of critical issues facing your business is by joining NAAA. The payoff far exceeds what you will spend in dues in the form of positive industry marketing, effective advocacy, national representation, education and safety programs and the personal connections you will make as you participate in association activities. NAAA membership can also be deducted as a business expense.

NAAA Hires Amy May as Manager of Communications & Meetings

NAAA is excited to announce the hiring of longtime NAAA member Amy May as NAAA’s Manager of Communications & Meetings. Amy brings 20+ years of experience in communications and organization in her years of work as a social work coordinator, office manager and client account manager. In addition, she has served on various NAAA and Support committees for several years. Amy’s husband is NAAA Operator member, Tom May of Flying M Applicators Inc. in Holdrege, Neb. Amy will use her experience to help in NAAA’s communications activities and assist with planning the Ag Aviation Expo and board meetings. She will be working with Lindsay Barber, NAAA’s Director of Communications & Meetings.

Amy is a graduate of the University of Nebraska and lives with Tom and their two sons in Holdrege, Neb. Please help us in welcoming Amy to the NAAA staff.

Plane Cents Aviation Announces Another Successful Graduate

Plane Cents Aviation announced July 5, 2024, that Brett Moore a resident of Show Low, Arizona completed the company's ag aviation program successfully at the company's training academy in Miller, Missouri.

Brett's short term goals are to continue his education in the ag industry as he begins his aviation career ag flying as he aims to work across the country and immerse himself in the agricultural aviation industry and its culture.

Brett also hopes to turn his career into writing about the industry, aiming to write a comprehensive manual covering all disciplines of flying, covering the culture, expectations, techniques, agricultural application and the career of becoming an aviator.

Brett will begin his journey flying for Plane Cents Aviation, LLC. Plane Cents wishes Brett the very best, safe flying!

Scott Wayne Rainey Lost in Ag Aviation Accident

Scott Wayne Rainey, 61, died June 25, 2024 in a tragic aviation accident. Although Scott lived in Tennessee, he attended every Arkansas convention and will be greatly missed by many in our membership.

Mr. Rainey was born on March 7, 1963 in Union City, TN to Jimmy Wayne Rainey and the late Marjorie Lynn (Stover) Rainey. He was Owner/Operator for Rainey Aerial AG Service, Inc. On August 8, 1987, he married Judy McGuire. He was a member of the Everett Stewart Regional Airport Board, Commercial Bank and Trust Advisory Board, Community Bible Church, American Bonanza Society, AOPA, and was a life long member of the National Agricultural Aviation Association. He enjoyed riding motorcycles and spending time with family and friends.

The family requests memorials be sent to: Community Bible Church or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

He is survived by his father, Jimmy Rainey and wife Gloria of Obion, his wife, Judy Rainey, two sons, Garett Rainey and girlfriend Shelby Jones, Brycen Rainey and girlfriend Torri Daniels, granddogs, Stormy and Simba, all of Obion, brother, Brian Rainey and wife Cynthia of Obion, sister, Angela Rainey and Roger Smith of Somerville, two nieces, Brandy Rainey of Tiptonville, niece, Lindsey Ray and husband Jacob of Hornbeak, and several great nieces and great nephews.

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Casey Leon Couch Passes

Casey Leon Couch, 47, of Paragould, passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2024 at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center. He is survived by his loving wife Bridgett and their children, Colton, Luke, and Layne. Casey was known for his unwavering faith and positivity, facing life's challenges with resilience and a constant smile. He achieved much in his life, earning a degree in plant science, marrying his soulmate, obtaining his pilot’s license, and successfully running his own company. However, his greatest pride lay in his family's faith and wellbeing.

Casey was a humble and selfless man who attributed his successes to God, often stating “I am the most blessed person I know.” Despite health struggles, he maintained an optimistic outlook, always grateful for each day. He was

the cornerstone of his family, deeply cherished by all who knew him. While his passing leaves a tremendous gap, his loved ones find comfort in knowing without a shadow of doubt that he is in heaven, and they will see him again.

In addition to his wife and children, Casey is survived by his parents Randy and Kim Couch, brothers Corey and Cade Couch and their families, sister-in-law Jennifer Andrews and her husband Bob, nieces Kinzie Worlow and Bailey Andrews with her daughter Haven, nephew Porter Couch, and many other relatives and friends.

Visitation was held on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at Mitchell Funeral Home, followed by a funeral service on Thursday, July 18, 2024 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church officiated by Rhyne Putman. Burial took place at Mt. Zion Cemetery, with pallbearers including Cade Couch, Bob Andrews, Clayton Miller, Joey Massey, Danny Andrews, and Cody Bennett, and the Honorary Pallbearers who are the Employees of Couch Helicopter and Corey Couch.

Family Fun Day

Thrush Aircraft, located in Albany, GA held its first ever Thrush Family Day in June. The event was a chance for employees to show their families the ins and outs of aircraft manufacturing and what the employees do each day. Over 360 attendees enjoyed multiple food trucks, bounce houses and obstacle courses, as well as corn hole, a dunking booth, a spades tournament and miscellaneous arts and crafts.

Aircraft photo ops, along with Q&A for the kids, factory tours, and raffles, also complimented the day. The crowd was treated to an aerial demonstration by one of the newly finished Thrush 510P2.

Family Fun Day

Lane Aviation Welcomes Patrick Humphrey as Operations Manager

Lane Aviation, Inc., an Air Tractor dealer in Rosenberg, TX, recently welcomed Patrick Humphrey as its Operations Manager.

Originally from South Georgia, Patrick attended the University of West Georgia, Middle Georgia State Aviation Program, and AgFlight in Bainbridge, GA. He started his career at Souther Field Aviation in Georgia, progressing from loader to aerial applicator, working in maintenance, representing the company at trade shows and managing aircraft ferrying.

“I am truly excited and eager to bring my background and experience to Lane Aviation. It's an honor to be part of this incredible family. They've built an outstanding operation, and I'm committed to serving this company and its customers to the best of my ability," comments Humphrey.

Lane Aviation will celebrate its 80th year in business in 2025. Located in Rosenberg, TX, Lane Aviation is now in its third generation of ownership, with Logan Lane serving as its President.

“We are excited to welcome Patrick to the team at Lane Aviation. Being able to draw on his personal experience in aerial application, aircraft sales, and customer experience will be a great asset for our operations and, most importantly, our customers. We look forward to a bright future with Patrick being involved.” said Lane Aviation President Logan Lane

Patrick and his wife Alexa have relocated to the Houston, TX, area with their children, Fletcher (5), McCartney (4) and Fowler (1). They look forward to calling Texas home.

Patrick Humphrey (L) and Lane Aviation President Logan Lane (R)

CRAYMER’S COUNSEL

Exceedances

Unscheduled events are incidents that none of us want or need, but they do happen despite our best efforts. The maintenance manual contains a pretty big list of events that Pratt & Whitney Canada describes as unscheduled events. They cover everything from a prop strike to immersion in water. In this article, let’s look at some exceedances; specifically, we will look at over torque and over temperature.

When either a temperature or torque event occurs, information is going to be key. Knowing the answer to the following questions is extremely important: How far above the redline? How long did it stay above redline? This information helps the engine shop determine the work scope required to return the engine to service. This is where the MVP-50T or any engine monitoring system comes in handy. Recorded data can be downloaded and provide accurate readings on exceedance and duration. When something outside the ordinary happens, the

pilot can be busy; the most important thing is to get the airplane safely on the ground. That is why engine monitoring systems are a benefit to an operation.

You may be asked to complete a service information letter Gen-135 when one of these unscheduled events occurs. This is a form describing the circumstances of what occurred. If the engine is still under warranty, Pratt & Whitney Canada may also require a second form to be completed. Ask for help if needed; we always want to ensure you don’t inadvertently cause yourself struggles and pain by not crossing all the t’s. You can also visit about what needs to be done with your Pratt & Whitney Canada field service rep or C-First.

What is the first step if an over-temp event has occurred or is suspected? First, we must ensure the indicating system is functioning correctly. Make sure what the pilot witnessed

(Continued on page 48)

PT6A-34 CTVR after overtemp.
Cracked blade.

was accurately reflected in the cockpit. Next, we must discuss the over-temp event. Critical components of this event are peak temperature and duration. The maintenance manual has a chart where you can line up the temperature and time, and the chart will provide the maintenance requirements. There is a limit where no action is required if the event occurs within the range. The next level is to determine and correct the cause of the overtemperature. A visual engine inspection may also be a maintenance requirement after an over-temp. As temperature and duration go up, so does the level of maintenance. If it cannot be determined how long the event lasted or the peak temperature reached, then one must assume the worst case. Engine removal and engine shop visits are required for all Area C category events. When the temperature cannot be determined, you must indicate “Unknown Temperature” when sending the engine in for inspection. This is the signal to the engine shop on how to proceed. The inspection process can include destructive testing of at least two compressor turbine blades, followed by other inspection requirements in the PT6 manual. These actions are for over-temp events that are not at the start. If you have an exceedance of temperature on startup, there is a separate chart to determine what steps must be taken.

The maintenance manual also discusses inadvertent cut-off and relight of the engine during taxi. This is an event of its own and should be handled as stated in the maintenance manual. We have seen issues directly linked to inadvertent cut-off and relight, including failure of the compressor turbine blades. It is extremely important to follow the inspection criteria when such an event occurs.

Shifting the focus to over torque, like the over-temp event, there is a chart with the duration on one side and maximum torque reached on the other. Maintenance requirements are from no maintenance action to return the engine to the shop. If you fall between those categories, your engine has actions to monitor. First, we want to verify the indicating system is accurate. Next look at the oil system, we are looking for metal and debris in the oil. Rotate the propeller, listening for unusual noise. Pull the chip detector(s), oil strainers and the oil filter and look for debris. Per the maintenance manual, perform a ground run if everything looks and sounds normal. Ensure that nothing has changed in propeller operation, such as acceleration at the start or abrupt deceleration at shutdown. Run the engine to a specified power setting in the manual. Once the engine run is complete, pull filters, strainers, and detectors again to look for

MVP50 Display

debris. Then, follow up on this same round of checks at the prescribed time in the future. For instance, we run the engine at 80% for 10 minutes in one manual and make our checks. Perform the checks again in one week/25 hours minimum.

Suppose you have an over-torque at the top of the chart that requires removal for inspection and servicing. You can be thankful that the PT6A has a modular design. You might be able to remove only the power section and send it in for repair rather than pulling the complete engine.

I always tell everyone to listen to your engine and watch for changes. The PT6A is a solid engine that will tell you when something is wrong. If you see something in your regular operation of the engine that strikes you as odd or different, ask about it. Talk to your mechanic about what is different; it may be nothing or an indication that something more dramatic could be coming. Finally, if you have an exceedance, don’t ignore it. Let’s all hope that we can avoid anything unscheduled.

Robert Craymer has worked on PT6A engines and PT6A-powered aircraft for the past three decades, including the last 25+ years at Covington Aircraft. As a licensed A&P mechanic, Robert has held every job in an engine overhaul shop and is an instructor of PT6A Maintenance and Familiarization courses for both pilots and mechanics. Robert has been elected to the NAAA board as the Allied-Propulsion Board Member.

Robert can be reached at robertc@covingtonaircraft.com or 662-910-9899. Visit us at covingtonaircraft.com.

DRAKE’S PERSPECTIVE

A Bird of a Different Feather

During my time with Chem-Man, I had the opportunity to work with and visit aerial operations all over the United States and Canada. I must admit that in my many years of working for an aerial operation in the Delta of Arkansas, my scope of the industry was very narrow and limited. It has been truly astonishing to me to see just how different and complex the aerial application businesses are in various parts of the world. Just as I was accustomed to conducting operations in rice and cotton countries, operators in other geographical regions have particular area-specific crops along with a unique way of treating those crops.

It seems that every day, I am introduced to a new company in a new part of the country with distinct characteristics in how they conduct operations. Regardless of the way the various operators across the world conduct business, they all seem to work toward achieving the same goal of treating an area for a pest to enhance the agricultural performance in that area. It wasn’t until recently that I learned of an aerial operation whose target pest and end goal were slightly different than usual. In my last article, I had the honor of speaking with George Moore, whose resume and credentials far exceed the allowable length of my article. George mentioned in my last article a division of ag aviation that I was unaware of and found fascinating; that area he mentioned was the use of ag planes in our nation’s fight in the war on drugs.

George had spent seven years flying ag in Mississippi. He was fortunate to be offered the position of flying a Stearman in the Red Baron Squadron, sponsored by the Red Baron frozen pizza company. During his three years with the Red Baron Squadron, George attended an NAAA convention, where he first met Phill Bragg and Greg Smith, who would later not only become lifelong friends but also become integral to George's beginning the journey of fighting the war on drugs with an Air Tractor.

Phill and Greg were assigned to recruit prospective new pilots in the US Department of State’s Narcotic eradication program. The program, which had been operating for some time, used Thrush aircraft and OV-10 Broncos. The powers that be decided to implement the use of Air Tractor 802s into the fleet, and what better place to find pilots for the newly introduced 802s than at the site of the world’s largest gathering of aerial applicators from around the world?

George had made quite an impression on the two and found himself at the top of a stack of information sheets from several interested pilots. In 2001, George was later contacted by EAST Inc., contracted by the Department of State, and asked to come down to Melbourne, Florida, and complete a series of training flights to test his aptitude and ability in a spray plane. After completing the screening processes, he was quickly offered the position, which George eagerly accepted.

At the beginning of his time with the program, George could be overseas spraying poppy plants in Afghanistan. Keep in mind the time frame was just a few months post-9/11. George, who was in his 30s and reluctant to start over in the military, was looking for an avenue to participate in the war on terror. He felt the desire to fulfill his duty to his country would be best achieved by eradicating the poppy seeds that would later be turned into heroin that terroristic organizations such as Al-Qaeda would use to traffic and fund their terrorism efforts.

After joining the team, focus and attention shifted elsewhere, and the mission gradually changed its efforts to Colombia. The easily recognized drug lords and cartel leaders such as Pablo Escobar and the Medellín cartel were long out of the picture by this point, and a longexisting thorn in the Colombian government’s side began to gain traction in Colombia. The FARC, short for

(Continued on page 52)

zthe “Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia.” Which translates to the “Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia,” a Marxist-Leninist guerrilla group that wanted to overthrow the Colombian government and spread communism across the country.

The FARC funded their endeavors and ability to purchase firearms by manufacturing and selling cocaine derived from the coca plant which happened to be Colombia’s largest and most valuable cash crop. At the time, The United States government wanted to keep drugs off the street, and the Colombian government wanted to suppress opposing forces. A symbiotic relationship was formed between the two governments, and with the help and cooperation of the Colombian government, the US Department of State could fight its war on drugs.

Before George and the team of 802 pilots were turned loose in Colombia, they had to undergo a long, intensive training process that lasted roughly seven months. Regardless of the thousands of hours of ag flying and total flight time George and the other pilots had, training was still mandatory and imperative for a successful program. The training regimen consisted of a series of training flights in the 802, amounting to around 100 hours, emphasizing formation flight, instrument training, flatland spraying, and mountain spraying. The mountain training consisted of maneuvering over mountain-top summits, transitioning into entering canyons, spraying within the canyons, and exiting the canyons while overcoming high-altitude flying and mastering high wind-induced mountain turbulence.

George was one of the five men selected to train the first group of pilots in the 802s' introduction into the DOS Airwing’s eradication program. After training, the team flew the 802s from Albuquerque, New Mexico, down to Colombia, where the group's first mission would begin in September 2002. It wasn’t long after the team started the first flights

that they took fire from the armed coca farmers below as they aerially treated the coca fields and patches with a glyphosate product dispensed from their aircraft.

In an attempt to prevent spraying back-to-back passes resulting in continued gunfire from the insurgents below, the team was instructed to spray a pass in one area, then vacate to another location where they would spray a pass, then leave and continue to another area. Heavy fire was a distinct possibility, so the aircraft’s cockpit would be retrofitted with armor to protect from the gunfire below. Often, each flight could receive any number of bullet holes, most of the time luckily not rendering the aircraft unflyable and still maneuverable.

George recalls the most brutal hit he took from the gunfire was on Christmas morning in 2002 when his airplane received 12 entry holes and even more bullet hits. One bullet punctured his onboard oxygen canister. While he was flying, 100% oxygen was being emitted into the cockpit, which had the appearance of smoke to George at the time. George spent 13 years in the program but took a brief pause after experiencing a crash in May of 2003.

One morning, while George was attempting to spray a coca field down the side of a mountain, George struck a tree that was commonly left behind in the patches to be a hard-to-see debilitating obstacle to the aircraft. George snap rolled down the side of the mountain after losing an entire wing left behind in the tree all while taking heavy fire from the guerillas below. After his crash landing, he was able to exit the aircraft on his own, even while having broken ribs and several bumps and abrasions.

While George took a week or two to heal, he returned to complete a check ride before returning to flight status.

(Continued on page 54)

During his check ride, his standardization instructor, pilot Bob DeRossier, insisted George take a few days' break and insisted he let Bob take the first mission, allowing George to mentally prepare for hopping back in the saddle. While Bob was flying the first mission in George’s momentary pause, Bob was shot down after taking a bullet through the propeller hub that quickly drained the engine of all the oil, resulting in an engine failure. George took the incident as a sign to reconsider his position within the program and felt it would be an excellent opportunity to return stateside. While back in the United States, George began firebombing for an entire season in 2004, where he quickly rediscovered his desire to be back in Colombia. His year away from the eradication work was enough time to regain his “Mojo” and prepare himself for his return.

In early 2005, George was back in Colombia chasing the adventure. The gunfire received, as well as the wild scenarios, became second nature to all involved, and he recalls finding it humorous how the stories never seemed to be communicated between the different teams as it was all becoming just a regular day’s work for them. While a few men unfortunately lost their lives, and some airplanes were also destroyed, all the men involved became very close and forged many strong friendships that remain to this day.

The tasks were adventurous and thrilling for the pilots involved. I asked George what some of the biggest takeaways from his experience in Colombia would be, and he replied that it was reassuring to him that everyone involved took the program and its efforts seriously. He says that most people would assume and speculate that the Colombian government did not actively participate in or aid the efforts. Still, he assured me that the men involved in the Colombian government upheld the highest standards in devotion to the program’s goals and efforts. George comments on how relieving it was not to encounter any corruption within the program that would ultimately jeopardize the safety of the pilots and the integrity of the mission.

George mentions some of the intricacies of his experiences in Colombia. I was curious to learn what they used to determine where they needed to fly and how they would identify the areas to spray. He replied that the regions where the coca was planted gradually shifted over the years, going from larger, more open areas similar to row crop operations that eventually scaled down to smaller one-to-two-acre patches surrounded by thick jungle canopy. This was a tactic the FARC used to protect their plants from George and the team. The areas would be identified by infrared satellite imagery, and then a shapefile would later be created that the pilots would use to upload onto the Del Norte GPS that the airplanes were equipped with. The more George describes his work in Colombia the more similarities I see with the aerial application practices that the readers and I are accustomed to. I asked George how comparable it was to regular ag flying, and except for the strategic flight patterns and the reception of gunfire, it was just like normal ag flying. While some rice pilots who have made the mistake of turning over the wrong tomato garden here and there might be able to relate to the gunfire issues, I would imagine from the description George has given that it was closely related to the routine ag flight that all of us associated in the industry are familiar with.

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How Farmers Care About Their Jobs

Some mainstream media myths you might hear about agriculture today make it sound like farmers don’t care about their careers. While a simple conversation with a farmer or rancher can tell you the honest answer, why do people believe this myth?

Most farmers and ranchers care a lot about what they do. It’s a love of the work that drives many people who work in agriculture to keep going. So why do people believe that farmers don’t care about what they do? The simple answer is money. Or at least people think it is. Some people claim that farmers and ranchers are in it for the money and that they’ll do anything to make a profit, even at the expense of animal welfare or environmental health.

Contrary to this belief, farmers and ranchers aim to produce high-quality, nutritious food to feed people affordably. Of course, these farmers also have a goal and responsibility to support their families, which can be hard to do in agriculture. Farmers and ranchers also

deserve (and need) to make a living. If every farmer and rancher wanted to be rich, they wouldn’t work in agriculture. In 2022, the median household income from farming was -$849. This is why many farmers and ranchers have a second job off the farm or families working off farms.

Animals and the land a farmer has are their livelihoods. Without animals or their land, a farmer could never make any money, so they would take good care of them. There is no financial incentive for a farmer to abuse animals or not take care of the land (but there are incentives for them to do a good job). They will make more money and be far more successful when their animals are well cared for, and they keep the environment in mind. On top of that, many moral reasons explain why a farmer won’t abuse an animal or their land. Again, most people are farmers or ranchers

(Continued on page 58)

because they were raised that way or fell in love with the work.

If you’ve ever met a farmer, you know how rare it can be for them to leave their farm at times. This is because they have a responsibility to care for their animals and land and provide food for people who live around the world. Even more simply, they don’t leave the farm often because it’s home and what they love. One of the best words to describe how farmers and ranchers frequently feel about their work is passion.

Less than 2 percent of the United States population are farmers and ranchers, yet 97 percent of farms and ranches are family-owned. This means that there is a lot of pressure and expectations placed on farmers and ranchers. Everyone relies on farmers and ranchers daily to provide food, fiber, and fuel. If you buy food at your local grocery store, chances are that you are supporting family farms. Since farming and family are so deeply connected, it’s another reason for farmers and ranchers to care.

Farmers and ranchers face a lot of stress. Agriculture isn’t just a job; it’s a way of life. The stress of agriculture comes from economic challenges, weather events, labor shortages, and much more. Another significant source of stress on farms is societal pressure, much of which stems from those who believe myths about or attack agriculture.

People have many opinions on how food should be produced. When farmers care about their jobs, it

can be really hard to hear how they should be doing them, especially when that comes from someone without knowledge or experience in agriculture.

All of this stress is closely connected to mental health. Multiple studies have shown that farmer suicide rates are 2-5x higher than the national average. It’s incredibly important to talk about mental health and make sure that everyone has access to help and the resources that they need. Most farm stress exists because farmers and ranchers care so much about what they are doing and feel responsible for being successful.

The American Farm Bureau Federation offers resources, training, and support to anyone struggling with mental health or who just wants to learn more about it. The USDA Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) Program connects individuals engaged in farming, ranching, and other agriculture-related occupations to stress assistance programs. Many state departments of agriculture and extension programs also offer resources and assistance to those who want and need it.

We must continue to support our farmers and ranchers. These hard-working individuals are essential to everyday life and care deeply about their work. Most farmers aren’t in it for the money and love what they do. If these reasons weren’t enough, talk to a farmer or rancher. While they have good and bad days, they’ll probably tell you they wouldn’t be doing what they’re doing if they didn’t care and love their jobs.

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TOGETHER WE SOAR

TWENTY YEARS AGO

Stories from AgAirUpdate Featured 20 Years Ago

K & P Flying Service

"We love to fly...and it shows"

The ag-aviation business is challenging enough without adding any extra factors that make it more difficult. When we think about this, typically it is in the male gender terms. Many people see ag-aviation as a male dominated profession. There are mostly male pilots and owners. However, in the small east central Arkansas town of Watson, there is one operation that is owned by a female, Mrs. Brenda Watts of K & P Flying Service. Being a woman has not deterred her in any way from running a successful flying service, if anything, it has helped.

At K & P the men do the flying and most of the loading. Pilot Don Glasscock flies the AT-602, while Julio Benito Maya and brother Alexandro handle the ground ops. But it’s Brenda who has the final responsibility as K & P’s owner and hands-on manager. Brenda is literally “chief cook and bottle washer”. She cooks lunch for her pilot and ground crew from the airstrip’s kitchen, takes the farmers’ calls, schedules the work, oversees the bookkeeping and makes sure the day-to-day requirements of running an ag-operation are done.

Brenda took over K & P in 1999. Since then, she has brought the business back from disarray to a company that her customers know will get the job done professionally and on-time. K & P’s season starts working rice at the end of April and goes through cotton defoliation in the fall at first frost, usually in October.

Although some urea fertilization of wheat and burn down of other crop acres will start in February and carry on through April, it is the rice and cotton applications that make up the bulk of the flying for this Arkansas Delta ag-operation.

With two-thirds of the flying on about 12,000 acres of rice, the AT-602 goes into high gear in late April with a dry application of ammonium sulfate or diammonium phosphate (DAP) at the rate of 150# per acre. Within a few weeks, after the farmers have determined that they have an adequate stand of rice, another dry application of fertilizer is made, with urea applied at 200 pounds per acre. Immediately after this application, often before pilot Don Glasscock returns to the airstrip, the farmer is contacted so that he can start the water

Brenda Watts of K & P Flying Service.

Aerial applicators in Arkansas are the only ones in the U.S. with a Command label. They have been able to take this experimental label and successfully apply it by air and experience no drift claims.

(Continued on page 62)

KUGLER Fertilizers are formulated to the highest quality, making them ideal for aerial application. With KUGLER QUALITY, you don’t have plugging problems. When you apply KUGLER QUALITY Fertilizers, you maximize your airtime.

When foliar applying high quality Kugler Fertilizers, you also don’t have to worry about rust or corrosion on the plane or ground equipment.

This season, make the change to high quality Kugler Fertilizers. We make it. We sell it. And nobody can match our ease of aerial application –Think Local. Think Kugler.

Brenda got lucky at a dove shoot in Alymra, AR, four years ago. There she met Rick Watts who is now her husband. Rick works with the forestry industry and has applied his expertise helping K & P generate color-coded field maps with landmarks from ERSI ArtView GIS software. With 1” = 1/4 mile scale, the accuracy of the maps helps provide both the farmers and K & P with a resource to improve applications.

The Command product replaces Stam in most instances, which is a much more volatile herbicide. Now, a new product called Clincher is being used to back up the Command application with better results and less applications than with Stam alone. Also, Command can be applied with five gallons of water per acre compared to the ten gallons per acre required for Stam.

Pumps are running, the dust is flying from so many takeoffs and landing, everyone is busy and each person knows his/her job come July, the busiest month of the season for K & P. This is when the rice work overlaps the cotton work. With about 6,000 acres of cotton on schedule, K & P has little time to spare. The cotton work starts off in February through March with burn down applications using Roundup as a pre-plant treatment. It’s not long before the cotton starts emerging and becomes the target for an array of insects. By now, the rice work is over and K & P can focus on insect control in the cotton. Most of the cotton insecticide and defoliation applications are at five gallons per acre with a few exceptions of defoliation at ten gallons per acre. Cotton scouts provide reports to the farmers that determine when and what to spray, just like the crop advisor does for the rice applications. Each farmer provides his own chemicals that K & P helps to inventory at the airstrip as it is used.

Working from the base airstrip and two satellite strips, the AT-602 rarely ferries more than 15 miles, most of the work within a 10-mile radius. K & P evolved from its first aircraft, an AT-301, then an AT-502 to today’s AT-602 bought in 1997 from Frost Flying Service in Marianna, Arkansas. Brenda

pilot, Don

came over from Mississippi last summer to fly for K & P Flying Service. Here, Don is pointing out the nozzle arrangement on the AT-602 using CP nozzles with a 6-inch J-tube drop to further lower the nozzle from the wings’ air disturbance.

believes in taking care of her equipment, especially her air-plane. She notes that Don is a good pilot that is easy on the AT-602. Don joined K & P mid-season last year and is pushing 1,000 hours since then.

You’ll never know it to look at it, with its new this spring paint job, N602KP has over 6,200 hours logged. Does the registration N602KP look familiar? It should since it was the AT-602 that Air Tractor used in its promotion of the AT-602 series. Also, Ag-Nav GPS has used the same picture of N602KP in its sales literature. Now, over seven seasons later, including five winter seasons working timber, N602KP is proving the longevity of an Air Tractor. It still has many more seasons to go at its happy home with K & P Flying Service.

N602KP’s
Glasscock,
Not often seen is an AT-602 with a crew seat.

LOW & SLOW

Chapter Two: The Equipment & People (cont.)

Primitive Dusting Methods

Chuck Thresto remembers that primitive dusting methods were in use, along with aerial application. "I was appalled," recalls Chuck. "One day I was looking at acreage way back in the boondocks from a pickup truck and came upon natives putting out parathion dust from the damnedest rig I've ever seen! It was made from a 50 gallon oil drum, with holes bored all the way around the drum.

"They carried it lengthwise on two wooden runners, and mounted on the back section of the runners was a little Briggs and Stratton motor with a shaft running into the center of the drum. A fan was fastened to the end of this shaft and, when the motor was cranked, the fan set up enough commotion inside the drum to blow the dust out of the holes and hopefully into the cotton!

"Two strong men carried it down the rows. As soon as the motor was started, a cloud of parathion dust enveloped everything in sight, including the operators! Funny thing, I never did hear of anybody being sick from its use, but I can't see why!"

Sayasa Vanflober pilots applied conventional cotton dusts such as 3-5-40 mixtures, straight DDT, and some parathion dust. An extremely wide range of damaging insects was present and dusting schedules were closely spaced, usually not more than three or four days apart. Defoliation had also been introduced and one of the busiest periods for these operations was when Aero Cyanamid Special Grade, or "Black Annie," was applied in huge quantities.

Leland Snow and the Snow S-1 in Texas, 1953. Snow was 23 years old at the time and had numerous aviation achievements to his credit which far exceeded his youth.

“ A young fellow with a cloth helmet was standing by the plane and I'll swear he didn't look 18 years old. We walked over to look at the plane and I stuck out my hand and introduced myself. 'Howdy fellows,' he grinned,'my name is Leland Snow and I'm from Texas... ”

Plantations were large, usually owned by the wealthy "ruling" class or by big, out-of-the-country corporations. Lee Corviss recalls that on several occasions, he dusted the plantation owned by President Samoza of the Nicaraguan Republic.

Pilots went to great lengths to obtain these jobs. Corviss recalls that pilot Roland Lilly was so anxious to work in Central America that he left in the fall of 1955, hoping to be hired in Managua. It was a difficult task.

"Lilly was wearing a full, black beard," Corviss remembers, "and back in 1955 beards were a no-no! Lilly would go out every day with his helmet in his hand and sit there on a bench, hoping that the manager would put him on. They finally told him that they would hire him, but he'd have to shave off his beard. Lilly was hardheaded and just wouldn't do it.

"One night a bunch of us decided that he was bound to starve unless he got a job pretty soon, so we took him into town and saw to it that he got roaring, falling-down drunk! This happened very quickly, since we were buying the booze. We took him back to his room, laid him out on his bed, and neatly shaved just one side of his face! Naturally, when he woke up the next morning and saw himself in the mirror, he had to shave the other side. He then blundered out to the airstrip and sat down on his bench as usual. In less than an hour the manager came by, interviewed him again, put him in a Stearman, and sent him out to work!

"Funny things happened," recounts Corviss, "and at one time or another most of us had some squeakers. I went

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up to Leone one day to pick up a Supercub that had been worked on. I had a job to do with the plane on an out-ofthe-way strip near Managua, so when I took off I headed for the strip way back in the jungle.

"I noticed then that the plane was flying sort of tail heavy, but I just trimmed the nose down and when I landed told the loading boys to put in the usual 700 pounds. Well sir, that old PA-18 finally staggered off the strip, but was now so tail heavy that I couldn't get the nose down with the tabs. When I finally got the load out and came back in, I made them cut my load back to 400 pounds, but the thing still wouldn't fly right.

"Finally, on a hunch, I opened up the baggage compartment and found the trouble! Headquarters had sent all of the little portable fire extinguishers over to Leone for recharging. When they were ready, somebody packed 27 of them in the baggage compartment of my Supercub! At three or four pounds apiece, this added a lot of weight to a right critical area and it was no wonder my Cub flew tail heavy!"

"One morning," remembers Chuck Thresto, "we went out to the airport and there sitting on the line was the damnedest airplane you'd ever hope to see. It was a lowwinged monoplane, a little bit like the old Ag-I we'd seen in the late 1940s. I had a 220 Continental on the nose, and was painted yellow with a nice white stripe down the side and a big number three painted on the lower cowl just behind the engine.

Leland Snow

"A young fellow with a cloth helmet was standing by the plane and I'll swear he didn't look 18 years old. We walked over to look at the plane and I stuck out my hand and introduced myself. 'Howdy fellows,' he grinned,'my name is Leland Snow and I'm from Texas. This is a little airplane that I built called the S-1 and I've brought it down here to work it a little and maybe drum up some business for the future."

For at least three seasons, beginning in 1954, Snow worked his own airplane in this region. His saga is one of the real Cinderella stories in a fascinating industry of innovators. Quiet-spoken Leland Snow did perhaps as much for modem agricultural aviation as any man who ever lived. When most 23 year-old men are dabbling with the important things like girls, beer, and fast automobiles, Snow was building his own ag airplane, almost unassisted and mostly by hand! First and foremost, Snow was and is a duster pilot. Reared near Harlingen, Texas, Snow learned to fly at 15 by hanging

around the airport and doing odd jobs. After acquiring a license, he learned the dusting trade from pioneer operator Heard Cardin.

He also learned about airplanes by working on his own duster and by studying aircraft design with the use of parts salvaged from the airplane graveyards that are an integral part of most duster operations.

Snow was ambitious. He went to school, doing his flying on the side, and obtained a degree in aeronautical engineering from Texas A & M. He then attended graduate school at the University of Texas, where he learned the basics of aircraft construction. Snow's friends of that era comment that his room at the dormitory was always stuffed with aircraft parts!

While attending school and dusting for Cardin, Snow decided that he could design and build an ag plane which was safer and more efficient. Without any fanfare, he set about doing just that. He used the hangars of several operators in his first effort. These operators included Clyde Elliott, Heard Cardin, and Bobby Ragsdale.

To some degree Snow followed the general configuration of the prototype Ag-1 that came out of Texas A & M in 1949. But his plane was entirely original. It was a simple, low-winged monoplane, powered in the beginning with an in-line 190 horsepower Lycoming 0435. Most of the actual construction took place in the summer of 1953 in the hangar at Ragsdale Flying School in Austin. Jack Haag, a fine mechanic, assisted Snow. Other more or less "volunteer" mechanics pitched in and helped.

The plane, now designated as the S-1, was completed in August 1953. Late that month the first test flights were made at Austin with Snow doing the flying. At this time he was barely 23 years old.

The flight was a howling success. Snow began immediately using the plane as his personal duster and the three seasons he worked the plane in Nicaragua gave many American pilots their first look at the machine. By 1955, Snow had removed the in-line Lycoming and installed the faithful old 220 horsepower W670 Continental which increased performance.

During the summer dusting months in the United States, Snow began building his second airplane. The S-2 was a refined version of the S-1 and was for the most part all metal.

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This model evolved when pilots began asking Snow to build them a plane. He complied, believing that the recipe for progress is to promise something and then force yourself to do it! The S-2 was completed in Clyde Elliott's hangar and was eventually purchased by Elliott himself.

Snow was by now collecting deposits from operators who wanted airplanes. This was the only feasible way for him to continue construction at this time. Federal Aviation Administration certification was time-consuming and more than a year was spent in obtaining final certification on the S-2.

By now Snow had two more S-2s almost finished and orders for 39 more. But he was financially strapped. Harlingen banks had balked at his loan applications, because he adamantly refused to incorporate, a stipulation that the banks demanded. Snow explained that he couldn't incorporate and take a chance on losing control of his aircraft production.

Seeking outside help, he conversed with city fathers and local businessmen in Olney, Texas, a town which needed a boost due to the shrinking ranching and oil businesses. The Olney representatives trusted Snow and an industrial foundation campaign raised $50,000 for a factory to be leased to Snow and to establish a $70,000 line of credit for him at local banks.

Olney citizens signed personal notes of up to $2,000 each guaranteeing payment of the loans if Snow's enterprise failed! In January 1958, Olney citizens sent

five cattle trucks to Harlingen and transported Snow's equipment to the Olney airport.

He worked here during the winter of 1958 with only one assistant, but by February the S-2B was ready to fly. On July 31, 1958, FAA certification was obtained for this plane and in August the first S-2 built in Olney was delivered to Norman Kramer of Alamoso, Colorado. This airplane is said to be still flying and was working in South America as late as 1979.

Another S-2 was delivered to Roy McArdle during this same month and the Olney operation was on its way. In 1959 30 airplanes were built. In 1960 40 were delivered. Between 1960 and 1965 more than 300 aircraft were constructed. Each year the aircraft showed improvements and refinements. Finally, in 1965, Snow Aeronautical was sold to Rockwell-Standard Corporation. Snow stayed on as general manager of the Olney facility and vice president of the Aero Commander Division of Rockwell.

For five years Snow remained with Rockwell in this capacity. During this period the Snow aircraft became known as the Thrush. Rockwell then informed Snow that he would be required to move to Albany, Georgia, with the company if he wished to remain in his present positions. For Snow, this was an easy decision. His answer was no! With the approval of his wife Nancy and their two daughters, the family remained in Texas.

The ensuing year and a half was perhaps the most difficult time of Snow's life. He spent most of his hours in a small windowless office, designing his next airplane.

Leland Snow at controls of his first 82-A in 1956, dusting cabbage in Texas.

A WING AND A PRAYER

God Uses Ordinary People For His Eternal Purposes

The apostle Paul wrote, “For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty” (1 Corinthians 1:26 -27). One of the characteristics of men and women is that of wanting to be important. Thinking of themselves as being important, sometimes they began to carry themselves in a super-spiritual way, gloating over their worldly importance and the work within Jesus’ church. But that’s always a mistake; God doesn’t need any of us. God has chosen to use us, but He doesn’t have to. He could just as easily use someone else. You or I are not chosen because we are so wonderful or because of our abilities and potential.

God chose you and me because He wanted to choose you and me. People who think they’re essential and proud of it don’t like to hear that. They think that they’re above being chosen, so they usually are not chosen. God chooses by His grace and for no other reason, and that’s thrilling to me. Having chosen us, God equips us in many different ways because there are many different ministries within the body of Christ. Every person in the body of Christ has a significant and vital place. Some ministries within the body are out in front for everyone to see. Because of the public visibility of some Christians, we are prone to think, “Oh, that’s a very important ministry.” But that’s not correct thinking; just because you are a part of the body of Christ that’s not out front doesn’t make you any less important to God.

Paul wrote, “For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself

more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. We have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function. We, being many, are one body in Christ and individual members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us” (Romans 12:3-6). Maybe your ministry in Jesus’ church is being a Sunday School teacher to children or sweeping the floors. You might not be out front, but your ministry is extraordinarily vital and essential to the body of Christ. Without those in the background, those up front would be in serious trouble. All of us have our place and ministry within Jesus’ church. God never intended for different spiritual levels to be established within Jesus’ church.

“For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). When you get to heaven and look around, one of the surprises might be those who will receive the most rewards for what they did while they were on this earth (1 Corinthians 3:9-14). The Bible says, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). God doesn’t have important people. We should never consider ourselves more important to God than someone else.

“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but they are all the same, Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all” (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). We received all of our spiritual and

“ ...Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths... ”

physical gifts from the Lord, so how can we glory in what we have done, as though it was something of our genius, brilliance, or abilities? When, in reality, whatever we have comes from God. If all our abilities came to us as a gift from God, then it's not very smart to boast about them, as though they were something that we developed by ourselves. If we recognize that all our abilities were given to us by God, then there’s no way we can go around proud and boastful, as though we are somebody special.

Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). That’s so true apart from Jesus Christ, we can do nothing that pleases God. There’s an old saying that all idols have feet of clay. Many people have been confused in their spiritual walk because they held some person in such high esteem that they almost venerated the person who was exercising the gifts of God rather than venerating God who gave the gifts to that person. Every person, at some time in their life, will stumble, and when the people looking up to that person see him or her stumble, it devastates them.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh and strength to your bones” (Proverbs 3:5-8). God endows each of us with spiritual and physical gifts so that we can fulfill our place in Jesus’ church. We need to remember that any abilities we have are given to us by God. It’s a mistake to put spiritual leaders on a pedestal. Look up to our Lord Jesus Christ; He alone is perfect.

NTSB REPORTS

Accident Synopses

Accident Number: CEN24LA146

Location: Kaplan, LA

Date: April 2, 2024

Aircraft: Schweizer Aircraft Corporation G-164B

Injuries: None

On April 2, 2024, about 1310 central daylight time, a Schweizer G-164B airplane, was substantially damaged during an accident near Kaplan, Louisiana. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 137 aerial-application flight.

The pilot reported that the flight departed a private airstrip with the engine torque at 50 lb-ft and the propeller speed at 2,200 rpm. After an uneventful takeoff, the pilot reduced engine torque to 40 lb-ft with the propeller speed at 2,000 rpm and continued north toward the field to be seeded with rice. About 1 mile from the intended field, the engine had a partial loss of engine power. The pilot was unable to increase/regain engine power to maintain altitude, which resulted in a forced landing in a nearby crawfish pond. The airplane came to rest inverted in the crawfish pond. The fuselage, upper wings, and the empennage were substantially damaged during the forced landing.

The wreckage was recovered and retained for a future examination.

Accident Number: WPR24FA123

Location: Likely, CA

Date: April 9, 2024

Aircraft: AYRES CORPORATION S2R-G10

Injuries: 1 Fatal

On April 9, 2024, at 1444 Pacific daylight time, an Ayres Corporation S2R-G10 was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Likely, California. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight.

An employee of the operator who spoke with the pilot prior to departure reported that the pilot had picked up the airplane in Williams, California and flew approximately one hour and thirty minutes to the Alturas Ranch base. Once at the base, the airplane was loaded with rice for the pilot to apply on a nearby field about one mile away.

According to the fuel truck operator, the pilot applied 8 loads of rice and returned to the base to refuel. After the airplane was refueled, the pilot departed and applied

approximately 7 loads rice on a nearby field. The fuel truck operator stated that he queried the pilot via radio to see if he intended to return for fuel, which the pilot responded he would complete one more application, however, the pilot did not return to the base. There were no known witnesses to the accident sequence.

Examination of the accident site revealed the airplane came to rest inverted on a northerly heading, along the edge of a rice field adjacent to a dirt road. The fuselage, vertical stabilizer, and rudder were partially submerged in water. The outboard 3 ft of the right wing leading edge was crushed.

The wreckage was recovered to a secure location for further examination.

Accident Number: WPR24FA132

Location: Anaconda, MT

Date: April 26, 2024

Aircraft: Bell 206-L4

Injuries: 1 Fatal

On April 26, 2024, at 0659 mountain daylight time, a Bell 206-L4, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Anaconda, Montana. The pilot was fatally injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight.

The pilot had been conducting flights to distribute fertilizer from the same staging location for several days. An employee of the operator, who was performing ground support duties, met the pilot at their base at the Deer Lodge-City-Municipal Airport (38S), Deer Lodge, Montana, about 0545 on the day of the accident. The employee then drove a support vehicle, and the pilot flew to the staging area about 1 mile southeast of Anaconda, Montana.

The helicopter was equipped with a bubble window which was installed on the left door. The pilot was operating the helicopter from the left seat position. A spreader was suspended beneath the helicopter utilizing a 25 ft long line attached to a load hook installed on the belly of the helicopter. The load hook could be opened, and the load released in flight by the pilot in the event of an emergency.

Security camera video, taken from cameras located about 0.5 miles north of the staging area, captured the helicopter arriving and landing at the staging area at 0633. The pilot and ground crew member then conducted a safety briefing with a customer representative. According to the representative, the

wind was calm during the briefing and remained calm for several hours that morning.

After the briefing the helicopter lifted off at 0643 and maneuvered over the load truck. The helicopter departed the staging area with the first load of fertilizer at 0644, flew to the west and exited the view of the security camera. The helicopter re-entered the camera’s field of view from the west, flew past the south side of the staging area, turned to a northwest heading as it approached the load truck before completing a second onload of fertilizer. The helicopter departed the staging area the second time at 0650, flew out of the field of view to the west, and returned into view from the west at 0656.

The helicopter approached the load truck a third time heading to the northwest, flying a similar approach as before. The helicopter appeared to hover over or near the load truck for 2-3 seconds and then turn and fly away in an easterly direction. The helicopter reapproached the load truck and appeared to complete a third onload of fertilizer. The helicopter then departed and climbed to the west. The helicopter appeared to accelerate and climb out normally to about 200 ft above the ground. About 20 seconds after departing the load truck the helicopter rotated about 180° to the left and descended rapidly in a nose low attitude until it went out of view behind terrain. There are no known witnesses to the accident sequence.

The ground crew member, who was in regular communication with the pilot, attempted to contact him via radio when he did not return when expected, however, received no response. A company representative was conducting other work duties from his truck, which was positioned southwest of the load truck. He also thought it strange that he hadn’t heard the helicopter for a while and drove to a different location behind where he was parked to see the area. During the drive, he saw the helicopter in a nearby gully. He drove back to pick up the ground crew member, responded to the accident site, and initiated an emergency call to 911.

Examination of the accident site revealed that the helicopter came to rest in a mostly upright position (figure 1) immediately adjacent to a flat and dry pond area in a gully about 855 ft southwest of the load truck (figure 2). The fuselage came to rest oriented a heading of about 060°. The bottom of the fuselage exhibited crushing deformation and the left skid was splayed

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outward. One main rotor blade was fracture separated about 3 ft from the rotor attachment point just outboard of the blade doubler and the fracture surfaces exhibited downward deformation. The remainder of the blade was located about 15 ft forward of the helicopter. The second rotor blade remained attached to the rotor mast and exhibited some bending opposite of rotation. The spreader and 25 ft long-line were located about 30 ft aft of the helicopter and were not attached to the helicopter, consistent with separation prior to impact. The longline attachment shackle was unmarred and showed no visible damage. Fuel was observed leaking from the wreckage following the accident.

The wreckage was recovered to a secure location and examined. All cockpit flight controls were present. The left collective was completely fractured at the elbow. The cyclic yoke was fractured in two places. Both cyclics displayed control continuity to the yoke. The collective levers displayed continuity to the elbow break on the left collective. All control tubes in the control closet displayed fractures consistent with overload. Cyclic and collective control continuity was established (with breaks) to the hydraulic actuators. Tail rotor continuity was established throughout, with breaks consistent with overload.

The engine was displaced vertically within the engine compartment, with all engine mount struts exhibiting varying degrees of damage. All but 2 of the mount struts were found fractured. Cockpit control continuity was not continuous from the collective lever and throttle twist grip through the respective linkages to the power turbine governor and fuel control unit due to impact damage. The pilot throttle was observed in the ground idle position and was immovable. The throttle control linkage, push-pull tubes, and bell cranks in the engine bay were continuous to the fuel control unit (FCU) input control lever. The FCU pointer indicator was positioned at the 0° (OFF).

Clean, clear liquid consistent with Jet A fuel was observed from the airframe fuel filter to the engine fuel pump, FCU, and fuel spray nozzle.

The N1 rotor was continuous from the compressor impeller, engine gearbox, starter generator, fuel pump and FCU. Borescope observation confirmed that the gas producer turbine rotor did not turn when the N1 rotor was rotated. The N2 rotor was continuous from the 4th-stage power turbine rotor to the output drive shaft, but an audible rubbing or scrapping sound was heard when it was rotated.

The airframe wreckage and the engine were retained. The engine was prepared for shipment to a facility for further disassembly and examination.

Accident Number: CEN24LA175

Location: England, Arkansas

Date: May 1, 2024

Aircraft: AIR TRACTOR INC AT-802A

Injuries: 1 Serious

Analysis

The pilot reported that, while performing aerial application work at a low altitude, he became distracted by looking at a map and not focused on a nearby tower with guy wires. When the pilot looked up, he realized he did not veer far and high enough away from the tower guy wires. The airplane struck the guy wires and impacted the terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot reported that the accident might have been prevented if he had completed a better pre-application briefing.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be: The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from tower guy wires while maneuvering during a lowlevel aerial application flight.

Accident Number: WPR24LA138

Location: Lewiston, ID

Date: May 2, 2024

Aircraft: Aerospatiale SA315B

Injuries: 1 Minor

The NTSB is conducting a Class 4 investigation into this event. A preliminary report will not be issued but a final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.

Accident Number: WPR24LA151

Location: Willows, CA

Date: May 12, 2024

Aircraft: GRUMMAN ACFT ENG CORSCHWEIZER G-164B

Injuries: 1 Serious

The NTSB is conducting a Class 4 investigation into

this event. A preliminary report will not be issued but a final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.

Accident Number: ERA24LA220

Location: New Washington, Ohio

Date: May 18, 2024

Aircraft: AIR TRACTOR INC AT-602

Injuries: 1 Minor

Analysis

The pilot of the aerial application airplane surveyed the field at a higher altitude prior to spraying. He determined that spraying north and south, while flying below high-tension lines, would require the least amount of maneuvering in the heavy airplane. The pilot flew the first pass uneventfully; however, during the second pass, the airplane’s rudder contacted a powerline. The rudder separated and the airplane landed sideways in the field, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be: The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines during an aerial application flight.

Accident Number: CEN24LA193

Location: Covert, KS

Date: May 18, 2024

Aircraft: AIR TRACTOR INC AT-502

Injuries: None

On May 18, 2024, about 2015 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-502 was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Covert, Kansas. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of FederalRegulations Part 137 agricultural flight.

According to the pilot, during the turnaround after his second swath run, he felt the tail drop and noticed that all the engine gauges, except the Interstage Turbine Temperature (ITT) gauge, were past redline. He attempted to reduce engine power but found the engine unresponsive to changes of the power lever. He conducted an off-field landing to a nearby gravel road. During the landing, the airplane impacted tree branches and ground looped into a roadside ditch which resulted in substantial damage to both wings. The pilot was only able to reduce engine power after coming to rest when the Start Control Lever was moved to the Fuel Cut-Off “C” position. The wreckage was retained for further examination

Wreckage and Load Truck Locations

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The most crucial function of a garment is to protect the human body from primary outer influences such as wind, rain, sunlight, dust, and mechanical influences. Protective clothing protects individuals exposed to life-threatening or hazardous environments during work. Aerial application ranks high-risk because pilots perform their tasks under drastic working conditions. This is why their clothing should protect against extreme conditions such as high temperature and flame, rain, aggressive and reactive chemicals, hazardous chemicals, etc.

The National Center for Biotechnology Information tested fire-resistant clothing by focusing on the most commonly used body positions (standing, squatting, or sitting) and extreme movements when wearing clothing and performing a job. The following is a summary of their findings.

Essential Functions and Design Considerations

Protective clothing protects individuals from environmental factors like wind, rain, sunlight, dust, and mechanical influences. For professionals in hazardous fields, such as firefighting, the clothing must offer robust protection against extreme conditions, including high temperatures, flames, water, cold, and dangerous chemicals. The design must also accommodate various body positions and movements, such as standing, squatting, and sitting in a cockpit environment.

Creating adequate protective clothing against heat and flame requires a collaborative effort involving designers, engineers, pilots and firefighters. The comprehensive design process covers developing high-tech products from initial concept through feasibility analysis, material selection, prototyping, and manufacturing. Integrating smart technologies with textiles enhances

the functionality of protective clothing, necessitating multidisciplinary collaboration among engineers, fashion designers, and scientists.

Advances in Fire-Resistant Materials

Significant advancements have been made in fire-resistant fibers, high-performance fibers with unique properties, and microporous materials. These innovations extend the life of protective clothing and improve its care while ensuring adequate protection. Various evaluation methods, including thermal manikin tests and hot plate tests under specific conditions, have been established to assess the effectiveness of these materials. Continuous research in textile technology, physiology, ergonomics, and functional design is pivotal in enhancing the durability, moisture transfer, and thermal stress management of protective clothing.

Material Selection

Firefighting gear and fire-resistant flight suits typically incorporate fire-resistant materials such as aramid fibers (e.g., Nomex®), modacrylic fibers, cotton fibers, or textiles treated with flame-retardant finishes. These materials are often blended to enhance comfort and transport moisture and heat. High thermal protection, as in fire turnout gear, is achieved through multilayer or thick textile materials, with each layer contributing significantly to the overall level of protection. For clothing in an aviation application, flight suits are made from aramid fibers such as Nomex®, modacrylic fibers, cotton fibers, or other textile materials with a flame retardant finish to achieve better comfort, which includes the transport of moisture and heat. This is extremely important for comfort when using

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clothing systems in various activities, including extreme conditions. Recently, different techniques for characterizing fire-resistant textile materials have been conducted.

So far, new types of fire resistance fibers, highperformance fibers of unique properties, and microporous materials have been developed, which provide for the long life and easy care of protective clothing as well as, at the same time, providing the user with an adequate level of protection and safety. Special procedures of evaluating the characteristics of protective materials, tests with a thermal manikin and hot plates for the determination of fabric and clothing characteristics under special conditions have been developed. Scientists from different fields (textile technology, physiology, ergonomics, functional design, etc.) are continually working on research such as the development and production of protective clothing and materials, study of their durability during use testing by volunteers in simulated environmental conditions, research

on moisture transfer through clothing and thermal stress, and how to design and implement the appropriate test methods.

Researching Flammability Protection

A paper developed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information investigated the flammability properties of the clothing system for protection against heat and flame and analyzed the damage caused to clothing. A clothing system consisting of underwear comprises 70% wool fiber and 30% modacrylic fiber and overalls for protection against heat and flame, made of 55% modacrylic fiber and 45% cotton fiber, much like an aviator's flight suit.

Results

By testing with a fire manikin and an explosive fire simulator, data on the degree of burns in the case of

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using a clothing system (underwear and overalls) that was exposed to an explosive flame for 4 seconds were obtained.

The clothing system consisting of underwear and singlelayer overalls intended for firefighters to extinguish open fires after exposure to explosive fire for 4 seconds was found to have minor damage. Visual assessment of the damage to the clothing system was performed for 116 seconds after the flame was extinguished in the chamber where the fire manikin test was performed. Based on the observations, it was established that there was no damage to the underwear. There was minor damage to the overalls on the tops of the pockets and the sleeves and part of the trousers below the knee. The visual assessment revealed that there was a shrinkage of material on certain parts of the overalls (shoulder area) and a partial change in color on the material of the overalls (dark brown and black) caused by fire (visible on the folds on the overalls, which appeared during the test.

Damage to the clothing system confirmed the results obtained by the computer display of test results on the fire manikin and microscopic analyses, which did not show damage to the structure. The results of the fire manikin showed that after 17 seconds, the first appearance of first-degree burns was 1% of the total area of human skin in the left forearm. Second-degree burns occurred on

the head but were not considered because the test was performed without head protection (without the use of a helmet and undercap). Four sensors indicating thirddegree burns were identified as invalid because during the calibration of the fire manikin itself, before the test, it was found that the sensors were out of order. Results from fire manikin and damage to the clothing system showed that the user, exposed to fire and heat, would not have injuries dangerous to health and life, thus showing that the clothing system met the expected properties of use/ protection.

If the user used such a clothing system exposed to direct fire for 4 seconds, they would survive without significant health problems. Still, they should immediately move away from further heat and flame exposure.

For the research, an analysis of the primary material from which the overalls were made and an analysis of the material after flame exposure during the fire manikin test were made. The primary material was made from 55% modacrylic fiber and 45% cotton fiber with a built-in antistatic grid, mass per unit area 295 g/m2, woven in canvas. The breaking force in the warp direction was 1049 N and 808 N in the weft direction. After exposing the overalls to explosive fire during the test on the fire

(Continued on page 82)

manikin and visual assessment of the damage, sampling of parts of the overalls in the direction of the warp and weft was performed.

Based on theory and conducted research, except for the critical factor of material selection, great attention should be paid to the functional design of clothing for protection against heat and flame. The tested clothing system provides a high degree of protection, partly due to the adequate use of fire-resistant underwear. The results of testing using the fire manikin showed that when using such a clothing system, the user would not suffer tissue damage, which could pose a danger to health or life if the users are immediately removed from the fire and heat.

If the user continues to use a clothing system exposed to explosive fire, the clothing system will not provide adequate protection due to the damage. Without fire-resistant underwear, the user would obtain burns in more areas than fire-resistant underwear, mainly if they used ordinary cotton underwear, which absorbs moisture faster. The user would "be cooked "when exposed to high temperatures. If the user were exposed to prolonged fire, the damage to the overalls and injuries would be more significant.

Research with the help of a fire manikin and an explosive fire simulator dramatically helps us to predict the degree of burns of users of the clothing systems and the possibility of survival. Such research is fundamental in the first phase of designing clothing systems, which should protect against heat and flame. All of the

materials used must be fireproof so that the failure does not further endanger the health or life of users. In the design and production processes of protective clothing systems, the cooperation of experts in materials and fibers, designers, constructors, technologists, and end users and manufacturers of protective clothing is necessary.

This research underscores the importance of material selection and functional design in developing practical protective clothing against heat and flame. The tested clothing system demonstrated high levels of protection, particularly with fire-resistant underwear. However, the protective properties of the clothing diminish after exposure to fire, emphasizing the need for ongoing improvements.

Collaborative efforts among material scientists, designers, engineers, and end-users are essential in designing and producing effective protective clothing systems. The study highlights the necessity of using fireproof materials and advanced testing methods to ensure user safety in hazardous environments.

The TG-IR and MCC results suggest that while the protective clothing system shows good initial stability against heat, further development is needed to improve its overall thermal resistance. Continuous innovation and rigorous testing are vital to enhancing the performance and safety of protective clothing for individuals working in high-risk environments.

AIRCRAFT – AG CAT

1971 Grumman AgCat G-164A, s/n 847. TTAF 19551, Geared 1340 w/ only 190 hours since Covington tear down, inspection, and power section replacement. 24v alternator, chip detector, single point fuel, 330 gal hopper upgrade, new fabric tail, extended wings, Hershey wing tips, aileron spades, heavy-duty gear, new 29in tires, Cleveland wheels, and brakes, new battery, new seatbelts, strobe lights, stainless booms, cp nozzles, Satlok Lite GPS system, Lane electric fan brake, rh boom shut off, smoker flagger, also extra yellow tag cylinder ready to install, spare pump, stainless dry spreader. $49,000. Call 509-641-2079

1972 Ag-Cat G-164A. S/N 926, TT Airframe 7,686, P&W R-1340-AN-1 (600 HP), TT SMOH 289, Blower Ratio 10-1, Overhaul by Tulsa Aircraft Engines, Excellent Compressions on all 9 Cylinders, 80 Gallon fuel bottom load, 300-gallon hopper bottom load, Satloc SLXG3 GPS with Light bar, Crophawk 7 flow control, Hershey Wing Extensions and Mods, most Inspections always done by Hershey Flying Service & Wallace Air Repair. Clean Northern Airplane, no Corrosion! Almost $9,000 spent on Fresh Annual Inspection done 09/18/23. Airplane is located in Bassett, Nebraska. It’s Ready to Work! $65,000. For questions and more pictures contact Tim: 432-788-7309

1975 Grumman G164. P&W 985-15B, Time since overhaul 440, Banner Aircraft, Dual Comm, VOR, transponder ADS-B Hershey Wings, extended TW. Hook, Smoke, 500 Letters, all lines, grapples, lead poles & hardware. 80 Gal. Hopper intact if you want to convert. $49,000. Call Mike at 813-390-5402

Ag Cat: G164A+, Export Special: G164A+, Fresh AmAg repair w/factory-jigged frameworks, New 335-Hopper, Ext’d/ Metal Wings, 80-fuel, 24V w/Strobes, E-Servo, TWL, Hybrid Combo. Ready for 1000 hr. service-run. Your certified R985/R1340 E&P installed. $85K includes CofAW4 Export flyaway, $90K in your container.

Contact +1 (870) 886-2418

Ag Cat QueenCat - QueenCat In Progress - S/N 566B Super B+ Mods, ready for Garrett or P&W Turbine, 400-gal, 120fuel, hi wings, heavy struts & wires, T.S. Tail, Heavy Gear, TL DAF Combo. $290K (YOUR FWF).

Contact +1 (870) 886-2418

AIRCRAFT – AIR TRACTOR

2015 Air Tractor AT-502B, N3081V Aircraft: 502B-3029 - Approx TT

2,706.3; Engine: PT6A-34AG - Approx TT 2,706.3; Propeller: Hartzell HC-B3TN-3D. Standard Equipment: 2” spray system, large streamlined booms, 2” bottom loading valve, 500-gallon fiberglass hopper, pump shut-off valve, 3-color polyurethane paint finish, 29X11 highfloation tires and wheels with dual 3-piston brakes, electrically operated high-lift flaps, 3-blade constant-speed reversing Hartzell propeller, 250 amp starter-generator, 170-gallon fuel tanks, strobe lights, turn windows, nose-mounted landing lights, attitude gyro, windshield washer & wiper and hopper rinse tank. Optional Equipment: Stainless Steel Cam Locks, Wingman, Bantam w/Flowcontrol, Smoker, Electric Brake Gr. Adj., GTR 205, GTX 335 & Hatfield Single Point Fuel. 0 Since Propeller Overhaul, 0 Since Starter Generator Overhaul, 0 Since HSI with CT Vane Overhaul, New Segments, Liner Overhaul, 0 Since Fresh Annual and Refurb done at Frost Flying Maintenance. $815K. Call Frost Flying at 870-295-6213

2016 Air Tractor AT-802, New to the market 2016 AT-802 with a -65AG. TTAE 4030, Engine since hot section

750, Hartzell HC-B5MP-3F TT 4030, SatlocFalcon with flow control. Hatfield bottom load fuel. Transland 10 vane spreader. Stainless CP 09 spray Nozzles. Wingman auger system. Garmin radios with ADSB in and out. Annual 4/24 Prop IRAN 4/24. Aircraft to be delivered with fresh hot. $1,200,000. Call Charlie at 318-235-0187

2009 Air Tractor AT-402B, N422RD, PT6A-34AG, Cascade Inlet, Smoker, Right-hand boom shutoff, Night work lights, Stainless spray system, AFTT and ETT is 30hrs. $1,075,000. Call Neal Aircraft at 806-828-5892

1995 Air Tractor 802 -67AG, TTAF 3533.1, TTE 2842.6, SHSI 963.9, Hartzell Prop HC-B5MA-3D TSOH 361.0, Last annual inspection: 10-2022, Eddy current inspection due at TTA 3591.1 (in 58 hours), Spar cap replacement due at TTA 4100 (in 566.9 hours), 374-gallon fuel. NOTES: Wing spar cap center spice can be modified with big butterfly, long splice blocks and cold worked to achieve 8000-hour safe life. Equipment: Air Tractor fire gate, Spray pump with Weathero fan, Ag Nav Guia with flow control, Aluminum booms with CP nozzles, Dual side loader, Single point fuel, RH boom shut off, Dual cockpit with dual controls, KMA 24H audio panel, Garmin GPS 150, Dual KX 155 nav coms, KR87 ADF, KT76A transponder, NPX FM transceiver, AA22-110 radio, S-TEC autopilot. Call South Delta Aviation at 479-935-4891

2024 Air Tractor AT-802A-67AGOctober Delivery. Factory Options Include: Garmin audio panel, radio, transponder, and Smoker.

Call Southeastern Aircraft Sales for details: 772-461-8924

2008 AT-402B -15AG N281LA, Serial No. 402B-1201, Aircraft has been

owned and operated in the Midwest and is very clean. Recent hot section inspection, propeller overhaul, and June 2024 annual. New main gear, tailspring, and hardware installed at annual. Options Included: Lane Electric Brake and Ground Adjustable Fan, Smoker, Bottom loading fuel system, Satloc Bantam with Intelliflow, VHF Comm Radio, Garmin 496, CP Nozzles, AmSafe Inflatable Restraint System, Electronics International Fuel Flow Meter, Vortex Generators, LED Lights All Around with Bayou Pulse Lights, Right Hand Boom Shut-Off, Transland In-Line Strainer, Analog Gauges.

Great aircraft and ready to work. $735K.

Call Lane Aviation at 800-231-6376

2004 AT-802A, PT-67AG, TTAE 9606, TSHS 700, Great shape, Hatfield fuel system on both sides, load system with Reabe hopper gauge on both sides, Reabe canopy, stainless steel AFS nozzles, G4 with flow control, 7”gate, Amsafe belt, pulsating light, 10,000 hrs left on wings, over $600k into it in last 3 years. Fresh annual. $1,100,000.

Call 605-924-6891

2010 AT-402B -15AG, N976CW, Aircraft has been owned and operated in the Midwest and is very clean. Recent hot section inspection and June 2024 annual. FCU Midlife was completed at 2,728 hours, propeller was overhauled at 2,933. New main gear, tailspring, and hardware installed at annual.

Lane Electric Brake and Ground Adjustable Fan, Smoker, Bottomloading fuel system, Satloc Bantam with Intelliflow, VHF Comm Radio, Garmin 496, TeeJet Nozzles, AmSafe Inflatable Restraint System, Electronics International Fuel Flow Meter, Vortex Generators, LED Lights All Around with Bayou Pulse Lights, Right Hand Boom Shut-Off, Transland In-Line Strainer, Analog Gauges. Great aircraft and ready to work. $725,000.

Call Lane Aviation at 800-231-6376

2021 Air Tractor 802-65AG, 1117 Hours, Satloc G4, Flow Control, Transland 7 1/2” Hydraulic Gate, Wingman, CP11’s with swivels, 15,20,25, AFS check valves, Lane Brake, Smoker, A/C, LED Pulse Nose Lights, Fresh Annual, Always Hangared. Additional $8,500 spreader only used 2 seasons also available to purchase. Ready to go! Call Bob Blair at 573-421-2573 for more information

2011 Air Tractor AT-802A, N2039Y Fresh out of annual. THIS AIRCRAFT IS LOADED AND 100% READY FOR ROW CROP, RICE, PINE TREE FERTILIZER, ETC. Air Tractor Fixed Wing Single-Engine PT6A-65AG, TTAF: 7612, Engine TT: 7315, TTSHot 0, CT Blades 2006 TTSN, CT Blades 522 TTS Stretch Test, Start/Gen 0 HRS SINCE OH, Prop 0 HRS SINCE OH, Flat Fan CPs with AFS Check Valves, Vondran computer-controlled 10” Hydraulic Gate with Variable or Constant rate flow with 12 vane Breckenridge spreader, G4 GPS with flow control, Wingman, 5 Bladed adjustable lane fan. Additional pictures available upon request. $915,000. Call 318-552-6533, call or text 318-669-8785, or email monticellofly@gmail.com for more information

1996 AT-502B, TTAF 6367, Cascade Conversion-42, TTE 3174.3, MVP50 engine monitor, TT Avia Prop 726.7, Bantam GPS with Intelliflow, Lane Brake, VGs, storm shield/cutters, fast start, Reabe hopper gage, spreader. fresh annual and hot section inspection. $595K. Call 563-880-9641

2006 Air Tractor 502B, TTAE 7251.7, PT6A-34AG, Time since overhaul 7151.7, Time since hot section 125, Hartzell HCB3BN-3D Propeller, TTProp 7151.7, Prop

since overhaul 300, Cascade Pressure cowl installed, AC and heat, Satloc G4 and flow control with L7 light bar, Lane fan and brake, 10 vane spreader, stainless CP09 nozzles, Garmin radio package (Nav xponder and audio panel. $575,000.

Call Charlie at Adams Flying Service, 318-235-0187

2023 Air Tractor 802A-1001, PT6-67AG, Brackett Air Filter in X-Flow Frame, Hartzell 5 Blade Prop, MVP50T, Kawak Engine Control, 308 Fuel, Hatfield SPF, Stainless Steel Spray System with Aluminum Agrinautics Spray Pump, Large Electric Fan and Brake, Garmin G4 with IF3 Flow Control, 50% Boom Kit, Right Hand Boom Shutoff, Reinforced Boom Hangers, Quick Detach Center Boom Cap, Smoker, 7.5” Hydraulic Gate, Hydraulic Wingman, Black Horizontals, Rear View Mirror. Available Fall of 2024 with fresh annual, fresh HSI, and around 1200 hours TT. $1,925,000.

Call Rick Turner with Neal Aircraft at 940-564-6822

2023 Air Tractor 802A-1006, PT6-67AG, Brackett Air Filter in X-Flow Frame, Hartzell 5 Blade Prop, MVP50T, Kawak Engine Control, 308 Fuel, Hatfield SPF, Stainless Steel Spray System with Aluminum Agrinautics Spray Pump, Large Electric Fan and Brake, Garmin G4 with IF3 Flow Control, 50% Boom Kit, Right Hand Boom Shutoff, Reinforced Boom Hangers, Quick Detach Center Boom Cap, Smoker, 7.5” Hydraulic Gate, Hydraulic Wingman, Black Horizontals, Rear View Mirror. Available Fall of 2024 with fresh annual, fresh HSI, and around 1400 hours TT. $1,925,000.

Call Rick Turner with Neal Aircraft at 940-564-6822

2008 Air Tractor AT-602, N602MS, Reduced by $100K, 4210 TTAE, Zero time on engine since $500K spent due to FOD damage. 0 time since new blades,

(PT + CT) Other work done due to FOD damage, Compressor work completed, all records from Dallas Airmotive upon request. New propeller installed at 3,810 hours, Large fuel 280 gallons, Hatfield fuel, SATLOC w/Flow Control, Radio console, Night lights, No airframe damage, hangared & mostly owner flown, fresh annual date of sale. $750K. Call Dow at 573-225-8019

2014 Air Tractor 504, IFR panel. Ready to go to work. Located At KMCK.

AFTT:1609.6, Engine: PT6-34AG, ETT:1609.6, HSI completed 600 hrs ago. PTT: 1609.6 Annual Due March 2024. Asking $850K OBO.

Contact RWA at 308-777-2585 for more info

1987 AT-400, ENGINE TT: 5,900, HSI: 300, PROP TSOH: 400, wings redone at George’s 1,400hrs ago, new paint at 1,400hrs ago, FCU overhauled in 2022, hydraulic wingman, 38”gate box, all new tail spring and hardware, 402 gear, brakes redone from top to bottom, SATLOC, flow control, falcon light bar, lane electric brake, new stainless booms, cp11 nozzles, spreader, all lights are LED, A/C and heat, VGs, smoker, single point fuel, 3 piece windshield, No corrosion. Times may change, this plane is working. Plane is in great shape and ready to go to work, clean plane. $330,000. Call 731-676-2973

2008 AT-502B, S/N 2630, TTAE 5470, PT6-34AG, HSI completed by Covington at 4442.6 TT, Hartzell 3 Blade Prop, 216 Gallon Fuel, VG’s, Single Point Fuel, CP Nozzles, Smoker, Lane Electric Fan and Brake, Satloc Bantam with G4 Screen and G7 Lightbar, Garmin 660 GPS. $695,000.

Call Rick at Neal Aircraft at 940-564-6822

1978 Air Tractor 301 - Bailey conversion 302 Air Tractor with Garrett TPE331-1. Engine is near hot section and wings are 70 hrs away from needing rebuilt. Total time is low 4380. The airframe is in excellent condition. Winglets, tinted side windows, Bantam GPS, reabe hopper gauge, AC, hopper rinse. Could convert back to 1340, or use STC to convert your 301 to turbine or rebuilt motor and wings and continue on. Parting this bird out is an option, too; I can keep the firewall forward. Paint is a solid 8. No corrosion, western KS plane, no dry fertilizer here. It’s not worth much.

Call to make an offer. Flying daily, so times will change. 1-785-657-7400

1997 AT-401B Includes fresh annual. 0 IRAN prop, 0 IRAN engine (Covington), 0 Eddy Current insp. Complete logs since new. Only 16 401Bs currently registered in the U.S. $265K which includes $50,000+ of additional equipment and inventory. See spec sheet for all the details. $265,000.

Contact Bob 507-430-5114

1997 Air Tractor AT-602 - 60AG, N5045S, TTE 11,355.6, TSIRAN 2,277.0 by RT Turbines, TSHOT 998.8 by Geroge’s Aircraft, FCU installed in 2018 - 996.1 since installed, Hobbs 1355.6, Prop TT 11,355.6, TSIRN 998.8, TSOH 2,277.0, TTAF 11,355.6, Spars done at 6643.1 by Frost flying, Spars next due at ACTT 13,143.1 = 1787.5 hrs. left till replacement, New main gear in 2017 at Hobbs 9629.8, New engine mount in 2021 - no AD’s, Storm Shield in 2020, New turtle deck in 2023, New Kawak Throttle Quadrant in 2023, New Reabe Hopper Gauge in 2023, All new AC hose, conducer and dryer in 2022, Load Hawg, Hatfield fuel. $550,000.

Call Aaron at 870-253-8242

1995 Air Tractor 502B-0285 - TTAF 10,557.9, Hobbs 0557.9, TTE 9846.5, Prop TSMOH 3209.2, Annual done in September of 2023 at 10,532 TT. Wing

spars replaced in December of 2013 at 7486.6 TT, 6728.7 time left on 9800-hour spars.PT6-34AG, Hartzell Three Blade Prop, Kawak Throttle Quadrant, Hatfield Single point Fuel, Stainless Steel Spray System with CP Nozzles, Smoker, Storm Cutters, Reabe Transparent Cockpit Top, Air Conditioning, Cockpit Heater. $450,000.00.

Call Rick Turner at Neal Aircraft at 940-564-6822

2023 Air Tractor 802A - 1089 N609LM, PT6A-65AG, 1,000 TT, Stainless Steel Cam Locks, Smoker, 308 Gallon Fuel, Pulse Lights, Fast Start, Amphibious Float Prep, Hatfield Single Point Fuel, Avionics Package, 10” Hydraulic Vondran Gatebox, Falcon w/IF3 Flowcontrol.

Call Frost Flying at 870-295-6213 for the price

2018 Air Tractor 802A - 0768 N80393, PT6A-65AG, 3,500 TT, Stainless Steel Cam Locks, Electric Brake Gr Adj, Smoker, Pulse Lights, Hatfield Single Point Fuel, Air Repair 10” Hydraulic Gate, G4 w/Flowcontrol, Kawak Throttle Quadrant, Wingman, Air Repair Tail Deflector, Trig ADS-B Out System.

Call Frost Flying at 870-295-6213 for the price

2022 Air Tractor 802A - 0949 N11703, PT6A-65AG, 1,700 TT, Stainless Steel

Cam Locks, Electric Brake Gr Adj, Smoker, Pulse Lights, Single Point Fuel, 7 1/2” Hydraulic Gate w/Transland Controller, G4 w/Flowcontrol. Wingman, Tail Deflector, X-Flow System, 308 Gallon Fuel.

Call Frost Flying at 870-295-6213 for the price

2022 Air Tractor 802A - 0944 N347ER, PT6A-65AG, 2,600 TT, Stainless Steel

Cam Locks, Electric Brake Gr Adj, Smoker, Hatfield Single Point Fuel, 10” Hydraulic Vondran Gate, G4 w/ Flowcontrol, Wingman, X-Flow System, 308 Gallon Fuel. Comm Radio. Call Frost Flying at 870-295-6213 for the price

1994 Air Tractor 401 - TTAF 7275, R1340, 117 hrs SMOH Tulsa, Hamilton Standard Propeller 22-D40 Hydromatic, Prop TT 7275, Prop SOH 1179, Vortex generators, Drop boom, Ag Pilot X, Crop Hawk, Smoker, New Landing Gears 2022, Lane Electric Fan Brake, A/C. $250,000. Call Chuck at 320-760-0713

2022 AT-602, N602AF, TTAE 612, PT6-60AG, Hartzell 5 Blade Prop, 234 Gallon Fuel, MVP-50T Engine Monitoring, Kawak Engine Control Quadrant, Hatfield Single Point Fuel, Garmin Com and Transponder, Ag Pilot X with Flow Control, CP-09-3E Spray Nozzles, Smoker, Lane Electric Fan and Brake. See spec sheet for more details. $1,475,000. Call Rick at Neal Aircraft 940-564-6822

1989 AT-401, Cascade Turbine

Conversion M601E-11 AFTT: 8,662.0 hrs

Engine TT: 1,910.4 hrs shop revision completed by GE May 2023 all ADs and SBs complied with. Propeller: 1,881.5 hrs. Wing Spar Replaced December 2017 at 7,642.9 hrs AFTT. Gear Legs replaced in 2014 at 7,025.7 hrs IAW Air Tractor SL. 170 US Gallon fuel with Turbine Conversion Single Point Fuel System AgNav Platinum Guidance and Flow Control ReaBee Hopper Qty System 2 sets of booms ASC-A10 and CP09-3P. $475K.

Call 306-786-3345

1994 AT-401, Cascade Turbine

Conversion M601E-11 AFTT: 4,690.6 hrs

Engine TT: 193.6 hrs Overhauled by GE May 2023. Propeller: 193.6 hrs Wing Spar Modification completed March 2019 at 4,201.3 hrs AFTT 170 US Gallon fuel with Turbine Conversion Single Point Fuel System AgNav Platinum Guidance and Flow Control ReaBee Hopper Qty System 2 sets of booms ASC-A10 Atomizers and CP09-3P. $575K. Call 306-786-3345

1991 AT-401, TTAF 3162.5, P&W R1340, TTE 934.5, Hamilton Standard 3 Blade23D40-51, TTProp 507. Very low hours, well maintained, G4 Satloc Bantam, CP11 nozzles, Reabe Hopper Gauge, Vortex Generators, Garmen Comm, Smoker. $215,000 USD OBO. Contact Reed at 403-793-0949

1992 Air Tractor AT-502 - PT6-15 0SHOT, TTAE 11,752, SPOH 3165. November 2023 annual. Clean Northern plane. Well maintained. Has a SATLOC M3. $425,000. Contact Jim Knox at 218-289-1999 or email jim@agrimaxllc.com

1997 Air Tractor AT-502B - N5063N, PT6A-34AG, TTSN: 14,270.5, TTSHS: 26.2 (8/24/2023 @ 4209.3), HOBBS: 4270.5, Fresh Annual, TTSA: 44, SATLOC G4, Factory Air & Heat, Smoker, ADSB Out, Transponder, Com Radio, Laser Altimeter, Wingman, Side Load Fuel, Kawak Throttle, Reabe Hopper Gauge, A LOT OF TIME LEFT ON THE WINGS, Flown Regularly, Hangared when not in use. $425,000 Price negotiable. For more information, call Duston Bailey at 318-525-5880 or 318-722-0002

Air Tractor AT-802A - March Delivery! New AT-802A, PT6A-65AG, 308 fuel, MVP50, Kawak, radios, Falcon/ FlowControl. Call Farm Air at 877-715-8476

1998 Air Tractor AT-402B -34AG, 7618hrs TT airframe; 484hrs since hot section, willing to do pending sale. Hartzell 3-bladed prop 784hrs since OH. Brand new spars and fresh annual. SATLOC M3 with booms, pump, and electric brake. $675K. Contact +1 (979) 543-5272

1999 AT-602, TTAF 11K, PT6A-65AG, 8886 TTSN, Covington upgrades, FCU 0-since overhaul, new PT blades, new engine mount, fresh spars, 216 fuel, S.P. fuel, Falcon GPS/IF3 flow, wingman, 7 ½” gate, com radio, AM Safe harness, new gear legs, more. Contact Farm Air at 877-715-8476

Wanted: AT 400, 500 & 600 Series Aircraft. Looking for all models of Air Tractor 400, 500 & 600 series aircraft to purchase. The newer, the better but will consider 2006 and newer. Contact 616-837-9428

1986 AT-301 Airframe Only - Parting Out, Approximately 5700 TTSN. NO ENGINE. AT-301: Wings, Tail Feathers, Airframe, Firewall Foreword Less Engine/Prop, Gauges, Gear leg, Hopper, STD Gate Box, Booms, Boom Hangars, Pump, Valve & Plumbing, etc., Flaps, and Ailerons. Contact Farm Air at 877-715-8476

2018 Air Tractor 602. Late model, low time, 2018 AT-602. 3600hrs Total Time. G4, center point fuel, AFS check valves, CP flat fans. Call 979-541-7864

AIRCRAFT – CESSNA

1975 Cessna A188B - AFTT 14,480, IO550D SMOH 133 by Western Skyways, 3-Blade Hartzell SOH 133 TSN 1200. 8:50x10 Cleveland’s, KY97A com, Satloc Bantam, Crophawk 7, hyd spray system with hyd spray valve, stainless booms/ CP’s, Transland 51066 stainless spray pump, smoker, flagman, Robertson STOL, wing leading edge kevlar cuff, Annual 12/23, owned since new. Asking $140K.

Email Terry Reznicsek at aviation@gervais.com or call 503-393-7401

1967 Cessna 188 Ag Wagon - 230. 2,900 TTAF, 300SMOH/SPOH. Paint, windows 7 yrs old, Satloc Bantam/Intelliflow/ L7 lightbar/G4 screen, WeathAero fan, chem pump, Superbooms, CP-11 nozzles all added in 2020. Have a like-new spreader. New tires, tubes, brakes, lines, cylinders rebuilt. New tailwheel rim. Continental 0-470-R has high comp. pistons. Makes about 245 hp. New float plane engine mount, overhauled starter less than 20 hrs. Rebuilt carburetor less than 50 hrs. Knisley exhaust. Left-hand side loader. This airplane needs nothing. Put it to work. A/D’s current. Annual good through July ‘24. $95,000. Call Brian at 507-848-4755

1974 Cessna 188B, N888BT, SIN 0001782T, Engine IO-520-D11B SIN 1031405, McCauley Prop #D2A34C98 SIN 961474, TTAF 5194.0, Engine TSMOH 1069.8, Prop TSPOH 1263.5. Engine: Factory overhauled on 10/16/15, Comp last annual 60/69/62/62/64/61 over 80, Mag sent off in 2022 for 500-hour inspection, Has Airwolf remote oil filter, Starter drive OH in 2019, Starter OH in 2020. Airframe: All Leading Edge skins were replaced in 2023 due to dents, along with a couple of top skins, and the top of RT Airlerium wings were repainted to match. Wings reinstalled with all new hardware. Installed all new Mich lunging gear attached bolts and saddles. Has Trig comm radio, Hydraulic spray pump, 8.50 x 10 tires, Satloc 99 GPS, New side windows in 2022, New tailwheel assembly in 2014, Engine mount was removed and refurbished in 2022 due to surface rust, New left bladder in 2014, new right bladder in 2016. Prop: Overhauled in 2014, Flushed in 2016 due to new engine, Govenor OH in 2016. $125,000.

Text Aaron Peterson at 870-253-8242 or email aaron@advantageagair.us

1980 Cessna T188C - N9998J, TTAF 6270, Continental T510-520-T, H.P. 310, TMOH 1476, McCauley 3-blade propeller, 1476 TT SIRAN, COMP. Check 1-78, 2-79-3-79, 4-79-5-79,6-78, Installed New Load Engine Mounts, New Mitchell Tachometer, Smoker, VG’s,

New 22X8-6 PLY LH & RH Main Tires, New LH Brake Disc, Hydraulic Manual Spray System w/Boom. Very clean aircraft. No known damage. Annual 5/16/24 by Butterfly Aviation. Call Mid-Continent at 800-325-0885

1971 Cessna 188. October 2023 annual. ACTT 3885, 0 SMOH IO 540, 0 SPOH. Clean northern plane well maintained. Air conditioning, Satloc 99, Agrinautics spray pump, lane Break. $190,000. Call Jim Knox 218-289-1999 or email jim@ agrimaxllc.com

Cessna 185, N185HR, Model: A185F, TTAE: 475 original hours. Comes with fresh annual. Make offer. Located in Springfield, Colorado. $575K.

Contact Neal Aircraft at 806-828-5892

1978 Cessna Ag Truck, 5832 TTAF, 625 TTE, 550 TT on prop, 8.50X10 Clevelands, GPS, field ready. Price reduced to $102,000.

Call Reggie Odom at 850-336-0554

AIRCRAFT – PIPER

Piper Brave PA-36-285, 96.53 on airframe since complete rebuild, refiberglassed hopper, new wing spare

(completed by Johnston Aircraft), and center section!! New MVP 50 and G4!! Total airframe time 8,932.8 hours. Topend overhaul on engine 322.1 hours ago and 924.6 total hours. The propeller has 528.4 hours. $180K.

Contact RWA at 308-777-2585 for more info

1980 Piper Brave PA-36-375, TTAF 7136, Wings 1024 hrs. remaining, Center section 90 hrs. remaining, New center section to be installed, Harbor air conditioner, VG’s, Hooker harness, AgPilot X GPS w/FlowControl, CP Nozzles, Adjustable spray pump, Lane pump brake, Fuel flow indicator, Aircraft com radio, PT6A-20 SMOH 2014.9 and 30 hrs. since 100 hr. inspection, Hartzell prop SMOH 2014.9. $255,000.

Call Shelton at 912-592-5334

1976 Piper PA-25-235, TTAF 6067.0, Lycoming 132C5 TTE 9335.48, TSMOH 540.0, Propeller TT 4306.0, Satloc Lite Star 3, Boom, CP3 Nozzles. Call Mid-Continent 800-325-0885

1982 Piper Super Cub. Lowest time Piper built Cub on the planet, 650 hours TTSN, 0 SMOH, Stits Fabric, beautiful paint, Com Radio, L3 Lynx transponder with ADSB in-out with touchscreen weather, traffic. Call Clyde at 956-202-2094

AIRCRAFT – THRUSH

1972 Aero Commander S2R, N954DM Serial #1683R, TT in service: 13585.1 hrs. Major Airframe Overhaul at 13125.0 hrs., Garrett TPE-331-5-252 Serial #P-22117, TSO 5723.7 (HSI Preformed at 5196/Gearbox Inspection at 5264) Time Remaining on Wings

4156.0 hrs., Hartzell Propeller HC-B4TN5NL, Time Since IRAN 62 hrs. This aircraft is above average for the year and model. It has been maintained and serviced by authorized facilities IAW FAA and Factory Airworthiness Directives and Service Bulletins. Equipped with the following: AgNav GPS Guia Platnum w/Flow Control, Hopper Rinse System / 525 Gallon Hopper, Electric Fan and Spray Pump Brake, Vortex Generators / AFS Nozzles and Check Valve / Aluminum Booms, Harbour STC A/C, Hooker Shoulder Harness, Comm Radio/ADSB, Anti Collision Wing Lights, Smoker, Strobes, Bleed air Heat.

Call Dirk at 334-797-7727 for more information

2022 710 Thrush - with PT6A-65AG, N710NW, S2R-T660, S/N: T660168DC, Dual cockpit single control with standard equipment includes:

Single Point Fuel, MVP-50T, A/C & Heat, Garmin G5, Hartzell 5-Blade Propeller, 3” Side Load System, 2” SS Spray Syatem, Streamlined Aluminum Booms, Hopper Rinse System. See spec sheet for all optional equipment.

Call Mid-Continent at 800-325-0885

2021 710 Thrush - N701NW, TTAE 1439, PT6A-65AG, Hartzell 5-blade Propeller TT 1439, All standard equipment included. Additional options on aircraft are as follows: Ag PilotX GPS, Ag Laser Altimeter, CP11 Nozzles, Lane Brake and Fan, Stainless Steps, AFS Check Valves, Fast Start, Garmin Comm Radio, AFS Booms, Reabe Hopper Gauge, Garmin Transponder ADSB-OUT, Swathmaster Spreader. The aircraft is in like new condition and equipped well.

Call Mid-Continent at 800-325-0885

1978 Thrush S2R - TTAF 12,942, Engine Model 601E11, TTSOH 3470, Avia Prop - V508E-AG/106/A, TT Prop 5977, TT SOH 3470, SS booms, new spray pump, Crophawk, A/C, fabric tail in good condition. 690 hrs left on spars. Needs AD 21-13-07 compliance. Make offer. Call Kirk at 218-478-2247

1977 Turbine Thrush - Cascade conversion M601E-11 AFTT 6,038 TSMOH 1,400, SB& AD’s completed 08/2023 prop 0 since overhaul 2023, Fuel 192 gal, Hatfield fuel loading system. Air conditioning, GPS Satloc G4 with Intelliflow, Reabe hopper gauge, two sets of booms with atomizers, annual with or without sale. $449,000. Call Roland Jenson at 306-860-8172

1997 S-2R G-6, 8954 TSN. Recent rebuild inclusive of Avenger Spars and new paint 228 gal fuel. Aileron servos, single point fuel, air conditioning, heat, smoke

etc. AM Safe restraint system, new seat covers. TPE 331-6, fast start, fresh hot section and gearbox, good remaining cycles, 0 TSO propeller, fresh annual. M-3 Satloc with flow control, electric fan brake, plumbed thru t-booms. Ready to work. $444,900. Possible aircraft trades/terms. Text 541-388-0323, email randygoeringinc@yahoo.com or call 541-388-1323

1990 Thrush S2R-T34, TTAF 13531.5, PT6A-34 TTE 23561.2, TSOH 6410.5, Hartzell HC-B3TN-3D Propeller Prop TSOH 5096.3. It doesn’t have dual controls. I have a seat that can be installed. Comes with a meter from Turbine Conversions for doing seeding. 10 vane spreader is in ok shape. In annual and ready for work. $350,000. Call or text 208-705-9161 may consider doing a partial trade for a smaller plane

2009 Thrush S2HG-T65, 550 with -60. TTAE 7010.8, Time since hot section 469.8, Hartzell Propeller HC-B5MP-3CProp TT 7010.8, Time since overhaul 5.1. Very well-equipped aircraft, including Amsafe restraints and ADSB. This aircraft is currently going through annual, and ready to go shortly. The tail is also being painted to match factory paint. $740,000. Call 605-350-4536

2005 Thrush S2R-T34, N40428, TTAF

7,806.8 Engine Notes: P&W PT6A-34AG

S/N: PCE-PH0293 750 HP ENGINE TIME 7746.2 TT 0.0 SHSI-MARCH 27, 2024 Additional Equipment: SATLOC G4 W/ Intelliflow, Smoker, Air Conditioning / Heat, Bottom Load Fuel, Lane Electric Fan Brake. Inspection Status: Annual June 2024 Prop Notes: HARTZELL HC-B3TN-3D

S/N: T10282N+2 0.0 SIRAN MARCH 3, 2024. 20,000+ hrs. left on Wing Spars. Call Mid-Continent Aircraft at 800-325-0885

1999 Thrush 510, Very clean 1999 510 Thrush. TTAE 7700, P&W -34, TSHS 800. Never fertilized with. It has been in west Texas/eastern New Mexico since new. Ag Pilot X GPS. $495K. Call 575-799-2504

2004 Thrush S2R-65, 60AG 550 gal Thrush, TTAF 6431.7, TTE 6131.7, Time since O/H 1134, TSHS 797, Hartzell HCB5MP-3C Propeller, TT Prop 1631.4, TT since Prop O/H 1522, Satloc Batam, Fuel flow meter, A/C & Heat, 1230 hrs. since O/H power section, Log books available for inspection. $580,000. Call Jamey at 870-697-2744

2004 Thrush 550, 2004 Thrush 550, TTAF 8093, with PT6-45R 0 SHOT, O/H Bleed Valves, 0 SMOH Prop, Hydraulic Gate Box, SATLOC G4, Booms and Spreader. Sale with fresh annual. $510,000. Call 979-257-6695

2024 Thrush 710P, For sale 2024 fresh off the assembly line 710P, PT6A-65AG, 5-blade propeller, all standard options, including single-point fuel system, and a smoker system. This airplane is ready to cover some big acres. It can be sold as equipped, or we can get you a quote and equip it with all your requested options. Call North Star Aviation today at 620-356-4528

2024 Thrush 510P2+ - For sale 2024 fresh off the assembly line 510P2+ dual cockpit, PT6A-140AG, 4 blade propeller, all standard options, dual-cockpit upgrade (includes hopper rinse & rear seat), and a smoker system are already installed. This airplane is ready to cover some acres; it can be sold as equipped, or we can get you a quote and equip it with all your requested options. Call North Star Aviation today 620-356-4528

2023 Thrush 510P2 - TT120, Smoker, Leading Edge Lights, Micro VGs, Falcon GPS, Intelliflow, Sideload fuel, Garmin GTX 327, Garmin GMA 340, Garmin GTR 225. Call Mid-Continent at 800-325-0885

1994 Thrush S2R-T45 - 1994 Thrush Dual Cockpit -45, SN T45-006, TTAF 10,500, TTE 14,270, Fresh Hot, New V-ring segment repaired ext. duct by RT Turbine, Prop OH, Load Hawg, A/C and Heat new, Ag Nav Platinum, Annual Jan. 1, 2023, CP Nozzles. $700,000. Call 229-220-6343

1989 Thrush S2R-T34 - Single Cockpit, N3097K, Serial number T34-115, 17,000 TTAF/engine, OH Prop 5/22, 12-9-2016 Century Wing Spars installed, 9/10/18 Micro Vortex, Generators, 2020 Paint, Load Hawg, Engine work done by R.T Turbines at 14,799.3 hours, 2020 R.T. Turbines new V-ring, blades. $350K. Call 229-220-6343 or email croomaviation@gmail.com

1994 Thrush S2R-G6 510 Super 6Annual January 2024, Current Hobbs 6700, Spar caps replaced at Hobbs 5636. Big butterfly installed. Options include SATLOC G4 with flow control (not pictured or installed), A/C and heater, VG’s, Right boom shutoff, Airfoil booms, Garmin Comm, Single point fuel, 228-gallon tanks, fast start, Transland pump and electric brake, Four battery conversion - new batteries installed July 2023, New tail spring and head installed at annual. Engine: Garrett TPE331-6-511M

Super 6 built by CD Aviation in January 2024, installed in February 2024, 25 hrs SMOH, 25 hrs since CAM, 25 hrs since Hot Section. Prop: 3 blade Hartzell HC-B3TNSE 775 hrs TSOH. CLEAN AIRCRAFT, WELL EQUIPPED AND READY TO WORK! $575K. Contact Jody Perkins at Adcock Flying Service 360-632-5198 for email Jodycperkins@yahoo.com

1992 Thrush Ayres S2R-G6, 1992 Ayres S2R-G6 Airframe, N3105U - No Prop, No Engine - TTAF 6937, MVP-50 Glass Panel, Vortex Generators, 24 Volt Freon Air Conditioner, Aileron Servo, Reabe Hopper Level Indicator, Fabric Tail, Wings - Century Spar Caps 60,000 hrs. life.

Call Mid-Continent at 800-325-0885

1979 S2R-T34-014, C-GMQB. Fuselage Configuration Dual Cockpit / 400 Gallon hopper. Airframe Hours 4389. Engine Serial Number PT6-34AG PCE-56683. Engine TTSN 4389 hrs / 6047 cycles. Engine 4000 hr TSO 1068 hours-Vector Aerospace. Engine Time Since HSI 643.3 hours. Propeller HCB3TN-3C TSO 532 hours. Max Take-off weight TCCA LSTC9120 lbs. Basic Empty Weight 4572 lbs. Comm 1 Garmin SL40. Comm 2 Garmin SL40. Audio Panel Garmin GMA340. Attitude Indicator RCA2600-3-Digital. Transponder / ADS-B L3 NGT-9000D

SBAS. Navigation GPS Garmin Aera 796. Heading Indicator RCA15EKElectric. ME406 ELT 453-6603. Engine Instruments Analog - UMA Tri Gauge. Cascade Cowls complied with. Kawak Engine Controls complied with. Serv Aero Tailwheel Assy complied with. ATS Vortex Generators complied with. Tail Surfaces Fabric. Dual Batteries Gill Complied With. Additional Options: Servo Tabs, Cleveland Wheels and Brakes, SB-AG-34 Wing Attach Beef Up, SB-AG-23 Steel Reinforcement Web Doubler Kit SS2R-FF-002, AG-29, Big Butterfly and Lower Splice Plate Kit. Contact Paul at 506-654-6834

Pratt & Whitney PT6A-140AG 867SHP STC Kit, THRUSH 510P & 510G Aircraft - Complete Firewall forward bolt-on STC kits for the 510G and 510P. Thrush model aircraft. Contact Cascade Aircraft to secure the 867SHP-certified upgrade STC kit for your THRUSH 510 aircraft. Call 509-635-1212

1996 Thrush S2R-G6, 1996 Ayres Corporation S2R-G6, S/N G6-144 N2239V, TT: 6314.6, TTE: 11,990, HSI: 2153, Prop TT: 2332, Factory Spars installed at TT: 5,202, Options include: SATLOC G4/ IntelliFlow, Smoker, AC and heater, VG.s, Winglets, Right boom shut-off, King 96 Comm, Hatfield SPF, Cool Start, SS Booms, CP-11 nozzles, AFS check valves, Agrinautics pump w/ electric brake, Shadin fuel flow, Landing light, Hopper rinse tank, Nav lights with strobes and four new batteries. Aircraft will need an annual inspection. $432K. North Star Aviation is the First Lift Aviation Dealer. 620-356-4528

1991 Thrush S2R-T34, N672EH, 11,349 TTAF, PT6A -42 engine, TSO 3583.6, Load Master 4-blade propeller, Power Pressure Cowling with Quick Change Power Filter System, GPS SATLOC M3, Flow Control, Intelliflow, Spray Pump, Booms, Winglets, New Paint. Call Turbines, Inc at 812-877-2587

AIRCRAFT – OTHER

1968 Citabria 7ECA, clean and solid airplane, TTAE - 2,928, time since complete Top OH - 365 hrs, TSMOH - 1,360 hrs, Last annual inspection09/2023. $60,000.

Contact Kevin Jones 662-292-7541

1938 Boeing A75N1(PT17), N54284, TTAF 6080.7, R985-AN-14B, TTE 520.4, Annual 6/2021, Garmin SL-40COM, Garmin GTX 327 TXP, PS Engineering PM-1200, Installed Oilmatic Pre-oiler, Installed Airwolf remote oil filter, Smoker, Speed ring, total fuel 56 gallons, Redline brakes, Garmin GDL 82 ADSB-OUT. Call Mid-Continent 800-325-0885

B1-A Callair Manufacturing Rights. Available now is the type certificate, drawings, jigs, tooling, aircraft parts, and property associated with this 300 gal Pratt and Whitney 985 powered sprayer. Start your own aircraft company or expand your line. Contact +1 (850) 380-6091

AIRCRAFT – HELICOPTER

Bell 206B and 206L models for sale or lease, spray-ready. Call Hunter Parker at 561-723-3592 or Brian Parker at 561-723-1911

ENGINE - PISTON

Pratt & Whitney R-985 & R-1340 Engines in stock. All with new pistons installed. Overhauled by Aero Recip, Covington, Tulsa and Younkin. Call 661-257-7708

GE/Walter M601E-11 - 1986 Walter M601E-11 Engine. Damaged in a prop strike. Selling as is. $9500. Call 6441-316-9114

Pratt & Whitney R-985 & R-1340

Cylinder Assemblies - R-985 & R-1340

Complete OHC Cylinder Assemblies OHC in stock, all with new pistons installed and all gaskets and seals to install. We also stock new and overhauled magnetos, OHC carbs, starters fuel pumps, etc. Top overhaul tool kits $250 each. Call 661-257-7708

Pratt & Whitney R1340 - R1340 Engine Overhaul - New pistons, new bearings, mags, ignition harness, carb, with warranty outright/exchange. Call Chester Roberts Supply Company at 903-429-6805

Pratt & Whitney R985-AN1-14B - R985AN1-14B Tulsa Overhaul, New pistons, Bosch mags, ignition harness, carb with warranty outright/exchange. For more information call Chester Roberts Supply Company at 903-429-6805

ENGINE - TURBINE

Honeywell/Garrett TPE331-10-511M - For immediate sale. S/N: P-36452C, TSN: 13,155.9, TSCAM: 5606.1, TSHSI: 90.9, TSGBI: 90.9, CSN: 21,919, CSCAM: 1788, CSHSI: 28.0. TS Level II Prop strike inspection: 0.0. Fresh out of Level II prop strike inspection. Surplus to needs. Engine is sitting at TAE(Ag Air turbines), crated, turn-key, ready to ship. Spec sheet is attached. $299,000. Contact: Pete Brawn, Ph. 541-740-5062 (No Texts). Email: peteairways@gmail.com

Pratt & Whitney PT6A-34. PT6A-34 PCE57524 For Sale, TSN 8341.4, FSN 15632, SCN 3912, EOS Overhaul. Contact 817-354-2002

Honeywell/Garrett TPE331-6. (Super conversion STC to -511B) SN: P-27069C. Engine has only 372.2 hours Since MAJOR Overhaul!! And only 4830 hours TT Since NEW! - LOW cycles (status sheet below for download). The following work was just completed at TAE Aerospace: 0 Hours Since - Level 3 Prop strike inspection. 0 Hours Since - Hot section Inspection and Gear box inspection. 0 hours SinceSuper conversion with Bigfoot Mod completed. 0 Hours Since - Overhauled FCU/Prop Governor/Fuel pump installation. Ready to go NOW! Asking $399,000 USD and will consider offers and trades of aircraft and engines! ORRRR...if you have a clean Thrush airframe to sell that would be just begging for this motor, let me know! ASI JET Specializes in Aircraft Sales, Maintenance, and Parts Support. Call ASI Jet Sales at 320-587-7615 for more information! *All specifications are subject to verification upon inspection by buyer.

Pratt & Whitney PT6A-34. PT6A-34 PCE57524 For Sale, TSN 8341.4, FSN 15632, SCN 3912, EOS Overhaul. Call for pricing at 817-354-2002

EQUIPMENT - DISPERSAL

Mkit 9005 - 2” Electro Magnetic Meter Flow Controler for AgPilot X. 2” stainless steel full port valve with cables. New, still in the box. $4250. Call 530-300-5379

Air Tractor 802A Ram Air Offset Inlet Kit - Complete Air Tractor AT-802A Ram Air Offset Inlet kit. Ferry time only. List price new: $38,493 Sales price: $25,000. Call Neal Aircraft at 806-828-5892

Transland 10” Hydraulic Gate - Used 10” Hydraulic Gate. List price new: $37,765 Sales Price: $17,500. Call Neal Aircraft at 806-828-5892

Sorenson spray tank made for a Piper Super Cub, 80-gallon tank, fiberglass, and stored inside. $500. Call Don Kothe at +1 (308) 692-3315. Please do not email.

Stainless Steel Booms, Pumps & Nozzles - For Sale - High quality Stainless Steel booms, pumps and nozzles! On the shelf and ready to ship. Contact mark@turbineconversions.com or call +1 (616) 837-9428

Zanoni Equipment Atomizers - New, in stock and ready to ship at Turbine Conversions, Ltd in Michigan. High quality, stainless steel, tested, proven, and US operators are loving these atomizers. Contact 616-837-9428

AT-802 Hatfield Fire Gate - New Production ready to ship! Original Hydraulic Clam Shell Design, STC, BLM & IATB Approved. Proven reliable design, currently fighting fires in North & South America. Built tough, lighter weight, and affordable pricing available options. Other aircraft models available - STC on All models of AT, Thrush, and M18 Dromader with short lead time. Contact 616-837-9428

Transland 10 vane spreader for 38” gate, new, $13,000. Contact 281-342-5451

Transland Spreader, 25” Slimline in fair condition. $750. Contact +1 (478) 494-3757

Fire Gate Hatfield Hydraulic Drop Door, USFS / BLM approved, Fits Thrush, Dromader, can be adapted to Air Tractor 502 or 802, excellent condition, with streamlined fairings, all controls included. $5,000 Any reasonable offer accepted! Needs to go! S.E.A.T. program is expanding. Pilot/contractor training available. Call +1 (530) 345-9919

Ag Cat - Various Ag Cat Spares available.

Please contact us for the price at spares@orsmondaviation.co.za or +27 58 303 5261 or visit our website at https://orsmondaviation.co.za/

Spray Equipment - New without warranty spray equipment for all Air Tractor models, including pumps, booms, and nozzles.

Contact 817-456-5450

SUPERBOOMS, Thrush Servos; Maintenance on Ag & G.A. Aircraft Including Heavy Structural Repairs; Robinson Helicopter Service Center; Machining, Fabricating & Sheet Metal Gurus.

Contact +1 (701) 642-5777

(2)Transland SS 22274 38” to 25” gate box adapters & 21966 Gate Boxes. $2500 Each or $4000 for both plus shipping.

Contact 620-525-6712

Miscellaneous Items For Sale - 50 brass T-Jet nozzles complete with swirl plates $250. Transland gate box for hopper SS good condition, 25 inch $500. Cal Max Helmet large, very good, complete w/ face plates. Wired for headset. $500. One alternator, new, 100 amp, adapter for P&W engines, electrical parts for night spraying $600. Contact Al at 208-569-3407

EQUIPMENT - GPS

Satloc G4 - Selling new Satloc G4 still in the box. L8 lightbar, all hardware wiring new in box. $19,000. Call 530-300-5379

Satloc G4 - Hi we have 5 complete working SATLOC G4 units for sale, one is available immediately, and the other 4 will be available in the next week or so as they are still being used until our new units come in. (more photos available upon request) $12,000. For any interest or questions please contact Wade at 530-570-9412

GPS Trac Map, Ag Nav, Satloc - 3Complete Trac Map Flight 3 systems (lightbar, head unit, cables, antenna etc.) $3,500.00 USD. Miscellaneous Trac Map Flight 3 Parts - Light Bars, Cables, Wireless Dongles. Satloc - Light bar and cable. Ag Nav - Ag Flow 1 Screens (6 total). Screen and mounting brackets only. $500.00 USD. Make me an offer on it all or willing to part out separate. Call 306-786-3345

AgPilotX - Helicopter light bar now available with the new iPad based

guidance system - AgPilotX. Entire system with helicopter light bar is 13 lbs. Call Anthony Fay with Insero for details 480-285-4367

Wanted: SATLOC Bantams, G4 Units & Flow Controllers.

Call Mike at Orsmond Aerial Spray (Pty) Ltd +27 58 303 5261 or email mikep@orsmondaviation.co.za

EQUIPMENT - PARTS

Van Horn 2062200-301 - Van Horn OH 58 Tail Rotor Blades as removed from flying OH58. 981.1 SNEW, Excellent condition. Will send to blade shop for inspection upon sale. Must sell. Model #2062200301. $29,999. Call 910-876-2519

Kawak Electric Spray Pump - Variable speed high output Kawak electric spray pump. Will dramatically increase the productivity with up to double the output vs. existing electric spray pumps. Pilot-controlled variable speed output to pump or automatic speed modulation via GPS/flow control integration.

Call or email for pricing. 541-385-5051 or sales@kawakaviation.com

Kawak Power Stop Throttle QuadrantsAir Tractor 5, 6, 8, and 1002 Kawak power stop throttle quadrants. Feature power lever stop, allowing the pilot to manually set max torque, temp, or Ng for the day. The new power “lever lockout” feature prevents engine over torques when the prop is in feather.

Call or email for pricing. 541-385-5051 or sales@kawakaviation.com.

Thrush Top Hat Header Tank Modification

- Thrush H-80 STC SA04485CH Top Hat Header Tank Modification. STC solves issues with FCU and extends the factory recommended replacement of the auxiliary fuel pump from 500 hours to 3,500 hours. Currently have 4 spots open for early 2024 delivery.

Contact your favorite Thrush dealer at +1 (616) 837-9428 or Ann@turbineconversions.com for more details.

Tools for reaming attach bolts wing main (Center wing to outboard wing) Attachment joints for Dromader M-18 per repair service bulletin #e/02.170/2000. Available for rent. Contact ann@turbineconversions.com or 616-837-9428

R-985 & R-1340 Engine Parts - Complete stock of all P&W R-985 & R-1340 engine parts. Also P&W tools, Top OH tool kits, Time Rite kits, engine mounts, Champion & Tempest spark plugs, parts books, OH

and maintenance manuals, Mags, carbs, starters, fuel pumps boost pumps. Also, R-1830, R-200, R-2800 engines and parts. Call Sun Air Parts at +1 (661) 257-7708

Reinforced Thrush Leading Edges - Send your leading edges to us, and we will reinforce them with durable custom extruded aluminum reinforcements. Available directly from Turbine Conversions, Ltd. Call 616-837-9428

Wanted: P&W Engine Parts - Pratt & Whitney Engine Cores, Engine Parts Inventories, Cylinders, Starters, Fuel Pumps and Boost Pumps. Call Sun Air Parts at +1 (661) 257-7708

Air Tractor & Thrush Boost Pumps - New and overhauled Air Tractor and Thrush boost pumps in stock. Delco A4949 motor with 400 GPH AN4101 fuel pump attached. Outright and exchange. We supply these direct to both factories. Call Sun Air Parts at +1 (661) 257-7708

Ag Cat Frameworks, All Models, 4130 weld assys, fixture perfect, ready to install. Struts, wires, hoppers, long fuel, high-wings, dispersal equipment, hardware, all upgrades, components, and spares.

Call +1 (870) 886-2418

AV-KOR1 Helmets Available Now! The AVKOR1 helmet is made out of a fiberglass composite, utilizing Koroyd and an anti-microbial comfort liner making it the lightest aviation helmet on the market. Features Fire Retardant trim and a FIDLOCK buckle system. Works with any aftermarket in-helmet communications devices. North Star Aviation is the First Lift Aviation Dealer.

Contact North Star Aviation at 620-356-4528

Leaf Spring Conversion Kit PA25 - CTS 1109.21 - A-K-009 Leaf Spring Conversion Kit PA25 - CTS 1109.21 - Speed increase, large service life, and minimum maintenance. Kit includes spring, brackets, installation hardware, and certs. Made by Lavia SA, manufacturer of the PA-25 Puelche. Email aravia@aravia.com.ar

Transland Pump Mount.

Call Billy Maxwell at Transland +1 (940) 687-1100

Transland Aluminum Boom ClampsLarge & Small.

Call Billy Maxwell at Transland +1 (940) 687-1100

Transland 4” Delrin Hopper Vents. Call Billy Maxwell at Transland 940-687-1100 or email sales@translandllc.com for more information

Transland Grip Steps for AT aircraft. Call Billy Maxwell at Transland 940-687-1100 or email sales@translandllc.com for more information

Brushless Motor Airframe Fuel Pump

- New Brushless Motor Airframe Fuel Pump - STC kits for PT6 Air Tractor and THRUSH aircraft. Long lasting, solid state, with fail safes.

Call 509-635-1212

2013 AT-502B Firewall forward parts: Engine mount, cowling and Ram Air filter system. All parts with less than 1400 hours total time. Very clean and well maintained AT-502B. Parts are located in Alabama.

Call Cascade Aircraft Conversions for more details 1-509-635-1212

Radial Mounts/Rings - Radial Parts: 2 Fiberglass AT Speed Rings, 1 THRUSH Speed Ring, 1 Radial engine mount with ring. Make offer. Call 509-635-1212

Pratt & Whitney PT6A-140AG 867SHP STC Kit for THRUSH 510P & 510G Aircraft - Complete Firewall forward bolt-on STC kits for the 510G and 510P. Thrush model aircraft. Contact Cascade Aircraft to secure the 867SHP-certified upgrade STC kit for your THRUSH 510 aircraft. Contact 509-635-1212

AT-502 sheet metal. Some new, some used, all airworthy. Mostly fwd. lower fuselage. $500 for all OBO. Will box and ship for materials and labor. Contact 530-345-9919

Ayres Thrush ‘Hoerner’ wing tips. Left and right, no damage. $500 for the pair. Call Gary at 530-345-9919 garyhendricksonn3n@gmail.com

EQUIPMENT - SUPPORT

Ground Support Engine Driven Transfer Pump, Zanoni Equipment’s all stainless steel construction paired with a Honda 13 HP motor.

Contact 616-837-9428

3” load, mix tank, fully contained and lockable, air compressor and storage complete and ready to go.

CallFarm Air at 877-715-8476

Portable Load Pad - Like new portable load pad suitable for an 802. Very little use.

Call Farm Air at 877-715-8476

HELP WANTED

Mechanic/Shop Manager - Farm Air Flying Service is seeking a full-time mechanic/shop manager. The ideal candidate would be an A&P and or IA with experience working on PT6s. However, we are willing to invest in and grow with a person with higher aspirations. Duties include 100-hour inspections, annual inspections on our fleet that includes, 502s, 504, 802, Ag Cat, and Bell 47 Soloy and general maintenance on related equipment (ground rigs loader trucks etc). Shop manager duties include ordering and stocking a shop for maintenance duties. Competitive pay, 12 months of housing and relocation help included. Located in the heart of California’s central valleys rice country, we are uniquely situated, surrounded by country living but close to big city life, with the Sierra Nevadas, the Pacific ocean in our backyard. Email oldcrow1982@gmail.com or call 530-300-5379

502 Pilot Needed Immediately- For a corn run in Nebraska. US pilots only, please.

Please call or text 308-991-3432

Pilots Wanted - Seasonal & Full-TimeIndiana operator looking for pilots to fill seats in 402, 602, and 802 beginning July 2024. Must be able to get pesticide licenses in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois. Send resumes or inquiries to IndianaAgJobs@gmail.com

SEAT Pilots Needed- Seat pilots are needed immediately. Must be a Level I or Level II.

Contact Dain at 806-535-8560

A&P Mechanics Needed- Looking for three A&P Mechanics to maintain five Ag Cats and a Cessna October-December or January-March. Pay commensurate with experience and housing will be provided. Relocation to south Louisiana is required, with time allocated to return during holidays if necessary.

Contact Vincent Flying Service, Kaplan, LA 337-643-3688

Full-Time and Seasonal Pilots NeededGrowing multi-location Kansas operation seeking full-time and seasonal pilots. Herbicide experience is a huge plus. Benefits and guaranteed salary for the right candidates/full-time positions.

Email blindads@agairupdate.com,

Subject: ID#2757

IA AP Mechanic Needed - Northern California operation is looking for a full-time mechanic to set up shop.

Ag cats, Thrushes, Air Tractors, and a few GA airplanes in the off-season. Ag experience is preferred but not required; salary depends on experience. We can help with relocation costs. Please call for more information. Come live in beautiful California and work on airplanes, a dream come true!

Contact Rick at 530-438-2141

R66 Helicopter and Pilot WantedWestern operation looking for an R66 helicopter and pilot. Long-term contract. All inquiries must include a resume or list of total times.

Email blindads@agairupdate.com

Subject: ID#3900

AT-802 & Thrush Pilots Needed - Larnaca, Cyprus operation looking for AT-802 & Thrush pilots.

Please email references and resume to Nicolas at aviators@hotmail.gr

Alternate Application Division Manager - Alternate Application Division Manager - Nebraskaland Aviation is seeking an individual to assist with our vision, creation, and management of a new alternative application division inside of our company. This job is listed on our website at Careers | Nebraskaland Aviation | NE, KS | Ag Aviation, Fertilizer, Chemicals. Use of this equipment will include imagery services, as well as, but not limited to, herbicide, fungicide, biological, and nutritional product applications to row crops and rangeland. This new division will consist of aerial equipment such as rotary drones that are common today, larger unmanned fixed-wing aircraft that are coming to market, and all new technologies that will eventually become available. This division will also include ground applications to be made with UTV and ATV equipment, as well as autonomous ground sprayers and all other new technologies that will be coming to market. Our vision is to create the most technologically advanced and most capable alternate application division in the United States with the purpose of meeting the ever-changing needs of our customers.

Email resume and references to Tye at tye.marquardt@nebav.com

Experienced Pilot Needed - Lakeland Aviation, Inc. Corcoran, CA, is looking for an experienced pilot. Average annual pay $200K+, 90% of work is 1 mile runs -1/2 section fields with few to no obstacles. Mostly newer airplanes, excellent maintenance, and crew. Home every night/day - we do work nights in the summer. Health Insurance, 401K, paid vacation. Fly 500-700 hours per year. Please submit a resume with

references to Reid Potter (559) 289-4649 rpotter@lakelandaviation.net or Chris Nolta (530) 517-1253 cnagpilot@comcast.net

AT-602 Pilot Wanted in MongoliaThomas Air LLC Mongolia is looking for an experienced fixed-wing turbine pilot for forestry flying in Mongolia. From the end of May through September for 3-4 months. Lots of adventure and bush piloting spray jobs in different locations. Throughout the summer. Contact info: burenkh@gmail.com, mobile number +976-8888-1369

Pilot - California, Central Valley Operation looking to hire fixed wing, and Helicopter Pilots. Turbine Trushes, Air Tractor 802’s, Huey’s, and Bell 206’s. Night Flying is prefered.

Please Call Debbie Burgos at 559-816-7244

Experienced Turbine Pilot - Seeking experienced turbine pilots in the Midwest for the upcoming season and beyond (Air Tractor and/or Thrush). June through August mainly, but possibly a couple of weeks of work in the Spring. Email resume or total times to blindads@ agairupdate.com

Subject: ID#2754

AT-802 Timber and Corn Run pilot needed for rotation mid-January through mid-May. AT-802 Corn run pilot needed from mid-June to mid-August. Minimum experience - 500 hours 802 time or hightime 502 or 602 pilot. Email resume to cropdoctoral@hotmail.com or call/text 870-510-6882

Tabula – Eastern United States Regional Aviation Business Development Team Member: Due to continued growth in the United States, Tabula is hiring a new Regional Aviation Business Development Team Members for the Southern Eastern United States region to focus on our AirVision System. This position will be based out of our Melbourne, Florida location. About the role: The Business Development Team is responsible for maintaining our existing sales, growing new business, and technically supporting our products within the Agriculture, Mosquito, Forestry, Horticulture, Fire and Utility industries. We are seeking someone with experience in the Agriculture Aviation Sector. In return, we are offering a role that has the opportunity for growth and development, a base salary of $60k, plus a generous commission and bonus program that will reflect your skills, knowledge, and

overall experience, with total earning potential being well over $100k. To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to recruitment@tabula.live

2 Professional Turbine Ag Pilots for the 2024 spray season. Operating Thrush 510P aircraft from May 15, 2024 to October 15, 2024. Job duties include providing aerial application on fields primarily in Saskatchewan and possibly other provinces. Must be insurable on Thrush 510P aircraft, and capable of operating a Satloc GPS system or able to learn it. Must be able to speak, read, and write proficient English. Accidentfree flight record is preferred. Housing and vehicle can be provided if needed. Wage is $50/hour, 40 hours/week. Performance-based bonus is offered. Workers compensation provided. Call Justin Farr at Farr Air Inc. 306-8616675 or 306-848-1044

Looking to Hire a Long-Term, Experienced AT-502B Pilot - Wellestablished company in California looking to hire a long-term experienced AT-502B Pilot. Insecticide, Fungicide, Seed & Fertilizer. Crops include Orchards, Rice, Vegetables & Row Crops. E-mail resume and references to blindads@agairupdate.com

Subject ID#2095

Full-time Pilot position North Dakota - Looking for an experienced pilot to fly AT-502/602. The season runs from mid-May through September. The main application is fungicide/insecticide; herbicide experience is preferred. The position may include some travel during the season.

Call or email for details. 701-339-8799 gravesen.chad@gmail.com

Level 1 Seat Pilot - Looking for a level 1 seat pilot for 2024 and beyond for an exclusive use contract.

Contact Patrick Mertens at 970-571-0871

Mechanic Wanted - FAA maintenance facility is seeking a skilled mechanic to join the maintenance team at an industry-leading aviation center. Qualified candidates must have Airframe & Powerplant Certificate with at least five years of experience working in Ag Aviation. Must be able to stand, stoop, squat, or kneel for eight or more hours on concrete, lift up to 65 lbs., follow inspection checklists, and fix discrepancies. Self-motivated individuals should be able to see the end goal at the early stages for the maintenance process and be a team player.

Competitive pay, 100% employer-paid health insurance with vision and dental

options, 401k, paid holidays, vacation, and sick time. Interested parties should return a completed application with a current resume.

Contact Joe Risner – Director of Maintenance for more information. 800-325-0885

Pilot Needed in North Dakota: A 2018 AT-502XP pilot is needed to cover up to 122,000 acres. Experience is needed. Travel required.

Call for details. +1 (701) 321-0767

Helicopter A&P mechanic - Jones Aviation is looking for a full time, experienced helicopter A & P mechanic. We are located in northern California. Maintenance will be performed on site. Experience with UH-1H would be preferred. We would be willing to help with relocation costs. Needs to be a team player but not afraid to lead. Overtime might be required during seasonal times of year.

Contact Chris (530)321-1253

A&P, A&P/IA - FAA Part 137 Operator, looking for new A&P’s and experienced A&P’s. Air Tractors & Bell Helicopters. “Aircraft Type” experience not as important as: Conscentious, organized, willing to learn, get things done, team players.Will perform/participate in Sheduled/Unscheduled Maintenance & Inspections. Maintain support equipment/shop. Full time/Year Round. $23-$32 hr DOE. Some Benefits & Vacation. US Citizen or Valid Work Visa. Send Resume: DOM@trirotorllc.com

Ag & King Air Simulator Instructors: Looking for Ag & King Air Simulator Instructors. Instructors are 1099 contractors. Work is on a per-student basis. 1-3 day courses and paid by the day. Work one one-on-one with the students. Classroom and simulator instruction. Days are 9-5 with no weekends. Lodging fees are covered for instructors who travel to our location to teach. Flight instructor certificate is not needed. Looking for someone who has an Ag pilot background/experience. Turbine experience is a must. Could be active or retired. Must have an interest in teaching and passing on their knowledge to others in the industry. Please include a resume when inquiring. Email blindads@agairupdate.com Subject: ID#153

IA and A&P mechanics needed. Call Frost Flying at 870-295-6213 Salary depending on qualifications and experience

Experienced Pilot/Manager - North Dakota aviation operation looking for an Experienced pilot/manager to co-manage FBO, Airport, and Aerial spraying operation. 802 and Turbine Thrush. Season runs mid-June through September. Potential opportunity to partner/purchase operation in the near

future. Start putting your time and efforts into your building your own operation!! FBO and Airport management provide steady income streams to help make it through the slow seasons. Email resume and references to luke@ltenterprisesnd.com

Marketing Assistant Job - Lift Aviation is looking for a motivated person to assist with brand marketing and sales initiatives in conjunction with trade shows, brand building, and sales generation. Previous experience in marketing/sales is preferred. This position requires an excellent work ethic. The candidate will aid in sales, marketing, and tradeshow initiatives. Overall objective – Assist in all facets of sales/marketing. Competitive Wage Health / Dental / Optical Insurance PTO Paid holidays 401k Job Type: Full-time, Onsite Only, Hourly Pay, Travel possible Email resume and references to Todd Lentz at todd@liftaviationusa.com

Experienced Engine & Component Technicians Needed - TAE Aerospace is a global aerospace company, servicing commercial and defense customers worldwide. We create value for customers through innovative thinking, premium quality products, and services in aerospace engineering, manufacturing, turbine engine, and component MRO. Located across the globe, our maintenance facilities in Australia and in America are the leading provider of quality general aviation, aerial agricultural, turboprop engine, and component maintenance. Right now, we are looking for experienced Engine and Component Technicians to join our teams in Adelaide, South Australia, and Scottsdale, Arizona. If you have proven TPE331, PT6A or GE H80 experience or have worked in a similar role, and looking for your next challenge – we want you! Find out more about joining our team.

Email: Hr-support@taeaerospace.com phone: +61(0)881500200 or visit: www.taeaerospace.com

Helicopter Spray Pilot - B&S Air Inc. is looking for an experienced Helicopter Spray Pilot for the 2023 season. 1000 Hours of Turbine Spray time on forestry work is required. Work will be guaranteed from April-November of 2023, with the possibility of a long-term seat.

Please contact Chase Gibson directly at 228-860-2375 to discuss the seat. https:// www.bandsairinc.com/

Mix Truck Driver/Helicopter Loader - QUALIFICATIONS: Class A or B CDL required with tanker and hazmat endorsements. Experience in related field is helpful; clean driving record, must pass regular drug and alcohol screenings; must be willing to travel and work outside in the elements, and some heavy lifting may be required. Immediate permanent relocation is not necessary.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Our company provides silvicultural services for many types of customers throughout the US South and Midwest. This job offers workers a chance to travel and interact with many different types of leaders in the forestry industry. This is a great opportunity to advance with our company or to meet other persons in the industry that may help to further your career. This job will require you to be on the road from March-end of October with off time November-February. Our helicopter crews often work long hours and 7 day work weeks. Duties include: Driving mix truck from one spray location to the next with the help of the crew leader for navigation and filling the helicopter with chemicals. Necessary training will be provided to complete these tasks. Stays at hotel required while working out of town or at company owned apartment when working near our office. Ideal candidate will be willing to work hard with a positive attitude, work long hours and work as a team to help make the crew productive.

PLEASE CONTACT CHASE GIBSON DIRECTLY at 228-860-2375 or email resume to chase@bsairinc.com

Tabula – Regional Aviation Business Development Team Members for the Canadian Market: Due to continued growth in the United States, Tabula is hiring a new Regional Aviation Business Development Team Members for the Canadian Market to focus on our AirVision System. In return, we are offering a role that has the opportunity for growth and development, a base salary of $60k, plus a generous commission and bonus program that will reflect your skills, knowledge, and overall experience, with total earning potential being well over $100k. To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to recruitment@tabula.live

Tabula – Regional Aviation Business Development Team Members for the Southern Central United States: Due to continued growth in the United States, Tabula is hiring a new Regional Aviation Business Development Team Members for the Southern Central United States region to focus on our AirVision System. We are seeking someone with experience in the Agriculture Aviation Sector. About the role:The Business Development Team is responsible for maintaining our existing sales, growing new business, and technically supporting our products within the Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture and Utility industries. In return, we are offering a role that has the opportunity for growth and development, a base salary of $60k, plus a generous commission and bonus program that will reflect your skills, knowledge, and

overall experience, with total earning potential being well over $100k. To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to recruitment@tabula.live.

Pilots Wanted - Looking for a few good pilots to fly 400-turbine Air Tractors. Willing to help with the turbine transition for the corn run. Perfect opportunity for a piston pilot. Call or text Craig at 815-499-4704

Long-Term Experienced AT-402 PilotWell established company in Ohio looking for a long-term experienced AT-402 pilot - 2023 and beyond. Housing is available. Fungicide, insecticide, fertilizer, seeding work on corn, beans, wheat, and some vegetables. Send resume to chadniese@embarqmail.com Call Chad at 419-235-4182

POSITION WANTED

Pilot Arizona - Pilot Available now. Any state or country. 58 good condition. Recent time on 510P. Licenced in Kansas, Colorado. E mail pawneeguy@hotmail.com

Plane & Pilot Available - Plane & Pilot available from July to August for 4-6 weeks. 510 Thrush. Experienced owner/ operator. Quality work. Shapefile proficient.

Email contact information and operation location to blindads@agairupdate.com Subject: ID#3384

Looking for 2024 Seat and Beyond Georgia: Looking for a 2024 seat and beyond. Willing to travel. Total time 20,200. Turbine time 18,471. Total Ag time 1,255. Licensed in Georgia. Completed NAFA in January 2024. Call Hale Ellis for more details at 678-779-4726

Experienced AG Pilot looking for Seat Georgia: Experienced AG Pilot looking for Seat, 7500TT, 4300AG, flown all Air Tractors models and Trush planes. Resume available on request. Contact IFlyag66@gmail.com

Subcontract for Corn Run South Dakota - Experienced pilot with AT-5, 6, or 802 SATLOC/flow control, extensive SHP time. Contact 701-541-0102

Experienced Tail Wheel Looking for Seat Utah - Experienced Tail Wheel. Most of my time has been in Turbine and Radial Ag Aircraft. Currently flying corporate and have a flexible schedule.Have a clean and safe record. Looking for ferry or contract flying opportunities. Located in Salt Lake City. Call Ty at 801-232-5777

Helicopter Pilot Turbine/Piston

Tennessee - Helicopter pilot turbine/ piston 7000+ flight hours looking for opportunity. Willing to work as a loader and hangar to earn a seat. Hardworking and committed to delivering high-quality results. Reliable and dedicated with an excellent safety record and work ethic. Available on short notice. I appreciate your time. Looking forward to hearing from you. Steve Reach out via call, text or 901-586-7322 or email at Stbrown77@gmail.com

Looking for Ag Pilot or Ground Crewman Position - Mature and teachable Ag Pilot, seeking to learn from other professionals. Either as an Ag Pilot or a ground crewman. Extensive farm and aviation maintenance background. Four seasons loading and Ag pilot experience. Flight time is as follows, 1240 TT, 645 Ag, 40 Turbine. A&P mechanic. Thank you. Please email AgAir41@outlook.com

AK Bush Pilot Looking for AG Pilot Slot, Alaska - 25 yrs AK bush. Central America Missionary pilot. 7500 TT, 1250 DHC3, 250 DHC3T. Train me so I can spray for you. See resume for details or email Will at whframingconsultant2@gmail.com

Looking for Long-Term Seat in the US

Cordoba - Looking for long-term seat in the US. I have an interesting combination of Aviation Engineering, Flight Training and Flight Experience, both Rotary Wing and Fixed Wing. Currently flying Thrush 510, Robinson 44, Robinson 66 and King Air C90. Experience in liquid application, aerial seeding and aerial fertilization. I am also URT (Upset Recovery Training) and aerobatics flight instructor giving instruction for more than 80 pilots already including AG pilots on how to recover airplanes form upset attitudes. Pilot Licenses: ATP, IFR Helicopter, CFI, TT Rotary Wing 1,500 hours. Resume and references are attached. For more information email cerionidiego@gmail.com

Looking for a Seat Missouri: Experienced Loader, CFI - Working on my second year loading now. Trained with Eagle Vistas over the winter on AG with John Becker. Some Ag-Cat and Pawnee time, 25 hours ag, 850 total, 150 tailwheel. I have my CFI, multi, and instrument. Looking for a seat in a plane, willing to load for the right company.

Contact Joseph Dittrich +1 (417) 763-7675

OPERATIONS FOR SALE

Aerial Spraying Business For Sale: Located in South East, South Dakota. 3-year average of approximately 40,000 acres per year (Additional acres and assets available in Oklahoma). The Aircraft is an S2R-T34 with a PT6A-34AG. Main assets include cash flow on 40,000 acres, airplane, 64x80 hangar with 60 ft door, and concrete loading area with 12,000-gallon double-walled fuel tank. Contact Jeff Mount at jeff.mount63@ gmail.com or 605-670-9703. Owner financing is available for the right buyer. May be able to separate assets. Call +1 (605) 670-9703

Ag business for sale in Texas: Located on the city airport, 3900 ft paved runway, two big drive-thru hangars, 502B Air Tractor, forklift, and loading equipment. Crops are dry land and irrigated and also brush and pear. There is very little traffic at the airport. We can stay and help if needed. The business was started in the early 70s, and we have owned it for over 35 years. Business is well established. Will not owner finance. Only serious inquiries. Must include contact information. Email inquiries to blindads@agairupdate.com

Subject: ID#486

PROPELLERS

Hartzell HC-B3TN-3D\T10282NS+4 - Hartzell Propeller - HC-B3TN-3D\ T10282NS+4, 45 hours since new. $67,500.

Call James at 320-296-7673

12D40-6101-12 Propeller, Overhauled with 8130 Form.

Call +1 (903) 429-6805

Hamilton Standard Propeller 23D40 with 6511-12S Blades Overhauled Completely. Includes 8130-3 form. Call +1 (903) 429-6805

Hamilton Standard 22D40 Hydromatic Propeller 6533 blades overhauled complete with distributor valve and prop, Governor. Call +1 (903) 429-6805

Hamilton Standard 23D40 Propeller with new blades 6511A-9 installed. Completely overhauled with 8130-3 form. Call +1 (903) 429-6805

QUALITY Propellers For Sale 33D50-6601A18 OHC $31,500 23D40-6601A18 OHO $29,500 22D40-6533A12 OHO. $26,500

12D40-AG100-4S 375-SOH $21,000

12D40-AG100-2 828-SOH $19,000

HC-B3TN-5M 106 OHC $27,000

Call +1 (870) 886-2418

Jeffries Airworks Dynamic Propeller Balancing with Chadwick Helmuth engine printout equipment. Jeffries Airworks, Dynamic Balancing, Vibration Analysis. Much more than just a balance. Call Jim Jeffries, A&P/IA, 985-507-9981, Nationwide service on your location

TRAINING

Riggin Flight Service, flight school offering private, commercial, instrument, Ag, multi-engine, tailwheel, etc. We tailor our courses to meet your needs. Call+1 (605) 256-9774

VEHICLES

We build loader trucks to your specifications. Stainless Steel Straight and Fold Up. Mild Steel Straight and Fold Up. Mild Steel Hopper w/Stainless Steel Tube. Been in loader truck business since 1980.

Call Pat Ballard Office: 870-697-2004

Fax: 870-697-3568

185 Hwy. 42 West, Hickory Ridge, AR

1994 International 4900, 466 Diesel, 6 sp trans, 235,000 mi, was worked from ground or includes new loading platform for fly-on-top loading, all in perfect cond, 1500 water, 300 mix, 60 chem, 2 DOT app. Fuel 110 tanks with 2 pumps, meter and Avia fuel filter, new Honda mix/load pump, newer Honda chem suction pump, 2 lg storage boxes, DOT Highway ready to work a new season. $21,500.

When it comes to PT6A Service & Support, there’s unmatched strength in the

POWER OF ONE.

For more than 50 years, Covington has remained true to the power of one. We are one family. Servicing engines from one manufacturer. With one guiding commitment: To build our company one relationship, and one engine, at a time. And, as the one and only family-owned Pratt & Whitney Canada factory-designated overhaul facility, no one knows the PT6A better, nor delivers more uncompromising support. All with a level of trust and compassion you simply won’t find anywhere else. Call or visit us today. It would be our privilege to put the power of one to work for you.

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