UNITED STATES
NAAA INSIGHTS
National Agricultural Aviation Association
COVID-19 Public Policy Developments Impacting the Aerial Application Industry
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s we continue to experience the impact of the novel coronavirus on our lives, many aerial applicators have questions about the status of various regulatory issues. NAAA has successfully worked with government
agencies in designating crop input services, such as aerial application, as an
Air support may yet play a role in fighting the coronavirus and TFRs may be needed in the event of large-scale aerial supply operations.
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essential service and preventing enforcement actions and/or extending expiration dates for expired licenses. Here are some of the key coronavirus-related regulatory developments aerial applicators should be aware of. Aerial Application Deemed an Essential Service Crop input services, such as aerial application, have been deemed critical infrastructure industries by the federal government, which means they shall continue without any disruption. You should provide a document for everyone at your operation to carry on their person that clarifies they are an employee of a critical infrastructure industry. NAAA has prepared examples in Word and PDF files that you can print on company letterhead and provide to your employees to sign and carry with them. This can be presented to law enforcement in the event an employee is stopped in a shelter in place or similar area. Visit AgAviation. org/covidresources to download the sample document.
Check TFRs and Airport Closures Air support may yet play a role in fighting the coronavirus and TFRs may be needed in the event of large-scale aerial supply operations. Additionally, smaller airports may have momentarily closed or have been forced to close by state or local regulations. If the airport is open, be sure to check to see if fuel services are available.
FAA Medical Certification The FAA issued a policy that suspends enforcement against individuals with first, second or third class medical certificates expiring between March 31 and June 30, 2020. Be sure to check with your insurance underwriter to ensure you are covered if your licensed expired during this timeframe and a situation occurs resulting in having to file a claim.
