2021 NAVIGATOR
FROM THE NAAA
Andrew Moore NAAA Chief Executive Officer Mark Kimmel NAAA President
Join NAAA at the 2021 Ag Aviation Expo in Savannah for a Centennial Celebration! On behalf of the National Agricultural Aviation Association, we would like to invite all AgAir Update readers to the 2021 Ag Aviation Expo in historic Savannah. This year’s show takes on extra meaning because it coincides with the aerial application industry’s 100th anniversary!
the 2021 Ag Aviation Expo is the place for you! Make the most of the enriching education sessions, valuable networking opportunities and a world-class trade show that will showcase striking stateof-the-art and antique ag aircraft— including the Snow Aeronautical S2A, Ag-Cat Serial No. 1 and a Stearman.
In addition to our great speakers and programming, world-class NAAA Trade Show and enjoyable atmosphere, we are celebrating 100 years of aiding farmers in producing a safe, affordable and abundant supply of food, fiber and bioenergy, as well as protecting forestry and controlling health-threatening pests across our great nation.
You can expect to experience the same robust, informative and interactive atmosphere as always at the 2021 Ag Aviation Expo, but with additional safeguards established for the health and wellness of our attendees, exhibitors and staff.
This is the sixth time since 2010 the Hostess City of the South has hosted the world’s largest agricultural aviation expo. The reason is simple: They treat us right, and our attendees love it here. The citizens of Savannah bent over backward to make NAAA attendees and exhibitors feel safe and welcome us last year at our 2020 convention, and you can expect no less at this year’s show. We can’t wait to enjoy the city’s great restaurants, bars and amazing Southern hospitality. We have sessions for new pilots, experienced pilots, spouses and support staff. If you are looking to grow your business, find a job or sell a product or service in the aerial application industry, 8 | agairupdate.com
The festivities begin at the Kickoff Breakfast Monday morning, where you’ll hear from 19-time Emmy winner John Stossel, hailed by The Dallas Morning News as “the most consistently thought-provoking TV reporter of our time.” Stossel began his career as a consumer reporter calling for government regulation. But when he saw that regulations could cause new problems, he started reporting on the benefits that free markets create. After 28 years on ABC’s 20/20, Stossel joined Fox Business Network to host his own show. In 2017, he gave that up to start Stossel TV, which makes internet videos that educate young people about the benefits of limited government. This event is expected to sell out. Pre-register ahead of time to avoid missing out!
Several educational sessions are on tap throughout the week, including the Aerial Application Technology Research Session and programming focused on FAA matters and lowlevel obstacles, insurance, precision agriculture, crop protection products, engine performance and maintenance, helicopters, airframe and company sessions. Some states offer CEUs for education sessions. Visit AgAviation. org/ceu for a full list of CEU opportunities at the expo. NAAA’s General Session on Tuesday, Dec. 7, will feature history and content centered around the last 100 years of the aerial application industry. We’ll debut the new documentary “Aerial Applicators’ Growing Role: 100 Years of Agricultural Aviation,” followed by a panel looking back at the industry’s origins and advancements over the past 100 years. Steve Powell of Solum Consulting will moderate the session. Invited panelists include Dennie Stokes, of Mid-Continent Aircraft Corp. and Air Aids Inc./Stokes Flying Service in Earle, Arkansas; AgAir Update’s very own Bill Lavender; Jim Hirsch, Air Tractor’s president; Terry Humphrey of Thrush, and Grant Lane of Lane Aviation—all ag aviation veterans and leaders. For the final portion of the General Session, we’ll hear from experts who will forecast what’s on the horizon between now and the industry’s
