AgAir Update Navigator 2023

SUPPLEMENT VOLUME 32

Navigator 2023 A Guide to Products and Services for Agricultural Aviation and the 2023 Ag Aviation Expo Largest Ag Aviation Expo in Sunny Palm Springs!

Message from NAAA Ag Aviation Expo Schedule Registration Form 2023 Ag Aviation Expo General Session

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Exhibit Hall Floor Plan 2022 Ag Aviation Expo Highlights Pitch Perfect for PAASS Aerial Application Research Technology Sessions Palm Springs Map

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AG AERIAL OPERATIONS HAVE NEVER BEEN SO EASY AirVision by Tabula: the smartest end-to-end ag aerial solution Precision guidance, superior air-to-ground connectivity, job management and proof of application rolled into one; AirVision brings intelligent simplicity to ag aerial operations.

The certainty that aerial and ground operations are completed accurately and efficiently: • • • • •

Intuitive touch screen tablet with lightbar, spray controller plus laser altimeter GPS navigation Hazard mapping for improved safety and sharing across fleet Data recording for reporting, compliance and future reference Seamless integration with backend office job management systems and auxiliary ground services to manage all aerial operations

Request a demo

USA: (844) 482-2852 AUS: 1800 4 822 85 NZ: 0800 4 822 85 2 | agairupdate.com www.tabula.live

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AirVision by Tabula Connecting Aerial and Ground Ag Operations A complete end-to-end ag aerial business solution, AirVision

by Tabula connects the dots between aerial and ground operations, making application easier, safer, and efficient, delivering significant productivity gains.

Founded in New Zealand 15 years ago, and now with a US headquarters in Florida, Tabula provides dedicated US based customer and technical support, and next-day parts shipping capability to most US destinations and is committed to investing in growth in the US market.

George Stevens, Tabula USA President, says that the AirVision system - suitable for fixed wing or rotor applications - has three key parts: the AirVision tablet, ancillary hardware, and Tabula Live software.

“Designed with input from pilots, AirVision prioritizes pilot safety and efficiency, and effortlessly connects and communicates in near real time with the back office and auxiliary ground services to manage all ag aerial operations.

“AirVision has everything that ag aviators need, eliminating the need for multiple devices in the cockpit and different systems to manage supporting operations.

“AirVision gives a user-friendly, easy to operate, lightweight solution in the cockpit, where ounces and pounds matter.

It’s a fully integrated solution giving you certainty that work is completed both accurately and efficiently” says George.

• Hazard mapping for improved safety and sharing across fleet • Proof of application recording for reporting and compliance • Seamless integration with backend office job management systems and auxiliary ground services to manage all aerial operations

AirVision Customer Story: McDermott Aviation is Australia’s largest privately owned helicopter company. Operating in Australia and throughout the world, the company started out as an aerial application specialist, and is now in many different forms of aerial work including firefighting, pest control, and search and rescue to name a few.

Of AirVision They Say: “We would be lost without Tabula. AirVision allows us to keep on top of our ag operations, with no need to download files, or send client data. It keeps the work moving.”

AirVision will be at Navigator 23 this year. Drop in for a chat, meet the team and find out how we can help keep your work moving; you’ll find us at booth 550.

The AirVision Solution: • Intuitive touch screen tablet with lightbar, spray controller plus laser altimeter • GPS navigation

AgAir Update’s 32nd Annual Navigator | 3

IN THIS ISSUE

SUPPLEMENT VOLUME 32

P.O. Box 850 • Perry, GA 31069 USA 475 Myrtle Field Rd. • Perry, GA 31069 USA PHONE / Fax: 478-987-2250 aau@marsaylmedia.com • agairupdate.com AgAir Update is a Marsayl Media Publication

PRESIDENT: Graham Lavender - graham@marsaylmedia.com VICE-PRESIDENT: Bill Lavender - bill@agairupdate.com SECRETARY: Sandy Lavender - sandy@agairupdate.com ACCOUNTING: Casey L. Armstrong - casey@marsaylmedia.com ADVERTISING: Melanie Woodley - melanie@marsaylmedia.com CLASSIFIED ADS: classifieds@agairupdate.com Melanie Woodley - melanie@marsaylmedia.com PRODUCTION: Daniela Constantino - daniela@marsaylmedia.com CIRCULATION: subs@agairupdate.com Mary Jane Virden - maryjane@marsaylmedia.com

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Largest Ag Aviation Expo in Sunny Palm Springs!

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Message from NAAA

20-21

Ag Aviation Expo Schedule

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Registration Form

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2023 Ag Aviation Expo General Session

60-61

Exhibit Hall Floor Plan

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2022 Ag Aviation Expo Highlights

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Pitch Perfect for PAASS

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Aerial Application Research Technology Sessions

114-115 Palm Springs Map

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Ted Delanghe - ted.delanghe@gmail.com Robert Craymer - robertc@covingtonaircraft.com Regina Farmer - regina.farmer@chem-man.com Carlin Lawrence - carlin@agairupdate.com Ryan Mason - ryan@agairupdate.com Michelle Miller - michelle@thefarmbabe.com Josh Alameda - josh.alameda@gmail.com Tracy Thurman - thurmantracyt@gmail.com LATIN AMERICAN REPS: Noelia Burgeus - noeliburgues@gmail.com Ernesto Franzen - ernesto@agairupdate.com Guillermo Giordana - aravia@aravia.com.ar Gina Hickmann - gina@agairupdate.com Pat Kornegay - pat@svatx.com Ivan Parra - ivan@agairupdate.com Marcia Specht - marcia.specht@gmail.com © Copyright 2023 AgAir Update retains all rights for reproduction of any material submitted, to include but not limited to articles, photographs, emails and bulletin board posts. All material remain the copyright of AgAir Update. No part of this publication may be reproduced, in part or whole, without the written consent of the publisher. Editorial published do not necessary reflect the views of the publisher. Content within AgAir Update is believed to be true and accurate and the publisher does not assume responsibility for any errors or omissions. Unsolicited editorial manuscripts and photos are welcomed and encouraged. We cannot be responsible for return unless submissions are accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Advertising deadline is 12 noon, on the 1st of the month preceding the month of publication.

AgAir Update (ISSN 1081-6496) Published monthly by Marsayl Media, 475 Myrtle Field Road, Perry, GA 31069 for $39 USD for one year in the U.S.; International rates are $65 USD for one year. Periodical postage paid at Perry, Georgia and additional mailing offices.

Postmaster: Send address changes to P.O. Box 850, Perry, GA 31069.

AgAir Update, a multiple-award winning publication, is published in three languages and distributed world-wide. AgAir Update is a proud member of:

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TRUST THRUSH. Our aircraft are trusted across four continents to feed the world, fight fires, and perform the toughest jobs with unmatched reliability. We have been building the safest, best-performing application aircraft in the world for decades... and that’s why pilots trust Thrush.

Visit us online today at thrushaircraft.com.

Text "THRUSH" to 22828 to receive email updates from us. 32nd Annual Navigator | 5 AgAir Update’s

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Pilots Choosing Better by: Braydn Lentz | LIFT Aviation Brand Director LIFTs new Innovative designs, a wide range of product offerings, newly won USAF helmet contract, and the ability to deliver quality products you can trust, is what allows Pilots to choose better with LIFT Aviation.

Over the past 6 years, LIFT Aviation has been working to design and deliver the next level in product innovation for the aviation space. From Agriculture to Airshows, our team of designers are knowledgeable and dedicated at listening to what the pilot needs and wants when designing our product line.

Some of the new and exciting things LIFT Aviation has to offer in 2023, are our AV-1 KOR Carbon Flight Helmet, the single lens Carbon Fiber Visor Shroud, our Brand new Ultraknit Pilot shoe, and our USAF Fixed Wing Helmet contract.

The AV-1 KOR Carbon offers all day comfort you can feel, especially during those long spray hours. Boasting the same space age Koroyd Core technology and our vented airflow system, the AV-1 KOR Carbon stays true to the amazing features that make up our standard AV-1 KOR, just made from 100% real carbon fiber! When you think you can’t get any lighter or stronger... think again! The AV-1 KOR Carbon, weighing about 50 grams lighter than our standard AV-1 KOR Shell which weighs in at 1,350 grams, just under 3 pounds. Our entire line of AV-1 KOR helmets is MILDTL-87174 approved and are currently undergoing ALSE/ DOI testing for those who need it.

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Customers can select from their choice of top-of-the-line communications and work with our team to customize your helmet to your needs and wants for any line of work or leisure.

Included in these customizations, is our new single lens Carbon Fiber Visor Shroud. This 100% carbon fiber shroud can be selected with the purchase of any New AV-1 KOR or can be installed as a retrofit shroud for any AV-1 KOR helmets already in the field. Out of convenience, the Carbon Fiber Visor Shroud can be operated with a single hand and offers a protected visor housing operated without a knob or slide mechanism.

After years of innovation, testing, and many extremely talented personnel, LIFT Airborne Technologies, a division of our LIFT Aviation company, is proud to announce that we have been selected as the final winner of the multi-year Next Generation Fixed Wing-Helmet (NGFWH) Competition to continue with prototype development of a new helmet for Air Force fixed-wing aircrew. This is a groundbreaking achievement for our LIFT Airborne Division leading to innovation and technology across the board. Lift Airborne Plans to start initial roll out of these helmets through the start of and into 2024.

Make sure to stop by the LIFT Aviation booth (462 and 464) or your Local LIFT Aviation dealer to see new products and catch a glimpse of the new USAF Next Generation Fixed Wing-Helmet.

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LEARN MORE liftaviationusa.com

BOOTHS 462 AND 464

AgAir Update’s 32nd Annual Navigator | 7

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What is AgPilotX? AgPilotX is a GPS/GNSS Guidance System that Insero designed with two goals: 1) simple installation, and 2) ease of use. With only three components – Lightbar, Hub and iPad, it can be installed in a few hours.

A few facts about AgPilotX: • Only three components • GPS/GNSS Antenna integrated into the Lightbar • Wireless – uses both Bluetooth 5 and WiFi technology • Cables can be cut for custom fit – no excess/looped wiring • GNSS receiver uses GPS and GLONASS, which doubles the number of satellites and reduces/eliminates Lightbar jumping • Features integrated background imagery of the entire planet • Lightweight Helicopter Lightbar reduces system weight from 12 lbs to under 8 lbs • Email logs directly from the aircraft • All software updates are done over the air • Entire system is driven by any Apple device – App available at the Apple App store • To add Flow Control to AgPilotX, simply plug any meter and valve directly into the Hub

AgPilotX’s Calling Card – Ease of Use One of the most appealing features of AgPilotX is the ease at which a pilot can learn to use it.

Running as an Apple App makes it extremely user-friendly and can be learned in a matter of minutes. Pilots, young and old, say they learned to use the system on the way to the field. The background imagery is a standard part of the system, making the situational awareness that the AgPilotX app offers second to none.

Insero introduced the AgPilotX Guidance System in the 2018 season. There are now over a thousand systems in the field.

What’s Coming for 2024?

More Stability. Insero has finalized its software foundation for AgPilotX. Now, Insero is focused on perfecting the communication synching among its three components.

Because three independent computers drive AgPilotX, synching communications is paramount to the system’s success. Communication synching is the greatest challenge of modern, multi- computer systems, but something that makes them vastly superior in feature capabilities compared to traditional, one-computer systems.

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With the AgPilotX app on an iPad Pro, Insero can leverage all the advantages of new feature offerings from Apple. From background maps to the dependability of proven WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, Insero doesn’t have to reinvent the wheel to receive the benefits of what companies like Apple offer. Apple will continue adding weather layers and other additional mapping features that its partners, like Insero, can add to its platform. The ease of bringing on new Apple features is unique to Insero and AgPilotX. In 2022, Insero added its cloud-based features and continued developing its tracking system.

In 2023, Insero completed its architecture of a customerfacing, web-based platform to allow ground crews and office personnel to see exact aircraft locations and ETA/ETEs for all AgPilotX Systems logged into the network Insero also added web-based connectivity partners in 2023 to bring Jobs and polygons directly from more 3 rd party software platforms. Insero will continue to develop these relationships and work with these partners to create smooth transitions of data to its AgPilotX platform and to return As-Applied maps from AgPilotX to other platforms for automated job completion and verification.

AgPilotX Technical Support Insero continues to focus on technical support as a key to its success in the aerial application business. Insero has some of the most experienced individuals in the business with regard to GNSS/DGPS and Guidance Systems. The AgPilotX hotline at 602-610-1299 allows pilots to get quick answers to questions and has allowed Insero’s customers to address their concerns directly with Insero employees.

AgPilotX will be at Booth 235 at the upcoming 2023 NAAA Convention in Palm Springs, California. Insero has a product session at the show, so check your guide and plan to attend.

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APPLY POWER. CONNECT. GO TO WORK.

*Lightweight helicopter lightbar option

AgPilotX has three wireless components, making it easy to install and simple to use. Reduce the clutter and remove the complexity.

Contact your Local dealer NOW! Total Weight Under 10 lbs.

Hub: 1.8 lbs.

System cables: <1.8 lbs

IPad Mount: 1.2 lbs.; IPad: 1lbs.

Engineered for Control. Developed for Transparency.

Lightbar: Helicopter- 2.2 lbs. ; Fixed Wing- 6.2 lbs.

Certified Apple Distributor. Insero products are designed, manufactured, and assembled in the USA.

AgAir Update’s 32nd Annual Navigator | 9

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FROM THE COCKPIT

Bill Lavender bill@agairupdate.com

Largest Ag Aviation Expo in Sunny Palm Springs!

Welcome to the 2023 Navigator, a comprehensive overview of the upcoming NAAA Ag Aviation Expo December 4-7, 2023, in Palm Springs, California.

NAAA will host its convention for ag pilots and ag aviation businesses worldwide. The 2023 Navigator will provide AgAir Update readers and exhibitors a platform that will assist each to benefit from NAAA’s Ag Aviation Expo. This is done by presenting the 2023 Navigator in printed and digital formats.

The printed format is distributed to the entire known ag aviation industry, while the same is offered digitally and, in some cases, more in-depth. This two-step approach brings the 2023 Navigator to the forefront 10 | agairupdate.com

of information for existing and emerging vendors’ exposure to ag pilots and ag aviation businesses.

As in the past, within the pages of the 2023 Navigator, readers will be provided with information that will undoubtedly make ag-flying safer and more profitable.

It also will help with business decisions that will be made at NAAA’s Ag Aviation Expo.

In the following pages of this edition of the 2023 Navigator, AgAir Update readers will know which of their chosen suppliers are operating and their availability. The 2023 Navigator’s mission is to bring together readers and advertisers.

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Also, within the pages of the 2023 Navigator, you will read comments from NAAA President Craig Craft (NC) and NAAA Chief Executive Officer Andrew Moore (pages 12 and 13). Here Craig and Andrew give an excellent synopsis of what will be presented at the Expo. NAAA has done a fantastic job organizing the largest international ag aviation trade show that represents ag-aviation worldwide.

In closing, please use the 2023 Navigator to help you navigate the many choices of products and services available to ag-aviators. The NAAA staff, board members and AgAir Update advertisers need your support as much as you need theirs! As always, I look forward to seeing everyone in Palm Springs, California, December 4-7, 2022!

Additionally, in the 2023 Navigator, you will find valuable information about events planned at this year’s convention in Palm Springs, December 4-7. Turn to pages 20-21 for a detailed schedule of events. Continue to pages 60-61 for a map of the convention floor and the list and location of exhibitors.

Until the Expo, Keep Turning...

AgAir Update’s 32nd Annual Navigator | 11

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FROM THE NAAA

Andrew Moore NAAA Chief Executive Officer Craig Craft NAAA President

Join NAAA and Your Fellow Aerial Application Supporters at the 2023 Ag Aviation Expo in the Golden State On behalf of the National Agricultural Aviation Association, we would like to invite all AgAir Update readers to the 2023 Ag Aviation Expo in Palm Springs, Calif., Dec. 4-7.

In a city that has 350 days of sunshine and winter temperatures averaging in the 70s during the day, you can bet on great weather during the 2023 Ag Aviation Expo. Palm Springs has beautiful views around the entire city as it is sheltered by the Little San Bernardino Mountains to the north, the Santa Rosa Mountains to the south and the San Jacinto Mountains to the West.

Palm Springs offers fantastic dining options, historical attractions, great shopping, spas and golf. And a visit to Palm Springs wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Palm Springs Air Museum, home to one of the world’s largest collections of static and flyable aircraft from World War II through the War on Terror.

We have education sessions planned 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, the 2023 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 Air Tractor and Thrush ag aircraft and a number of different helicopters.

After last year’s popularity of the Flying in the Wire and Obstruction Environment Course, we are offering an 8-hour course on Thursday, Dec. 7. The session is acclaimed by professional airplane and helicopter 12 | agairupdate.com

operators world-wide and gives low-altitude aviators the essential skills needed to safely operate an aircraft in wire and obstruction environments. This course is for both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopter pilots. Learn how to identify signs of wires and why ag aviators hit wires they already knew were there. This course may very well save your life - don’t miss it. Advanced registration is required, and an additional fee applies at www. agaviation.org/convention.

Looking for a fun way to kick off the week? Grab a few friends to raise money for NAAREF’s life-saving professional education programs and participate in Pitch Perfect for PAASS, a karaoke fundraising contest.

Anyone can sing, no matter their vocal range. You can form a team to sing if you don’t have what it takes to get up on stage by yourself. This is a terrific social event with the added benefit of raising money for NAAREF and PAASS and the lifesaving and environmental stewardship benefits those entities achieve. Advance registration is requested, and a donation will get you in on the fun: www.agaviation.org/convention.

Monday morning’s Kickoff Breakfast speaker is Burt Rutan, aerospace entrepreneur and Virgin Galactic spacecraft designer. Rutan was described by Newsweek as “the man responsible for more innovations in modern aviation than any living engineer.” A bold visionary with a passion for the advancement of technology, he founded the aerospace research firm Scaled Composites and was named one of “The World’s 100 Most Influential People” by TIME. Pre-register ahead of time to avoid missing out on hearing from Mr. Rutan.

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Several education sessions are on tap throughout the week, including the Aerial Application Technology Research Session and programming focused on precision agriculture, FAA wire strike analysis, insurance, crop protection products, engine performance and maintenance, helicopters, airframe, and other ag aviation company sessions. Some states offer CEUs for education sessions. Visit www.agaviation.org/convention for a full list of CEU opportunities at the expo.

NAAA’s General Session on Tuesday, Dec. 5, will feature Ed Messina, Director of EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs who will update attendees on the different divisions within the OPP and how they weigh the risks and benefits of pesticides per the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The second speaker will be Terry Kippley, President of the Council of Producers and Distributors of Agrotechnology who will provide information on adjuvants. The final segment will feature a Turning Safely panel, moderated by longtime ag aviation instructor great, Fran De Kock of Battlefords Airspray.

This year’s career-development programs are frontloaded to give new and low-time ag pilots increased opportunities to interact with experienced operators and pilots after the sessions. The Compaass Rose Session is being offered Sunday, Dec. 3; NAAREF’s “Ask the Expert” Speed Mentoring Session will take place Monday, Dec. 4; and we recommend all low-time ag pilots attend the Flying in the Wire and Obstruction Environment Course on Thursday, Dec. 7. Compaass Rose is an information-sharing session geared toward low-time and prospective ag pilots. It is led by the PAASS presenters, our roving, professional ag aviation safety instructors. Speed Mentoring is a fast-paced orientation session for new and prospective ag pilots where experienced industry experts meet with small groups of attendees in short mentoring rounds to answer questions in a more personal setting. The experts may represent operators, pilots, and ag insurance representatives.

The Athena presenters and PAASS presenters are coming together for the NAAREF Relationship Drift Session on Wednesday, Dec. 6, which will look at how personal relationships affect pilot decision-making and safety. Men and women should attend this session together, including couples and office crew. Relationship Drift is similar in format to the popular Compaass Rose program, but instead of facilitating better relations between inexperienced pilots and more experienced

operators, the new session is designed to foster ties between operators/pilots and their spouses or significant others and office crew.

For specific solutions for your business, look no further than the NAAA Trade Show Dec. 5–6. The world’s largest agricultural aviation trade typically features over 150+ exhibitors, showcasing crop protection products, parts and supplies, aircraft and engine manufacturers, maintenance, insurance services, GPS units and more.

Don’t miss the fun of the Live Auction, which also happens to be our biggest fundraiser. Bid on a new PT6A-34AG engine from Pratt & Whitney Canada, a Can Am Commander 1000 donated by Air Tractor and many other great items donated by industry supporters.

Visit www.agaviation.org/convention for a list of all the auction items. The action gets underway Dec. 5 at 5:30 p.m. on the trade show floor.

Throughout the week, there will be no shortage of opportunities to network and make new acquaintances.

From Monday’s Welcome Reception to the trade show floor to the Live Auction reception and concluding at Thursday’s Farewell Reception, you’ll be able to attend a different reception nearly every night.

Finally, we encourage you to make plans to attend the Excellence in Ag Aviation Banquet Dec. 7, where we will honor distinguished awardees for their impressive contributions to the industry.

Join NAAA to Avoid Non-Member Registration Fees Please be aware that until Nov. 3, pre-registration fees for non-members to attend the Ag Aviation Expo are $1,005 and $1,080 for regular registration after that.

To avoid the higher attendee fee, NAAA recommends becoming a 2023 NAAA member now to take advantage of membership perks for the remainder of the year, attend the show and save money (membership runs Jan. 1–Dec. 31). Register for the 2023 Ag Aviation Expo using the registration form found in the AAU Navigator or go to www.agaviation.org/convention. Register by Nov. 3 for the pre-registration prices listed on the registration form; all rates increase by $75 per person beginning Nov. 4.

That’s just a small taste of what you will find at the 2023 Ag Aviation Expo. There is much more information within these pages and on NAAA’s website at www. agaviation.org/convention. Please join us for what promises to be an unforgettable week!

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Perfect Flight Keeps Customers Top of Mind With New Version of Online Platform To continue providing an excellent experience to its customers, Perfect Flight has revamped its online platform so that it’s easier for customers to use, with more intuitive navigation and aesthetic appeal. The new system’s backend is also more seamless and scalable to maintain fast processing speeds, even as demand on the servers continues to grow.

“Our designers and engineers have restructured the new online platform to fit users’ everyday workflows and business structures, including alternative structures found in international markets,” says João Victor, Lead Engineer of Perfect Flight. “We crafted the platform to account for outlier scenarios and set the foundation for future innovations and improvements.”

Early testers, covering significant food and fiber farmland, have praised the new system as a major

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step forward. The original platform’s core features — application performance indicators, restriction zones, record-keeping functions and aggregate data charts — will remain intact, as well as the tried- and-true algorithms that are used in the system’s application analysis. However, the redesigned platform will better serve both national and international customers by facilitating growth, adaptation and connectivity of the tool within the digital agricultural market.

The company will continue to add customer-requested features and APIs to this exciting new software platform even as clients are being migrated. Feedback is welcome throughout the implementation process, including feedback from new customers. Ask for a demo of the latest version of Perfect Flight today!

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Merit Helmet Updates “Merit is celebrating its 28th year in business and 26th anniversary supplying the MSA Gallet Aviation Helmet to the world market. Merit is the oldest and largest distributor for these helmets. Merit inventories hundreds of helmets and parts so we can deliver new helmets very quickly and support our current customers with parts needed immediately, so they are not grounded.

helmets available. Most of our customers fly for a living and can spend up to 13 hours a day wearing their helmets, so comfort is very important. Merit custom fits every helmet we sell. This, coupled with our service and all the helmet features, make it the helmet of choice for comfort and minimizing fatigue.

Our family-owned and operated business has had the pleasure of servicing the agricultural sprayers, firefighters, linemen, sling operators, air medical, airborne law enforcement, Coast Guard, FBI, and many private pilots around the world-flying fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters.

Merit offers many options for our helmets, including FIDLOCK chinstraps, custom communications packages, high noise environment mics, Active Noise Reduction (ANR), including the BOSE A20 and A30 system, CEP, Blu-Link II, Night Vision Goggles (NVG) ready components and more. We custom build and FIT every helmet to meet customer needs; hence HAPPY HEADS is our motto.

Merit MSA Gallet Helmets are the lightest weight, smallest profile, best peripheral vision, DOI Certified

Please call us today to design and build the most comfortable aviation helmet in the world.”

Bose A20/A30 ANR/Blutooth Carbon Sun Bill Fidlock Chinstrap Lightest weight

CEP

Experts in custom fit for maximum comfort

Blu Link II Longest shell life in the industry

“Work with the BEST, your head deserves nothing less” (904) 770-7154

Custom Paint and Hydrodipping

AgAir Update’s 32nd Annual Navigator | 15 meritapparel.com SCAN ME

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Air Tractor Sees Another Strong Production Year Despite Supply Chain Challenges Air Tractor President Jim Hirsch reports that despite continuing industry-wide supply chain issues, Air Tractor is working toward building approximately 200 aircraft by the end of 2023. “In the first half of this year, we had a record production run. We delivered 109 airplanes,” Hirsch announced.

During the second half of the year, vendor delivery delays slowed production somewhat and materials costs continue to increase, but Air Tractor was able to adjust to keep production rolling. “Even with the struggles during the second half of 2023, we’ve got a chance at having another record year,” Hirsch said. The company has been implementing several measures to streamline production and increase efficiencies while remaining quality focused and customer centric. Air Tractor was able to meet its hiring goals and has the people it needs to produce the planes and support the fleet.

Moreover, facility upgrades at the Olney, Texas-based plant have been underway, including the Plant 4 expansion, completed in late September, which alleviates space needs for the research and development department. Among other facility improvement projects, a new 15,000-gallon Jet A fuel tank at the plant is reducing flight delays and assuring continuous final flight testing of new aircraft as they come off the line. There is also an expansion to weld shop underway. “These are just some of the goals we accomplished to set us up better in the future. We’re optimistic for a 200+ production run in 2024,” Hirsch said.

Air Tractor engineer Kyle Schroeder reports the AT-1002A prototype has received a full redesign and an update to systems throughout the airframe. “We are pleased with the recent progress and the way this airplane is coming together. We’re looking forward to its first flight.”

The CapstanAG SwathPRO aerial spraying system is moving toward international markets with accreditation processes underway, according to Hirsch. The system has been well received in the US. “We and CapstanAG 16 | agairupdate.com

An Air Tractor 502XP equipped with the CapstanAGTM SwathPRO aerial spray system will be on display outside the convention center.

have a path forward now to get approval in several foreign countries where there’s additional demand for the SwathPRO system.” Hirsch expects the system will be approved in other countries like Brazil and Australia by the end of the year.

Ag Airwaves, the new podcast for the agricultural aviation industry, launched in August. It’s a collaboration between Air Tractor and podcast host Graham Lavender, publisher of AgAir Update. The podcast features conversations with ag pilots, operators, and industry experts. It’s available on popular podcast platforms, or at AirTractor.com/podcast.

Join Air Tractor during the 2023 NAAA Ag Aviation Expo, December 4-7 in Palm Springs, California. New product displays at the Air Tractor booth #323 will feature the GarminG5 Electronic Flight Instrument, Storm ShieldTM windshield glass, a new Air Tractor seat cushion/cover, new fuel vent system, and a new a/c blower motor. A CapstanAG SwathPRO system will be on display, too. Don’t miss the Air Tractor session Monday, 2:45 - 4:15 p.m. And be sure to visit with your Air Tractor dealer. Keep up with Air Tractor on social media or visit AirTractor.com.

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Fly. Thrive. Grow.

See how at Booth #323

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Valley Air Crafts Provides All Things Air Tractor® in the Northwest U.S. Valley Air Crafts President Michael Schoenau will have some “big news” to share at the NAAA 2023 Ag Aviation Expo.

“I’m excited about what’s happening with Valley Air Crafts and I invite Air Tractor owners in the Northwest U.S. to visit us at Booth 316 to learn all about it,” he says.

The Air Tractor dealer for the Northwest U.S. sells and supports the full line of Air Tractor aircraft from its location at Mefford Field Airport (TLR), just outside Tulare, California. At the company’s 8,000 square foot hangar/ maintenance and parts facility, five maintenance technicians and a full-time parts specialist provide the expert knowledge and responsive support that customers rely upon to keep flying and earning.

Tractor parts inventory in the Northwest United States,” Schoenau adds.

Says Schoenau, “We’ve been here 40 years helping Air Tractor owners. After all this time, we’ve earned a reputation as the go-to-source for ag aviators and aerial firefighting operators in this region. “One call is all it takes to tap into our aircraft maintenance experience and the biggest Air

“Our Pacific time zone can really make a difference when customers find themselves in a bind and need replacement parts really quick,” says Schoenau.

Valley Air Crafts maintains an expansive inventory of OEM parts and aerial application products. Because Valley Air Crafts is located on the West coast, parts orders can be called-in and fulfilled after central and eastern time zone parts suppliers have closed.

Visit TheValleyAircrafts.com to learn more.

AIR TRACTOR® EXPERTS Maintenance, Repairs & Tech Support

SEE US AT BOOTH #316 NAAA AG AVIATION EXPO

Mefford Field TLR • Tulare, CA

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Toll-Free 877-686-7401 TheValleyAirCrafts.com

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Genuine Aircraft Hardware Company is a Distribution Company that Specializes in New, Traceable Hardware Have some odd hardware you’re looking for? Our sales team will try their hardest to source your hardware and get them to you in a very timely fashion. If you are looking for Nuts, Screws, Bolts, Washers, Hydraulic fittings, Pop-rivets, or anything else to help hold your plane together, give us a shot here at GAHCo. Our customer service is top-notch, our quality department is better than most of the larger companies we deal with, and our salespeople’s drive to find those parts is above and beyond.

Not sure what part you need? That is fine; call us and order a Genuine Aircraft Hardware reference book and let our sales ladies help you figure out what that interesting part you are looking for is. This book is great not only for the veterans of the industry but also for those learning. Taking classes to become an Airplane

mechanic? Trust us when we say that you will want one of these books. Many Aviation Maintenance schools already order and require that their students pick up a copy of our reference book.

We are a family-operated and driven business established in 1984 by Thomas William Brink. The company is now run and owned by his daughter Tamara and his wife, Pamela.

Our GAHCo family works tirelessly to keep his legacy alive through great customer service and a fanatical sense of quality. Our Billings, Montana warehouse gets orders out on time, even with a small crew and a relentless sales team that will find the hardware that you need.

So, give our GAHCo. family a call at 805-239-3169 and let us help you keep those planes in the sky where they belong.

AgAir Update’s 32nd Annual Navigator | 19

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Ag Aviation Expo Schedule 2023 NAAA Ag Aviation Expo December 3-7, 2023 Palm Springs, CA The schedule below is subject to change.

All events will take place at the Palm Springs Convention Center or Renaissance (attached to convention center).

Sunday, December 3, 2023 8 a.m. –

CD Aviation TPE331

2:15 p.m.–

5 p.m.

Seminar

3:15 p.m.

Monday, December 4, 2023 7 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

8 a.m. 9:45 a.m.

8 a.m. 8 p.m.

Support Committee Meeting

Registration

Kickoff Breakfast

Exhibitor Setup

Aerial Application Technology

All NAAA Support members are

10 a.m. -

Research Session

asked to attend.

12 p.m.

Several states will be offering CEUs, which will be posted this Fall.

8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

12 p.m.– 6 p.m.

Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 Seminar: 8-hour IA Renewal

Registration

3:30 p.m.– 4 p.m.

NAAA Board Meeting

Enjoy a food and wine pairing cooking 4:15 p.m.– 6:15 p.m.

Compaass Rose Session

1 p.m –

Canadian AAA

4:30 p.m.–

Operation S.A.F.E.

5 p.m.

Board Meeting – TBD

5:30 p.m.

Analysts Meeting

7 p.m.–

Pitch Perfect for PAASS

10 p.m.

Karaoke NAAREF Fundraiser

1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.

PAASS PDC Meeting

Support Committee Event

11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

demonstration from the chef of the Palm Springs Convention Center. Meet other women in the industry and enjoy a great light lunch and new wines. Reservations to Cathy Ellett are required in advance for this event.

12 p.m. –

NAAHOF Lunch

1 p.m.

(NAAHOF Board Members Only)

Education Sessions 1 p.m.– 2:30 p.m.

– Precision Ag Session – Radial Engines Session – Insurance Session – Transland Session

Education Sessions 2:45 p.m.–

– Air Tractor Session

4:15 p.m.

– TPE331 Session – Low Altitude Session fly to stuff – Insero AgPilotX Session

Education Sessions 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.

– PT6 Turbine Session – Chemical Session – “Ask the Expert” Speed Mentoring – AG-NAV Session

6:30 p.m.-

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7:30 p.m.

Welcome Reception

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Tuesday, December 5, 2023 7 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.

Transland Seminar & Breakfast

7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Registration

8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Exhibitor Setup

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

NAAA Business Meeting

9:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

NAAA General Session

12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

NAAA Trade Show

Wednesday, December 6, 2023 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Registration Education Sessions

8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

PAASS Presenter’s Lunch Meeting

- CapstanAg Session - Chem-Man Session

8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

9:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

- Helicopter Session

11:45 a.m.

Thrush Session

Allied Industry Meeting

Support Committee Athena Presentation Five Blades to Propel Your Health & Wellness.

All are welcome; no RSVP required.

(PAASS Presenters Only) Education Sessions (30 minute sessions)

5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Live Auction & Reception​

9:45 a.m. –

– Air Tractor Ag Operator Marketing Session

10:15 a.m.

– Lear Chemical Session – AeroShell Session

7 p.m.

Pratt & Whitney Canada Reception 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

NAAA Trade Show

12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

Past President’s Meeting

1:30 p.m. –

Thursday, December 7, 2023

3:30 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

4 p.m. – 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Final Aircraft and Exhibitor Freight Move Out

5:30 p.m.

8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Registration

4 p.m. – 8 p.m.

NAAREF Board Meeting

Silent Auction Closes Education Sessions – Relationship Drift – TracMap Session Exhibitor Teardown

Flying in the Wire and Obstruction Environment Course – 8 hour course This course is acclaimed by professional airplane and helicopter operators world-wide. It gives

Notes

low-level aviators the essential skills needed to safely operate an aircraft in wire and obstruction 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

environments. This course is for both aircraft and helicopter pilots. Learn how to identify signs of wires and why ag aviators hit wires they already knew were there. This course may very well save your life – don’t miss it. Additional fee applies and advance registration required.

5:15 p.m.

Farewell Reception

5:45 p.m.

Excellence in Ag Aviation Banquet

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StandardAero: Your Trusted Service Partner for PT6A Engine Support

At StandardAero, we retain simple core values that set us apart: we put our customers first, and focus on keeping them flying by delivering reliable, value-for-money PT6A engine support.

We support the agricultural aviation community from nine locations across North and South America: • • • • • • • • •

Summerside, PE (PT6A Designated Overhaul Facility) Belo Horizonte, MG (PT6A Service Center) Calgary, AB (PT6A Service Center) Dallas, TX (PT6A Service Center w/ test) New London, NC (PT6A Service Center w/ test) Phoenix, AZ (PT6A Service Center) Pittsburgh, PA (PT6A Service Center) St. Louis, MO (PT6A Service Center) West Palm Beach, FL (PT6A Service Center)

PT6A services provided include: • Hot Section Inspection (HSI) & repair - Foreign Object Damage (FOD) repair - Power section repair • Engine overhaul • Engine pass-off testing • Low-cycle fatigue replacement • Engine investigation • Metal-in-Oil (MIO) inspection & repair - Borescope inspections • Accessory gearbox (AGB) repair • Failure analysis • Accessory repair & overhaul • 24/7 field service support • Material supply • Lease, rental & storage solutions for spares - Engine condition trend monitoring (ECTM) - Complete hot section kit exchanges • Fuel nozzle testing and overhaul 22 | agairupdate.com

PT6A applications supported include: • Air Tractor AT-402A/402B (PT6A-11AG or -15AG) Air Tractor AT-502B (PT6A-15AG or -34AG) • Air Tractor AT-504 (PT6A-34AG) • Air Tractor AT-602 (PT6A-60AG or -65AG) • Air Tractor AT-802/802A (PT6A-65AG, -67AG or -67F) • Schweizer G-164B AG-Cat Turbine (PT6A-11AG, -15AG or -34AG) Schweizer G-164D AG-Cat Turbine (PT6A-34AG) • Thrush 510P & 510P2 (PT6A-34AG) • Thrush 550P (PT6A-60AG) • Thrush 660 (PT6A-60AG or -65AG) • Thrush 710P (PT6A-65AG or -67AG) • Thrush S2R-T15 (PT6A-15AG or -27) • Thrush S2R-T34 & S2RHG-T34 (PT6A-34, -36, -41, -41AG or -42) • Thrush S2R-T65 & S2RHG-T65 (PT6A-60AG or -65AG) • Thrush S2R-T660 (PT6A-45A, -45B, -45R, -65AG, -65AR, -65B or -67AG) WWW.STANDARDAERO.COM Contact us at pt6a@standardaero.com

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P O W E R E D B Y S TA N D A R D A E R O

P O W E R E D B Y S TA N D A R D A E R O

Complete PT6A-AG Repair & Overhaul Capabilities • OEM-authorized for seven PT6A-AG engine models • Light overhaul with test • Hot section inspections

• Foreign object damage (FOD) repair • Power section inspection & repair • Accessory gearbox inspection & repair • Fuel nozzle kits

• Engine modules & accessories • Industry-leading warranty • Supported from nine locations across North & South America

Plus parts sales as a P&WC PT6A DOF with Distribution rights

WWW.STANDARDAERO.COM

AgAir Update’s 32nd Annual Navigator | 23

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Spray System Components Unsurpassed in Quality and Engineering You have Agrinautics SPRAY PUMPS, VALVES AND STRAINERS But are they HARD ANODIZED TUFFCOAT? 

Tuffcoat components are tool steel strong



Non-stick surface for quick clean-out ALL AIRCRAFT MAKES SPECIALTY APPLICATION AVAILABLE FAA/PMA approved www.agrinautics.com 435-586-1200 • sales@agrinautics.com 1215 N. Airport Road • Cedar City, UT 84721

Competitive Pricing Same Day Turntime

Since the founding of Agrinautics in 1958, our primary goal has been to produce spray system components unsurpassed in quality and engineering. All casting components of our spray pumps, valves, and strainers are still manufactured on-site at Agrinautics. This gives us absolute quality control of every component until it is assembled and sent out the door. The company also carries an FAA Parts Manufacturer Approval (“PMA”).

We know how your valuable time is spent cleaning and maintaining equipment. This is why we offer all our products protected with a hard anodized “Tuffcoating.”

This combination process elevates the product’s surface-totool steel hardness while the “PTFE” smooth outer coating adds the benefit of a quick and easy clean-up. We commit to providing ultimate customer satisfaction. We back up all of our assemblies with the industry’s best warranty of 2 years / 800 hours. If you have any questions or special application needs, please call us at 435-586-1200 or visit us at booth #543 in Palm Springs.

Tennessee Aircraft Co., Inc.

EASA Approved

Tennessee Aircraft Co. processes all the PT6A simplex fuel nozzles and TPE331-1 through -12 fuel nozzles to the overhaul standard and at a competitive price to shops that work the nozzles to just the maintenance manual standards. For example, on competitive prices, overhauling a set of PT6A Simplex Nozzles is a true flat rate price on “as removed” nozzles, including tip replacements. If you send in the shields, the replacement would be additional, along with gaskets and O-rings.

5005 Market Place Mt. Juliet, Tennessee 37122 (615) 758-5005 Fax (615) 758-5501 Se Habla Español CRS QTFR-573L Envienos un Correo Electronico www.tennairco.com

We feel the overhaul standard gives you the smallest fuel droplets you can attain versus working a nozzle to the lesser maintenance manual standards, which leave minor streaking and voids in the spray pattern. You want the most complete burn of the fuel droplets before entering the turbine section, which produces the least amount of sooting and carbon. This carbon traveling through the turbine section near the speed of sound erodes the stators and wheels, which are the big ticket items in turbine engine maintenance.

Exchange Available

WE OVERHAUL

TPE331 & PT-6A FUEL NOZZLES

24 | agairupdate.com

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Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co. is a Leading Supplier for Aviation Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co. has been a leading supplier to the general aviation industry since 1965. The company carries a full line of aircraft parts, avionics, and pilot supplies and ships from regional distribution centers in California, Illinois, Georgia, Arizona, Texas, Pennsylvania and Canada. They also operate Eaton engine hose shops in Chandler, AZ and Omaha, NE. Products for AG aircraft include batteries, tires, RAPCO and APS wheel and brake parts, custom hose assemblies, starters, alternators, fuel pumps, carburetors, Tanis heaters, pistol grips, engine parts, and Garmin GPS. Aircraft Spruce provides competitive pricing and same-day shipments to thousands of customers worldwide. For more information, call 1-877-4SPRUCE or (951)372- 9555 or email info@aircraftspruce.com

…the heart of your aircraft®

ORDER YOUR FREE 2023-2024 CATALOG!

1000 PAGES OF PRODUCTS!

www.aircraftspruce.com

Call Toll Free 1-877-4-SPRUCE AgAir Update’s 32nd Annual Navigator | 25

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Your Exclusive Canadian Air Tractor Dealership Portage Aircraft Specialties can supply Canadian aerial applicators with new and used Air Tractor aircraft, including 400, 500, 600, and 800-gallon capacity. All these Air Tractor aircraft are powered by the Pratt & Whitney PT6-AG turboprop engines.

Portage Aircraft Maintenance has become North America’s first designated engine & maintenance facility (DMF) for Pratt & Whitney and is certified to represent the PT6AG family. Portage Aircraft Maintenance has the tooling/ equipment to perform work on all the agricultural engine models, along with providing the most dependable support in the industry for line maintenance, hot section inspections, on-site repair, and mobile repair.

Our new 2500 sq ft Stores are stocked with a wide range of Air Tractor parts, ready to ship to aerial applicators across

26 | agairupdate.com

the country. Being our central location in Canada, Stores has the capability to provide next-day delivery, helping you get your Air Tractor back in the air.

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PowerLift Hydraulic Doors - 25 Years of Professionalism For over 25 years, Powerlift Hydraulic Doors has held quality, professionalism, reliability, and service at the forefront of our efforts. With many industry patents to our credit and over 15,000 door systems installed, we continue to lead the industry in the technology and development of the best door and hydraulic systems for enclosures of virtually any size. Continuously developing and building these products since 1992 is a claim that only PowerLift can make.

Our highly trained family of fabrication and support centers are strategically located across the continent and have extensive experience with a wide range of aviation enclosures.

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Agricultural Aviation Operators: Playing an Important Role in a Modern, Healthy and Prosperous Society

by Cedric Gauthier, Vice President, General Aviation, Pratt & Whitney Canada Sharing the 60th anniversary of the PT6 engine with customers around the world has made for quite the exciting year. The annual Ag Aviation Expo sponsored by the National Agricultural Aviation Association and held this year in Palm Springs, California, December 4-7, is another chance for us to interact with industry professionals who use our engines to do notable work in the agricultural sector.

To mark this milestone year, we launched the Pratt & Whitney Canada History of Innovation timeline, available at prattwhitney.com, which chronicles a near-century of our growth through developing and leveraging new technologies, including the engines that now power over 3,000 Ag aircraft operating around the world today.

This year, we are also celebrating the achievement of 1 billion hours flown for our entire engine fleet, half of which – 500 million hours – is on the PT6 engine. The PT6 engine is foundational to our success as a company, and it is aviation enthusiasts like those in the agricultural community who have made the engine family such a success. It is fitting that we end this year with our friends and colleagues at NAAA’s annual event.

P&WC leadership – some 40 years ago as now – recognized the vital role that Ag operators play in a modern, healthy and prosperous society. Whether it is increasing crop yields, combatting invasive plants and insects, or fighting forest fires, Ag operators help both feed the world and protect it. We are also long-time supporters of the NAAA’s two research, educational and safety initiatives – NAAREF and PAASS, both of which have made major strides in enhancing safety and best practices.

When we started working with Ag OEMs and operators in the 1980s, the industry already had 60 years under its belt. The 60 percent boost in productivity operators got by introducing PT6A turbine engines has continued to improve.

Over the years we have produced eight engine models for 28 | agairupdate.com

this sector, some 4,100 Ag engines in total, ranging in power from 550 shaft horsepower (SHP) to 1,700 SHP; the latest being the PT6A-140AG. Our decades of collaboration with the industry have earned us the position of “engine of choice” for both major Ag OEMs for many years.

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TURNING DATA INTO ACTION

Our FAST™ solution helps you make informed decisions and optimize operations through full-flight data intelligence delivered wirelessly within minutes of engine shutdown.

It helps you see the small details — as well as the bigger picture — so you can stay ahead of the game.

EXPLORE OUR DIGITAL SOLUTIONS AT PRATTWHITNEY.COM/FAST

1 Billion flight hours across general, business & regional aviation, helicopters, and auxiliary power units

AgAir Update’s 32nd Annual Navigator | 29

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P&WC AG Engine Portfolio Engine

SHP*

PT6A-11AG

550

PT6A-15AG

680

PT6A-34AG

750

PT6A-140AG

867

PT6A-60AG

1050

PT6A-65AG

1300

PT6A-67AG

1350

PT6A-67F

1700

Pratt & Whitney Canada recently introduced three new P&WCSMART engine maintenance solutions for the AG version of the PT6A-34 engine to help reduce costs for operators whose engines are due for an overhaul or are in need of repairs due to a prop strike.

*Shaft Horsepower

An Impressive Lineup Our PT6A-65AG engine or the PT6A-67AG engine powers the mighty Air Tractor AT-802A aircraft. It is the largest single-engine aircraft in the world with a payload of 9,249 pounds and a whopping 800-gallon hopper. Air Tractor also has a firefighting version of the aircraft – the AT-802F Fire Boss - equipped with floats and powered by the PT6A67F engine.

A more recent addition to the Air Tractor family is the 502XP, powered by the PT6A-140AG. Equipped with a 500-gallon hopper, the aircraft can take off with just 1,308 feet of runway.

Thrush Aircraft has also been keeping our engine fleet busy.

The Thrush 510P with a 510-gallon hopper capacity relies on the PT6A-34AG, while the Thrush 510P+ uses the more powerful PT6A-140AG. Thrush’s larger 710P with a 710-gallon hopper capacity comes with three different, progressively more powerful, engine options: the PT6A60AG, the PT6A-65AG, or the PT6A-67AG.

New PWCSMART Offers The P&WCSMART portfolio was developed for operators with mature engines, especially those facing a major planned maintenance event. We recently introduced three new P&WCSMART services for the PT6A-34AG engine.

The new solutions include: a Flat-Rate Overhaul program which guarantees the overhaul price, a Flat-Rate Engine Exchange program whereby the customer exchanges their 30 | agairupdate.com

existing engine for a newly overhauled engine under a flatrate structure to save time and costs, and a Propeller Strike program which covers required repair parts and labor at a set price point.

An Enduring Legacy We are proud of the milestones we achieved this year and prouder still of the role we play in helping aerial applicators meet the needs of the industry. Even after 60 years, the PT6 engine universe continues to expand. Our new PT6 E-Series™ engine family now powers two exceptional singleengine aircraft – the Pilatus PC-12NGX and the Daher TBM 960. That’s a clear sign that the runway for the engine stretches far into the horizon.

We’ll be at Ag Aviation Expo so please stop by our booth to see our engine on display.

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Southeastern Aircraft Adds to the Family Business Southeastern Aircraft, located at booth 418, is welcoming the next generation to their business.

Greg Grouleff joins the Southeastern team from his family’s California-based ag aviation company, Grouleff Aviation, Inc.

Owners Mary and Rick Stone announced that son-in-law Greg Grouleff will join the company in aircraft and parts sales, while their daughter Heather will take on responsibilities in the office.

The Grouleff family also has a long history with Air Tractor. Founded in 1953 by Chuck Stone and now operated

by Rick Stone, Southeastern Aircraft is the premier agricultural aircraft company in the Southeast, serving Florida, Alabama, Georgia, and the Eastern Seaboard, offering Air Tractor sales, parts and ag aviation services.

Greg and Heather joining the business continues a family tradition on both sides of the family tree. The Stone family is a third-generation ag aviation business. The Grouleffs are also a third-generation family of ag aviators.

With the new help, Southeastern Aircraft is prepared to handle the needs of its customers even more efficiently in the upcoming years.

AIR TRACTOR:

It Runs In Our Families

Meet Greg and Heather Grouleff, our son-in-law and daughter who continue our family tradition at Southeastern Aircraft. Greg is from Grouleff Aviation in San Joaquin, CA. Like his grandfather before him, he will handle Air Tractor sales and parts. Our daughter Heather will work along side us in the office.

COME SEE US AT BOOTH 418

MAIN: 800-441-2964 OFFICE: 772-461-8924 mail@southeasternaircraft.com southeasternaircraft.com

AgAir Update’s 32nd Annual Navigator | 31

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APS® “Black Steel®” The Proven Original – Precision at an Affordable Price High performance starts with the right parts, and APS® has been manufacturing “BlackSteel®” brake discs and metallic and semi-metallic brake linings for more than two decades to achieve this high standard. APS® offers the ultimate braking performance. They have designed a high-quality brake disc that has established itself as the benchmark among aircraft brake discs. These discs are CNC machined from a rigid one-piece forging and are built to provide unparalleled performance. Heat treated to give it the “BlackSteel®” appearance, corrosion resistance, and longer life, these brake discs also proudly display the “BlackSteel®” name engraved on the side.

Turbine Standard Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence Turbine Standard is your trusted, independent, FAA approved overhaul and repair company specializing in the Honeywell TPE331 and Pratt & Whitney PT6A turbine engines. With facilities in both Ohio and Florida, as well as possessing EASA, and ANAC approvals, our reach has expanded around the globe. Our services include: engine inspection and repair, on-wing engine maintenance, component repair and overhaul, engine conversions, and complete test cell services. We also offer rental engines through our sister company Aircraft Propulsion Leasing. Turbine Standard- A company worthy of your trust at 3 or 30,000 feet.

Manufacturing APS® “BlackSteel®” brake discs are their passion…perfection is their standard. Stop by to speak with the “BlackSteel®” experts at Booth #452 to learn more.

APS® brake products are truly innovative products at a cost-effective price and worth your time to explore. Check it out at www.apsbrakes.com.

A Higher Standard of Service

HIGH PERFORMANCE STARTS WITH THE RIGHT PARTS APS has designed a high quality brake disc that has established itself as the benchmark among aircraft brake discs. A true blend of strength and durability.

CNC machined from a rigid one piece design these brakes are built to provide unparalleled performance.

Heat treated to give it the appearance, with our name proudly engraved on the side; APS offers the ultimate in braking performance.

Contact us for a list of our distributors

Complete Test Cell Services Toledo, OH (KTOL) 1750 Eber Rd Holland, OH 43528 Ph: 419-865-0355 • Fx: 419-865-2460

Ft. Lauderdale, FL(KFXE) 2895 West Prospect Road Tamarack, FL 33309 Ph: 954-580-0229 • Fx: 954-580-0746

618.797.3140 apsbrakes@apsbrakes.com

turbinestandard.com

APSBRAKES.COM

FAA • EASA • ANAC Approved

32 | agairupdate.com

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Redefining Limits In the ever-changing realm of agriculture, innovation takes center stage. Introducing the 750XL-II Falco, the latest offering from NZ Aero, poised to revolutionize agricultural aviation. With its New Zealand roots growing from 08-600 Cresco, this aircraft evolved into the PAC750 utility aircraft and now with the upgraded engine and performance, into the 750XL-II. Manufactured by NZSkydive Ltd, Cresco and its big brother, 750XL-II, are synonymous with dependability, durability, and top-tier craftsmanship. Whether in agriculture, passenger transport, defence training, firefighting, surveying, or surveillance, NZ Aero is here to support you to land possibilities anywhere your operation takes you.

For more information, visit www.aerospace.co.nz or contact Gary at GMcNeill@aerospace.co.nz About NZSkydive Ltd trading as NZ Aero NZ Aero is the premier commercial aircraft manufacturer in New Zealand, known for producing and supporting robust, adaptable aircraft trusted worldwide. Innovation and quality define their legacy in the aviation industry.

Climb Rate 41% better*

The 750XL-II Falco introduces cutting-edge features, setting new industry standards: 1. XSTOL Capability – This Extreme Short Take-off and Landing craft outperforms the competition by operating from the shortest fields.

2. Rugged Tricycle Undercarriage: Confidently go where no other agricultural aircraft can operate with less training time for flight crew.

3. Exceptional Manoeuvrability: Enjoy stable handling when fully loaded, ensuring safety and control at low speeds, in a craft that can carry its own weight and a 3000L hopper.

4. Fuel Efficiency: Operating more quietly and with a 10% reduction in fuel consumption than earlier models.

Fuel Usage 10% less*

AgAir Update’s 32nd Annual Navigator | 33

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Connecting Operations and Safety with Air Maestro and Spidertracks As the industry moves to replace paper based procedures with software, many operators are forced between a decision to either assemble a number of software solutions, or develop their own costly custom solution.

For those that are making that initial step, we are now hearing a strong message; the need for integration, flexibility and connectedness. Operators are demanding fewer vendors with expanded capabilities, explains Aleks Banas, CEO of the newlymerged business combining Air Maestro and Spidertracks.

They are unifying their world-renowned platforms to provide aviators and operators around the world with a software solution that leverages the strengths of each company’s offerings, and expand the suite of services available to customers that will deliver unparalleled value to the market.

“We saw the potential for a globally-connected operations and safety platform,” explains Banas. “Our combined

34 | agairupdate.com

business is the only vendor in the world that can truly provide an end-to-end solution for safety, operations, and fleet management.”

More and more businesses are seeing the benefits of implementing these solutions, especially in the areas of SMS management, Operational Management, Incident Reporting, and access to critical flight data and information.

Air Maestro, a leading SaaS provider of critical safety management systems, flight operations, and training solutions, has been supporting aviation operators since 2005. Its comprehensive Operational and Safety Management System is trusted by the globe’s most dynamic aviation operators.

Spidertracks empowers the aviation industry with realtime aircraft management and proactive safety decisions.

Committed to enhancing aviation safety, Spidertracks assists

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thousands of aviators worldwide to ensure their teams return home safely every day. COO Steve Whitaker further explains the value in bringing together two market leaders.

thrilled at our current combined capabilities, we are moving forward at pace to realize the benefits that can come from connecting your fleet, team, workflows and suppliers.”

“As a merger of highly-reputable and well-established companies, we are now one of the largest global players in the space, offering the most comprehensive and capable suite of solutions to the commercial aviation market,” he says. “Our combined team is now working to provide our global customer base with combined solutions that build on the respective strengths of each company’s existing products. And while we’re

Selecting the right solution is key to meeting the unique and ever-evolving needs of a business. It will future-proof the longevity and sustainability of operations for many years to come.

Learn more about Air Maestro and Spidertracks by visiting their websites. Get connected today, for a safer tomorrow.

Connect Your Operations and Safety.

Global connectivity. Seamless integration.

Trusted by thousands around the world.

Get equipped to enhance safety, improve operational efficiency, and optimal fleet management with Air Maestro and Spidertracks.

www.airmaestro.net

AgAir Update’s 32nd Annual Navigator | 35

www.spidertracks.com

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All Transland Nozzles are Made in America

by Frances Anne Manning Transland offers a wide range of nozzles that are all manufactured in the United States. Our nozzle lines consist of CP Nozzles, Accu-Flo Nozzles and Hi-Tek Rotary Nozzles, and work with insecticide, fungicide, herbicide, and forestry applications. Some people try to imitate our nozzles, yet none are successful in producing the same quality and reliable nozzles that are made in the USA. Make sure you’re working with the original nozzles!

CP Nozzles Overview • Most versatile in the application industry • Tested and proven • Nozzles range from fast to slow air speeds and large to small droplets • The original CP nozzles are the leading nozzle used by aerial applicators worldwide

Accu-Flu Nozzles Overview • Applies as precisely as a paintbrush • Consists of several versatile cap styles, operating at pressures as low as 20 psi with speeds of 30-40 mph, making this a one-of-a-kind nozzle ideal for helicopters • Most nozzles contain an 80-mesh filter and only weighs 2 ounces

Hi-Tek Rotary Nozzle Overview • Offers two flow rates and produces 150-200 microns • Works well for insecticide and fungicide applications (not to be used in herbicide applications) • Comparable to other leading rotary nozzles

Online Calculator Transland is committed to helping aerial applicators succeed. Our online calculator is a free tool we offer to narrow down nozzle options and view possible settings for all Transland nozzles. Before utilizing the calculator, an applicator will need to know: • Air Speed • Swath Width • Gallons per Acre 36 | agairupdate.com

• Number of Nozzles • Preferred PSI

American Proud Many people do not know that CP Nozzles, Accu-Flo Nozzles, and the Hi-Tek Rotary nozzles are made in the United States. Remember, by purchasing ag aviation products made in America, you not only support the local economy, but also ensure that you are getting the best quality products. American manufacturers are known for their attention to detail and commitment to using the finest materials.

When you choose to buy American made Transland nozzles, you invest not only in a superior item, but also in the lives of your fellow citizens. Additionally, your purchase helps to contribute to the growth and success of communities all across the country. So, when considering your next purchase, opt for American made products and take pride in supporting our country.

Quality Assurance All Transland nozzle lines are subject to rigorous manufacturing regulations and quality control measures, which are not required by other countries. This results in products that are more durable, reliable, and safe, reducing the likelihood of defects or recalls.

Quick Comparison Want to know what nozzle will work best for you? Go to www.cpnozzles.com to view our quick comparison chart under the Resources tab. This chart lists all our nozzles, fixed wing, helicopter, air speeds, and application types. The data in the chart is based on USDA testing.

Remember, these are basic guidelines to assist in narrowing the appropriate nozzle selection and setup. After making changes or starting a new setup, attending a pattern clinic is vital to verify the nozzle setup for each application is correct. Check with your local association for pattern clinic dates in your area.

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AgAir Update’s 32nd Annual Navigator | 37

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For Over 20 years, Turbine Training Center has Offered a Turbine Transition Training Courses for Ag Pilots Moving from Piston into Turbine-Powered Aircraft For over 20 years, Turbine Training Center has offered a turbine transition training courses for ag pilots moving from piston and into turbine-powered aircraft. In addition to our classroom curriculum, we offer an added training dimension with the 502/802 Air Tractor and Bell 206 simulators (and our Thrush sim coming in 2024). By incorporating simulator time with the classroom familiarization of the aircraft and turbine engines, we are able to greatly enhance the knowledge and skills gained through the courses. Pilots are able to safely get repetition with normal operating procedures and emergency procedures in a controlled environment. This greatly aids in confidence and proficiency of the pilot in a safe and controlled fashion.

Turbine Training Center currently offers: • NEW!! Robinson R-66 training. These courses are comprised of simulator as well as in aircraft training.

We offer R-66 initial, recurrent and transition training, to include Ag operation specific training.

R.T. TuRbines, inc.

Pratt & Whitney PT6A Engine Repair and Overhaul FAA Approved Overhaul Station MW9R610J

Complete Engine Overhaul and Repair Service Power Section Inspection Hot Section Inspection Dynamometer Test Cell

www.rtturbines.com Phone

870-295-3552 38 | agairupdate.com

FAA CRS # MW9R610J 3397 Hwy 121 West •Marianna, AR 72360 Danny Thompson • Cell: 870-821-2840

2023 NAVIGATOR

• Bell 206B/L training. Ag, Fire and Forestry focused turbine transitions, recurrent and emergency procedure courses for the Bell 206.

• Fire Boss / AT-802 Wheeled Tanker training.

• Air Tractor 402, 502, 602 and 802 Initial and recurrent training.

• In aircraft training available for the AT-802 and Robinson R-66. (Call for details) • Beechcraft King Air, initial and recurrent training courses for all series of King Airs.

Coming soon!

• Dual seat/Control AT-802 Simulator.

• Garrett engine procedure sim. This sim will allow us to demonstrate start-up and shut-down procedures as well as hot starts and other emergency procedures with Garrett engines for our customers running Garrett powered aircraft.

• Thrush simulator. We are excited to announce that we will be adding Thrush specific training in 2024. Details coming soon!!

Whether you are pursuing a career in agricultural aviation, Forestry or Fire, or are a seasoned, high-time pilot, you can benefit from the safety and knowledge that is gained through initial or recurrent training.

SAFETY THROUGH

SIMULATION !

NEW

R66 Initial & Recurrent Training

Other training offered: Bell 206/OH-58 Simulator Training Air Tractor Simulator Training Turbine Transition Courses Customized Courses …and more!

MEMBER

WE OFFER DUAL INSTRUCTION TIME BUILDING PACKAGES IN A DUAL CONTROLLED AT-802 AND R66.

info@turbine-training.com www.turbine-training.com

C A L L F O R D E TA I L S

866.335.1224 AgAir Update’s 32nd Annual Navigator | 39

2023 NAVIGATOR

Over 78 Years of Flying Excellence Grant E. Lane, President and CEO of Lane Aviation, passed away this past July after a courageous battle with cancer. While we are all deeply saddened with this loss, the outpouring of support from folks all over has been so heartwarming. There is a hole left that cannot be filled but we will continue to provide the resources and support that Grant was known so well for.

Lane Aviation, Inc. is entering in its 78th year in business.

Our company prides itself on maintaining ethical business practices that translate into integrity for every facet of Lane Aviation. We believe this honesty is what has gained the trust of so many valued customers and allowed us to become the leading Air Tractor distributor for sales, service, and support.

Without you, the customers, we would not be here today. For that, we want to say “Thank you” to everyone here!

Lane Aviation’s association with agricultural aircraft sales began with George Lane and Leland Snow in College Station, Texas in 1957; Leland was demonstrating the S-2A. George gave Leland a deposit on one of the first five built! Shortly thereafter, Lane Aviation became a dealer for Snow Aircraft. Therefore, when Leland Snow developed Air Tractor, Lane Aviation’s business relationship with Snow was already well established. In 1974, Lane Aviation was selected as the first Air Tractor dealer and has since sold more than anyone else in the world.

agricultural aviation business. Grant’s highly personalized customer service was a cornerstone that customers counted on and valued. Whether an operator is making a transition to Air Tractors, moving from radials to turbine-powered aircraft, or updating their current fleet, Logan will be there to offer help and advice along the way.

Lane Aviation operates from its airport in Rosenberg, Texas (T54), Lane Air Park. The maintenance facility is capable of handling nearly every type of Air Tractor maintenance. This includes annual and periodic inspections, major airframe repairs and engine exchanges. The ability to perform up to and including hot section inspections, as well as great business relationships with dedicated engine shops, keeps the customer well taken care of. With Air Tractor factory training and multiple FAA-certified A&P and IA mechanics, the highest quality work can always be expected.

Also located at Lane Air Park is the fully stocked parts department of Lane Aviation, the largest stock of Air Tractor spares outside of the factory. Not only is it essential to have parts on hand to facilitate repairs made in the maintenance shop, but it’s paramount to have an extensive inventory readily available to ship to our customers.

Lane Aviation has always been a family-run company. George’s sons have both been involved in the company. Grant Lane served as president of Lane Aviation until his passing in July of this year, and Mark Lane as a pilot, both repositioning aircraft and as a relief pilot during the season for nearby operators.

Lane Aviation maintained a Part 137 aerial application operation for 70 years. That taught us how to best respond to ag operators’ needs, it also helped us understand what it means to be AOG. Lane Aviation works diligently to make sure our customers get their required parts as quickly as possible. Whether a customer is two towns over or on another continent, Lane Aviation has the experience and expertise to get them back in the air.

Grant’s son, Logan Lane, represents the third generation in this family business and now serves as President of Lane Aviation. In 2013, Logan graduated from Texas A&M University and returned to Lane Aviation. Logan is an Instrument and Multi-engine, Commercially-rated pilot, with experience ranging from Air Tractors to cabin-class aircraft.

While Logan’s fresh perspective lends itself to innovation, he has a foundation built on Grant’s life-long experience in the

Lane Aviation, Inc. will be proudly exhibiting at NAAA’s Ag Aviation Expo in Palm Springs, California, December 4-7.

We invite everyone to stop by booth #322 for a drink on us and good Texas conversation. Be sure to ask about our special convention sale prices for our industry-leading Lane brakes and fans. The Lane brake and fan combination for spray pumps have been proven to be as rugged and reliable as they come. See y’all in Palm Springs!

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2023 NAVIGATOR

281-342-5451 888-995-5263 TEL • 281-232-5401 FAX

FLYING EXCELLENCE SINCE 1945 • The Original Air Tractor Dealer • Most Extensive Parts Department • First Class Maintenance & Aircraft Support

info@laneav.com www.laneav.com

P.O. Box 432 • Rosenberg, Texas 77471 AgAir Update’s 32nd Annual Navigator | 41 T54 - Lane Airpark

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CapstanAG SwathPRO System Delivers “As Promised” Aerial applicators flying with the CapstanAG® SwathPRO™ aerial spray system report impressive results from the field, says National Account Sales Manager Jeff Hemeyer.

“I feel more confident with drift issues & the ability to do a more precise job” — Ken Lauderdale, Lauderdale Aerial Spraying , LLC

No need for landing to adjust spray nozzles.

Aerial application is optimized, in flight, with the push of a button.

Learn more at Booth 423 NAAA Ag Aviation Expo AirTractor.com/SwathPRO

“From Texas and Louisiana to Illinois, Wisconsin and into Canada, pilots have good things to say about the system’s performance and benefits. SwathPRO system operators and I will be sharing that information at the CapstanAG SwathPRO session Wednesday, 8:00 to 9:30 A.M., during the National Agricultural Aviation Association 2023 Ag Aviation Expo.”

The patented individually optimized nozzle spray system received its STC in August of 2022. The aerial liquid spraying system helps ag pilots mitigate drift, increase productivity, and precisely apply crop protection products with better accuracy. In the subsequent 12 months, sales have been steady, notes Hemeyer. “We’re pleased at the response and more importantly, our customers are pleased that it performs just as promised,” he adds.

There is considerable interest in the SwathPRO system among operators outside the U.S. Hemeyer says. “We’ve been receiving inquiries from Australia, Brazil, Canada, and other countries. And to address that interest, CapstanAG has been working closely with Air Tractor, Inc., and the Federal Aviation Administration to meet the requirements to make the system available for sale in international markets.”

According to Air Tractor President Jim Hirsch, accreditation processes are underway. “We and CapstanAG have a path forward now to get approval in several foreign countries where there’s additional demand for the SwathPRO system.” Hirsch adds that he expects the SwathPRO system to be approved in additional countries such as Brazil and Australia by the end of 2023.

An Air Tractor 502XP, equipped with the SwathPRO spray boom system, will be on display during the National Agricultural Aviation Association Ag 2023 Aviation Expo trade show. Hemeyer invites interested pilots and ag operators to visit the CapstanAG SwathPRO booth #423 on Tuesday and Wednesday during the NAAA tradeshow.

For more information, go to CapstanAG – Aviation or Air Tractor - SwathPRO.

42 | agairupdate.com

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Burt Rutan, Aerospace Legend, to Speak at 2023 Ag Aviation Expo Kickoff Breakfast Burt Rutan, Aerospace entrepreneur and Virgin Galactic spacecraft designer, will speak at the 2023 Ag Aviation Expo Kickoff Breakfast on Monday, Dec. 4 in Palm Springs, CA. Burt Rutan was described by Newsweek as “the man responsible for more innovations in modern aviation than any living engineer.” A bold visionary with a passion for the advancement of technology, he founded the aerospace research firm Scaled Composites and was named one of “The World’s 100 Most Influential People” by TIME. In business, Rutan believes that the best ideas come from the collaborative efforts of small, closely-knit project teams and an environment not limited by adversity to risk. He inspires audiences with his vision on creativity, innovation, and managers’ tasks to motivate a creative team.

Rutan designed the legendary Voyager, the first aircraft to circle the world nonstop without refueling. He also created SpaceShipOne, the world’s first privately funded spacecraft, which won the $10 million Ansari X Prize, offered in an effort to spur the development of affordable space tourism.

In a joint venture with Virgin’s Richard Branson, Rutan formed The Spaceship Company to manufacture and market spaceships for the new commercial space-flight industry.

Rutan is currently working on two projects: the Stratolaunch — part airplane, part spaceship — with Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen, and the SkiGull, an amphibious aircraft that runs on the same gas we use for cars and boats.

In 2004, The Spaceship Company launched Virgin Galactic, the world’s first commercial spaceline. So far, Virgin Galactic has contracted five SpaceShipTwo tourist spacecrafts and two White Knight Two motherships to the paying public, along with suborbital to provide sub-orbital spaceflight space science missions and orbital launches of small satellites.

Rutan was profiled by 60 Minutes and featured on the covers of both LIFE and TIME. Author Dan Linehan chronicled Rutan’s groundbreaking ideas and designs up to present in his 2011 book, Burt Rutan’s Race To Space: The Magician of Mojave and His Flying Innovations. Rutan was also the subject of Daniel Alef’s Titans of Fortune e-book biography, Burt Rutan: Aeronautical and Space Legend.

AgAir Update’s 32nd Annual Navigator | 43

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DynaNav on the Move: New Location DynaNav has been operational at YPK airport for nearly 30 years. With the recent completion of the airport’s flagship terminal building, we’re seizing the opportunity to expand into a brand-new and much larger home, growing to further streamline operations.

cutting-edge innovations, and stellar support and services.

Just like how we do our systems, we’re fully designing our new facilities from the ground-up, and thoughtfully crafting a world-class manufacturing and customer support powerhouse.

GPS guidance, navigation, & mapping system with Advanced Flight Computer and auxiliary DynaViz display. Optional integrated flow controller; optional upgrade from DynaViz to DynaHUD.

From here, we’re looking forward to continuing to offer the same dependable productivity solutions,

44 | agairupdate.com

Aerial Ag, Telecom, Exploration, And More You may also be interested in...

DynaFlight3

Vektor MAX Only two components: Lightbar and Advanced Flight Computer. Integrated

GPS and map-marking system, with built-in flow controller electronics.

DynaFlow Standalone flow controller system with dedicated touchscreen interface and monitoring, automated flow control and marking, and integrated GPS. Contact us with your needs or questions. We’re here to support and advise, 24/7. Our website is a great resource for information and pricing of our products, as well as flow control calculators. Go to www.dynanav.com to learn about our products as well as SHOP online.

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AgAir Update’s 32nd Annual Navigator | 45

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Neal Aircraft: Your Trusted Aviation Partner for Over 75 Years For over seven decades, Neal Aircraft has been a pillar of support in the aviation community. With a combined experience of 80 years in the ag and fire aviation market, our dedicated team brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to meet your every aviation need.

Robert Neal, a private pilot who has grown up in the ag/fire aviation industry. His deep-rooted passion for aviation, passed down by his grandfather and father, drives his commitment to serving the aerial aviation community. Robert has forged strong relationships with operators and pilots, understanding the unique pressures they face during the peak seasons.

Drawing from a distinguished background as the former VP of Operations at Air Tractor, Rick Turner is an invaluable asset to our team. With over 35 years of experience, Rick possesses an intimate understanding of the intricacies involved in delivering an aircraft to customers. His expertise in the process and procedures of aircraft production is unmatched, ensuring that your aircraft requirements are met with precision and excellence.

Joining Robert is David Dewill, who has over 25 years of experience in the ag/fire aviation industry. In addition to soon completing his private pilot license, David possesses extensive expertise in GPS/GIS technology and software system design. His technical proficiency in the systems that keep pilots working and safe is unparalleled. Having managed 46 | agairupdate.com

an ag operation and worked as a consultant for ag operators, David truly comprehends the demands of the market.

Heading our parts department since 2006, Rusty Sanders is a private pilot who fully appreciates the importance of timely parts delivery. Trained by the Air Tractor Parts team, Rusty is well-equipped to swiftly get the parts you need to keep you flying smoothly.

Completing our team is Lisa Richard, who brings invaluable experience from her previous work with an aerial fire operator. Our office manager since 2019, Lisa’s knowledge and understanding of the industry is unrivaled, ensuring that your administrative needs are seamlessly met.

At Neal Aircraft, we cherish the friendships we have built with our customers over the years. We genuinely understand your needs and are dedicated to exceeding your expectations. When you work hard, we work harder to ensure that you have the support and resources necessary for you to excel in your job.

Choose Neal Aircraft as your trusted aviation partner. With our unmatched experience, dedication, and commitment to your success, we stand by our promise to keep you flying low. Contact us today to discover how we can propel your ag and fire operation to new heights. nealaircraft.com • Follow us on Instagram at #nealaircraft

2023 NAVIGATOR

Dedicated to supporting the needs of the ag and fire aviation community with pride.

nealaircraft.com • 806.828.5892 AgAir Update’s 32nd Annual Navigator | 47

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2023 NAAA Ag Aviation Expo

Palm Springs, CA – Dec. 4-7, 2023 Register online at www.agaviation.org Pre-Registration must be received in the NAAA Office by Nov. 3, 2023.

Beginning Nov. 4 and onsite, base registration will cost $75 more per person!

TO QUALIFY FOR MEMBER REGISTRATION: You must have the following membership types (or be the spouse of an NAAA member) to qualify for member rates: Operator, Affiliated Operator, Allied Industry (designated contact and spouse only), Affiliated Allied, Pilot, Organization, Associate, International, Support or Aerial Imaging.

Base registration does not include Kickoff Breakfast & Excellence in Ag REGISTRANT: First: ____________________________ Aviation Banquet; purchase those meals separately. The base registration MI: ______ Last: ________________________________ includes Welcome & Farewell Receptions and access to the NAAA Trade Show (Please print name as you would like it to appear on your convention badge.) floor and all sessions.

Only enter information below if you’re a non-member.

Company: ______________________________________ Email: _________________________________________ Address, City, State/Country and Zip: _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ Phone: _________________________________________ Cell: __________________________________________ Emergency Contact Name, Relationship & Phone: _______________________________________________ SPOUSE REGISTRANT: First: __________________________________________ Last: __________________________________________ CHILD REGISTRANT(S), list all names here: First: __________________________________________ Last: __________________________________________ (Please print name as you would like it to appear on your convention badge.)

ADDITIONAL REGISTRANTS: First1: _________________________________________ Last1: _________________________________________ First2: _________________________________________ Last2: _________________________________________ First3: _________________________________________ Last3: _________________________________________

2023/2024 NAAA MEMBERSHIP DUES Membership runs 1/1 – 12/31 Check appropriate box below. □ Operator: $635 (plus $135/ aircraft over one) □ Extra Aircraft: $135/ aircraft over one _____ □ Affiliated Operator: $270 □ Pilot: $270 □ Allied Industry (1–10 employees): $635 □ (11–50 employees): $935 □ (51–100 employees): $1,185 □ (101–500 employees): $1,370 □ (501+ employees): $2,355 □ Affiliated Allied: $270 □ Support: $270 □ International: $320 □ Associate: $130 □ Organization: $935 □ Aerial Imaging: $220 NAAA Ag Aviation Expo Attendee Cancellation Policy: No refund for registrations purchased between Nov. 4, 2023 and the start of the Ag Aviation Expo. Refunds provided if registration is purchased on or prior to Nov. 3.

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Prices

NAAA Member NAAA Member Spouse Non-Member Non-Member Spouse Child (Under 18 with Paid

Adult Registration)

ADDITIONAL ITEMS Kickoff Breakfast & Excellence in Ag Aviation Banquet discount to purchase both

Monday Kickoff Breakfast Thursday Excellence in Ag Aviation Banquet Monday Welcome Reception Ticket (extra) Thursday Farewell Reception (extra) Wire & Obstruction Course: Thurs., Dec. 7 NAAREF Donation NAAA Member Dues

$270 (Base) $205 (Base) $1,005 (Base) $340 (Base) Free (Base)

Number of Items

My Costs

$125

$50 $90 $50 $35 $150 -------

-------

Total Due

$ $ $

PAYMENT (U.S. Funds only, must accompany registration)  Credit Card  Check #________________ Card # _____________________________________________________ Exp. Date: _________________Security Code _____________________ Cardholder: _________________________________________________ Street Address _______________________________________________ Zip Code ___________________________________________________ Cardholder Signature __________________________________________ (Signature is permission to bill credit card) SIGN ME UP FOR AUTO RENEWAL. By checking here, I

authorize NAAA to charge my membership dues (increasing 3% each year, rounded up to the next $5 increment) and NAAREF donation on Sept. 1 of each year to the credit card show above. To change or opt-out, call NAAA.

Mail Payment & Form to: NAAA, 1440 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 Fax: (202) 546-5726 Call: (202) 546-5722 Email: naaaexpo@agaviation.org

2023 NAVIGATOR

30 Years of Improving Lives This season, Kawak Aviation celebrates our 30th anniversary, but more importantly, we celebrate the success of our mission of “Improving Lives Through Aviation Innovation” over the last 30 years. Throughout our years in business, Kawak has operated under the belief that our customers do not need to settle for average, and neither do we. We have a clear mission: To improve the lives of our customers, our employees, and the industries we serve through aviation innovation.

Kawak’s success begins with our customer’s need for an improvement in their business and ends when we’ve solved that problem and provided a solution that improves their operation and, in turn, their livelihood. In 1993, we found our first opportunity to solve one of those customer needs, and now, 30 years later, Kawak provides utility aviation solutions for over 65 aircraft types and hundreds of customers worldwide.

One of our latest customer-driven innovations is the development of a high-output electric-powered spray pump system. The request driving this innovation was to provide an electric spray pump system with higher volume output, low installation

modification requirements, and high reliability. This new variable output electric spray pump has been in-field testing for the last several years with great success and is expected to be available for spray operators in the very near future.

Supporting our fixed-wing operators, our enhanced Powerstop+ throttle quadrant with power lockout feature is now FAA-approved, and Air Tractor recently announced that the Powerstop+ will be standard equipment in their 5,6,8 and 1002 fleet! With this quadrant, you can manually manage power settings with an adjustable stop and utilize a power lever lockout to prevent engine over-torques when the prop is feathered. Powerstop+ provides a simple cost costeffective tool to protect our customers’ investment and keep engine operating costs to a minimum with the protection of mechanical and hot sections.

30 years and counting, Kawak Aviation continues to grow the industries we serve the products we manufacture, and to grow the support of our customers. Most importantly, we continue to follow our mission of improving lives through aviation innovation.

IMPROVING LIVES THROUGH AVIATION INNOVATION

Introducing the Powerstop+ Engine control quadrant - Your essential tool in precision engine control and reduced engine operating costs.

+ offers: Adjustable power lever stop allowing the pilot to manually set max The torque, temp or Ng for the day. The new power “lever lockout” feature prevents engine over torques when prop is in feather. FAA approved and now standard equipment on all factory Air Tractor 5, 6, 8, and 1002 fleet. www.kawakaviation.com

-

541.385.5051

AgAir Update’s 32nd Annual Navigator | 49

+

2023 NAVIGATOR

MANUFACTURING

ZEE SYSTEMS, INC.

406 W. Rhapsody San Antonio, TX 78216 USA AIRCRAFT AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING FAA Approved Part 21 Manufacturer FAA-PMA PQ0490SW

www.zeesystemsinc.com 800-988-2665(COOL) - 210-342-9761 MADE IN THE U.S.A.

Since 1972

SERVICE

The Zee Company, Inc. 123 Braniff Dr. San Antonio, TX 78216 USA COMPONENT OVERHAUL SHOP FAA ARS EA2R787K & EASA 145.5097 ELECTRICAL – FUEL – HYDRAULIC - MECHANICAL ENVIRONMENTAL - PRESSURIZATION – ELECTRONICS

www.zeecompanyinc.com 800-527-3019 - 210-342-9479 SERVICE WORLDWIDE Since 1966

*MENTION THIS AD AND SAVE 10% ON YOUR NEXT PURCHASE.

*MENTION THIS *FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY AD AND SAVE 10% ON YOUR NEXT PURCHASE. *FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY

Mid-Continent Aircraft is a Multi-faceted Corporation Serving Both General and Agricultural Aviation Mid-Continent Aircraft Corporation was founded in 1949

by Richard “Dick” Reade. Mid-Continent began serving aerial applications to farmers and ranchers in the U.S. and Canada. Over the years, with our professional service, we evolved into a multi-faceted corporation serving both general and agricultural aviation. Mid-Continent is involved in all aspects of aviation, including aircraft maintenance, sales, insurance, and parts. Of course, we are still providing aerial application services to growers, large paper companies, and various government agencies. Our seal of quality says it all: service, knowledge, integrity, experience.

Contact us by phone at (800) 325-0885 or on the web at www.midcont.com

For over 30 years, ISOLAIR has been manufacturing industry leading helicopter systems for the firefighting, forestry and aerial application industries. With a broad line of certified and custom For over 30 years, ISOLAIR has been manufacturing industry leading helicopter systems for the helicopter equipment, ISOLAIR has the system to fit your company’s needs. From agricultural spray firefighting, forestry and aerial application industries. With a broad line of certified and custom systems andequipment, bucket spreaders firefighting grapples torches, ISOLAIR can helicopter ISOLAIRtohas the systemsystems, to fit yourforestry company’s needs.and From agricultural spray and will do it forestry all! systems and bucket spreaders to firefighting systems, grapples and torches, ISOLAIR can With competitive pricing, quality assurance, to itinstall andeasy will do all! products, and an ongoing commitment to customer service, we welcome you to contact us.toOur friendly and and knowledgeable staff is ready to With competitive pricing, quality assurance, easy install products, an ongoing commitment answer your questions help you the ISOLAIR best meet your to customer service, weand welcome youfind to contact us. Oursystem friendlythat and will knowledgeable staff isoperational ready to answer your questions and help you find requirements. the ISOLAIR system that will best meet your operational

ISOLAIR HELICOPTER ISOLAIR HELICOPTER SYSTEMS SYSTEMS

2410 NW BURNSIDE CT. 27600 SE HIGHWAY 212 GRESHAM, OR 97030 U.S.A. RD 22378 BILLIE BLACKMON BORING, OR 97009 U.S.A. PHONE: +1 (503) AL 492-2105 ANDALUSIA, 36421 PHONE: +1 (503) 492-2105 PHONE: 492-2105 FAX: +1 (503) 492-2756 FAX: +1+1(503) (503) 492-2756 EMAEmail: Email: isolairinc@gmail.com isolairinc@gmail.com

50 | agairupdate.com

requirements.

www.isolairinc.com

www.isolairinc.com

SCAN THIS CODE WITH YOUR

SCAN THIS CODE WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE FOR MORE SMARTPHONE FOR MORE INFO INFO

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2023 NAVIGATOR

Soaring Installations of the LoadMaster 4-Blade Propeller Aero Innovations is soaring with the installations of its LoadMaster 4-blade propeller. Since the release of the LoadMaster propeller in 2015, more than 165 have been installed. The customer feedback has been impressive. The propeller provides an additional increase of up to 233.6 equivalent shaft horsepower, increased thrust, shorter takeoff distance, and an improved climb rate. “After working with PT6 engines for over five decades, I thought there had to be a way to carry heavier loads but still have good turn capabilities. I went to work designing a solution, and we now have a highly efficient prop with many satisfied customers,” Aero Innovations Founder and Innovator Jim Mills said.

Our 4-blade LoadMaster propellers are proudly flying in New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, and Guatemala. However, the majority are flying in the United States. The LoadMaster is also approved in Canada and Brazil. Additionally, Aero Innovations has an STC for the Record Intake for Thrush

RECORD INTAKE OWNERS

PT6A installation. Furthermore, Aero Innovations has developed a filter system that makes changing and cleaning the filter as easy as changing a furnace filter at home.

For more information, visit https://aeroinnovationsllc.com/ or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

UPGRADE YOUR THREE BLADE PROPELLER TO A FOUR BLADE PROPELLER

NEW

AIR FILTER SYSTEM!

SIMPLE. QUICK. DURABLE.

AN ADDITIONAL INCREASE OF UP TO 233.6 EQ SHAFT HORSEPOWER

/AeroInnovationsllc | aeroinnovationsllc.com | 812.233.0384 AgAir Update’s 32nd Annual Navigator | 51

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AeroFlow Systems Expanding with Two New Products AeroFlow Systems, known for its innovative AFS Check Valve since 1996, is expanding its product line with two new quality products for aerial applicators.

AFS Boom shut-off valve: Completely new design and made specifically for agricultural aircraft. The AFS boom shut-off valve is lightweight at only 6 lbs., is machined from aluminum, and treated with an AFS propriety coating which means a long maintenance-free life. The AFS boom shutoff valve can cycle from on to off in .47 sec., is available in 24 volts, and is controlled from a switch panel in the cockpit. Typically, installations can be from one to up to four valves per aircraft. Right or left outboard shut-off and/or right or left complete boom shut-off, or any combination. The AFS Boom shut-off valve can be permanently mounted on the AFS spray boom or can be purchased as a separate Cam-Loc mounted unit.

AFS “Extended life” Spray booms: AeroFlow Systems is also introducing specially designed AFS “Extended Life” spray booms which are treated inside and outside with its proprietary coatings. Tired of struggling with unending corrosion from aluminum spray booms and cracking from heavy stainless steel booms? Check out the AFS “Extended Life” spray booms and start getting the return on your investment that you expect from spray booms. Better yet, have your booms custom-made by adding the AFS Boom shut-off valves welded into both the spray boom and center section.

AFS Proprietary Coatings: Is it worth the investment?

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AeroFlow Systems, Inc.

2023 NAVIGATOR

30688 County Road 36 Wakarusa, IN 46573 574-862-4392 Fax 574-889-7959 www.aeroflow.com

Right and/or Left Boom Shutoff AND Proprietary Coated “AFS Extended Life” Spray Booms

*Available in 2 inch & 1.5 inch *Welded or Camloc fittings *24 volt electric *.47 sec close *Proprietary Coatings *Lightweight only 6 lbs *Specifically designed for ag aircraft

Valve Shown: With Camloc

*Spray Booms are available in full length booms with 50% wingspan shut off valves

AFS Heavy Duty T-Boom Screen

AFS Check Valves The only Check Valve that will stop the leaking, dripping and plugging!

Call or Text Eric Miller for Details (717) 439-3200

Standard

On-Off

AgAir Update’s 32nd Annual Navigator | 53

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2023 Ag Aviation Expo General Session Ed Messina, Director of EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs Attend the NAAA General Session on Tuesday, Dec. 5, for an enlightening look at the pesticide policymaking process, adjuvants and keys to making safe turns in flight. Leading off, you’ll hear from Ed Messina, the director of the EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP)— the federal agency that approves pesticides’ availability on the market and how they may be used. Messina will update attendees on the different divisions within the OPP and how they weigh the risks and benefits of pesticides per the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). He will also explain how other federal statutes affect pesticide policies relating to the aerial application industry, including how the Endangered Species Act and lawsuits from eco-activist groups are resulting in more rules and restrictions on how a pesticide might be used aerially. Messina will also discuss how using more sophisticated technology and models may result in more accurate risk assessments and more prescribed and targeted regulations.

Terry Kippley, President of the Council of Producers and Distributors of Agrotechnology The General Session’s second segment will focus on adjuvants. Terry Kippley is the president of the Council of Producers and Distributors of Agrotechnology (CPDA), whose members manufacture, formulate and distribute approximately 80% of the $13 billion crop protection market. Kippley will talk about the rigor and professionalism of the CPDA Adjuvant Certification labeling program to ensure the efficacy of these tank mixes to our crop protection products.

2022 Ag Aviation Expo General Session.

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Before becoming president of the CPDA at the beginning of 2022, Kippley was president of Aceto Agricultural Chemicals, a global niche post-patent crop protection company. Kippley began his career at Monsanto in field sales He was a longterm board member and past president of the Mid-America CropLife Association. After being raised on a dairy farm near Madison, Wisconsin, Kippley graduated with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from the University of Wisconsin and an MBA from Loyola University of Chicago.

Turning Safely Session, Moderated

by Fran De Kock, Battlefords Airspray The final General Session topic will cover turning safely and in a manner to maximize application efficacy when flying an ag aircraft. Fran De Kock of Battlefords Airspray in North Battleford, SK Canada will moderate the session.

Fran has been offering ag training since 1983 and in 1999 he launched a formal training program and developed Battlefords’ agricultural aviation training program. The operation provides initial and recurrent pilot training, including private, commercial, night rating and tailwheel conversion training, as well as turbine transition training in an Air Tractor 504. Fran’s aerial application training has been frequently referenced in the PAASS program. In this session you’ll listen with a panel of ag pilots and operators share their experiences and advice for turning safely. Some topics for discussion include stall/spin accidents from improperly turning an aircraft, what a safe turn looks and feels like, margin of safety, choosing the correct turnaround maneuver, normalization of deviance and other important aspects of turning smart.

Sponsored by AIG & AssuredPartners.

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Make the Most of Your Time, with Flight Plan Online® You can work in aerial application for years and still never know what to expect. There was a lot of uncertainty this season. Drought had some wondering if there would be a half-season or a season at all. When the rain finally did come, there was no time to spare.

When it’s time to act, Flight Plan Online helps you to act fast.

It’s one of the most powerful tools you can use to manage your business and make the most of your time.

Flight Plan Online gives you an easy way to create jobs, whether it’s your staff, retailers, or growers. The userfriendly design will have them making maps fast. They can even include adjacent crops and hazards near the field.

They can track inventory; email alerts let them track jobs without calling you for updates.

Whether you have a few jobs, or a few hundred, our Master Map gives you a clear overview to create manageable batches and schedule them for spraying.

It’s easy to upload field boundaries into your guidance system. Our Mobile View lets pilots open batches on the

fly, select a job, and automatically record completion information.

Flight Plan Online helps you reduce risk. It flags sensitive areas on pilot maps. The maps give a clear view of fields and nearby landmarks, so you spray the right field. All work orders are kept online, so they can’t get lost.

“You can’t predict what 2024 will bring.

But you can be ready for it.”

Creating as-applied maps is quick and easy, and you can run application reports and invoices the same day you spray! All of this is backed up with unmatched customer service. When you need us, we’re ready to help.

You can’t predict what 2024 will bring. But you can be ready for it. With Flight Plan Online, you have the best tool to give your customers the best service. While you’re here, stop by booth 105 and see what we can do for you.

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Turbines, Inc. - Flexibility in Products, Repairs and Pricing Turbines, Inc is the independent PT6A overhaul/repair shop in business since 1981. The FAA applies the same rigorous requirements to independent shops, like Turbines Inc., that they do to Pratt & Whitney “approved” shops. In fact, independent shops, like Turbines Inc., work from the same required manuals that “approved” Pratt & Whitney overhaul/ repair shops do.

Independent overhaul/repair shops have more flexibility in products, repairs and pricing. Our customers get the same quality overhaul from our independent shop as you would from an “approved” Pratt & Whitney shop, for significantly less money.

Products – Independent shops can use PMA parts (Parts Manufacturer Approval) A PMA part is a replacement part that has undergone an extensive review process and received approval from the FAA. Often times the FAA subjects these parts to even

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more rigorous scrutiny than the OEM parts. PMA parts offer significant cost savings vs. OEM products. Of course, the customer will be consulted as to their preference to use OEM or PMA parts.

Pricing – Independent shops have greater flexibility in pricing.

The same overhauled parts that are used by a Pratt & Whitney shop and an independent shop normally are priced very differently. Pratt & Whitney approved shop usually charges list less a percentage. We normally charge cost plus. This can be a large difference in pricing for the same part resulting in savings from the independent shop. Service Bulletins can selectively be incorporated by an independent shop versus mandated installation in a Pratt & Whitney shop.

Take a look behind the scenes on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Video link - https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=l72WtAWNzMI&t=105s

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Raising the Bar for 30 Years VSE Aviation Services is proud to have been supporting the ag aviation industry since 1992.

Founded as Kansas Aviation of Independence, VSE Aviation Services is viewed today as a leader in engine accessory overhaul and repair. We have grown to become one of the largest global facilities by volume of its kind; however, we have never forgotten our humble family roots.

When our customers send their accessories to VSE Aviation Services, they are treated just as they were in 1992 with professionalism, kindness, caring and incomparable support, whatever the need may be.

VSE Aviation Services’ facility in Independence, KS, is an FAA/EASA/CAAC Part 145 Repair Station specializing in the overhaul and repair of oil, air, fuel and electrical related engine accessories; from Fuel Control Units to Ignition Exciters and everything in between, for a variety of turbine engines used in Business / General Aviation and Rotorcraft with a primary focus on supporting PT6A, PT6B, PT6T, JT15D, PW100, PW150, PW200, PW300, PW500, PW600, PW901, PW2000, CF34, HW1319A/B and RR250 engines. With 2,400+ unique part numbers on our capabilities list, VSE completes over 11,000 work orders annually. We also carry a large inventory of rotable accessories to support our customers and fulfill industry demand. Same-day shipping is available for exchanges.

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Our future continues to look bright as we keep adding to our capabilities list, often at the request of our customers. As part of a publicly traded company (Nasdaq: VSEC), VSE is in the unique position to offer our customers not only repairs and exchanges but factory-new OEM parts as well. VSE Aviation is an authorized distributor of OEM turbine engine parts, avionics, and actuation components representing some of the most recognized brands in aviation – often on an exclusive basis – including Pratt & Whitney, Triumph, Honeywell, Eaton, Ontic, Norwich, Skurka, Champion Aerospace, and BendixKing.

Over the years a lot may have changed, but one thing remains a constant: serving our customers is our #1 priority.

Our focus on providing friendly, fast, and flexible service of the highest quality has never wavered – and never will!

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Raising the Bar in Ag Aviation Support From Fuel Control Units to Ignition Exciters and everything in between, VSE Aviation Services provides overhaul and repair services on a variety of turbine engines used in Business / General Aviation and Rotorcraft. What we do today makes tomorrow possible.

Engines Supported • • • • •

PT6A PT6B PT6T JT15D PW100

• • • • •

PW150 PW200 PW300 PW500 PW600

• • • • •

PW901 PW2000 CF34 HW131-9A/B RR250

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Ag Aviation Expo Exhibitor Name

Booth

Exhibitor Name

Booth

AeroFlow Systems....................................................133

National Agricultural Aviation Association...................511

AeroLEDs, LLC........................................................555

Neal Aircraft, Inc......................................................417

Ag Aviation School / Plane Cents Aviation LLC.............208 Ag Container Recycling Council (ACRC)......................255

North Star Aviation, Inc............................................305

AgAir Update......................................................... 330

Perfect Flight...........................................................517

AG-NAV Inc.............................................346, 349, 454

Portage Aircraft Specialties Ltd..................................333

Agrasyst Inc............................................................369

PowerLift Hydraulic Doors.........................................461

AgriData, Inc...........................................................455 Agrinautics..............................................................543

Pratt & Whitney Canada...........................................341

AgriSmart Information Systems, LLC..........................105

Praxidyn.................................................................413

Air Tractor Inc..........................................................323

R. T. Turbines Inc.....................................................315

Aircraft Spruce & Specialty........................................372

Raven Industries......................................................229

AssuredPartners Aerospace.......................................441 Aviation Products Systems................................452, 453 Bar on Trade Show Floor...........................................328

Reabe Air................................................................141 Redline Propeller......................................................466

Capstan Ag Systems, Inc...........................................423

SATLOC...........................................................404,405

Cascade Aircraft Conversions, LLC.............................241

Southeastern Aircraft Sales & Service.........................418

CD Aviation Services................................................505 Chem-Man by DataSmart..........................................137 Covington Aircraft Engines Inc...................................431

Spidertracks North America Limited...........................448 StandardAero..........................................................523

CP Nozzles.......................................................404,405

TAE Aerospace.........................................................153

Davidson Solid Rock Insurance..................................519

Tabula....................................................................550

DynaNav Systems Inc...............................................533 Eagle Vistas LLC......................................................516 Falcon Insurance Agency...........................................559

Tennessee Aircraft Co., Inc........................................548 Thrush Aircraft LLC..................................................205

Farm Air Inc............................................................432

Tiger Performance Products, Inc................................111

Frost Flying Inc........................................................317

Transland........................................................405, 404

Insero.....................................................................235

Trotter Controls........................................................427

Isolair.....................................................................159 Kawak Aviation Technologies.....................................477

Turbine Conversions, Ltd...........................................123

Kimmel Aviation Insurance Agency, Inc.......................309

Turbine Standard LTD...............................................232

Lane Aviation, Inc....................................................322

Turbine Training Center Inc........................................522

LIFT Aviation...........................................................462

Turbines Inc............................................................117

Merit Apparel Co. Inc................................................558 Micron Sprayers Ltd.................................................223

Valley Air Crafts.......................................................316

Mid-Continent Aircraft Corporation.............................210

VSE Aviation / Desser...............................................447

Mosquito Products LLC.............................................434

Whelen Aerospace Technologies................................410

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Understanding Maintenance & Picking the Right MRO for Your Business Understanding Maintenance & Picking the Right MRO for Your Business, it’s critical for operators to keep up their maintenance schedules and chose an engine and component MRO who is ready to help keep you flying.

With more than 30 years’ engineering and turbine engine experience, TAE Aerospace is perfectly positioned to assist aircraft operators across the globe with a broad range of engine maintenance services, as well as component servicing and parts supply.

Adhering to engine maintenance intervals keeps an engine running efficiently during operating seasons by ensuring consistent engine performance. It also reduces the likelihood of an AOG event and can lower the cost at a scheduled maintenance interval.

Performing scheduled routine maintenance is a critical factor in keeping your engine healthy and minimizing maintenance costs – even with the reduced flying hours many operators are experiencing during the pandemic.

Authorized by numerous OEMs, including Honeywell, Woodward and GE, TAE Aerospace not only offers its full engine MRO capability, but also a wide range of engine components, from new to overhauled or exchange. We are also known for our heavy and light maintenance, scheduled and unscheduled engine and component repair for the Pratt and Whitney PT6A. With one of the industry’s largest inventory of engine parts and accessories, TAE will either have a required part in stock, or be able to access it via its global supply network.

The company also offers one of the largest field service networks in the industry and can dispatch technicians to service your aircraft in any location - 24/7.

According to CEO Andrew Sanderson, TAE Aerospace has been trusted by aircraft operators in both the commercial and defense sectors around the world for more than three decades. “We have a very

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successful model which offers a combination of OEM authorizations, parts supply, engine rentals, on-theground technical support, unique repair capabilities and other innovations that have seen us grow rapidly across the globe,” Mr Sanderson explains.

“It means we deliver faster and more cost-effective turnarounds, reduced downtime and over-thephone service that combine to deliver an excellent customer experience.

We also pride ourselves in understanding the industries in which our customers operate, whether its agriculture, tourism, skydiving, firefighting or transport. It means we can often anticipate customer needs as they arise.

Why choose TAE Aerospace as your preferred engine and component MRO? Partner with the world’s largest TPE331 engine service provider for quality maintenance, repairs and training across engines, LRU components, fuel controls and engine component machining. Our expertise also covers the PT6A and H80 engines.

We offer a cost-effective range of solutions such as our Power by the Hour program, which is an agreement where an operator will pay a fee per fight hour to better manage and understand their costs. There are also fixed cost maintenance agreements, so regardless of whether you manage a large fleet or are a single aircraft operator, we have a solution to suit your budget, without compromising our standards.

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We keep Pratt & Whitney’s PT6A operators around the world flying From field service to overhaul, we provide a complete service for your PT6A engine.

No matter if you’re a single aircraft operator or a fleet operator, we have a solution to suit your budget. From one-off overhaul or repair events to maintenance agreements and Power-by-the-Hour programs, we’re here to support your business.

Talk to us today about how we can cater for your next scheduled or unscheduled event.

Contact Mario Chavez on +1 (706) 993 0898 or email mario.chavez@taeaerospace.com

TAE Aerospace MRO services include: • Complete engine overhauls • Hot Section Inspections and repairs • Ability to fit PMA/DER parts for additional savings • “Zero Grind” CT vane and CT wheel assemblies to save on wing grinding post hot section repair • Gearbox inspections and repairs • Compressor repairs and refurbishment • Engine performance restoration • On-site hot section repairs • Insurance repairs • In-house overhaul of PT6A fuel control units – Honeywell and Woodward

• Unscheduled repairs – foreign object damage (FOD) repairs – oil system contamination inspections – lightning strike inspections – abnormal deceleration inspection (prop strike) • NDT services – Magnetic particle – Fluorescent penetrant – Eddy current – Corrosion repairs • Service bulletin incorporation • Engine rigging • Rotatives balancing • Fuel nozzle clean and test • Large spares support • Complete after-hours/AOG technical and spares support

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Highlights

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Highlights

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CLEAN Means CLEAN with NO Residue Seen!

Not just a phrase, but a call to action!

The Ag Container Recycling Council (ACRC) has recently adopted the phrase “CLEAN means CLEAN with NO residue seen!” as a reminder to triple rinse your containers until they are clean with no chemical residue inside and out. Stewardship of the ag chemical container has been our purpose since day one of the ACRC, but we cannot

accomplish this without you! According to EPA regulations, containers cannot be collected for recycling unless they are clean. Please visit the ACRC website to request your copy of our new CLEAN means CLEAN poster to display where your chemical containers are collected. The ACRC looks forward to sharing these new posters with ag pilots at the Ag Aviation Expo in Palm Springs, CA December 4 – 7, 2023.

Recycling step by step

1. Throw away cap

Acceptable

Container, thread, and lip are clean

Handle and neck stained but clean

Inside stained but rinsed clean

Inside is clean and dry

Not Acceptable 2. Remove label booklet leave base label

Dried residue on container

Liquid residue in container

Dried residue on thread

Dried residue inside container

3. Triple rinse container at time of application

4. Recycle clean container

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Come visit us at Booth 255!

Containers Contained Agriculture Sustained 2023 NAVIGATOR

Visit us at the 2023 NAAA Ag Aviation Expo Booth 255

Contact Us

1-877-952-2272 - office@agrecycling.org AgAir Update’s 32nd Annual Navigator | 69 www.agrecycling.org

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Pitch Perfect for PAASS NAAREF is hosting another entertaining fundraising event for NAAREF and PAASS. Join us for Pitch Perfect for PAASS, a karaoke fundraising event where participants can sing to raise money for PAASS. Anyone can sing, no matter their vocal range. You can form a team to sing if you don’t have what it takes to get up on stage by yourself. This is a terrific social event with the added benefit of raising money for NAAREF and PAASS and the lifesaving and environmental stewardship benefits those entities achieve.

Registration, which is a donation to NAAREF, is required and will open in August at agaviation.org. A cash bar will be available as well as light snacks. We recommend enjoying dinner at one of the many excellent local restaurants before the event begins.

Pitch Perfect S for PAAS

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Additional details will be posted closer to the event.

The cost to attend is $110 per person and is a donation to NAAREF. Register by scanning this QR Code:

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Chem-Man is Your All-inOne Software Solution There’s a reason why Chem-Man is the longest-running solution for aerial applicators for over 30 years. Whether you need billing and invoicing, GPS integration and mapping, chemical sales and inventory, or more, Chem-Man has you covered. The program is packed full of cutting-edge features with a user-friendly interface.

time and money. Visit www.chem-man.com for more information and to schedule a free webinar. Get a head start on the new year and ask about our startup discount!

Leading the industry in the latest technology, Chem-Man is ever adapting to meet the growing needs of our customers.

We integrate with all the major GPS systems and now offer our GPS Sync add-ons for Satloc and AgPilotX systems to make GPS as simple as pushing a button. Simplify your workflow from start to finish with Chem-Man’s all-in-one solution for aerial applicators everywhere.

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With price plans for every budget, it has never been a better time to find out how Chem-Man can save your business

We LOVE our customers

Innovative solutions for your billing, mapping, and application needs.

Find out what the buzz is about.

870-238-9222

www.chem-man.com

Robert Lejeune with Lejeune Aerial Applications in Basile, LA and Regina Farmer We’re social:

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Flying in the Wire and Obstruction Environment Course to be Held Thursday, December 7th Attend the Flying in the Wire and Obstruction Environment Course, acclaimed by professional airplane and helicopter operators world-wide. It gives low-altitude aviators the essential skills needed to safely operate an aircraft in wire and obstruction environments. This course is for both aircraft and helicopter pilots. Learn how to identify signs of wires and why ag aviators hit wires they already knew were there. This course may very well save your life – don’t miss it.

The course will be taught by Utilities / Aviation Specialists Inc. (UAS), a unique group of aviation safety practitioners who provide safety auditing, specialized training, installation of safety management systems, and technical aviation consulting. They provide mission-specific expertise in specialized applications which require skill sets above those found in most routine transport operations. Learn more about Utilities / Aviation Specialists Inc. (UAS) at www. helicoptersafety.com.

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The course will take place at the Palm Springs Convention Center on Thursday, Dec. 7, from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The cost to attend is $150 per person.

Register by scanning the QR Code here:

Sponsored by Old Republic Aerospace & AssuredPartners Aerospace.

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662.846.0228

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The Live Auction at the NAAA Ag Aviation Expo Continues to be One of the Most Popular and Successful Fundraisers for the Association When it comes to high-stakes entertainment, the intrigue, drama and excitement of NAAA’s Live Auction is hard to beat, which is why it has become one of the signature events at each convention. The Live Auction on “Convention Tuesday” is very important to NAAA from a fundraising standpoint, so enjoy the reception food and beverages and bring your checkbooks. NAAA also holds a Silent Auction each year. Bidding opens on Tuesday and closes on Wednesday afternoon.

Auction Items as of 09/18/2023: PT6A-34AG Brand-New Engine.

Potential buyers need to supply a letter of credit to NAAA. The value of the engine will be posted in Fall 2023. The engine build specification (BS) is 1334, used on the Air Tractor, Thrush and Turbine Conversions STC. The winning bidder is required to pay $20,000 down onsite and remainder of payment is due within 30 days.

AeroLEDs: AeroLEDs SunSpot Landing Light (75W) AIG & Mary Beth Schwaegel: American Flag Puzzle Box Aircraft Spruce & Specialty: $175 gift certificate to Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Air Tractor: Two Colt 1911 45ACP, engraved with the Air Tractor logo; 2023 Can Am commander 1000 (side by side); Custom Air Tractor Sign; (2) Custom Grizzly coolers

maximize capacity, and sustain turbine engine power in all seasons.

Hartzell Propeller, Inc.: Decorative wood propeller to be displayed in office or home.

Lane Aviation: Standard size pump brake & 4 blade fan.

Can fit on an Agrinautics, Transland, or Root pump. You will specify pump after purchase and fan & brake will be shipped to the winner.

Old Republic Aerospace: Aerial Applicator package with bag, metal sign and pilot mugs.

S & T Aircraft Accessories: Two (2) certificates for an accessory overhaul. This overhaul auction certificate entitles the recipient to one overhaul of an accessory/ component of their choice within our capabilities.

Overhaul includes disassembly, clean up, inspection, reassembly testing and painting of your component.

Spidertracks: The Spider X from Spidertracks, effortlessly integrates with your aircraft to enable Virtual FDR™, real-time flight tracking via satellite, and two-way communication. With automated collection and two-way communication, and wireless* transfer of AHRS data, you’ll enable powerful post-flight operational and safety reporting, stunning 3D flight replay, and more. *Cellular data transfer is not supported in all regions due to local infrastructure. Contact us to discuss your requirements.

Starr Aviation: Garmin D2 Mach 1 Aviator Watch

Cirro by AirSuite: one-year Premium Cirro account.

Includes the setup of up to two aircraft in our system, as well as training and full use of the software for an unlimited number of users for a year beginning on the date of set-up.

Concorde Battery Corporation: Certified for Air Tractor models, the RG-220 is a high capacity starting and reliable stand by battery. Included is STC SA01090DE with certifications in Canada and Brazil as well. Designed to start PT6 engines it is built with the same components and features that are proven to optimize current output,

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START PAC: $1000 gift card toward a purchase of $3000 or more Tennessee Aircraft Company Inc.: “Mortimer” 10 Gauge Shotgun. No model or serial number and the lack of markings probably places it around 1830-1838.

Turbine Conversions, Ltd.: Turbine Conversions, Ltd – Single Point Fueling System: The original SPF System.

STC for Air Tractor, Thrush, Dromader and Ag Cat. Guaranteed January 2024 ship date.

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Desser Aerospace is Celebrating Over 100 Years!

Desser Aerospace truly appreciates your loyalty and aviation business through the years.

We realize these are not normal times. We know your time is extremely limited. We offer you a new, unique, and timesaving online website experience for your direct Desser product purchases: shop.desser.com.

You can now order all your purchases directly through the secure, easy-to-navigate, and password-encrypted Desser eCom website. Through your customized account, you can search, research, and order all your tires, tubes, brakes, hoses and batteries online, with same-day shipping from either our West Coast or Memphis warehouses. All within a few clicks and keystrokes.

As always, our support team is a phone call or email away for personalized assistance.

We sincerely thank you for your previous and continued business. We look forward to supporting your aviation needs in the upcoming decades.

Airwolf Aerospace and True Blue Power Partner for Lithium-ion Battery STC True Blue Power’s Lithium-ion powerful, ultra-low weight main ship batteries offer up to 60% weight savings, faster, cooler-engine saving starts, extremely fast charging in the air and on the ground, and an 8-year life. These benefits add up to cost savings. The Airwolf STC kits include the battery, installation hardware, and Airwolf’s proprietary smart annunciator/controller. The batteries use Advanced NanoPhosphate® lithium-ion cell chemistry, which is not susceptible to damaging thermal runaway. Airwolf and True Blue Power are the solutions to all of your battery problems. airwolfaerospace.com

APOLLO

Agricultural Spray Systems for R22 / R44 Helicopters • Lightest R22 / R44 Spray Systems • Certified in the Normal Catergory (R44) • Rugged / Reliable • Always in Stock “You never sprayed like this before” FAA, Canada, EASA, China, Brazil, Mexico STC www.apollospray.com • info@apollospray.com 440-632-1687

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Dispersal Equipment Reflecting Five Words

by Frances Anne Manning On a hallway at Transland are five words that state what our employees are and describe them — tough, top-notch, trustworthy, talented, and trailblazers. Our Americanmanufactured dispersal equipment reflects these words because of our employees.

Tough Meet Jose and Michael, the assemblers of our SwathMasters® and Spreaders. Michael is a family man who loves to coach his sons in basketball and baseball. Jose was born and raised in Wichita Falls, TX, and is a hardworking, responsible young man with lots of manufacturing skills. Since the 1960s, the knowledge of building SwathMasters and Spreaders has remained consistent within the Transland company. Training is an essential part of building quality equipment at Transland.

SwathMaster® Features: • • • • •

Low drag Light poundage work Great for seed work Performs well with jobs up to 150 pounds (58 kg) A SwathMaster to fit any gate size

Transland Spreader Features: • • • •

High volume Normal poundage work A Spreader to fit any gate size All Transland Spreaders come with fingers to diffuse the rope effect of materials

Top-Notch Randy and Lucious are long-time friends and some of the best welders in the United States. These guys weld topnotch quality into our gate boxes, spreaders, pumps, valves, fire gates, and more! The hydraulic and electric gate boxes they build Cut down on pilot fatigue, are more accurate than a manual gate, allow for PMAPs compatibility, and are capable of a GPS connection, which provides logging of where a pilot has flown.

Trustworthy If you ever need to know what part will work with your aircraft, count on Billy Maxwell to give you the answer.

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What more, he strives to never sell customers parts they don’t need, making him trustworthy.

Billy can tell you just about anything about our American made products. A few things he might mention are: • Transland manufactures a variety of booms in both stainless steel and aluminum. All our booms have a bleed-back tube built inside the boom. This allows any air bubbles that would trap liquid inside the boom to be released quickly and easily.

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such person is Chasity Blackwell, the first voice customers often hear when they call Transland. Not only is Chasity the voice of Transland, but she is also one of the driving forces that keeps us organized and helps us maintain a consistent and coordinated workflow. Chasity will get you to the right person to get the parts you need.

Trailblazers For close to 80 years, Transland has offered the ag aviation industry quality gate boxes. We’ve been supporting pilots since the beginning of crop dusting in the United States.

Check out our history timeline graphic to see Transland’s history of serving the American aerial applicators.

•

The efficiency of the entire spray system depends upon the strainer. Transland quality gives its strainers excellent filtration. The QD cap gives the operator exactly what he needs — easy access to screens for inspection, cleaning, and replacement.

Talented Our shop employees and engineers aren’t the only talented people at Transland. The office staff abounds in talent. One 78 | agairupdate.com

Now, we’re expanding our legacy of gate box designs with an electric gate, which is the first electric gate (not a conversion kit). Transland’s electric gate box brings the ruggedness and durability that our gates are known for, plus it meets modern-day electric actuation control.

The electric gate box integrates an electric actuator with the Satloc controller, which means there only needs to be one screen in the cockpit. In addition, reducing the components reduces the total weight and complexity of the system.

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Electric Gate Box Features:

•

• •

•

• • • • • • • •

Total Electric — no hydraulics Totally operated by the Satloc controller through one screen in the cockpit 1/32? door accuracy (for dry applications) Automatic manual operation override Jam detection (the system can detect obstruction in door; the pilot can jitter door to remove blockage) Wet lock and dry lock door position settings Door speed is adjustable Manual clean-out switch Arm switch Capable of variable rate

Our engineers exceeded the goal of improving the performance of the electric Wingman over the current Wingman. How much of an improvement? There is a 60% higher torque in the electric Wingman over the current Wingman design.

So, what was the initial field-testing problem with the electric Wingman? The initial electric wingman had an issue causing premature auger motor failure. We made several improvements to the controller to fix the problem.

• We completely rebuilt the controller.

• The redesign added a master cut-off relay for safety and emergency cut-off.

• The redesign changed the forward and reversing contactor relays for greater current capacity.

• •

The redesign added current limiting to shut off the auger motor at a reasonable current level.

The redesigned controller has a temperature shutoff, which cuts off at 75 degrees Celsius to prevent damaging the motor.

We redesigned and swapped out the motor for a motor with higher torque but lower running amps.

Additionally, we added moisture detection to the Auger motor containment to address a potential undetectable leak into the containment.

Electric Wingman Features: • •

•

Designed for the operator to reload faster and safer With a simple flip of a switch, operators can actuate the hopper door and start the auger all from inside the cockpit The auger can go forward and reverse so you can push and pull the product in the hopper

Many of Transland’s new American-made equipment items or improvements to the older products reflect suggestions and ideas offered to us by our many good friends and customers throughout the industry. We hope our equipment will result in many profitable hours for our customers during the upcoming seasons.

REMEMBER: Never Settle for Less, Buy American Made Ag Aviation Equipment.

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Aerial Application Research Technology Sessions NAAA’s educational programming leads off with the Aerial Application Technology Research Session, led by aerial application researchers, possibly one of the convention’s most substantive sessions. This year’s session will cover several “new” tools and information ready to use as part of your everyday operations.

Researchers have been working on most of these projects over the past several years and are eager to help make your applications more efficacious, make you an even better environmental steward and your application business more cutting-edge. Several states offer CEU credits for this session; be sure to sign in at the entranceway. Thank you to Dr. Dan Martin, USDAARS, for coordinating this session.

2023 Presentations Title: Impact of Nozzle Wear on Spray Performance Author: Dr. Brad Fritz Abstract: Spray nozzles play an essential role in precision application of crop protection and production products, with advancements focusing on optimizing nozzle design, orifice size, and spray pressure to achieve desired spray patterns and droplet sizes. These factors directly impact the efficacy of the applied products.

Over time and with continuous use, nozzles undergo wear, leading to alterations in their shape, structure, and internal geometry, potentially affecting spray performance and precision. In this study, both new and worn nozzles from a range of types were tested to quantify the changes in flowrate, spray geometry, and droplet size due to wear. The findings offer valuable insights into the potential consequences of nozzle wear on precision spray applications and highlight the importance of proper nozzle maintenance and timely replacement. By understanding the implications of nozzle wear, agricultural professionals can adopt best practices to ensure consistent and effective spray applications, ultimately improving crop protection and production outcomes.

Bio: Dr. Brad Fritz is an agricultural engineer and serves as the Research Leader of the USDA ARS Aerial Application Technology Unit in College Station, Texas.

His areas of research include spray drift measurement 80 | agairupdate.com

and methods of mitigation, understanding the role spray nozzles and formulations play in the droplet size being applied and optimizing aerial application technologies and methods to enhance on target deposition and reduce off-target impacts. He is an active member of a number of professional organizations including the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, the American Society of Testing and Materials, the American Mosquito Control Association, and the National Agricultural Aviation Association.

Title: Enhancing Aerial Application Efficiency: The Advantages of Pulse Width Modulation Author: Adam Madison Abstract: Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) technology in aerial spray operations enables precise control of spray droplet size, rate, and distribution, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness. It allows for targeted distribution of agrochemicals, improving coverage, mitigating drift, and reducing environmental impact. PWM systems enable optimized spray patterns and offer flexibility and adaptability, allowing operators to adjust spray parameters based on crop requirements and environmental conditions, ensuring uniform crop coverage.

Bio: Adam Madison is a Field Technical Specialist with 10 years of experience at Capstan Ag Systems, specializing in the SwathPRO spray system. His extensive knowledge and technical expertise have played a crucial role in implementing and optimizing the SwathPRO system for pilots, ensuring efficient and precise spraying operations.

Title: The Effect of Adjuvants and Spray Nozzles on Droplets Size Author: Dr. Henrique Campos Abstract: The adjuvant industry grows from the premise that its products can reduce the risk of pesticide spray drift.

Polymer adjuvants have been used as anti-drift in general pesticide applications, however, few studies have been done to evaluate the effect of these products on the droplet size spectrum using rotary nozzles under aerial application conditions. The study was conducted in a high-speed wind tunnel.

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Bio: Dr. Henrique Campos is an agronomist with a Masters and PhD in Pesticide Application Technology. He has researched adjuvants, spray nozzles and techniques for drift mitigation and has more than 10 years of experience with field and research trials as well as laboratory equipment. He is highly interested in all topics related to aerial application and sustainable agriculture.

He is a Fellow of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers and a member of several other national and international professional societies.

Title: Creating Composite Images and Vegetation Index Maps from Sentinel-2 Satellite Imagery Using QGIS Software Author: Dr. Chenghai Yang

Abstract: Spray drones are being rapidly adopted in the United States as a popular alternative tool to apply pesticides on field crops, particularly fungicide over full size corn around tassel stage. However, research studies comparing the latest spray drone models to airplanes and ground sprayers are very rare. Therefore, field trials were conducted at multiple locations in 2022 and 2023 in AL and GA to compare spray drones to multiple airplanes and ground sprayers for deposition and canopy penetration. Aerial applications and ground sprayer used 2 and 15 GPA, respectively, to deliver same amount of spray dye per acre to corn plants.

Results from 2022 field studies showed Agras T30 delivered similar dye concentration and uniformity on corn ear leaves compared to airplane and ground sprayer. Flying higher with narrower swath produced highest uniformity. 2023 results indicated Agras T30, T40 and T20P generated similar or higher dye concentration on ear leaves and inside corn canopy compared three airplanes. Canopy density and leaf orientation may have played a role in dye concentration.

Droplet size from spray drone applications using 300 um setting were generally bigger than airplane’s droplet size. Drift reducing agent (DRA) and higher GPA increased deposition and spray dye concentration in some occasions but was not consistent across applications and study locations.

Flying direction failed to affect deposition and spray dye concentration on ear leaves. More future field trials are still needed to evaluate spray deposition, canopy penetration and off-target movement as affected by application equipment, DRA, GPA, etc.

Abstract: When discussing remote sensing images, you may have come across terms such as true color image, red-green-blue or RGB image, near-infrared or NIR image, color-infrared image, mid-infrared image, far-infrared image, thermal image, and more. These terms can be confusing for individuals who are not familiar with remote sensing. In this presentation, I will begin by providing a brief overview of different types of remote sensing images and clarifying the distinctions between these terms. Next, I will demonstrate a step-by-step procedure using the QGIS software to generate RGB and color-infrared images, the two most commonly used image types, from the individual band images extracted from a downloaded Sentinel-2 satellite scene. By following this procedure, you will learn how to create visually appealing composite images that showcase different aspects of the spectral features captured by the remote sensing sensor.

Furthermore, I will illustrate the creation of a normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) map, which is a valuable tool for assessing crop growth and health conditions. This information can be used to make an informed decision about site-specific application of production and protection materials. Through this presentation, you will gain the necessary skills to generate RGB and color-infrared images, as well as NDVI maps, using QGIS. These techniques will enhance your understanding of remote sensing images and enable you to incorporate remote sensing imagery into your business for various applications.

Bio: Dr. Chenghai Yang is a Research Agricultural Engineer with the USDA-ARS Aerial Application Technology Research Unit in College Station, TX. Dr. Yang’s research focuses on the development and application of remote sensing technologies for precision agriculture and pest management.

His recent efforts include developing low-cost imaging systems for manned and unmanned aircraft and comparing their effectiveness with satellite imagery for assessing crop conditions for site-specific applications of crop production and protection materials. Dr. Yang has authored or coauthored over 170 peer-reviewed journal articles.

Title: Evaluation of Spray Drone, Airplane and Ground Sprayer in Simulated Corn Fungicide Application Author: Dr. Steve Li

Bio: Dr. Steve Li is the extension weed scientist and associate professor of College of Agriculture, Auburn University. Dr. Li started his current position with Alabama Cooperative Extension System and Auburn University since February 2015 as extension specialist and assistant professor in the Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences. He covered numerous areas for extension including row crops, specialty crops, pasture and hayfield, non-crop area, home ground, etc. He is the team leader of agronomic crop extension team. His research focuses on applied weed control in cotton-peanut rotation, application technology, pesticide drift and off-target movement, and utilizing drones to apply pesticides and implementing precision application.

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Title: In-Field Multi-Swath Spray Pattern Uniformity of a Commercial Agricultural Aircraft Authors: Dr. Dan Martin and Dr. Randy Price (presenting) Abstract: Spray pattern testing is normally conducted by flying the same line multiple times over either a cotton string or water sensitive papers. While this method has been used successfully for many years to evaluate spray pattern uniformity and effective swath, how this testing translates to actual field conditions where multiple side-by-side passes are made, is somewhat unknown. Researchers extended a cotton string sampling line over 600’ to document the real effect in the field of both back-and-forth and racetrack spray patterns for multiple swaths with a turbine-powered agricultural aircraft. The results will help both researchers and aerial applicators better understand how conventional spray pattern testing translates to in-field applications.

Bio: Dr. Randy Price is an Associate Professor at the LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He continually works on new equipment and methods to help the agricultural spray plane industry and is a certified Operation S.A.F.E. analyst.

Title: Rain Enhancement with Commercial Agricultural Aircraft Author: Dr. Dan Martin Abstract: Some areas of the United States have recently experienced the worst drought in over a century. Water resources are tightening and aquifers are not being recharged as quickly as needed for an ever-growing

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population. Drought hits agriculture particularly hard with reduced crop yields and increased food prices. Several states have implemented rain enhancement or snowpack augmentation programs to help increase water supplies.

Conventional technology used to increase rainfall includes the burning of silver iodide or calcium chloride flares near cloud bases. The smoke from these flares provides a nucleus for water vapor in the clouds to attach to and grow in size until large enough to precipitate out as rain.

Although not supported by scientific data, some individuals are concerned about the resulting possibility of silver in the water supply. Research conducted by USDA’s Aerial Application Technology Research Unit in College Station, Texas has shown that releasing charged water droplets into the updraft of convective clouds via agricultural aircraft generates just as much, if not more, extra rainfall as conventional methods. This presentation will discuss the rain enhancement research conducted to date and opportunities for the future.

Bio: Dr. Dan Martin is a Research Agricultural Engineer with the USDA-ARS Aerial Application Technology Research Unit and has over 30 years of training and experience in aerial spray application technologies for precision agriculture. He has authored/coauthored over 50 journal articles and has given over 100 technical presentations at regional, national, and international forums. He has held various leadership positions in professional societies and is recognized as a leading authority in manned and unmanned aerial application systems for precision agriculture and pest management.

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DART Aerospace, Equipping Helicopters Worldwide DART Aerospace provides industry-leading design, manufacturing and market-certified solutions for the helicopter and aerospace industry.

Excellence, which have been designing, manufacturing, installing, testing, inspecting, repairing, and certifying products for over 40 years.

With an impressive line-up of over 1,500 STC’s and 5,000 products, DART offers a comprehensive portfolio of aftermarket products, aeronautical accessories, spare parts and services for civil and military operators, all major rotorcraft OEMs, completion centers and MRO facilities.

DART’s key products include aerial firefighting systems, emergency flotation systems, landing gear components, tools and ground support equipment, interior and exterior accessories, cargo expansion, windows and doors, cable cutters, engine and drive systems and external load equipment.

Throughout the years, DART has become the world’s largest rotorcraft accessories provider, offering the most comprehensive and diversified product portfolio in the industry. Their facilities are located all around the world, including Canada: Montreal, Quebec (Headquarters), Calgary, Alberta (Engineering), Hawkesbury, Ontario (Manufacturing + Engineering + Servicing). USA: Broussard, Louisiana (Servicing and Repair and overhaul Services), Portland, Oregon (Manufacturing, Design, Engineering, and Servicing). Europe: Amsterdam, Netherlands (Repair and Overhaul Services) and Mexico: Chihuahua (Manufacturing).

DART is proud to offer the highest value, quality, and durability available through their Global Centers of

Learn more about DART’s extensive portfolio of products and services at dartaerospace.com.

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Aviation, Marine Safety & Communications Tiger Performance Products is celebrating its 25th year as a major supplier of safety and communication products for the Aviation and Marine markets. Tiger first introduced the world’s lightest and most comfortable MSA jet pilot and helicopter helmets into worldwide powerboat racing as an exclusive worldwide distributor. Sonny and Tina Hawkins competed internationally at a high level in the often dangerous sport of Offshore Powerboat racing for 18 years, including being world champions and world speed record holders culmination with being stunt drivers in the Miami Vice movie. Sonny invented a patented automatically activated underwater emergency breathing system based on the Gentex HGU 20P jet pilot mask. This breathing system continues to be used in every form of powerboat racing worldwide and is credited with saving many lives over the past 25 years. Tiger also supplies a wide range of marine communication products for pleasure, racing, law enforcement, and military, including headsets, helmets, intercom and radio communications.

On the aviation side, some 25 years ago, Tiger quickly became a primary distributor of MSA aviation flight helmets and has since innovated many exclusive features not offered by MSA.

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Tiger has evolved with high brand recognition and is known for top-quality products with high customer satisfaction. This includes optical see-through Maxillo face shields available in many colors and the new carbon fiber face shields. 10 years ago, Tiger pioneered retrofitting the Bose A20 ANR/Bluetooth headset into flight helmets and recently pioneered retrofitting the new Bose A30 for helmets. Also offered is the Lightspeed and its own Tiger brands of helmet communications.

Tiger’s cost-effective high-quality patent-pending helmet communications is available in PNR, PNR/Bluetooth, ANR, ANR/Bluetooth in either plug-in or wireless configurations. All Tiger comms are modular with modular plug-in and easyto-maintain components and are high impact and sound attenuation protective as well as USA, DOI/USFS certified, including a 3-year warranty. Tiger also innovated an add-on NVG goggle adapter for all brands of flight helmets.

At this year’s NAAA Ag Avaition Expo in Palm Springs, California, Tiger will debut, have on display and demonstrate three new and exciting products. Including: 1) the new low and high-impedance versions of the new VIPER plug-in, waterproof low and high impedance microphone series.

These microphones have gone through extensive laboratory,

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commercial, military aviation and marine testing and have proved to be superior in speech intelligibility, sound quality and wind protection compared to any other microphone currently in use. The VIPER microphones are manufactured by the leading manufacturer of aviation microphones, with Tiger as the exclusive Worldwide distributor of the Viper microphone series. 2) In answer to Global warming, Tiger will also debut the world’s first lightweight and easy-to-retrofit helmet-integrated cooling system with adjustable controls.

3) Tiger’s fully integrated wireless PNR and ANR Bluetooth helmet communications with volume, microphone squelch, Bluetooth, radio and intercom controls.

Tiger Performance recently moved into newly purchased modern facilities with the latest in-house capabilities to meet the ever-growing demands of its many innovative current and future products. Many of Tiger’s products have been poorly copied by much less capable competitors but is also a compliment to Tiger’s innovation capabilities.

MSA LH250 with Tiger Respirator, NVG QR Mount & Mic Light

MSA LH350 with Bose A30 ANR/BT & Tiger NVG Mount

Optional DOI/USFS Certified MSA Helmets

Icaro Pro Copter with Tiger Respirator with Mic

ICARO Pro Copter Wireless/ANR/BT, Sun Peak & NVG Mount

MSA LH050 with Tiger Integrated Wireless/ANR/BT & Auxiliary Plug in Cord

Ultra Lightweight MSA & ICARO Helmets

BOSE A30, TIGER & LIGHTSPEED ANR/BLUETOOTH COMMUNICATIONS NEW PRODUCT LAUNCHES at NAAA Visit booth 111 for amazing demonstrations

•Tiger Helmet Cooling, Easy retrofit for any helmet brand or model •World’s Best VIPER Microphone AgAir Update’s 32nd Annual Navigator | 85

Visit www.tigerperformance.com or call 1-716-674-8545 for the best in aviation helmets, communications and accessories

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Eagle Vistas Provides Minimum Ag Flight Standards

Follow North Star Aviation for All of Your Ag Aviation Needs

Minimum Ag Flight Standards established by Eagle Vistas for Agricultural Pilot Training attracts students to Eagle Vistas from the US & globally, including many Ag Operator families for a good foundation in Ag Training. Experienced Commercial & Military Pilots value the established progression we use to teach safe Agricultural Pilot techniques. We prep to understand & pass State Aerial Pesticide License Exams & Part 137 Req. Our Private Pilot license is all in Tailwheel aircraft. Our Tailwheel Proficiency requirements are not just a TW endorsement but geared toward flying Ag Planes and prevention of loss of control!

Our Ag Training is all-in High-Performance AC! See how we gradually transition Ag Pilots! Citabria - Cessna 305E-L19Pawnee PA-25-235 for actual spraying-Dual Ag Cat- Dual Turbine Ag Planes-Multiple GPS. Multiple options for Turbine transitions! Helicopter Ag Pilot Training in Bell 206B. Options: Pvt & Com Pilot, Instrument rating, Aerobatics, Ag Biennial Flight reviews.

Located conveniently at the Airport in Ulysses, Kansas, North Star Aviation is your full-service Ag Aviation facility offering the highest quality maintenance, new & used aircraft sales, parts, service, and even emergency field repairs. We have made it our mission to Provide Excellent Aircraft and Service for Ag Aviation!

Ask our graduates about us! We train YEAR-ROUND in Florida! We are an Oasis Aviation Network Dealer for Avionics. Booth 516

The Thrush 710 rounds out the list with the hopper size and power to take on any job tossed into its hopper! Thrush is known for its structural durability and excellent performance, top that off with the reliability of Pratt and Whitney power no Thrush customer can be Stopped. Let us handle your Thrush Aircraft needs. Stop by our booth to discuss what a Thrush Aircraft can do for you!

North Star Aviation is an Authorized Thrush Aircraft Full-Service Dealer. We added Mike Thurman to head up the Sales Department, offering our current and future customers a familiar face!

Mike worked at SATLOC for many years adding knowledge and integrity to our sales department.

Thrush Aircraft Offers a range of aerial application aircraft to fit any size and type of operation. With the all new P2 and P2+ models added to an already great lineup there are options for all your needs!

We are a Satloc sales and service dealer capable of handling all your Satloc needs. Adding Mike to our already very knowledgeable Satloc team has propelled our Satloc service and knowledge to the top! North Star maintains a large inventory of new & used parts and many loaner systems, so no issues with your guidance system should keep you from flying.

The Satloc Bantam and G4 systems revolutionized the industry and have been the systems of choice for many operations over the years, the Satloc Falcon system is upping the standards again and has added many new features like ADS-b in, Satloc Cloud services and background maps to name a few that are going to help everyone from the office to the pilot. Satloc Falcon is the future of Ag Aviation GPS systems! Give us a call for a new system quote or to discuss your repair needs.

Selling not only Thrush Aircraft and Satloc equipment we are also dealers for many other product lines to 86 | agairupdate.com

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provide our customers with only the best, Thrush Aircraft Dealer, Transland Dealer, Kawak Throttle quads, Turbine Conversions SPF, AFS and Lift Aviation. By maintaining a large inventory of Thrush, AirTractor, Satloc, and Transland parts, we can get our customers back in the air quickly.

North Star Aviation was built on maintaining a large fleet of turbine-powered Thrush and Air Tractor aircraft from the central states.

We have been able to grow and offer more and more services for our customers like, Aircraft sales, GPS sales/service, Parts sales, a wide variety of services on airframe and powerplant, including Annual Inspection, Eddy Current Inspection, Hot Section Inspection, Gear Box Inspection, 100 Hour, Nozzle Cleaning and Flowing, Aircraft Recovery, and Refurbishment. With a great reputation for dependability and expertise, when you leave North Star, you fly home with confidence.

Do yourself a favor and follow North Star for all your Ag Aircraft needs.

TPE-331 • PT6

Propellers & Accessories

Engines

INTERCONTINENTAL JET SERVICE CORP. • HONEYWELL AUTHORIZED TPE331 MAJOR SERVICE CENTER • HOT SECTION / GEARBOX / CAM INSPECTIONS • HARTZELL, MCCAULEY, & MT AUTHORIZED PROPELLER SERVICE CENTER • ACCESSORY REPAIR AND OVERHAUL

3322 N. 74th E. Ave. • Tulsa, OK 74115

800-349-6827 www.ijetservice.com

Providing Excellent Aircraft & Service for Ag Aviation

3 5

801 W AIRPORT BLVD, ULYSSES KS 67880 PH: 620-356-4528 WWW.NORTHSTARAV.CO AgAir Update’s 32nd Annual Navigator | 87

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Turbine Conversions, Ltd (TCL) has been Serving the Ag Aviation Market for 30 Years Turbine Conversions, Ltd (TCL) has been serving the Ag Aviation market for 30 years. TCL is a family owned, global business, built on the cornerstones of innovation, quality, safety and integrity and are continuously searching for solutions for the industry.

2023 was a year of travel for the TCL family. In January 2023 Ann had the pleasure of visiting the 1,000 Single Point Fueling (SPF) system installed on AT602 for Fazendo Concódia Familía Belusso in Sorriso, MT with our Brazilian partners AeroGlobo Aeronaves. Mark spent most of January and February traveling the US to attend state conventions and in March, Mark and Ann braved the snow of Regina, Saskatchewan for another great CAAA conference. Bill & Ann travelled to "The Land Down Under" for the AAAA convention which was amazing, and shortly after jetted off to Sertãozinho, Brazil for SINDAG. TCL hosted Juliano Mastella da Silva from the Zanoni factory in September and he and Mark had a 10 day MidWest tour. They had an opportunity to visit with Ag Operators in Indian, Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin as well as visiting our SPF dealers Farm Air and ASI Jet. This is the best way for TCL to find out what you need. And how best to serve our customers right here in the US. Why did we invest in this travel? TCL is committed in partnering with our dealers and customers in their success. As the world becomes less personal, we realize that most of our Ag Aviation businesses are family owned and it is personal.

It is important that we learn what TCL can do to support you in your success. And no matter where you are located in the world TCL is here to support you and your business.

2023 brought the total SPF delivered to just short of 1,300!

TCL is always working to improve our offerings. Some of the improvements to the SPF program are a significant reduction in lead times on SPF delivery and development of a SPF Parts Book. Also, during this economic environment with record high inflation we are pleased to be able to honor the 2023 SPF pricing until March 2024. Bill has always believed in offering quality products and fair prices and every day we work on how we can honor this for our customers.

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With TCL’s current portfolio offering 40+ STCs for the agricultural aviation market we know that we can assist in propelling your business forward. Some of the other great products TCL offers are PT6 Turbo Cat Conversion Kits, Hatfield Hydraulic Fire Gates for Air Tractor and Thrush, Variable Rate Gates, Full Swivel Tailwheels, and Thrush Reinforced Leading Edges.

In true Bill Hatfield form, there is always a new project. In 2023 TCL acquired the Brave PA-36 conversion to a PWC PT6A-20 turbine engine from Southerfield Air. This STC has been available since 2014 by Southerfield Air as a complete assembled aircraft. Now TCL will be manufacturing this STC in Michigan under our PMA. Plans are in motion to add the PT6A-21 engine to the STC increasing options for our customers. Conversion kits for installation will be offered as well as completed aircraft. We hope to be able to have the first aircraft ready for delivery in 2024.

Since 2018 TCL has been the North American distributor for Zanoni Equipment manufactured in Brazil. The Zanoni Equipment offers a full line of stainless steel precision application equipment for all makes and models of aircraft.

We offer a full inventory at our facility in Michigan ready to ship to US and Canada.

Mark Grahek spent time this year in both North & South Dakota working with customers that are implementing atomizers in their operations. Calibration clinics is another way TCL provides premier customer service. Zanoni atomizers have been thoroughly tested and are delivering great results in US and Canada.

We can all be more successful working together. Our family strives to provide our customers solutions and premier customer service experience! We are thankful for the support we have received from the industry and we all look forward serving you in 2024.

Bill & Nancy Hatfield, Ann Hatfield - Grahek & Mark Grahek

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Falcon Insurance Offering Life and AD&D Insurance

S & T Aircraft Provides Top Quality Accessories

Falcon Insurance Agency is pleased to announce that we are offering Life Insurance for pilots as well as AD&D and Loss of License coverage.

You can fill out an online application at https://falconinsurance. com/products/#life_insurance_for_pilots or contact us at 800880-4545 to learn more.

With one of the finest teams of aviation insurance professionals in the marketplace, Falcon Insurance Agency has the capability, commitment, and resources to handle any and all of your aviation insurance requirements. Falcon is fully licensed in all 50 states, with a client base that exceeds 25,000 individual aviation clients, making us one of the largest aviation insurance agencies in the country.

Call on us for all your aviation insurance needs!

Austin: 800-370-0557 Dallas: 800-880-0801 Houston: 800-880-8822 Kerrville (Home Office): 800-880-4545 Lakeland: 800-881-9688 Scottsdale: 800-880-3597 St. Louis: 800-880-8644

S & T Aircraft would like to thank all of our customers for allowing us the opportunity to serve your engine accessory needs. For over 40 years, we have strived to provide the best support and service to our customers and their accessories. We continue to stock a wide variety of accessories for radial and turbine engines in the warbird, agricultural and special aviation industries. We aren’t limited to those accessories either. We can handle all your accessory needs with an Unlimited Class 1 and Class 2 Accessory rating. Visit our website at www.st.aero or call us at 830-625- 7923 for troubleshooting support or to get a quote on the overhaul, repair, or exchange of your accessory today.

Spreading The Wings of Insurance Protection to Ag Aircraft Owners and Pilots

S & T Aircraft Accessories Full Engine Accessory Line Large stock of overhauled/certified engine accessories for radial and turbine engines.

We can exchange same day, or overhaul your accessory in a short turn-around time.

Aviation Insurance Coverage Customized for Ag Aircraft Owners and Operators

For over 40 years Falcon Insurance Agency has provided Aviation Insurance to the Aerial Application community. Our professional staff has decades of experience in aviation insurance, and we are uniquely qualified to provide insurance protection for agricultural aircraft owners and pilots.

We are dedicated to providing you with insurance coverage and service that sets the standard for the industry.

f FALCON I N S U R A N C E

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Call for same day quotes and coverage or visit our website.

Austin: 800-370-0557 Dallas: 800-880-0801 Houston: 800-880-8822 Kerrville: 800-880-4545 Lakeland: 800-881-9688 Scottsdale: 800-880-3597 St. Louis: 800-880-8644

PO Box 291388, Kerrville, TX

www.falconinsurance.com

Generators Wobble Pumps Vacuum Pumps Magnetos Hydraulic Pumps Carburetors Motors Reverse Current Relays Starters Fuel Pumps Tach Generators Prop Governors Voltage Regulators Boost Pumps Starter-Generators

CALL US TODAY FOR ALL YOUR ACCESSORY NEEDS OVERHAUL OR EXCHANGE 310 FM 483, New Braunfels, Texas 78130 Email: sales@st.aero Web: www.st.aero Phone: 830-625-7923 Fax: 830-625-4138 FAA Approved Repair Station No. CC2R737K

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Cascade Receives Thrush “Beast” Certification Cascade Aircraft Conversions has received the FAA STC certifications to install Pratt & Whitney’s 867 SHP PT6140AG on the Thrush 510P and 510G model aircraft. As an owner of a Thrush 510P or 510G model, this STC upgrade increases your acres per hour and the profitability of your business. This upgrade substantially increases productivity for owners/operators operating ag aircraft at higher elevations or higher temperatures. The Cascade Aircraft Conversion’s “BEAST” STC complete includes the following: firewallforward bolt-on kit, zero-time PT6-140AG (w/full warranty), zero-time Avia 108” 3-blade prop, new engine mount, and Cascade Pressure Cowl system - providing longer service life for the new turbine. Also included is the engine Boost Start System that provides 140-degree cooler starts in under 15 seconds with no maintenance batteries.

The conversion features the industry-leading Cascade Pressure Cowl - proven to deliver more clean air to protect the turbine in all environments. The pressure cowl performs exceptionally in dusty/sooty, dry/arid, and FOD-heavy locations while reducing ITT temps and fuel consumption.

While maintaining a no-FOD history, this critical system delivers on maintenance, allowing easy access to service both

the air-filtration system and fuel nozzles. A higher volume of clean air maximizes the longevity of heat-critical components and the engine.

The 4000-hour P&W TBO 140AG turbine produces 867SHP up to 111 degrees OAT. The integrated Cascade Pressure Cowl will make your Thrush 510P or 510G a true 500-gallon aircraft every day of the year at TRUE 10,500 gross weight.

At higher altitudes or rising OAT, the Cascade conversion eliminates the need to download, which in turn maximizes your efficiency and profitability all day long while extending the powerplant lifetime and minimizing maintenance overhead.

Call Cascade to secure your 140AG “Beast” STC Kit or other performance products and power up your business.

Visit us at booth #241 in Palm Springs.

CASCADE AIRCRAFT INTRODUCES

THRUSH 510G & 510P P&W 140AG CONVERSION, “THE BEAST” FAA APPROVED STC CERTIFICATION (Includes) • • • • •

Pratt & Whitney PT6A-140AG Firewall Forward Bolt on Kit (w/new engine mount) AVIA 108” Propeller Boost Start System (w/external Power Port) MVP Upgrade

• • • • •

Cascade Pressure Cowl (quick change filter) Engine Mounts Wiring Harness and 19K-Lumen Pulsing Nose Lights Aerodynamic Mods (increased maneuvering/safety) Able to TRULY fly the 10500 lb. Certified weight.

Contact us to learn more about all of our Conversions for Air Tractor and Thrush

800-716-2550

PH: 509.635.1212 • FAX : 509.635.1477 www.cascadeaircraftconversions.com • info@cacaircraft.com

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ROTAMARKA™ "Makes Power Lines Visible" to Pilots and Machinery Operators ROTAMARKA™ is a rotating multipurpose aerial marker designed with science, boasting a high internal contrast and large reflectors to stimulate the senses to help mitigate the risk of powerline strikes in the agricultural, construction & blue-chip industries, including wildlife as an effective bird diverter.

ROTAMARKA™ is used in many countries by electrical utilities for multipurpose applications. UK, Mexico, South Africa, and Australia, and is supported by the Aerial applicators in Australia and now NAAA in the USA. Where our ROTAMARKA™ has been installed, we are proud to say there has not been a repeat incident. They are a practical, cost-effective solution in helping mitigate the risk of costly outages, incidents, injury and, above all, fatalities caused by unintentional blindness in making contact with powerlines, not only for pilots but for machinery operators, such as trucks, headers, pickers, augers and etc.

ROTAMARKA™ Features: Red / White fins can be seen by the pilots in excess of 3600 ft, Unique 3D, rotating high internal contrast design.

Lower installation costs to land or utility asset owners as Rotamarka's can be installed by Link stick from the ground, elevating bucket truck, or difficult locations using drones (UAV), all by authorized qualified operators.

ROTAMARKA™ is manufactured in a robust Nylon 6 material using stainless steel and brass anti-corrosive components, being extensively tested for endurance, wind, snow, ice loading, extreme heat, UV, corona, ozone, RIV and voltage up to 173kv.

Comprehensive test data, FAQ’s, and videos can be made available to utility engineers on request.

Contact SICAME North America for further information email: info@sicamena.com T: 630-896-4056

Making Powerlines Visible 3D Rotating Powerline Maker For Agricultural Pilots & Machinery Operators • • •

High visibility 3D rotating design Large internal contrast Seen from all angles of approach

WINNER 2018 AAAA Australia Innovation to pilot safecty award Contact: T: 630-896-4056 E: info@sicamena.com

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WM-CS-E-1H-RW

Can be installed from the ground with a link stick or elevating bucket truck.

Discuss your installation needs with your local electrical utility, asset owner.

WM-CS-E-1H-BW

2023 NAVIGATOR

MORE Company, Inc. MORE Company, Inc. offers an enhanced method of aircraft engine maintenance and an 8,000 hour TBO extension program (Instructions for Continued Airworthiness) for the Pratt & Whitney PT6A engines. MORE Company has provided these FAA approved Supplemental Type Certificates (STC’s) to the aviation community since 1993. The STC’s were designed to extend engine life, reliability, safety, and to reduce the cost of operation and ownership. Today there are over 3,000 engines using the MORE Company STC’s worldwide.

Our customers embrace our instructions because of: • The substantial savings in maintenance costs • The ability to find and correct problems in their early stages • The detailed information they gather from the engines that provides a proactive approach to maintaining their valuable asset • The improvement in durability, reliability and safety that is produced when these instructions are followed correctly The STC’s are fully transferrable, there is no fixed hourly hot section interval, and can be used by private, commercial, agricultural, or military aircraft. For more information visit www.morecompany.net , email info@morecompany.net or call 775.782.3346

AERO Aviation Co. Hose Shop Returns to NAAA

Maintain safety while extending PT6A engine service life to 8000 hours TBO (775) 782-3346 | morecompany.net | info@morecompany.net

AVIATION CO.

The AERO Aviation Company Hose Shop is returning to NAAA again this year. In addition to being the industry-leading aircraft supplier for fuel, oil, and hydraulic hoses, they also offer hundreds of kits for most aircraft makes and models, a hose duplication program matched by no other, bulk hose and fittings, AOG service, and large warbird and helicopter hoses.

Make sure to add the AERO Aviation Company Hose Shop Booth #453 to your list of must-see vendors at the 2022 NAAA Ag Aviation Expo this year, as a show special will be available. Be sure to ask the AERO Hose Shop representative about that special!

For detailed information, visit our website at www. aerohoseshop.com or contact an AERO Aviation Company Hose Shop representative at: 1.866.413.2780 ext. 293 3701 Highway 162 Granite City, IL 62040

, Hundreds of Kits Available 2 Duplication Program Second to None 3 Custom Built, TSO-Certified Stratoflex Hose Assemblies Phone: 866.413.2780 ext. 293 Fax: 618.931.1102 E-mail: sales@aerohoseshop.com Website: www.aerohoseshop.com

SEND HOSES TO: 3701 Highway 162 Granite City, IL 62040

-:tarkar

AgAir Update’s 32nd Annual Navigator | 93

2023 NAVIGATOR

The Reabe Smart Gate - Electric The STC’d 5”and 7.5” Gates perform constant rate, variable rate, and auto on-off application with ALL major GPS providers. Only Reabe electric gates allow the pilot to open and close the gate box manually, in flight, during failure (patented). The lightweight and durable systems have been in operation since 2018.

• Computer learning- dispersal quantity becomes more accurate with each load.

• Mechanical redundancy- dump lever is fully functional to open and close gate.

• 1-day install with minimal maintenance.

• Interfaces with Reabe Hopper Gauge to display lbs. of product and gate openings.

The Reabe Hopper Packer- Electric • • • •

Hopper Door roller latch creates a liquid tight seal.

Auger spins in both directions Quick disconnect- auger can be inserted and removed with one person and NO TOOLS No electrical connections or electrical lines pass through chemical in hopper.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve the Agindustry! Visit us at NAAA in Palm Springs, CA at booth #141

Redline Propeller Your Business is Earned, Not Expected Redline Aviation has been in business since 2005.

Our focus has always been on taking care of the Ag Operators. At Redline Propeller, our focus has always been on Quality first. Whether it’s a five-blade TurboProp or a fixed-pitch, we try to treat everyone like they are our first customers. That’s why “Your business is earned, not expected” is displayed on all our signs and brochures. At Redline Aviation, we overhaul all types of propeller governors. From PT-6 Woodward Primary and Overspeed to all piston engine governors, we take pride in our workmanship.

“What's New” We have added Jihostroj overspeeds to our capability list.

These fit on the Daher TBM aircraft. We also specialize in Dynamic Balancing and Spectrum Analysis. Over 20 years of balancing, we have balanced 7 Grand Champions of Oshkosh and thousands of other airplanes.

Dan - Redline Aviation (720) 272-4356

BUSINE SS EARNED IS NOT EXPECT ED

Propellers and Governors Offering Products that Keep On Working...

So You Can Too! ✦ NEW Electric Hopper Packer ✦ Electric 5" and 7.5" Smart Gate STC ✦ Hopper Quantity Gauge STC

OVERHAUL AND REPAIR PROPELLERS: McCauley, Hartzell, Sensenich Propellers GOVERNORS: Woodward PT-6 Line of Turbine Governors, Woodward, McCauley Piston Governors. PCU-5000 Sales and Overhaul. Jihostroh Overspeed and Piston Governors.

TACH GENERATORS: Most Models NDT: Eddy Current, Mag Particle Inspection, Dye-Penetrant Inspection DYNAMIC PROPELLER BALANCE: Using ACES System. All balancing performed to turbine quality.

“If you want to reach REDLINE on take-off call the number below.”

Email: Sales@ReabeAir.com 321-AIR-TRAC Products and support videos at: ReabeAir.com

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Colorado Plains Regional Airport Akron, Colorado 80720 720-272-4356 Repair Station #R62R296Y dan@redlineaviation.aero EASA.145.6485 Ship to: 1201 North Cedar Building 4 Akron Colorado 80720

2023 NAVIGATOR

So - What Is New with Mixmate???

A fun question we hear . . . So - what is new with Mixmate??? We smile because there are new and fun updates in the future. One of the updates the Praxidyn Team will be revealing is . . . drum roll, please . . . an Apple version will be available with the new software.

Keep in mind we will still recommend the Android version because of the success with this rugged tablet. Maybe a few of you have seen a demo of the Mixmate system in our booth at the Ag Aviation Expo when the rugged Android tablet is put in the water of the inductor and we are still able to complete the mix. You would not want to do this with an Apple tablet!

It is good to have options with a mixing system and the Praxidyn Team continues to work hard at providing a flexible and modular Mixmate for your operation. Do you need a system that is portable or stationary? The Mixmate Fusion inductor or the Mixmate Pro? How many bulk products would you like to add to the inductor? Dry products? Jugs - we hear many pilots handle lots of jugs

and the Mixmate system has a patented jug processing system. The Mixmate system can grow with your operation!

Safety. Accuracy. Flexibility. MIxmate - automated chemical blending with automated recordkeeping. The Praxidyn Team is here to answer your questions. Please stop by our Praxidyn Booth #413 at the 2023 Ag Aviation Expo in Palm Springs, California, and say hello. It is fun to see your smile, too!

I’m not Mike.

Be like Mike.

“Tens of thousands of gallons measured in three years with near 100% accuracy.”

“Thrilled with it!”

“Love the safety and accuracy!”

Mike Cruce Cruce Agricultural Aviation

www.praxidyn.com 712.587.9721 AgAir Update’s 32nd Annual Navigator | 95

2023 NAVIGATOR

Make Sure You Stop by the AgNav Booth # 349 Adjacent to Ag-Mission Booth # 454 Where You Can Get a FREE Registration for Ag-Mission Software and a FREE 60 Days Trial Stop by and see what Ag-Nav can do for you!

For many years, Ag-Nav has worked hard during the season manufacturing and engineering new technologies to help you best with your aerial application. While at the 2023 NAAA convention, please stop by booth # 349 and look at the new Technology has to offer. You will be impressed!!

This year we will be displaying a Bell Ranger that is equipped with Ag-Nav Guidance technology..

Have you seen the OLED Lightbar?

What is OLED? OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diodes) is a flat light emitting technology made by placing a series of organic thin films between two conductors. ... OLEDs are emissive displays that do not require a backlight and are thinner and more efficient than LCDs (which do require a white backlight).

The glass is transparent, thus not blocking your line of sight, and it is mounted inside the cockpit. This prevents damage due to the environment or exposure.

Make sure you stop by the Ag-Mission booth and get a FREE registration for Ag-Mission software and 60-day trial.

Our Engineering team will be there to help you.

What is Ag-Mission?

This is the latest web application designed by Ag-Nav Inc. for pilots, office staff, clients, suppliers, inspectors, ground personnel, growers, GIS personnel, and anyone required to make work orders for aerial application.

The web application allows you to generate an entire work order, including product description, application rate, swath

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width, spray polygons, exclusion zones, buffer zones, flight lines, obstacle view, aircraft and ground crew tracking, application reports, and much more; so you can load the work order to your Ag-Nav systems or others that take the SHP file format.

A new computer system has been developed for the third generation Guia Gold and Silver. The P153 model is identical to the P152 on the outside. But inside, has a more powerful computer and processing power than its predecessors. The new generation Guia and new software offer many powerful tools and options to make your application more efficient.

The P153 has 3 USB Ports and an HDMI port to help you connect an external display if you so desire.

Make sure you talk to our staff about the best Nav system in the industry when stopping by our booth. With 30 years in the industry and loads of experience, we have developed Nav systems to suit all your needs, from a remarkably simple application to the most sophisticated. From manual to automatic spray. Manual and auto flow controllers, variable application rates, dry and wet materials, etc. The Ag-Nav systems are used for many aerial applications, including agricultural spraying, forest protection, search and rescue, wild animal control, mosquito control, and many more; all by private and government sectors.

See how Ag-Nav technology works for you!

We look forward to seeing you at the 2023 NAAA Ag Aviation Expo BOOTH # 349

2023 NAVIGATOR

Auger uger An’s s DAn rucks Trucks Stainless steel auger systems for loading ag aircraft In cab controlled height adjustable clear sock for dry material delivery Anti-dribble valve

870-578-6133

Phone: Home: 870-972-8056 • Cell: 870-919-2317

augerdantrucks@gmail.com

P.O. Box 19094 Jonesboro, AR 72403 View our video on YouTube: www.youtube.com/MrAugerD

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Based on proven navigation technololgy, Ag-Nav is a global leader in systems that keep pilots safer and more in control while maximizing flight value. The new Platinum system offers pilot-friendly guidance with a simple interface for greater usability and ease of flying. Whether conducting precision agriculture, fighting fires, controlling wildlife, surveying, or combaiting Zika mosquitos, Ag-Nav offers flexibility and performance in both the air and on the ground.

FOR OUR COMPLETE PRODUCT LIST, VISIT AGNAV.COM/NAVIGATION-SYSTEMS/ Take your job to the next level – Take total control general@agnav.com 1 (705) 734-0909

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2023 NAVIGATOR

AgAviation School LEARN TO BE AN AG PILOT IN 4 TO 6 WEEKS! www.agaviationschool.com Call Now To Start Your Career Kiman Kingsley: 417-452-3831 email: planecentsaviation@hotmail.com

The AgAviation School ag aviation program consists of 40 hours of flight time. The 40-hour flight course comprises 15 hours of flight training in a Cessna 170 and 25 hours in one of our six Pawnees. An experienced ag pilot does all flight training.

There are three requirements before entering this program: you must have your private pilot’s license, your tailwheel endorsement, and a high-performance endorsement. While in the Ag Aviation School, you can stay in the free student dorm room, have local access to grocery stores, free Internet, and a restaurant on site.

Our aviation program stands out from others because we offer training on a 3,000-acre working farm and crop dusting business.

We now offer a continuing education program for those who want to own/operate their own business in ag spraying, which would include; selling you a plane, maintenance on the aircraft, and mentoring from Kiman Kinsgley while you build your business.

Stor-Loc Modular Drawer System Build to Last STOR-LOC, Originally designed in 1982, the initial design was a composite of all the best features available in the market at that time. They built their product to last! Today, Stor-Loc is the only manufacturer that adheres to its original design characteristics, such as mig-welded corners and full-with, 11 gauge fork channels. Stor-Loc is one of a few companies that do not use nylon rollers in their support system but rather steel ball bearings and heat-treated steel rollers that provide consistent, lifetime drawer performance.

Our product line consists of workstations, cabinets, and complete systems for keeping your tools organized.

You can find Stor-Loc at dozens of trade shows throughout the U.S. and Canada. Along with their display of the most popular drawers, cabinets and workstations, they also feature new products.

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2023 NAVIGATOR

The Low Down on Drift Reduction Agents Reducing drift or off target movement of a spray application is the name of the game for drift reduction adjuvants. Mountains of research has been done in order to decrease drift resulting in many different drift reduction products. The main focus of these products is to increase droplet size in order to decrease drift potential. Smaller droplets mean more potential to drift off target. However, just increasing droplet size in order to decrease drift can significantly decrease the efficacy of your spray application—the real goal is to get the optimum sized droplet.

AgraSyst’s drift reduction technology—Drift-fiant™ spray adjuvant, specializes in creating the optimum size droplet. Drift-fiant™ works by increasing the spray droplets size while simultaneously decreasing spray droplets that are too big—resulting in a supreme drift reduction agent that reduces fines without increasing large “bounce off” droplets, increasing deposition on the leaf by about 15% over the best competitor. All-in-all Drift-fiant™ reduces drift while delivering more active

Drift Reduction and Deposition Aid

ingredient where it needs to go resulting in overall better efficacy.

AgraSyst also combines Drift-fiant’s™ technology with other products for increased convenience, including: + AgraSyst Lo-drift 90™: Our blended NIS, with Driftfiant™ inside the formulation +Full Load Complete™: Our “do everything” adjuvant— premium surfactant, water conditioner, drift reduction and volatility reduction.

“Full Load Complete™ has been our one-stop shop for our spray adjuvants. It is convenient and easy to use. It’s nice to have everything in one jug. We can really see the difference in drift reduction out of the back of the plane” - Fred Meise North West Ag Moses Lake, WA

Get

on

Target Standard

PHOTO BY: DALTON PARRISH

“Drift-fiantTM is our go to adjuvant for when we need drift reduction, especially when doing an aerial application.” - Jerry McPherson, Yuma Ag Service , Yuma, CO For more about Drift-fiant ™ or our other great AgraSyst Products, Contact Chase Boman----801.791.7186 or check out our website: agrasyst.com

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Experts Leaders Innovators Legends

PT6 Aircraft Engine Maintenance and Repair Southwest Airmotive has been a legendary company in aviation since first opening its doors in the 1940s.

On September 5, 2004, Dwight Cox vowed to carry on the tradition of exceptional service at fair prices and gave new life to this well-known and respected name.

Surviving its baptism by fire, Southwest Airmotive is once again the company of choice for aircraft engine maintenance. Please explore our website to learn how we can help you maintain optimal performance with your fleet of PT-6 powered aircraft. Proudly…Veteran Owned and Operated!

Hear from them all

WE DO IT RIGHT! We’re the small shop that’s huge on service - unsurpassed in workmanship. We’re your experts for complete service to the full line of Pratt & Whitney PT6A & PT6T Engines.

A New Podcast From

Overhaul Repair Test Cell Capabilities

Listen Online At

www.southwest-airmotive.com

Air Tractor and Ag Air Update

airtractor.com/podcast 100 | agairupdate.com

4801 North Tumbleweed Road • Eloy, Arizona 85131

520-466-7274

2023 NAVIGATOR

WAT is the Global Leader in Lighting Products Whelen Aerospace Technologies’ experienced staff designs, engineers and manufactures high-quality products that provide safety, visibility and recognition for aircraft across all platforms.

Their design engineers work closely with OEM and service provider networks to design high-performance products that enhance the pilot experience, as well as provide safety of flight.

WAT is honored to be a trusted OEM lighting supplier for Air Tractor and Thrush today. Our products designed for these workhorse airplanes not only increase safety but a tremendous increase in reliability over older filament and incandescent lamps. Their advanced LED products are also available for retrofit on older Thrush and Air Tractor platforms with outdated technology. Their LED offerings come with a 5-year warranty and can be purchased directly through Thrush and Air Tractor with applicable FAA approvals.

As an FAA-approved production holder, Whelen Aerospace Technologies owns hundreds of STCs for aircraft landing, taxi, anti-collision, and position lights. Their in-house composite shop produces a wide variety of STC and PMA-approved speed modifications for a number of general aviation aircraft.

Their expansive product line will surely provide a solution for pilots and owners based on their individual needs.

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Video link: https://youtu.be/x42Pomolxfo

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Campbell Oil Aviation Provides Full-Time Aviation Service Department Campbell Oil Aviation has a full-time Aviation Service Department. Your go-to for refueler truck leases and maintenance, tank install and refurb, filter changes, aviation parts - nozzles, hoses, etc., spill prevention and clean up.

Visit our website at campbelloil.net/fuel/aviation-fuels/

Visit us at the NAAA Expo December 4 - 7 Booth # 505

TPE331 Services Complete Overhaul Hot Section Inspections Gearbox Inspections

Complete Test Cell Service 24 Hour AOG Field Service - Including Engine R&R

Around the Clock Service & Support to the AG Aviation Industry.

Mechanics with over 200 years of combined engine maintenance experience!

AVIATION SERVICES 2707 E. 32nd St. , Suite 2 Joplin, Missouri 64804 Phone: 417-206-2327 Fax: 417-206-2336 Toll Free: 866-975-CDAS www.cdaviationservices.com

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Follow Us on Social Media!

CD Aviation Services Serving Ag Aviation for Over 20 Years CD Aviation Services has been a U.S.-owned Part 145 Repair Station, serving the agricultural community for 20plus years. CD Aviation provides the utmost value through quality, integrity and service. CD Aviation’s customer base includes corporate, private, military, cargo, agriculture, fire fighting, and commercial operators worldwide.

CD Aviation’s product lines include the TPE331 turboprop engine and the GTCP 36-100 / -150 APU. CD Aviation provides everything from field service to overhaul, including 24/7 AOG support. As an independent FAA, EASA authorized and ISO certified service center, CD Aviation maintains a vast inventory of new, overhauled, serviceable parts and engine rentals.

This allows CD Aviation to keep turn time, customer cost, and downtime to a minimum.

2023 NAVIGATOR

Gain Efficiencies More Efficiently with the Updated Raven Slingshot® Connected Workflow® Raven Slingshot® Connected Workflow® delivers total data management and logistical control, synchronizing devices in the field, in the office, and on the go. Integrating the seamless Slingshot experience with a Viper® 4+ display or mobile tablet device, as well as a connectivity modem (Field Hub 2.1 or RS1TM), completes your Connected Workflow — further enhancing accuracy, data consistency, and efficiency.

The Connected Workflow streamlines the full agriculture aviator’s operation from order creation through completion: 1. Connect to machines, third-party organizations, integrated software platforms, staff/personnel, and customers.

2. Create Grower, Farm, Field (GFF) profiles; field boundaries; tasks; work orders; scouting reports; tender

truck loads; and blends.

3. Coordinate jobs among several stakeholders from order through delivery, with live updates in real-time visible from any device.

4. Complete digital records of as-applied data, reporting results via integrated solutions and third-party integrations.

Raven Slingshot® users around the world are already up to 20% more efficient in their operations. Now, using the integrated solution suite is even more efficient. The new user experience provides consistent and easy-to-use navigation across apps and platforms, creating a simplified and consistent interface. See the newest updates to the platform at https://www.ravenind.com/gain-efficienciesmore-efficiently.

Gain efficiencies more efficiently with the updated Raven Slingshot® Connected Workflow®.

1

Scan here to see how you can be 20% more efficient:

1.Connect

2

2.Create 3. Coordinate

4.Complete

4 3

ravenind.com RMKT_00055

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Guiding Growth from Above: AeroLEDs Lights for Next-Gen Agricultural Aviation In the realm of agricultural aviation, where precision and safety intersect, visibility stands as a paramount concern. Agricultural aircraft navigate low altitudes, intricate terrains, and varied weather conditions to dispense vital agricultural treatments. AeroLEDs' highperformance landing lights with INTEGRATED PULSE emerge as a groundbreaking solution that transcends conventional lighting systems, offering multifaceted benefits.

In the challenging dusk, dawn, or adverse weather scenarios, this distinctive light pattern captures attention, reducing the risk of mid-air collisions and bird strikes. With crop dusters often operating near groundlevel obstacles and in proximity to communities and sensitive areas, heightened visibility through AeroLEDs' Pulse Lights translates to proactive collision avoidance and safeguarding both lives and properties.

The importance of quality lighting extends beyond safety to operational efficacy. Accurate chemical dispersion depends on precise aircraft alignment.

Clear visibility ensures optimal spraying alignment and minimizes wastage, optimizing crop health and yield.

AeroLEDs' high-performance lighting solutions represent a revolutionary leap in technology, underscoring the indispensable importance of high-quality lighting for enhancing safety and efficiency in agricultural aviation.

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Cultivate with CLARITY

SHOW DISCOUNT

10% OFF

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208.850.3294

2023 NAVIGATOR

Micron Sprayers LTD are the World’s Leading Authority on Low Volume and ULV Aerial Application Micron Sprayers Ltd are the world’s leading authority on low volume and ULV aerial application. Pioneers of Controlled Droplet Application (CDA) using rotary atomizers for precise droplet size control, the company has been manufacturing specialist aerial application equipment for over 60 years. The company regularly exports to over 100 countries and has a global distribution network of aerial application specialists covering the Americas, Europe, Australasia, Africa, Central Asia, Middle, and Far East.

Our sales and technical team have extensive experience within the aerial application industry and are available to provide support and assistance together with our specialist distribution network. Our website includes full details on our product range, technical manuals, and product selection guides. We also offer users access to online droplet size calculation tools to assist in correct setup.

Aero Guard Aviation Insurance Values Each Customer!

With over 60 years of combined knowledge in the aviation insurance industry, Aero Guard has become a leader in providing creative options that make the most of their client’s insurance dollars. John and Tom would like to thank each of their clients and insurance partners for joining the Aero Guard family and they look forward to continuing to provide the highest level of client service and results.

Customized insurance packages to fit your specific needs.

ROTARY ATOMIZERS

• Policy Reviews • Risk Assessment • Claim Service Advocates • Contract Reviews • Networking Clients

Precision with every drop

USA: Lane Aviation T + 1 281 3425451 E sales@laneav.com

Canada: Yorkton Aircraft Service T +1 306 786 7007 E Yorkton.aircraft@sasktel.net

Argentina: ArAvia T + 54 3263 433540 E ggiordana@aravia.com.ar

UK: Micron Sprayers Ltd T +44 1885 482397 E enquiries@micron.co.uk

www.micron.co.uk

Brasil: Agrotec T +55 (53) 3026 2903 E agrotec@agrotec.etc.br

(402) 540-4254 • aeroguardinsurance.com

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Surety® Online Mapping AgriData, Inc. continues to add to its already feature-rich Surety® Online Mapping Software. This year AgriData, Inc. has worked with the AgPilotX team to integrate the AgPilotX Wireless file transfer into Surety® and Surety® Pro. With this feature, you can ditch the emails and USB drives and directly send your boundary file to the AgHippo cloud system. Then grab the boundaries right within the iPad running AgPilotX software. Completed job files can also be imported directly into the Surety or Surety® Pro account to view and assign as-applied data to a completed work order.

The wireless file transfers from AgPilotX or Satloc Cloud paired with last year’s field-level weather data integration in Surety® Pro make the entire process of making and sending job boundaries, creating work orders, and adding as-applied data and weather information to completed work orders easier than ever! AgriData, Inc. is forever committed to expanding the functionality and value of your Surety and Surety Pro mapping software while always keeping a price point that is affordable to any operation!

Visit www.agridatainc.com or call 701-746-8580 to create a free account and try all of the features Surety® and Surety® Pro have to offer!

Mosquito Products Provide Clean Burning Smoker Oil Aircraft Smoker Oil / Mosquito Products, LLC has provided the agricultural aviation community with clean-burning, water-white, thick cloud-producing Smoker Oil since 2007. Designed and formulated especially for agricultural aircraft but recently discovered by the airshow circuit, our smoker oil is in demand for all aircraft, including RC, flat, radial, turbine, or jet engines.

We ship daily from our warehouses in Newport, Arkansas, to professional operators, pilots, and GA enthusiasts across the country. Shipped in 15-gallon “Baby Barrels,” 55-gallon drums, or 250-gallon totes.

A part of Grady Auctions & Realty, Inc., the premier Agricultural Aviation Auctioneers in the United States.

Visit us at Booth #434 in Palm Springs, CA

GOOD AS THE BEST

BETTER THAN THE REST!

AGRICULTURAL | AIRSHOWS | GENERAL AVIATION

Designed to Create Large, White, Puffy Smoke Engineered to “Hang Around” in many Atmospheric Conditions No more Stopped Up Nozzles - Very Clean Burning Available in 55 Gallon Drums and 250 Gallon Totes 15 Gallon Baby Barrels Products Shipped Daily from our Warehouse in Newport Arkansas

870.503.1466 | 870.523.5229 WWW.SMOKEROIL.COM | SHANE@GRADYAUCTIONS.COM

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2023 NAVIGATOR

Can’t Put a Price Tag on Safety We at Storm Aeronautics would first like to thank everyone for a great 2023 and look forward to another great year. Our focus continues to be on safety modifications for ag aircraft and keeping the AgCat a viable option for operators worldwide.

occasions. We look forward to the day when they will be standard equipment on all Air Tractors as wire strikes continue to be one of the highest risk factors that ag pilots face each year.

This past year Air Tractor decided to make the Storm Shield standard equipment in all their new aircraft, there by joining Thrush in doing so. Now every new ag aircraft manufactured in North America will have a Storm Shield.

It has been a proven product to date that still hasn’t had a recorded complete failure in flight after hitting a foreign object. We did have one person this past summer who hit a power line with their Storm Shield. There was slight cracking but no penetration into the cockpit.

For 2024 we will be working on a few projects, some aviation related and one that isn’t. We will be working on a PMA project for AgCat center section fittings. We will be looking at the feasibility of expanding the Storm Shield technology and replacing other windows in Thrush and Air Tractors. We will continue to work on cockpit fire protection in ag aircraft, specifically Air Tractors. Finally we are excited to announce we have produced the first Storm Shield UTV prototype window that was installed in a Polaris. We are looking to expand into this new market with a proven product that has been very successful in the ag aviation market.

Storm Cutters are available for every model of Air Tractor as they have proven to be a lifesaver on many

· FAA PARTS MANUFACTURER APPROVAL #1

· FAA CERTIFIED REPAIR STATION MU2R018L

#5

· STORM CUTTERS™ FOR AIR TRACTOR · STORM SHIELD™ FOR THRUSH/AIR TRACTOR

KEEPING AG AVIATION GREAT

· HOPPER CONSTRUCTION AND REPAIR #2

· MAJOR REPAIR AND COMPLETE REBUILDS FOR AGCATS

#6

· LEADING THE WAY IN SAFETY MODS FOR THE AG AVIATION INDUSTRY #3

#7

3370 MN Road, P.O. Box 148 • David City, NE 68632 • 402-367-3213 • stormaeronautics.com • Follow us #4

AgAir Update’s 32nd Annual Navigator | 107

#8

2023 NAVIGATOR

Why Choose a Satloc® Falcon or Falcon Pro GPS Guidance System

by Frances Anne Manning Currently, Satloc Falcons and Satloc Falcon Pros are being flown worldwide. If you are still deciding to switch to one of these new GPS systems, take a look at some of the reasons pilots are happy and switched to Falcon or Falcon Pro.

capabilities. When there is a poor or limited internet connection, online background maps might not appear, which is why offline background maps are beneficial. They are easy to load and can provide peace of mind. Because of additional costs, some additional fees may apply.

Customer Support

Analyzing Poly Patterns

From the beginning, customer support has been a cornerstone for Satloc. As with any new product release, we expect a learning curve on how to use the system. We’re helping our dealers as well as some of the pilots. Many pilots are sharing how they are thrilled with Satloc’s customer service. A new customer support feature with the release of Falcon/Falcon Pro is the unique ability of Satloc tech support logging into a Falcon remotely. With the pilot’s permission, our staff can see what is happening on the pilot’s Falcon and show him/her different system functions or troubleshoot various problems.

The Enter Poly Pattern feature known in the G4 is also included in the Falcon/Falcon Pro, plus some enhancements!!!

Pilot Safety & Easy Navigation Pilot safety and easy navigation played a big part when developing the Satloc® Falcon GPS system. So, the engineers made an ADS-B In receiver standard (no unlock fee) in all Satloc Falcons. Another result is the organization of the functions allows users to access almost every setting with one to three taps.

Additionally, for Falcon Pro units, there is a multi-function encoder knob. Without touching the screen, pilots can choose various functions of the knob. The options for encoder knob setup are 1) scroll through menus and submenus, 2) choose highlighted choices, 3) zoom in and out on moving map screen, 4) dim and brighten lightbar and display screen, 5) set application settings, 6) open menus, 7) simultaneously zoom in and out & change screen brightness, and 8) much more!

Benefits of Live Background Maps Background maps improve the accuracy and efficiency of dispersal jobs when used with aerial GPS technology by helping the pilot better understand the terrain. Another benefit to consider is how the background maps aid aerial applicators who switch to aerial firefighting. ALL systems with internet access have access to background maps for free. Effectively using background maps can save time and resources, ultimately leading to better profitability.

A pilot can analyze one polygon or more than one polygon at the same time. The Falcon/Falcon Pro automatically computes the A?B Line and required passes for all the polygon lines. Users can then select the most efficient or any other based on their application needs.

Here are ways to view your Best A?B line: 1) Sort by Passes, Length, or Heading with Background Maps, 2) View the most efficient pass first, 3) View by increasing poly line length, and 4) Rotate around left or right to analyze with external factors, such as wind direction.

Satloc Cloud Use Satloc Cloud for these results: Less Time + Less Fuel + Less Energy + Less Labor Costs = MORE PROFITS. This is done by: • No need to land the aircraft and plug in a USB drive, so fuel, time, and labor costs are reduced.

• Less labor is used in emailing job files to someone, placing them on a USB, and meeting the plane on the ground.

• With a robust internet connection, Satloc Cloud downloads any new info entered by office staff every 20 to 30 seconds.

• Office personnel can retrieve log files immediately when the log data is uploaded from the Falcon to the Cloud (done by touching a few buttons).

• Start a new job while up in the air.

Did you know you can watch planes fly and disperse in realtime through Satloc Cloud?

Offline Background Maps

Resources to Help Pilots

A distinct capability of the Falcon/Falcon Pro is the ability to upload offline background maps. Offline background maps are helpful for aircraft with slow or reduced internet

At www.Satloc.com, look under the Resources tab to find aids to help pilots with the Falcon and many other Satloc products.

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COMING SOON

SIMPLE, RUGGED, & CONNECTS WITH SATLOC CLOUD WWW.SATLOC.COM

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Micro AeroDynamics VG Kit Installed on Newly FAA Approved Thrush Model S2R-510 Vortex Generator Specialist Micro AeroDynamics is proud to announce that their VG kit was installed on the factory’s first serial number of model S2R-510. The engineering department at Thrush worked with Micro AeroDynamics and the FAA to obtain this approval, said Anni Brogan, President of Micro AeroDynamics.

approved, they will be announced loudly.

In addition to lowered Stall speeds, Micro VG-equipped Ag aircraft operators most mention the noticeable benefits of shorter turn time and reduction in drift.

Micro AeroDynamics was founded in November of 1989 and is located at the Anacortes Airport, Washington state.

They have flight tested and earned 80+ FAA STC approvals for General Aviation Aircraft. This unusual company does it all - develops, tests, certifies, manufactures and markets their Micro VG modifications kits. The STC-approved kits are very complete and can be installed in one day. Ag Aircraft kit prices range from $1595 - $1850.

Micro VGs are currently STC approved for installation on many Ag Aircraft models. When new models are

More details can be found at: www.microaero.com, or email anni@microaero.com

O R C I M

V O R T E X G E N E R ATO R S

• Reduced Turning Time • Shorter Takeoff Rolls

• Improved Aileron Authority • Lower Stall Speed

Micro VG Kits Available for:

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 Thrush: S2R, S2R-T11, S2R-T15, S2R-T34, S2RHG-T34, S2R-T45, S2R-T65, S2RHG-T65, S2R-R1340, S2R-R1820, S2R-R3S, S2R-G1, S2R-G5, S2R-G6, S2R-G10, S2R-H80 (510G) Cessna Models: 188B, A188B, T188C Dromader : PZL M18, M18A, M18B Piper Brave: PA-36-285, PA-36-300, PA-36-375 Weatherly: 201, 201A, 201B, 201C, 620, 620A, 620B 110 | agairupdate.com

(800) 677-2370

4000 Airport Road, Suite D Anacortes, Washington 98221 (360) 293-8082 FAX (360) 293-5499 www.microaero.com micro@microaero.com

Vortex Generator Technology

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Yorkton Aircraft Helps Canadian Operators Grow For over 30 years, Yorkton Aircraft, Canada’s largest and most innovative aerial application support company, has had a large focus on helping the Canadian aerial application grow. “We are now selling our products and knowledge worldwide,” explains business owner Cheryl Denesowych.

“We are innovative in both our delivery channels and our product enhancements.” Being a Thrush dealer, we’ve taken Canada from less than 10 turbo-props in 2013 to over 43, including 25 factory-new planes.

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Tel. 330-698-0280 - Fax. 330-698-3164

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Burns Serves NAAA and Operators as Insurance Division Representative AssuredPartners Aerospace (APA) is excited to have their own Rebecca Burns elected as the NAAA 2023 Allied Industry Insurance Division Representative. APA brokers have been arranging coverage, providing risk management services and supporting all facets of the Aerial Application industry for over 40 years.

As the daughter of an Air Force C-5 Mechanic, Rebecca grew up around aviation and aviators. When her father retired, the family moved to Montana and in 2017 she moved to Wichita, Kansas, to begin her aviation insurance career with Hardy Aviation. It was with Randy Hardy and Angie Banz that she discovered the passion found in a vital niche of aviation known as the aerial application industry.

Since earning her insurance agent license, Rebecca has continued to expand her knowledge and expertise of Aerial Application and into new facets such as coverage for fixed base operators, flight schools, corporate aircraft, and more.

In 2019 Hardy Aviation joined with AssuredPartners Aerospace to become one of the largest insurance brokers for General Aviation risks allowing Rebecca to move into more positions of responsibility.

As an Account Executive Rebecca enjoys helping clients find the coverages to protect their business.

As Insurance Division Representative, she brings her passion for the industry and deepening relationships with operators, underwriters and other brokers.

Rebecca is also a member of Women in Aviation and has served on other committees for NAAA and KAAA. She is presently membership chair of KAAA. 112 | agairupdate.com

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Competitive Rates, Unbeatable Service

Leave your insurance worries on the ground.

Trust Kimmel Aviation Insurance Agency to find the best rates and customized coverage for your agricultural aviation operation. We have nationwide reach with small town service...when you call, we answer.

So don’t worry when you’re in the air; Kimmel has you covered.

800-647-9397 442 Airport Road, Greenwood, MS 38930 • www.kimmelinsurance.com

Recently celebrating 50 years of aviation insurance service in 2022, Kimmel Aviation Insurance Agency, Inc. has grown to be one of the largest insurers of Agricultural Aviation Insurance in the world. KAI is licensed in all 50 states with a cobroker network that extends outside of the USA. KAI staff includes 3 licensed pilots, with employees across 5 states, and a home base in Greenwood, MS at the Greenwood Leflore Airport.

The staff has over 175 years of experience in aviation insurance.

While Crop Dusters are still the core of Kimmel Aviation Insurance, they also specialize in Airport Liability, Hangar Insurance, Worker’s Compensation, Warbirds, Air Show Liability, Sky Diving Liability, Charter Operations, Aviation Products Liability, Fixed Base Operations Business and Corporate Aircraft, Flight Schools, and Helicopters.

Let the expert team at KAI help you with specialized aviation insurance options to help your business thrive.

Visit us at Booth 309 in Palm Springs, CA.

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Parts & Service in the Heart of the Midwest From Ohio to Nebraska to North and South Dakota, Farm Air has the parts and the maintenance capabilities to keep Midwest Air Tractors flying. Located in the heart of farm country, Farm Air’s ¾-mile grass runway and highway proximity make it easy to access for fly or drive-in service. There is nothing more frustrating than being in the middle of spray season and having your air conditioner go out, your navigation light busted from an overzealous bird, or, worst of all, striking a wire or obstacle and being hundreds of miles away from home.

Luckily, pilots in the central United States have a nearby option for fixing all these issues and more in one place so that they can get back to work safely.

Our parts department features an extensive inventory from minuscule hardware to three-blade and five-blade propellers. Beyond an ample supply of Air Tractor parts, Farm Air carries several other supplies for agricultural aircraft necessities. Our Transland and Agrinautics inventory includes spreaders, booms, spray pumps, valves, and all associated rebuild kits. CP Products spray nozzles are on hand to complete your spray system and are custom assembled for your preferred application.

We are also a factory-authorized Satloc/Transland GPS dealer and have systems available for purchase and installation. Other essentials include but are not limited

to tires, tubes, brake supplies, batteries, hardware, lighting, and electrical parts. Anyone involved in aerial application knows that maintenance is essential to the longevity of aircraft efficiency. Over 40 years of business experience here, Farm Air has developed a unique understanding of the demands placed on operators and their equipment. Using these 40 years to their advantage, Farm Air employees have created a facility where pilots and operators can come to find the necessities required to keep their businesses going. Our facility offers year-round maintenance with full-time A&P-certified mechanics. Farm Air’s technicians routinely perform 100-hour, annual, and eddy current inspections. Other services include single-point fuel installation, AmSafe airbag installation, and installation of GPS systems. Our mechanics are also Air Tractor certified for wing removal and installation.

Most notably, Farm Air is a dealer for Air Tractor.

Therefore, if your current aircraft is not doing the job, please contact us to see what new or used Air Tractor we can get you into!

Stop by booths 432 at the NAAA Convention in Palm Spring, CA to learn more about how Farm Air can help keep you flying safely and effectively!

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Inside This Issue Aero Guard Aviation Insurance..................... 105 Aero Innovations........................................... 51 AeroFlow Inc................................................ 53 AeroLEDs................................................... 104 Ag Container Recycling Council...................... 69 Ag-Nav Inc................................................... 97 AgAviation School......................................... 98 AgraSyst Inc................................................ 99 AgriData Inc............................................... 106 Agrinautics................................................... 24 AgriSmart Information Systems LLC............... 55 Air Repair Inc............................................... 73 Air Tractor.................................................... 17 Aircraft Spruce & Specialty............................ 25 Airwolf Aerospace......................................... 75 AssuredPartners Aerospace.......................... 113 Auger Dan LLC............................................. 97 Aviation Hose Shop....................................... 93 Aviation Products Systems............................. 32 Campbell Oil Aviation.................................. 102 Canadian Propeller..................................... 104 CapstanAG................................................... 42 Cascade Aircraft Conversions LLC.................. 91 CD Aviation Services................................... 102 Chem-man by DataSmart.............................. 71 Covington Aircraft....................................... 120 CP Nozzles.................................................. 37 DART AEROSPACE....................................... 83 Desser Aerospace......................................... 75 DynaNav Systems Inc................................... 45 Eagle Vistas................................................. 86 Falcon Insurance Agency Inc......................... 90 Farm Air Inc............................................... 118 Frost Flying Inc.......................................... 111 Genuine Aircraft Hardware Company.............. 19 Insero............................................................ 9 Intercontinental Jet Service Corporation.......... 87 Isolair.......................................................... 50 Kawak Aviation Technologies......................... 49 Kimmel Aviation Insurance.......................... 116 Lane Aviation............................................... 41 Lift Aviation................................................... 7 Merit........................................................... 15 Micro AeroDynamics................................... 110 Micron Sprayers......................................... 105 MidContinent..................... 50,71, 97, 101,104 MORE......................................................... 93 Mosquito Products LLC............................... 106 Neal Aircraft Inc........................................... 47 North Star Aviation Inc.................................. 87 NZSkydive Limited........................................ 33 Perfect Flight............................................... 14 Portage Aircraft Specialties LTD..................... 26 PowerLift Hydraulic Doors............................. 27 Pratt & Whitney Canada................................ 29 Praxidyn...................................................... 95 Preferred Airparts....................................... 111 PropWorks Propeller Systems Inc................... 34 R. T. Turbines Inc......................................... 38 Raven Industries........................................ 103 Reabe Air..................................................... 94 Redline Aviation........................................... 94 Satloc........................................................ 109 S & T Aircraft Accessories Inc........................ 90 Sanag / Sanitek............................................ 97 SICAME....................................................... 92 Southeastern Aircraft Sales............................ 31 Souther Field Aviation................................... 34 Southwest Airmotive Corporation.................. 100 Spidertracks Limited..................................... 35 StandardAero............................................... 23 Stor-Loc....................................................... 98 Storm Aeronautics...................................... 107 Tabula........................................................... 2 TAE Aerospace Inc........................................ 63 Thrush Aircraft............................................... 5 Tennessee Aircraft Co Inc.............................. 24 Tiger Perfomance......................................... 85 Transland LLC.............................................. 77 Turbine Conversions LTD............................... 89 Turbine Standard LTD................................... 32 Turbine Training Center................................. 39 Turbines Inc................................................. 57 Valley Air Crafts............................................ 18 VSE Aviation................................................ 59 Whelen Aerospace Technologies................... 101 Yorkton Aircraft Service............................... 111 Zee Systems Inc........................................... 50

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Covington – The Power of Being There Today, when personal, on-the-spot turbine engine services have become harder than ever to find, Covington Aircraft remains fully committed to providing worldwide support when and where you need it. Our Mobile Repair Teams are available 24/7/365 – which means we can get you back in the air – and back to work – quickly and safely. And we’ve been doing that for more than 50 years. As the only family-owned Pratt & Whitney Canada Designated Overhaul Facility in the world, we specialize in the PT6A and virtually all its variants. No one knows

the PT6A better, and no one understands the importance of keeping customers operational day-in and day-out more than Covington. Diagnostics. Parts. Accessories.

And rental engines and power sections should you need one. Our highly experienced technicians have all the resources needed to ensure your downtime is always kept to a minimum. Call us at (918) 756-7862 and let us be there – for you.

Please stop by and visit us at booth 431 in Palm Springs.

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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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918-756-7862 | covingtonaircraft.com

Se Habla Español • FAA Repair Station No. CP2R750K

Ag Aviation’s Magazine | 2023 Navigator

Volume 32