With 36 years of experience, we have perfected the art of guidance for aerial application. But that does not mean we won’t keep innovating and improving. The new Ag-Nav Platinum Lite takes our industry leading technology and combines it with our more economical Guia 153 hardware. Paired with our OLED Transparent Lightbar, and Flow Control, you get the most advanced and cost effect guidance system on the market. The Ag-Nav OLED Lightbar displays all the information of our classic lightbars plus new more information, such as, Flow Rate, Aircraft Heading, Individual Booms On Indicators, Tank Level and more!
PLATINUM LITE OLED LIGHTBAR P550 GPS RECEIVER
aau@marsaylmedia.com • agairupdate.com
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
LATIN AMERICAN REPRESENTATIVES: Ernesto Franzen ernesto@agairupdate.com
Gina Hickmann gina@agairupdate.com
ivan@agairupdate.com
Artur Rosetto artur@agairupdate.com
Josey Marques josy@agairupdate.com
Graham Lavender | graham@marsaylmedia.com
Honoring Legacy and Tradition with the New ‘Last Pass' Memorial Walk in Jackson, MS
Agricultural aviation has long played a crucial role in supporting America’s farmers and feeding the world. Yet, as most of us reading this are intimately familiar with, it's an industry not without risks.
That is why unveiling the ‘Last Pass’ Memorial Walk project at the Ag Aviation Museum in Jackson, Mississippi, is a moment of solemn pride and reflection for our entire industry.
The idea was born after a meeting at the Mississippi Association’s convention in Biloxi two years ago, when Glenn Holloway (MS), Matt Wollard (AR) and I saw the need to memorialize those who have tragically died during aerial application. Many ideas were tossed around and with the help of the Museum, which was
this pathway, the names of those who have passed will be inscribed on the brick pavers. Taxi lights, donated by Matt Wollard, will outline the walkway. Aches will be at the end, where visitors will then go into the museum entrance to see the Pawnee suspended from the ceiling and can continue their visit to the National Ag Aviation Museum section inside.
What makes this memorial walk particularly meaningful is its location within the Ag Aviation Museum, which is a testament to the evolution and significance of agricultural aviation. The museum celebrates technological advancements and milestones in the industry, but the Last Pass Memorial Walk also invites visitors to reflect on the human stories behind the planes and missions. It balances the celebration of technological innovation with the acknowledgment of the human cost that sometimes accompanies progress.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS agairupdate.com calendar
November 4-5, 2024
Pacific NW AAA Convention
The Coeur D’Alene Resort 115 S 2nd St
Coeur D’Alene, ID 83814
Tara Lea Brown pnwaaa@gmail.com
509-989-9098
November 5-7, 2024
Colorado AAA Convention Historic Cow Palace Inn Lamar, CO shamaysmith@gmail.com
November 18-21, 2024
2024 Ag Aviation Expo Fort Worth Convention Center Fort Worth, TX
End of a days work... prepping for tomorrow... Holzwarth Flying Service.
- Photo by Ken Coleson
Fog Delay in Canada.
- Photo by Kinniburgh Spray Service
Chorman Spraying's Turbo-Cat.
- Photo by EJS Photography
Nightime with Fly WAT and AgAviation Adventures.
- Photo by Whelen Aviation Technologies and Ag Aviation Adventure
Whatever it takes to get the perfect shot.
- Photo by Delta Dreams Photography
Guatemala Bananas.
- Photo by @aviacion_agricola_guatemalteca on IG
AT-802 under Northern Lights.
- Photo by David Songer
ON MY TERMS
by Graham Lavender
Rick Boardman’s career in aerial application spans over four decades, but his journey began much earlier, rooted in the family tradition of farming and passion for the agricultural industry.
(Continued on page 14)
Raised in a family of aviators, Rick’s father started spraying in the late 1960s and early 1970s, eventually launching a spraying operation in Superior, Nebraska and then relocating to Henderson, Nebraska, by the early ’80s. Rick was fresh out of high school and ready to follow in his father’s footsteps. After graduating high school in 1982, Rick began flying and officially started his aerial spraying career in 1984 at 20, piloting a 300 Brave.
In 1989, Rick and his brother bought their parents' business, allowing their parents to focus on farming. At the time of the buyout, the company
(Continued on page 16)
ABOVE: R & M Flying Service is a busy hub for aerial application during the peak season.
operated two Braves and two Eagles, setting the stage for growth. Throughout the 1990s, Rick expanded the business, acquiring his first AT-401 in 1993 to handle the increasing demand for beetle spraying. By 1999, they began applying fungicide and insecticide to corn with the rise of Western bean cutworm infestations. By 2007, the corn run had taken off, and he added more Thrush and Air Tractors as the business continued to thrive.
(Continued on page 18)
Rick Boardman built R & M Flying Service to compliment his residence, complete with a thru-taxiway between the structures.
Office Coordinators Jenny Goertzen (L) and Jamie Oswald (R) keep everything in order at R & M Flying Service.
PIlot Justin Kennedy (ABOVE) waits for reload as Brandon Boardman, Rick's Nephew, (FRONT) assists.
Rick has guided numerous pilots...from limited experience to becoming skilled aerial applicators. Rick instilled in them the importance of doing the job correctly, caring for customers, and taking pride in their work...
The family-owned business, Boardman Aerial Spraying, became a staple in the local community. However, Rick faced unexpected customer backlash after selling to Aurora Co-op in 2010. Many long-time clients were displeased with the corporate structure and wanted to return once Rick started operating his own flying service. After eight years with Aurora, Rick decided to leave at the end of 2017 following a devastating hangar fire in 2016. In 2018, Rick founded his own company again, R&M Flying Service (named for Rick and his wife, Mary), and treated over 35,000 acres that year. Starting with just an AT-602, he has since expanded his fleet
(Continued on page 20)
After experiencing personal loss with the passing of his brother and witnessing other aerial applicators lose their lives, Rick made it his mission to prioritize safety...
BELOW RIGHT: James Jensen manages work orders for the day.
BOTTOM: R & M Flying Service's unique paint scheme is fleet-wide.
“From the
day
Rick started mentoring me, he jumped on the wing, patted us on the shoulder, and said, ‘Be safe.’ Now, even with thousands of hours and owning my own flying service, when I visit Rick to help out, he still gives everyone, me included, that reassuring pat on the back...”
-Mike Rivenbark, North Carolina
to include a 402, 602, and two 802s to meet growing demand, operating out of a single location but efficiently running up to seven aircraft at times.
A key aspect of Rick’s business has been his commitment to mentorship. He has guided numerous pilots, such as Mike Rivenbark and Luke Johnson, from limited experience to becoming skilled aerial applicators. Rick instilled in them the importance of doing the job correctly, caring for customers, and taking pride in their work. His dedication to customer service remains at the core of his business, even after 41 seasons in the industry.
In addition to mentoring, Rick's passion for safety has been a defining feature of his career. After experiencing personal loss with the passing of his brother and witnessing other aerial applicators lose their lives, Rick made it his mission to prioritize safety. When his friend Craig Bair, a fellow aerial applicator, presented Rick with the opportunity to become involved in the National Agricultural Aviation Association, Rick jumped at the chance. Though not fond of politics, Rick embraced the
role with a focus on safety, ultimately serving as NAAA President. His tenure was driven by a desire to promote safety, a message he consistently reinforced with his pilots. Rick regularly reminds his team to prioritize safety, especially when working independently, as he never wants them to experience the loss he has endured.
“From the day Rick started mentoring me, he jumped on the wing, patted us on the shoulder, and said, ‘Be safe.’ Now, even with thousands of hours and owning my own flying service, when I visit Rick to help out, he still gives everyone, me included, that reassuring talk before almost every flight”Mike Rivenbark, North Carolina
As Rick looks back on his 40-plus years in the industry, he is proud of his legacy regarding business success and the mentorship and safety standards he has championed. After navigating the challenges of corporate structure and rebuilding his business on his terms, Rick’s focus remains on aerial application the right way— ensuring the safety of his pilots and providing top-notch service to his customers. He’s determined to finish his career in a way that reflects his dedication to his profession and values.
RIGHT: R & M Flying Service's fleet in formation with Moore's Aerial Applicators AT-502XP and AT-402
NAAA Membership Supports Your Business and Career
NAAA’s primary goal is to unite operators, pilots, allied businesses, and industry supporters to promote and safeguard the aerial application industry.
However, the benefits of membership extend well beyond its mission. Joining NAAA means becoming part of a grassroots community filled with individuals who are passionate about their work. It’s a network of people who understand the challenges of long hours, the stress of weather-dependent operations, and the complexities of working away from—or alongside—family.
This unique profession of ag aviation instills a deep sense of pride among those fortunate enough to be part of it. NAAA members are passionate individuals dedicated to their beloved industry. They include first-, second-, and third-generation ag aviators, as well as spouses and families who contribute to daily operations. NAAA members truly represent the best in the field with their experiences, enthusiasm, and dedication embodying the spirit of NAAA membership.
Ray Newcomb, 2024 NAAA President and operator of JBI Helicopter Services in Pembroke, New Hampshire, spoke highly of the association saying, “Without the volunteers and the staff, we wouldn’t have an industry. I firmly believe that. When I talk to people that aren’t members, I try to educate them. I say, ‘You know what? I was in your shoes once also. So just join and come to a meeting. I think you’d be appreciative of what they do. These people are doing a great job for our industry.’”
While ag aviators and their businesses have been busy aiding farmers to produce a safe, affordable, and abundant supply of food, fiber, and bioenergy, NAAA has been busy making sure the low-altitude airspace is safe for aerial
application businesses to operate, as well as ensuring that companies have the pesticide products needed to do the job without unnecessary and burdensome restrictions.
A top priority of 2024 included NAAA ramping up external communications touting the benefits of aerial application to farmers and farm service providers that benefit from it. One great example of public relations that benefits aerial application businesses is NAAA’s contribution of articles and ads throughout 2024 in Farm Journal’s publications promoting aerial application services. Farm Journal readers can directly search the location of aerial application businesses on NAAA’s Find An Aerial Applicator database located at the top of each page of its website. The Farm Journal ads and articles had a potential circulation of 150,000 ag retailers, crop consultants and farmers throughout the United States!
Several of NAAA’s services conducted on your behalf this year included:
• NAAA has submitted over 300 comments since 2017 to the EPA to keep aerial applications on pesticide labels, enabling applicators to keep a deep inventory of pesticide tools without unnecessary and burdensome restrictions.
• FAA approval for ag aircraft communications of radio frequency 122.925 to ensure safe operating distances between ag aircraft and other aircraft.
• A health care and life insurance policy that will be available for NAAA members to purchase for their families and businesses at competitive rates, starting in the fall of 2024.
(Continued on page 24)
Thirty-five years after the first great historical account of the industry—Mabry Anderson’s Low & Slow: An Insider’s History of Agricultural Aviation—comes a new, updated account of aerial application’s history from the National Agricultural Aviation Association: Agriculture’s Air Force: 100 Years of Aerial Application.
Based on a collective history of the agricultural aviation industry sourced from Agricultural Aviation magazine, AgAir Update, Low & Slow and other materials, Agriculture’s Air Force chronicles the agricultural aviation industry’s growth from its infancy in 1921 through the boom times after World War II, and on to today’s modern era of high-tech aerial application.
Whether you are an aviation enthusiast, have an appreciation for agriculture or are simply awed by the aerial ballet of these low-flying aviators, pull up a seat and tag along with Agriculture’s Air Force! (Available in hardback.)
• C-PAASS: Continued growth of our professional certification program for aerial applicators that take additional steps to augment their professionalism through consistent application equipment maintenance and education, positioning themselves to be recognized and rewarded by their insurance providers, pesticide manufacturers, and customers. Learn more at https://education.agaviation.org.
• NAAA successfully advocated for the FAA Reauthorization Bill to include NAAA language ensuring the safety of manned aircraft from drone activity operating beyond visual line of site (BVLOS) and language establishing a deadline to the FAA to finalize a rule requiring the logging of towers’ locations and requiring their marking to protect low-altitude aviators.
Anyone taking advantage of the federal fuel tax exemption is benefiting from NAAA’s dedicated efforts for over 20 years that secures over $4 million in additional annual tax relief for U.S. aerial applicators. As a result of NAAA's hard work, the industry has saved an additional $76 million in taxes. This legislation eliminated the need for aerial applicators to obtain waivers from their farmer-customers to qualify for fuel excise tax relief. It also provided relief from federal excise taxes on fuel used while ferrying to and from agricultural application facilities. While NAAA has achieved this significant victory, ongoing efforts are needed to ensure these benefits remain for years to come.
Thanks to generous sponsorships, NAAA provides three scholarship programs that enable members to support applicants, whether they are family members, friends, or community members. Additionally, members can be nominated by their state or regional association to participate in the NAAA/
Syngenta Leadership Training Program. To learn more, visit AgAviation.org/career/scholarship.
NAAA offers a wide range of resources and ongoing benefits for its members. These include discounts for attending or exhibiting at the Ag Aviation Expo, and access to the NAAA Membership Directory—both in print and online—providing excellent networking opportunities for finding new business prospects, workers, and qualified ag aviation service, equipment and parts suppliers. As a member, you'll also receive NAAA publications, eNewsletters, and valuable web content at AgAviation.org. Additionally, NAAA hosts life-saving education and safety programs at the convention, on its website, and through the PAASS program, which allow you to earn continuing education units to maintain your commercial pesticide license.
Join NAAA or renew your membership today! The benefits far outweigh the cost of dues by providing effective advocacy that helps reduce regulations and taxes impacting your aerial application business. Plus, your trade association membership dues are tax deductible.
Membership is easy!
Call (202) 546-5722 or pay membership dues online at AgAviation.org
Proudly supporting operators of:
NAAA Holds Fall Board Meeting in Chattanooga, TN
Andrew Moore, NAAA CEO started his state of the industry report during the 2024 Fall Board Meeting by discussing 2024 agricultural and aerial application economic figures.
The following is from Andrew Moore's CEO Report during the 2024 Fall Board Meeting of the National Agricultural Aviation Association via NAAA. It has been edited for space. For the full report, visit agaviation.org.
Andrew Moore, NAAA CEO started his state of the industry report during the 2024 Fall Board Meeting by discussing 2024 agricultural and aerial application economic figures. Between 2016 and 2022 there was an upward increase in U.S. net farm income according to USDA data, however last year it decreased and in 2024 it is projected to be $140 billion, a 6.8% decrease from 2023. This is due to lower commodity prices; higher production expenses and interest rates; and a drop in U.S. ag exports and an increase in U.S. ag imports. USDA estimates U.S. 2024 ag exports will decline by $4.7 billion to $148.3 billion this year compared to $153 billion last year. USDA estimates the trade imbalance between U.S. ag exports versus ag imports will be a $23.3 billion deficit in 2024. There was a $10.9 billion U.S. deficit in 2023. USDA forecasts a $42.5 billion deficit in U.S. ag trade for 2025. This is primarily due to rising protectionism globally and an anemic attempt by the administration to find new global ag markets.
Moore then presented results from NAAA’s recent survey of the agricultural aviation industry based on performance numbers from the 2024 season. With 19.6% of operators participating, the number of hours flown per aircraft in 2024 was 330 hours—a 0.7% increase from the 327.62 hours flown in 2023. The 10-year average of hours flown per aircraft is 318 hours. The average number of aircraft in use per operation this year was 2.9%, up 21% from 2.39 aircraft per operation in 2023. The 10-year average is 2.32 aircraft per operation. In 2024, each operation flew an average of 920 hours and treated 141,084 acres.
Approximately, 27.92% flew either significantly greater or somewhat greater acres in 2024 versus 2023, while 27.92% flew about the same number of acres and 44.16% flew either somewhat fewer or significantly fewer acres compared to 2023. In 2024
fixed-wing aircraft were used in 80% of the operations, helicopters in 15%, and UAS in 5%.
In terms of operators’ outlook for 2025 32.81% were optimistic compared to 43% polled in 2023 about 2024’s prospects. The remaining operators were either neutral (42.19%) or negative (25%) about 2025’s prospects.
Moore then turned to government relations issues, specifically pesticide issues. A major success that occurred this year was the announcement by the Biden Administration that EPA plans to update how it assesses aerial drift based on research and recommendations from NAAA to ensure that EPA’s AgDRIFT model reflects modern agricultural aviation practices. This policy announcement has been backed up by actual EPA policy. One example of many was found in the agency’s recent insecticide strategy policy for endangered species protections. EPA changed the default aircraft in the model from an AT-401 to the more aerodynamic AT-802 with a corresponding increase in swath width and decrease in the number of passes. The default droplet size was increased to medium, and the atmospheric stability was set to a level that rules out the presence of an inversion. EPA also increased the upwind swath displacement to reflect what is practiced in the industry. All these more realistic industry scenarios used now in the model shows less aerial drift occurring which helps to prevent products from being used by air and/or keeps unnecessary and burdensome aerial restrictions at bay. There were two NAAA assumptions EPA did not embrace completely—surface roughness and standard boom drop. This was based on the need for additional data collection and analysis to support these assumptions. This is why NAAA develops a comprehensive industry survey approximately every five years so actual data of drift reduction technologies is collected along with other aerial application statistics such as average acres treated per aircraft per day and the like. All of which helps counter overestimates of aerial application risks that sometimes come out of the agency. Moore announced that another one of these surveys will be forthcoming for operators to complete in 2025. He also announced that since 2017, NAAA has commented on over 280 EPA pesticide reregistration reviews and pesticide policy proposals to ensure aerial application use on labels. Moore also updated the attendees about efforts to update the computer coding of the AGDISP atmospheric drift model to allow for even more drift reduction variables to be added and computed
(Continued on page 28)
by the model to further refine it and prove aerial drift reductions and also so uncrewed aircraft drift projections can be computed. Resources to recode the model comes from a 5-year, $250,000 CDC grant of which $60,282 has been spent. NAAREF has also pledged a total of $50,000 towards the project. The total cost of the project is estimated at $500,000.
Moore also discussed NAAA’s success with the FAA reauthorization bill enacted this past summer by stating that language in the statute requires FAA one more year to finalize rural tower marking and geospatial logging requirements for these low-altitude aviation hazards between 50-200 feet in height. If not completed the agency must report to Congress annually on the effects that unmarked towers have on crewed aircraft pilots. FAA Deputy Administrator Kathryn Thomson told NAAA this summer that the proposed rule would be released within the year. The FAA reauthorization included another NAAA advocated provision directing FAA to “establish…The safety of manned aircraft operating in the national airspace system,” when considering regulations allowing drones to operate beyond visual line of site. This language counters language from an FAA advisory committee that met two years ago that would not require drones to give right of way or equip with detect and avoid technology in certain circumstances.
Another major success achieved by NAAA earlier this year was approval by the FAA of aerial applicators’ own radio frequency—122.925—that will help awareness of other low-altitude aircraft activity in the vicinity of aerial applications being made.
Moore also announced that recent communications with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration indicated that the proposed regulation allowing the transportation of 1,000 gallons or fewer of Jet A without having a CDL HazMat endorsement is scheduled to be released this month.
Moore also gave an update on the recently expired Farm Bill that Congress has yet to reauthorize. The House Agriculture Committee’s marked-up version of the bill does include NAAA supported language that would provide federal and state primacy in enforcing pesticide law rather than local control that tends to base pesticide use rules on emotion and not science. Similar language was also included in the Senate’s draft version of the bill. The House markup version also included an exemption from the unnecessary and burdensome Clean Water Act pesticide general permit requirements. The full House did not take up the bill due to concerns with funding levels. Democrats wanted more nutritional spending; fiscal conservatives were concerned over the total
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funding of nutrition and other programs as the U.S. faces a $34 trillion federal debt. NAAA is also urging supportive language of USDA aerial application technology research support and marking/ logging requirements for rural broadband grants resulting in rural tower erection. There is a possibility that a bill may come out of a post-election lame duck session of Congress but it is more likely a temporary extension will pass and the bill will be kicked down the road until 2025 as both parties are hoping better conditions exist then for their interest
NAAA also exhibited this year at Ag on the Mall for the second time with numerous other ag groups. It displayed a Bell Jet Ranger ag helicopter between the U.S. Capitol and the Washington monument, which was a tremendous draw to the public and to ag media, key federal lawmakers and policymakers. Some of the visits to NAAA’s helicopter display included G.T. Thompson, House Agriculture Committee chair.; Katie Thomson, deputy administrator with the FAA; Jake Li, deputy assistant administrator with EPA’s office overseeing all pesticide use; Zippy Duval, president of the Farm Bureau; and Alex Dunn president of CropLife America, the association representing pesticide manufacturers.
Moore also acknowledged members’ efforts in spreading the good word of aerial application. Last month Mid-Atlantic state operator Matt Crabbe self-sponsored a segment on RFD-TV’s program “Total
Acre Farming,” a weekly program that averages around 40,000 viewers detailing ag aviation’s crucial role in pest and disease management and NAAA’s support of the industry. Air Tractor exhibited its AT-802 at the Farm Progress Show in August as did Rotor Technologies. The show regularly has more than 150,000 domestic and international ag attendees. Air Tractor also exhibited at this year’s Commodity Classic. Moore also acknowledged the selfless acts of North Carolina members Craig and Leslie Craft, Billy Whitfield, Hugh Cundiff and Mike and Tiffany Rivenbark for their help in flying supplies to needing victims in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Moore then relayed the history of the board’s decision to establish NAAA’s Uncrewed Aerial Application System (UAAS) Committee. With EPA delayed in modeling drones for drift, and FAA is under pressure from Congress to integrate drones, and, as such, expediting their registration for aerial applications with fewer safety protections compared to crewed aircraft. This has created pressure on NAAA to take matters into its own hands to broaden the messages of paramount importance to all in aerial application, both crewed and uncrewed, airspace safety and application efficacy. The uncrewed aerial application industry has grown by 23% per year. FAA has registered 900 solely uncrewed part
•Firewall Forward Bolt on Kit (w/new engine mount)
Hartzell 4 Blade 108" or AVIA 3 Blade 108" Propeller
•Boost Start System (w/external Power Port)
•MVP Upgrade
2x Concorde RG-220 Maintenance-Free Batteries
•Wiring Harness and 19K-Lumen Pulsing Nose Lights
•Aerodynamic Mods (increased maneuvering/safety)
137 operations and 1,938 uncrewed application drones as of June of this year. Due to this trend and to bring the uncrewed aerial application industry the NAAA’s aviation safety and environmental professionalism curriculum and policies, the UAAS Committee was established to ensure the low-altitude airspace is safe for these two aircraft to healthfully coexist.
The Ag Airman Guidelines (AAG) was released this year, and the document covers subjects needed in which to be versed pertaining to aerial application knowledge and skills requirements under 14 CFR Part 137. It was recommended by the NTSB in 2014 as part of a special investigative report that these procedures be better organized and presented to those entering the aerial application field. NAAA has developed this AAG for pilots to comply with and coupled with the online curriculum offered with C-PAASS/and in its education center as part of its website, NAAA continues to provide learning tools covering these knowledge and skills topics and has requested that the NTSB consider this action satisfactorily addressed by the NAAA.
Next covered was the PAASS program’s 2024-2025 season curriculum—the 27th year of the program strengthening the industry’s safety, security and stewardship. The aviation safety portion of the program will cover controlled flight into terrain accident prevention, such as avoiding collisions with wires,
towers, guy-wires, trees, and other objects. The environmental professionalism portion will discuss USDA’s aerial droplet size models to maximize efficacy and mitigate drift and how to comply with EPA’s Bulletin Live! Two maps of endangered species that may trigger pesticide use limitation areas.
Moore provided an overview on C-PAASS 2024. Two online educational modules focusing on wire avoidance and droplet size were added as part of the professional certification requirements. Three additional educational modules focusing on operation security, inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions and an additional droplet size module will be added in 2025. Moore encouraged more participation and urged allied endorsement of C-PAASS citing statistics that 85% of ag aviation accidents stem from those not participating annually. With only 47% of ag pilots attending PAASS annually, aerial drift incidents and accident rates have reduced by 26%. Fatal accident rates have dropped as well. Regarding accidents, 2024 has sadly seen 13 fatal accidents this year out of a total of 52.
Moore discussed financial issues stating that NAAREF completed its 2023-2024 fiscal year with a surplus of $85,543. NAAA completed its fiscal year for 2023-2024 with a surplus of $15,269
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due primarily to strong auction, and investment gains. NAAA spends $1,756.60 per member based on $2,764,894 in expenses and 1,574 members. NAAA member dues only cover 29.5% of NAAA’s total expenses. Memberships cost $1.78 per day for operators and $0.77 per day for ag pilots. As of the end of September, NAAA had 1,574 members (519 operators and 492 ag pilots). It ended 2023 with 1,700 members which dropped 7% from 2022’s total membership numbers. Renewals for 2025 are at 294 members (122 operators; 56 ag pilots). Moore pondered if membership numbers would be greater if insurance companies required C-PAASS or if pesticide labels offered more flexibility to aerial applicators that were C-PAASS certified.
He also stated that NAAA now offers health and life insurance plans for NAAA members to take advantage of possibly lower insurance rates. Quotes can be obtained by logging in as a member on the NAAA website, going to the Membership tab’s dropdown menu and clicking Health Insurance Benefits.
Moore concluded by providing information forecasting technology trends from the 2024 CropLife magazine/Purdue study surveying input suppliers such as ag retailers and cooperatives of precision farming adoption. The results showed that 14% of crop inputs were applied by drone in 2021, 35% this year, and 51% projected to be applied by drone in 2027. Of the ag retailers and cooperatives using machine vision weed detection on sprayers, 22% stated that
they didn’t know if they made a profit, 44% did not break even, 33% broke even, and 0% made a profit. Of those surveyed using variable rate technology for fertilizer application, 7% stated they didn’t know if they made a profit, 2% did not break even, 19% broke even, and 72% made a profit. Of those that used variable rate technology for pesticide applications, 12% stated that they didn’t know if they made money, 6% didn’t break even, 17% broke even, and 65% made a profit. In conclusion, the last survey result Moore provided was of ag retailers and cooperatives using uncrewed aerial vehicles to apply inputs of which 12% didn’t know if they made a profit, 23% did not break even; 31% broke even, and 34% made a profit.
Some other highlights from the meeting:
2024 Officers: Matt Woolard, Treasurer, Joel Meyer, Secretary, Glenn Holloway, Vice President, and Ray Newcomb, President
NAAA’s future convention sites as follows:
• 2025 in Reno: Nov. Nov. 17-19 (aircraft flown in)
• 2026 in Savannah: Nov. 16-18 (aircraft flown in)
• 2027 in Oklahoma City: Nov. 15-17 (aircraft trucked in)
• 2028 in Reno: Nov. 13-15 (aircraft flown in)
(Continued on page 36)
Awards Committee: Chairman JT Helms (Old Republic) announced the award winners that will be recognized at the Excellence in the Ag Aviation banquet on Wednesday, Nov. 20 in Fort Worth. They are as follows:
• Allied Award (significantly contributed to benefit the allied industry and aerial application industry): Jason Wolcott, Turbine Training Center
• John Robert Horne Memorial Award (ag pilot with five years or less experience with exemplary safety record): Landunn Koyle, Idaho ag pilot
• Zoren & Joan O’Brien Memorial Outstanding Service Award (extraordinary service performed to ag aviation industry): Randy Hardy, Assured Partners
• Larsen-Miller Community Service Award (outstanding service to local community): Shane Root, Kansas ag aviation operator
• Opal & Bill Binnion Memorial Award (outstanding effort to positively educate the public about agricultural aviation): Jane Pitlick, Star-Flex
• Richard “Dick” Reade Memorial Award (significantly contributed to benefit the allied industry and aerial
application industry): Rebecca Burns and Angie Banz, Assured Partners
• William O. Marsh Safety Award (significant achievements in ag aviation safety): Tom May, Nebraska ag aviation pilot educator
Membership Committee: Vice Committee Chairman JT Helms announced the Ag Wings of Tomorrow scholarship recipients. More applications were received this year than any other year. The recipients are Lilly Paxton (sponsored by Perry Hofer, Doland, SD); Cheyenne Kingsley (sponsored by John Keith Smith, Adairville, KY); Christopher Werth (sponsored by Taylor Swanson, Johnson Lake, NE) and McKenna Meise (sponsored by Fred Meise, Moses Lake, WA). BASF and Thrush Aircraft are the generous sponsors of this program. Helms also announced that there were no applications for the Charles Stokes Memorial Turbine Training Scholarship generously provided by Jim Mills of Turbines Inc.
Museum Committee: Treasurer and Committee Chairman Matt Woolard provided an update on the Last Pass brick walkway at the National Agricultural Aviation Museum and Hall of Fame located in Jackson, Mississippi. The walkway will include the names of aerial applicators who have passed away while in
(Continued on page 38)
the line of duty conducting ag flights. The goal is completion by the October 2025 NAAA & NAAREF meetings which will be held in Jackson.
Woolard also reported that the S-2A Snow vintage ag aircraft arrived at the museum this summer and is now on the floor.
Lighting enhancements are complete in the exhibit part of the museum. A Thrush 600 and a Pawnee are also potentially being donated but cannot be housed due to space constraints. The museum would need to build another area in which to hold these and other aircraft.
Nominating Committee: Committee Chairman Former President Craig Craft announced the following slate of officers for 2025 that will be voted upon at the November 17, 2024 board meeting:
• President – Mike Rivenbark (NC)
• Vice President – Matt Hovdenes (ND)
• Secretary – Tim Swanson (MI)
• Treasurer – Sue Stewart (NM)
NAAREF also named the following officers for 2025:
• President – Rod Thomas, Idaho
• Vice President – Jim Perrin, Wisconsin
• Treasurer – Eric Rojek, Covington Engines
• Secretary – Matt Hovdenes, North Dakota
State and Regional Reports: The following state and regional reports were also given:
• Mike Rivenbark of North Carolina greatly thanked the NAAA members and the aerial application industry for the outpouring of support and donations in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
• Ike Brunetti of Mississippi updated the board on the enacted Mississippi state tower legislation that requires a MET tower company applying for a permit to contact and provide the Mississippi Agricultural Aviation Association executive director with the geospatial coordinates of the tower so the ag pilots in the state can be made aware of the new tower.
• Tim Swanson of Michigan announced that the state held an Operation S.A.F.E. Fly-In with manned aircraft and seven unmanned operators that also attended the application equipment calibration equipment.
EPA Accepts NAAA’s Recommendations to Update and Improve Accuracy of Aerial Drift Model in its ESA Insecticide Strategy Policy
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) accepted the National Agricultural Aviation Association’s (NAAA) recommendations to improve the accuracy of the models used to estimate the amount of drift from aerial applications as part of the agency’s endangered species insecticide strategy.
via NAAA / ALEXANDRIA, VA – EEPA has been using the Tier I model in AgDRIFT, which had many erroneous and outdated assumptions, including the typical droplet size used, aircraft type reflecting the industry, weather conditions during the application, and boom drop. The AgDRIFT model calculates the estimated drift from aerial applications, as well as ground and airblast applications, by assessing a number of variables related primarily to aircraft setup, droplet size, and weather.
The Tier I model used inaccurate outdated assumptions about aerial applications that resulted in unrealistic aerial drift estimates, which in turn were used in environmental and human health risk assessments. The result has been pesticide registration risk assessments and decisions that have overstated the risk aerial application presents to our environment and fellow citizens.
NAAA has advocated to the EPA for many years to utilize the Tier III model in AgDRIFT and use more realistic assumptions
for aerial applications. In a support document for EPA’s recently released insecticide strategy, EPA indicated they had accepted NAAA’s recommendations and used the Tier III AgDRIFT model and most of NAAA’s suggested assumptions when drafting the insecticide strategy. The support document strongly suggests EPA will use the more accurate Tier III model with updated assumptions for all ecological risk assessments going forward. Similar EPA policies related to the reregistration of pesticides have also resulted in the agency moving towards Tier III of AgDRIFT and using wind directional buffers—points advocated by NAAA.
In moving to the Tier III model, EPA changed the default aircraft to reflect that the most common ag aircraft in use in the U.S. is an 800-gallon turbine-powered aircraft, twice the size of the aircraft used in Tier I and more aerodynamic than the previous aircraft model used. EPA also accepted NAAA’s recommendations regarding swath width, number of passes, droplet size, and setting weather conditions based on what the label requires.
“With EPA’s change to the Tier III model, the estimated drift from aerial applications has been substantially reduced,” said Andrew Moore, chief executive officer of NAAA. “This is a more accurate, science-based shift by the agency and will help to aerial applicators and pesticide manufacturers ensure the ag aviation industry’s customers can continue to rely on aircraft to judiciously apply needed pesticides to protect their crops without unnecessary and burdensome regulations.”
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The Growth of Agricultural Aviation in Brazil
by Claudio Junior Oliveira
Agricultural aviation in Brazil began on August 19, 1947, when the first aerial application addressed a severe locust swarm in southern Brazil. Since then, the country has developed strong regulations and built a robust fleet of agricultural planes, helicopters, and agricultural drones.
Brazil stands as the world’s largest producer and exporter of critical commodities, including soybeans (56%), corn (31%), coffee (27%), sugar (44%), orange juice (76%), beef (24%), and chicken (33%). Additionally, it ranks second in the production of ethanol and cotton. With over 200
million inhabitants, Brazil produces enough food to feed approximately 900 million people, which accounts for 11% of the global population.
Agricultural Aviation: A Pillar of Productivity and Sustainability
Agricultural aviation has been crucial in boosting productivity and sustainability in Brazil’s agribusiness. The efficiency provided by agricultural aviation is directly tied to the growth of Brazilian agriculture. The sustainability of this industry rests on three key pillars: agronomic efficiency, environmental stewardship, and food security. Notably, 87% of Brazil’s
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agricultural aviation fleet is concentrated in areas responsible for 82% of the country’s grain and fruit production (IBGE, 2024).
Comprehensive Regulatory Framework
Comprehensive regulations govern Brazilian agricultural aviation. Decree-Law No. 917 of 1969, later regulated by Decree No. 86,765 of 1981, formally authorized agricultural aviation under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply (MAPA). This legislation modernized Brazilian agriculture, providing an efficient, agile, and safe pest and disease control method. The National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) enforces RBAC137, which outlines strict requirements for companies and professionals. Brazil’s agricultural aviation regulations are among the most rigorous in the world, and the OECD invited the country to present its framework to other nations in 2023.
Fleet Growth and Technological Advancements
Brazil’s agricultural aviation fleet has grown substantially, driven by more than 20 crops such as soybeans, sugarcane,
corn, wheat, and coffee. In 2009, SINDAG recorded 1,498 aircraft, which rose to 2,719 by mid-2024, reflecting a 45% increase over 15 years. This growth, at an average rate of 4.47% annually, has highlighted the need for larger, more advanced aircraft to meet the demands of expanding crop areas like soybeans and sugarcane.
Imported aircraft, which account for 45.5% of the fleet in 2023, are gaining prominence due to their turbine engines, which allow them to carry more fuel and operate for longer periods. This trend is expected to continue, with the fleet projected to grow to 3,010 aircraft by 2027 and the share of imported aircraft rising to 48.6%. To meet market demand, manufacturers must deliver around 150 new imported aircraft and 141 domestically built aircraft over the next three years.
Economic Impact of Fleet Expansion
The expansion of Brazil’s agricultural aviation fleet presents significant economic opportunities. Aircraft sales alone
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could generate US$305 million by 2027, with US$215 million from imported aircraft and US$90 million from domestic manufacturers like Embraer. This estimate does not include the increase in fuel consumption or the sale of replacement parts.
Agricultural aviation also delivers substantial value through its application services. If the 2,719 aircraft in service as of 2023 each cover an average of 50,000 hectares per season, more than 135 million hectares would be treated annually. This results in an estimated US$1.4 billion in service revenue, which could exceed US$1.6 billion with fleet growth, representing 0.1% of Brazil’s GDP.
The Critical Role of Aerial Application in Crop Productivity
Beyond its direct economic contributions, agricultural aviation significantly enhances crop productivity. According to a 2019 ProHuma study, aerial application is
essential for many crops. For example, irrigated rice would experience a 72% reduction in productivity without aerial application, while sugarcane could see a 52% decline. In 2022, sugarcane alone generated US$17 billion in revenue, and without aerial application, this could fall by half, severely impacting Brazil’s biofuel program and job market. Similar effects could be seen across more than 20 other crops Brazil exports globally if aerial application restrictions were imposed.
Agricultural aviation in Brazil remains a vital component of the country’s agricultural success, driving both productivity and sustainability in a rapidly growing sector.
Claudio Junior Oliveira is an Economist, Master in Innovation and PhD in Administration. He is currently a researcher at the University of Brasília and Director of Operations at SINDAG.
EINSTEIN AND AG AVIATION
A Surprising Connection
by Ted Delange
I must admit how surprised I was after finding information linking the famous physicist Albert Einstein to aviation. But before getting into the details, I want to set the stage with some history for those relatively new to the industry. Knowing from whence we came helps us deal with today's issues and tomorrow's challenges.
The first known use of aircraft in crop protection was a Curtiss JN4 in 1921 to spread lead arsenate on sphinx moths ravaging catalpa fields in Ohio. The aircraft had a box outfitted on the outside right fuselage, and the pilot had to turn a crank to dispense the product while flying the aircraft at literally treetop level. Yes, it was archaic, but it worked and spawned a new industry to become a front-line fighter in protecting the world's food resources.
Newer and more capable aircraft were soon added to ‘the Farmers' Air Force,’ with subsequent additions being stronger and able to carry more payload. In the 1960s, aircraft specifically designed for aerial applications, such as the Cessna AgTruck, Piper Brave, Grumman Ag-Cat, and Thrush S2R, became familiar sights across fields worldwide.
While these new types were a welcome addition to the industry, they faced one primary challenge: ensuring the application was evenly distributed across the field and that the track the aircraft followed on the ground produced an accurate deposition of pesticides across the target area to avoid streaky applications.
Early forays into this navigation challenge were to have ground workers waving flags on long poles to guide the pilot onto successive swaths, trying to be as accurate as possible by taking the precise number of steps corresponding to a specific swath width. That wasn't too bad, but it was difficult for the field markers to achieve accuracy when walking through dense crop foliage or over undulating terrain. It was also a safety hazard as it was too easy for the field marker to be accidentally sprayed with pesticide by not moving upwind quickly enough to the next successive swath.
There were all sorts of ad-hoc techniques to help. For example, given a swath width of 30 feet and knowing that telephone poles were 150 feet apart, there would be five swaths between each pole, so the pilot could more or less picture where each of the five swaths would be relative to the telephone poles. Talk about a judgment call!
In the early 60s, ‘auto flaggers’ became commonplace, with the pilot able to eject 20-foot-long tissue paper streamers at the beginning of each swath to provide guidance for the following swath. The pilot still had to judge the point to offset the next run from the flag, hopefully as close as possible to a swath width. From one swath to the next, the pilot could use various ground cues – trees, shrubs, or other natural markers – to roughly line up on successive swaths, fine-tuning with the auto flaggers.
To add to the difficulty of lateral spacing, the challenge was to ensure the correct deposition rates were achieved, i.e., a proper number of gallons per acre was applied. The only way to
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check this was to monitor the hopper levels from swath to swath and make a ‘best guess.’
It took a staggering amount of mental gymnastics; sometimes, it felt like your helmet was on fire. To add to the calculating fun was the wind factor. A ten-mph headwind would decrease the ground speed by ten mph into the wind and increase it by ten mph downwind. That change in ground speed would have to be accounted for as well.
A bit of relief came in the early 1990s with the introduction of flow meter systems that provide direct digital readings of hopper levels on a cockpit display.
But by far, the biggest revolution in ag aviation came with the introduction of GPS systems in the early 90s, which achieved a quantum leap in accuracy and safety virtually overnight. Today’s pilots set the flow rate they want on the dispersal equipment and follow the swath bar guidance to an accuracy of a couple of feet or less. At the same time, the GPS does all the calculations needed to consider changes in ground speed due to wind.
But how is this connected to Dr. Einstein?
GPS starts with your nav unit receiving a signal from any four of 24 satellites: three to determine your position and one to correct that position arising from errors in time and distance. The satellite broadcasts the errors, and the corrections required are calculated using Einstein's Theory of Special Relativity and General Relativity.
Things get a bit weird here: according to Einstein, time can slow down depending on the satellite's speed and position relative to Earth, a phenomenon known as time dilation.
If these effects were left unaccounted for, the entire GPS would gradually accumulate timing errors along with subsequent location errors, making it too inaccurate for the precise calculations required to maintain the remarkable accuracy of GPS.
So, the next time you watch the track bar guide you across the fields to an accuracy of a couple of feet or less, appreciate the genius of a messy-haired physicist named Albert, who revolutionized the science of time and distance. Without his insights, we may very well be back in the day and age of flags in the field.
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Travicar Makes American Market Debut
What began as a "poetic project" by a father and two sons in a small engine workshop in Brazil in 1970 has grown into the first and most traditional Brazilian company specializing in equipment for agricultural aviation.
Through relentless innovation, Travicar has revolutionized agricultural aviation, setting new standards in efficiency and effectiveness. Today, what started as a small project has become a global phenomenon. Travicar is proud to announce its official operations on American soil, bringing its cutting-edge products and innovations directly to local operators and farmers.
The Journey That Brought Them Here
Fifty-four years ago, Travicar began its legacy with a clear mission: to develop intelligent solutions that enhance the progress and efficiency of those who feed the world.
Like any emerging company, Travicar faced its fair share of challenges in the early years. However, fueled by a bold vision and an unyielding dedication to innovation, its developers set out to revolutionize aerial spraying. Each solution was not just about technology; it was about excellence. Before long, Brazilian farmers began witnessing tangible crop improvements, thanks to Travicar's pioneering efforts.
Today, Travicar stands as a symbol of reliability and innovation—recognized as the first Brazilian company to develop advanced technology for agricultural aviation. Their products have equipped renowned aircraft like Air Tractor, Thrush, Cessna, and Ipanema, delivering unmatched efficiency and precision in every application. For over 20 years, Travicar's products have successfully operated across the USA, helping operators revolutionize their businesses. At Travicar, innovation is not just something manufactured; it is woven into the fabric of the company.
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Precision That Makes a Difference
In the field, results matter. Confidence must be earned, and that’s what Travicar accomplished with the introduction of its aerial spray nozzles. Knowing it was essential to demonstrate their efficiency under extreme conditions, Travicar conducted rigorous testing at a renowned Research Center in Application Technology in College Station, Texas— known for evaluations conducted for USDA, ARS, SPARC, and AATRU. These comprehensive tests confirmed what clients already knew: Travicar's aerial spray nozzles deliver unmatched precision in droplet formation, ensuring safety against drift while maintaining superior product quality, even under the challenging conditions faced by American agricultural producers.
Travicar aerial nozzles are designed to provide uniform crop coverage and adapt seamlessly to varying speeds and weather conditions. This adaptability ensures efficient product distribution with minimal waste. With Travicar aerial nozzles, operators can optimize the use of agricultural chemicals, significantly reduce operational costs, and ultimately increase profitability.
No Cracks, No Failures, No Breaks
This phrase is more than just a catchy slogan; it’s a promise of reliability in an industry where every detail matters. Travicar understands the constant challenges in the field—chemical products that wear down equipment, drying that compromises nozzles, and aircraft vibrations that can lead to failures at critical moments. These issues disrupt operations and create unnecessary stress.
Travicar’s aerial spray nozzles, however, are built to last. They ensure that operators can tackle any project without fear of equipment failure—no cracks under pressure, no drying out, and no failures. Travicar's nozzles give operators the confidence to begin each flight knowing their equipment will perform flawlessly.
Nylon for Versatility. Kynar for Extreme Resistance.
While traditional nylon nozzles have long been a reliable choice, Travicar has taken a significant leap forward with the introduction of Kynar, a revolutionary material specifically engineered to withstand aggressive chemicals, high temperatures, and extreme wear. For operators exposed to harsh conditions, Kynar is not just a choice; it's a necessity. Its exceptional resistance properties ensure equipment remains functional and efficient over time, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
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Travicar Nylon Aerial Nozzle TT11
Travicar Kynar Aerial Nozzle TT11
Tests conducted in the Low-Speed Wind Tunnel (LSWT) at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas.
Travicar’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology that works without interruptions has become its hallmark. For over 54 years, the company’s trust in manufacturing has become its greatest expertise. Travicar understands that clients need more than just advanced technology; they require constant support and attention to detail. This commitment sets Travicar apart, with lasting partnerships built on customized solutions tailored to the unique challenges agricultural professionals face.
The Future is Here — and Operators Can Have It Now
Travicar is now on American soil, closer to operators than ever before. This strategic presence ensures quick access to innovative products, eliminating import barriers that can slow down operations. Travicar also offers excellent technical support, just a call away whenever needed. The company has arrived to ensure operators reap the benefits of reliable, proven technology. Visit the online store at www.travicar-us.com or contact the local technical support team to discover how Travicar can significantly boost operational productivity.
Annual Convention, October 21-23, 2024
Annual Convention, October 21-23, 2024
Robert Craymer | robertc@covingtonaircraft.com
The Enemy Is... CRAYMER’S COUNSEL
Some things rob your engine of performance. Dirty air, dirty fuel, and air leaks can all limit your engine’s potential. Not all the enemies of the engine are performance robbers. Sometimes the target is the engine parts themselves.
Internal and external parts can be adversely affected by corrosion. In the air stream, we see high-temperature corrosion or sulphidation, as it is known. We see corrosion on compressor parts. Right now, I want to focus on two components: the air inlet case we discussed previously and the rear reduction gearbox housing.
As air enters the engine, it flows through the inlet case. This causes distress on the coatings of the inlet case. If any material is in the air, it acts as a blasting media and can wear the housing coatings. Even water at high speed, the air entering the inlet case can be abrasive. The engine maintenance manual contains some very specific inspection and repair criteria. Even if you lose the coating and start to get some corrosion, there are steps you can take on wing to protect your part and nurse it along to the following maintenance/overhaul time.
I started thinking about corrosion because of some issues we have seen with the rear reduction gearbox housing. This is an area of the engine that you cannot visually inspect. It is difficult to determine if
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Hole in RGB housing
you have an issue until it is too late. What is the problem, and what can we do? Glad you asked.
The RGB rear housing is a coated part. The base material is treated, a surface sealant is applied, and then finally, a primer and two-part aluminized epoxy coating is applied. If you have been around PT6s for a long time, you may remember the previous version of the surface sealant. The coating used to be varnish. You may remember flakes of varnish in the oil. It was a real problem. The new coating is a much harder substance, and it is a significant improvement over the varnish. All this protection, and we still see issues.
When we do a power section disassembly, we visually get the opportunity to see the outside of the RGB rear housing. A gap exists between the power section exhaust duct and the RGB rear housing. Most of the gap is taken up by an insulation blanket. This barrier is essential as it protects the oil contained in the power turbine and RGB rear housings from the temperature of the hot gasses being exhausted by the engine. However, there is a small pocket at the end of the insulation blanket that would allow moisture to be held and corrosion to form.
There may be several contributing factors to the root cause of the corrosion problems. There is typically a lot of carbon buildup in this area. Potentially carbon is generated from the rotor and stator air seals in the engine. A small amount of oil works past the air seals and then burns when the engine is hot. This carbon could hold moisture in this area. There are also three different materials; the housing, the exhaust duct, and the insulation blanket. This gives us the potential for dissimilar metal or galvanic corrosion. When two dissimilar metals contact one another, one of the metals undergoes galvanic corrosion. This process also requires the presence of an electrolyte. The electrolyte can be moisture, dirt, or oil, which we
already have established are in this area. This is where I believe the issue comes from.
What can you do to give your RGB housing a chance? Pratt and Whitney Canada first tell us to ensure we give every opportunity to protect the engine from moisture. When the engine is inactive, we put desiccant bags into the exhaust to remove moisture. When we perform an engine wash or rinse, we make sure that the exhaust duct drain is free from carbon and water flows freely from it. After the
Inlet case corrosion
Rear Reduction Gearbox Housing
AG AVIATION
wash, we also run the engine enough to get the temperature up to dry any possible moisture. These are the immediate things you can do to give yourself the best opportunity to protect your part.
The air seals are the other part of this equation. If your power section has not been inspected in many hours or if you continuously operate from lessthan-smooth strips, it might be time to consider an inspection. Want just to ignore it? Recently we heard of a pilot a few miles away from landing and noticed steadily decreasing oil pressure. Upon landing, the oil pressure went to zero PSI. Further engine inspection revealed that his housing had a hole, which allowed the engine oil to leak out. This is the worst case. Many housings we find on inspection have corrosion beyond repairable limits, and we just have to replace them. I just wanted to share what could happen.
Be aware of the enemies of your engine. Follow best practices. Consult your maintenance manual. Listen to your engine. I like to remind everyone that the PT6 will tell you when it has a problem.
Robert Craymer has worked on PT6A engines and PT6A-powered aircraft for the past three decades, including the last 25+ years at Covington Aircraft. As a licensed A&P mechanic, Robert has held every job in an engine overhaul shop and is an instructor of PT6A Maintenance and Familiarization courses for both pilots and mechanics. Robert has been elected to the NAAA board as the Allied-Propulsion Board Member.
Robert can be reached at robertc@covingtonaircraft.com or 662-910-9899. Visit us at covingtonaircraft.com.
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DRAKE’S PERSPECTIVE
Drake Martin | drake.martin@chem-man.com
Catch my Drift?
In my last article, I detailed my recent stint in the Midwest during the everso-famous "Corn Run." While my time there focused on Chem-Man's areas for improvement, it was also an eye-opening experience to see its strengths.
One of the most significant features that Chem-Man boasts was something I often overlooked and took for granted until this summer when that feature became an integral part of my position while working for an operator in the Midwest.
When I begin working with a new company, one of the first things I do is to see whether they are in a Driftwatch by FieldWatch available state or if they often work in the vicinity of areas that are highly cautionary for drift avoidance. Many areas include but are not limited to seed production areas, beehives and apiaries, organic crops, hemp, and fruit/vegetable production. I learn this aspect about an operator to see if they are interested in utilizing the free integration that Chem-Man has with Driftwatch by FieldWatch. Having the option to populate these caution areas for an ag operator's mapping and operational management software is huge. It eliminates the need for crossreferencing multiple browser tabs, computer screens, or devices. One aspect of this integration I often overlooked that sets us leaps and bounds ahead of others is that Chem-Man offers Driftwatch areas on our maps in REAL time (live).
I was quick to see the value in this feature while I helped an operator in the Midwest this summer situated in the heart of seed corn production surrounded by some of the largest seed companies known to the industry. Before my time there, I was vaguely familiar with what occurred in seed corn production areas, but my knowledge was far from what I know and understand today. Eliminating the chance for accidental drift and human exposure was of the utmost importance for the operator I was helping and how the public views the aviation industry. The fields grown in seed corn have various times throughout the growing season when workers can be present. These workers can be in the field for just a few short minutes to most of the day. Their tasks could include field observations, detasseling, and rogueing.
When one of the fields containing seed corn is set to have workers present in them to any degree, then the person within the seed company designated to manage that field is responsible for marking that field in Driftwatch. When they designate that field as an area containing workers, they will mark the field as "planning" the day before. Once that day ends, the status will automatically change to "Occupied" at midnight. The area remains active until the person overseeing the activities in that field returns and removes that area as an active area once all the workers have left that field. These marked areas cannot have an "occupied" status for more than 48 hours by default to prevent the chance of a field staying marked indefinitely. The worker's task in the field can take any (Continued on
amount of time as many variables are involved, such as the workers' objective, the field size, the soil condition, the number of workers, and the contour of the area. Having the option with an ag operation's management and mapping software to display that area being marked as vacated in real-time is highly critical when the heat of the spraying season is highest and the work orders are accumulating. Being able to depend on a program like Chem-Man to display that in real time eliminates the need for looking at more than one screen. It eliminates the chance of miscalculating distances from the fields or from the possibility of misinterpreting the data displayed.
As previously mentioned, Chem-Man's integration with FieldWatch goes beyond displaying crews of seed corn workers by also displaying beehives, organic crop fields, and produce operations. While most of these areas are notated and very seldom change as often as the seed corn areas do, it's still a
great feature to tie into an operation's mapping tool that is in real-time in the instance where one of these areas occurs without notice to an ag service. While Driftwatch is not available in all 50 states, it is available in 25 states and one Canadian province, with newly added states to be announced soon.
As most of us know, some individuals and organizations would like nothing more than to see aerial operations disappear. This unfortunate truth is why it's up to operators across the US to be diligent in eliminating the instances of off-target drift and human exposure cases that add fuel to the fire of the general public's negative perception of aerial applicators. While some of these unfortunate instances can and will inevitably happen, there are many tools to help reduce and eliminate the chances of this happening. That is why Chem-Man is proud to offer this feature in real-time within our mapping tools and is grateful for our relationship with Driftwatch by FieldWatch.
Michelle Miller | michelle@thefarmbabe.com
Do Farmers Really Care About Their Animals? Mythbusting: SPREADING THE FACTS
A farmer's job is to produce food to feed our growing population. Raising animals takes a lot of hard work, but does the work required mean that farmers care about their animals?
To make it short, yes, farmers care about their animals. Just have a conversation with a farmer or rancher, and you'll be able to see the love and care they put into raising their animals. Most farmers and ranchers care a lot about what they do, so why do people think farmers don't care about their animals? Some people argue it's a money issue and that farmers will do whatever it takes to make a profit, even if it means that the health and welfare of an animal is compromised. This ideology isn't true, and from a common sense perspective, the better an animal is raised, the better the profit and quality of outcome! (Meat, milk, eggs)
Farmers and ranchers have a goal to produce high-quality, nutritious food to feed people affordably. Of course, these farmers also have a goal and responsibility to support their families, which can be hard to do in agriculture. Farmers and ranchers also deserve (and need) to make a living. If every farmer and rancher wanted to be rich, they wouldn't work in agriculture. In 2022, the median household income from farming was -$849. (USDA ERS). This deficit is why many farmers and ranchers or families working off farms have a second job off the farm.
Animals and the land a farmer has are their livelihoods. Without animals, a farmer could never make any money so that they will take good care of them. There is no financial incentive for a farmer to abuse animals, but there are incentives for them to do a good job. They will make more money and be far more successful when their animals are
(Continued
well cared for. On top of it, many moral reasons explain why a farmer won't abuse an animal. Again, most people are farmers or ranchers because they were raised that way or because they fell in love with the work.
The connection that farmers have with their animals is a strong one. It's not uncommon to walk through a dairy barn and see cows with names written on their tags. Many kids who return to their family farms return because they love it and the animals. Growing up on a farm is a way of life, and caring for animals is often how farm kids learn responsibility. Farm kids often show their animals at county and state fairs. Farmers and their families form bonds with their animals, but they still know they're a part of their business and livelihood. Farmers' connection with their animals is deeply rooted in tradition and has existed for generations.
If you've ever met a farmer, you know how rare it can be for them sometimes to leave their farm. This is because they are responsible for caring for their animals and land and providing food for people around the world. They don't leave the farm often because it's home and what they love. A farmer's daily routine centers around caring for animals and ensuring they have proper nutrition, health, shelter, and more. Farmers and ranchers are passionate about what they do, including caring for their animals.
Less than 2 percent of the United States population are farmers and ranchers, yet 97 percent of farms and ranches are family-owned. This means a lot of pressure and expectations are placed on farmers and ranchers. Everyone relies on farmers and ranchers daily to provide food, fiber and fuel. If you buy food at your local grocery store, you are likely supporting family farms. Since farming and family are so deeply connected, it's another reason for farmers and ranchers to care.
Most farmers' highest priority is the welfare of their animals. Farmers ensure animals' proper feeding, nutrition, handling, and health. They ensure that animals are comfortable and have the appropriate bedding, shelter, and more. Everything that farmers do to care for animals is done for a reason, with welfare as the key driver behind why farmers do what they do. Farmers also have access to various resources to improve animal welfare continually.
Farmers and ranchers are absolutely essential to everyday life and care deeply about what they do. Most farmers aren't in it for the money and love what they do. If these reasons weren't enough, talk to a farmer or rancher. While they have good and bad days, they'll probably tell you they wouldn't be a farmer if they didn't care and love their jobs.
A WING AND A PRAYER
Carlin Lawrence | carlin@agairupdate.com
Giving Thanks To God For His Many Blessings
Paul wrote, “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior” (1 Timothy 2:1-3).
We live in a very busy and complicated world, which causes us to live busy and complicated lives. For aerial applicators this means getting up early in the morning, feeding ourselves, and getting ready for work. Sometimes it’s hurry-up and wait for the weather to give us an opportunity to get our planes in the air. There are some important things we should put on our list as we start our day. We should pray for our self, our family, our employees, our customers, our military men and women, and that the leaders of our nation will do what’s best for the people of the USA. “Far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you” (1 Samuel 12:23).
Did you notice that along with our prayers we are to “give thanks to God?” We’re never so busy that we can’t say, “Thank You Lord, for your love, grace and mercy that You show us every day.” A simple, “Thanks Lord” is sufficient if you can’t think of anything else, because God knows our every thought, motive, word and action before we think, say or do it. Jesus tells us to pray for our enemies and do good to them; that also goes for our competition. You might think you built your business, but the apostle Paul said, “What do you have that you did not
receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). “God gives life, breath, and everything else to all people” (Acts 17:25). We should even thank God for our problems, because they usually make us spiritually, mentally, and physically stronger.
Paul’s prayer was that “We be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that we may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power” (Colossians 1:9-11).
Peter said that the primary missions for the apostles was to be in continual prayer and ministry of God’s Word (Acts 6:4). If God’s Word doesn’t control our thoughts, motives, words and actions, then our mind is being controlled by our sinful flesh, worldly systems, and satanic forces. Whatever controls our mind will control everything about us. A person who has their mind immersed in God’s Word will be able to apply God’s principles to their life. Thanking God for His knowledge and wisdom to conduct our earthly business should be a daily experience in the life of a Christian. “The Lord makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and lifts up” (1 Samuel 2:7).
“Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light” (Colossians 1:12).
Christians should praise and thank God for what He has done for us by giving His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins so that we can have eternal life in heaven, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift” (1 Corinthians 1:4). For many Christians life is so busy that they get up every morning not even thinking of God, much less thanking Him for His grace and mercy toward us. Too many times Christians become like the leech’s daughters, wanting God to “Give, Give” (Proverbs 30:15). Most Christians want God to provide their every want, but they are slow to thank God for what He does for them every day. Christians seem to forget that it’s only because of
God’s grace toward us that we receive the necessities of life from Him. Not being thankful to God for all His tremendous blessings puts a person in the company of evil men and women (Luke 6:35, Romans 1:21, 2 Timothy 3:2).
Jesus said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight” (Matthew 11:25-26). Before feeding the five thousand Jesus gave thanks to God (John 6:11). Before Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, He lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me” (John 11:41). The psalmist wrote, “Offer to God thanksgiving, Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!... Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness…And for His wonderful works to the children of men! Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing” (Psalm 50:14, 107:21-22). Being thankful to God for His blessings was a common theme of the Old Testament prophets such as David (2 Samuel 22:50) and Daniel (Daniel 6:10).
Paul wrote, “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly” (2 Thessalonians 1:3). Christian should be thankful for the common things of life, like food, clothing, a good job, and good health, “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Even the angels, who will never have as high a position in God’s kingdom as Christians, stand around God’s throne and fall on their faces before the throne and worship God, saying: “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen” (Revelation 7:11-12). “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).
NTSB REPORTS
Accident Synopses
Accident Number: ERA24FA304
Location: Cuba, KY
Date: July 13, 2024
Aircraft: Air Tractor AT802
Injuries: 1 Fatal
On July 13, 2024, at 1527 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-802A was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Cuba, Kentucky. The airline transport pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 137 agricultural flight.
Prior to the accident flight, the airplane was loaded with 190 gallons of agriculture chemicals and fueled at the owner’s operating base in Murray, Kentucky, about 25 miles east of the accident site. Preliminary aerial application data was obtained from the company’s cloudbased service that utilized the AgPilotX application.
The data showed that the pilot approached the property from the southeast and began spraying the western section of the field. The pilot flew north, made a right turn to spray the eastern edge of the field, and then returned for a second pass over the western edge of the field. The owner stated that he expected the pilot to then spray the center of the field. The pilot climbed and initiated a steep right turn. The airplane then began to descend in a steep attitude before striking mature corn and impacting the ground in a nose down, wings level attitude. The airplane traveled down an embankment, skidded across an asphalt road and then struck a ditch before coming to rest upright in a bean field. The wreckage path was about 110 ft in length and oriented on a 124° heading, at an elevation of 528 ft.
All portions of the airplane were located in the immediate vicinity of the accident site, which also contained a strong odor, consistent with jet fuel. Postaccident examination of the airplane at the accident site revealed chemical spray application nozzles and plumbing at the initial impact site in the corn. The landing gear was sheared off and scrapes and paint transfer marks were observed on the asphalt in the direction of travel.
The airplane’s Hartzell 5-bladed metal propeller assembly separated at the reduction gear unit and was located on the embankment, about 50 ft from the main wreckage; the propeller blades displayed minimal rotational damage.
The horizontal stabilizer and elevators separated during the accident sequence, but the vertical stabilizer, rudder,
ailerons and wings all remained attached to the airframe at their respective locations. Flight control continuity was established on all flight control surfaces through the cockpit controls, pushrods and cables.
The cockpit instrument panel was displaced aft and upwards; the floorboards and rudder pedals were displaced upwards. The pilot’s seat back remained attached to the cockpit bulkhead, but the horizontal seat and frame were displaced downward. The 5 point harness contained airbags on the shoulder harness, which were deployed. The flap control was in the up position. The throttle was 1/2 inch above idle; the propeller lever was aft but forward of the feathered position and the trim was set in the takeoff position.
The airplane was equipped with a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65A6 engine. The engine was displaced upward but remained attached to its mounts and the airframe. The compressor turbine disk was visually examined via a borescope and no anomalies were observed. The combustion chamber, large and small exit ducts were in good condition. The power turbine vanes and disc were undamaged and did not exhibit any rubbing on the blade tips or the shroud. Debris consistent with soil was found ingested in the bottom of the shroud. The engine could be partially rotated using the spline drive at the accessory section of the engine. The engine was separated at the hot section for further examination. The engine spun freely up to the combustion chamber, but the front of the engine would not rotate due to deeply impacted debris that was packed into the forward reduction gearbox teeth.
The engine fuel pump and fuel servo were removed and sent to Pratt & Whitney Canada for examination and bench testing. The engine was retained for further examination.
Accident Number: CEN24LA274
Location: David City, Nebraska
Date: July 15, 2024, 2024
Aircraft: Cessna A188
Injuries: None
Analysis
The pilot of an agricultural airplane reported that as he rotated the airplane for takeoff, the airplane felt “squirrelly”, and began to turn to the right. The pilot corrected for the right turn, and the airplane took a rapid left turn that he was unable to correct. At the edge of
the runway, he pulled up, became airborne in ground effect, and headed for a row of trees. Knowing he was unable clear the trees, he reached for the hopper dump handle; the airplane impacted terrain next to the runway and came to rest inverted. During the accident sequence the left wing separated from the airplane and the lower fuselage and right wing sustained substantial damage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the pilot was taking off on runway 14. The nearest recorded weather observation reported winds from 010° at 13 knots.
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.
Accident Number: CEN24LA269
Location: Avoca, NE
Date: July 16, 2024
Aircraft: Piper PA-36-375
Injuries: None
On July 16, 2024, about 1430 central daylight time, a Piper PA-36-375 airplane was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Avoca, Nebraska. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an aerial application flight.
The pilot reported that he maneuvered to set up for his fourth pass and had just rolled wings when he felt the airplane start to descend. He scanned his instruments and saw his airspeed was between 80-85 knots, 25 inches manifold pressure, and 2,500 RPM. He commanded full power and full propeller but did not feel the engine respond or a see a reduction in the descent rate. After he dumped the hopper tank, he still was not able to stop the airplane’s descent. The airplane landed in the field and slid to a stop.
A witness reported that the airplane’s engine went quiet before the airplane landed in the field. During the forced landing, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing.
The airplane was retained for further examination.
(Continued on page 78)
Accident Number: CEN24LA272
Location: Oakland, NE
Date: July 17, 2024
Aircraft: AIR TRACTOR INC AT-602
Injuries: None
On July 17, 2024, about 1500 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-602 airplane was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Oakland, Nebraska. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 agricultural flight.
The pilot reported there was a loss of engine power while the airplane was in an aerial application spray turn. The airplane’s aft fuselage was substantially damaged during the subsequent forced landing in a cornfield.
A post accident review of the airplane’s digital engine monitor revealed that there was about 180 gallons of fuel distributed between the left-and-right wing fuel tanks before the flight departed, but there was a fuel load imbalance with about 105 gallons in the left-wing fuel tank and 75 gallons in the right-wing fuel tank. After departure, but before the pilot commenced flying aerial-application spray passes, the fuel imbalance had decreased to about 10 gallons between the wing fuel tanks. However, as the pilot conducted spray passes there was a net decrease of fuel from the right-wing fuel tank, with a minimal decrease of fuel from the leftwing fuel tank. Ultimately, about 1 hour 4 minutes into the flight, the right-wing fuel tank quantity decreased to zero gallons, and about 6 minutes later there was a sudden loss of fuel flow and corresponding loss of engine power.
Further review of the engine monitor data revealed a history of fuel imbalance during the previous 3 flights during which the fuel quantity in each tank would fluctuate at least ± 10 gallons during each spray pass. However, unlike the accident flight, after an initial decrease in fuel quantity from either the right-orleft fuel tank there was a measured increase in fuel quantity to that same fuel tank. This observed increase in fuel quantity in a tank was observed in both the leftand-right wing fuel tanks during separate portions of the previous 3 flights. Specifically, when one wing fuel tank showed a decrease in fuel quantity the opposite wing fuel tank either yielded a minimal decrease or a net increase in fuel quantity as the flight progressed. This nonuniform depletion of fuel from each fuel tank was primarily observed while the pilot conducted aerial-application spray passes. There were other portions of the flight, presumably as the pilot flew to/ from a field, where any fuel imbalance trended toward a more-balanced fuel load.
The Air Tractor AT-602 fuel system consists of two 108-gallon wing fuel tanks that are interconnected by a 2-gallon header tank. The airplane is not equipped with a fuel tank selector, only a fuel system shutoff valve that is downstream of the header tank.
The airplane wreckage was retained for further examination.
Accident Number: CEN24LA275
Location: Cuba City, Wisconsin
Date: July 21, 2024
Aircraft: Bell 206B
Injuries: 1 Minor
Analysis
The pilot reported that he was conducting agricultural spray operations at the time of the accident. The pilot stated that he was distracted by ground vehicle traffic and the helicopter struck a wire. He lowered the collective, and the helicopter impacted the field. The helicopter rolled forward and came to rest on the left side of the fuselage. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor system and the tail boom separated.
The pilot reported that there were no preimpact failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operations.
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a wire during an agricultural application pass.
Accident Number: CEN24FA278
Location: Oxford, IN
Date: July 22, 2024
Aircraft: AIR TRACTOR INC AT-602
Injuries: 1 Fatal
On July 22, 2024, about 1830 eastern daylight time (EDT), an Air Tractor AT-602 airplane was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Oxford, Indiana. The pilot was fatally injured. The flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an aerial application flight.
According to the airplane owner and operator, the pilot was spraying two fields near the accident site. The airplane departed with full fuel tanks, and the hopper loaded with liquid applicant.
GPS data revealed that the airplane departed the operator’s private runway about 1741 and proceeded
north. The pilot sprayed two fields beginning about 1752. Immediately before that accident, the pilot was completing a west-to-east trim pass on the south side of the northern field. The recorded GPS data ended during the trim pass. The accident site was located in a soybean field about 0.45 nm east of the field being sprayed. Figure 1 shows the airplane’s flight track and the fields being sprayed. The yellow arrows indicate the direction of the final trim pass, and the yellow circle indicates the final recorded data point.
The airplane impacted inverted and came to rest oriented on 137° heading. A post impact fire ensued, which was quickly extinguished by first responders. The fire damage was limited to the aft section of the engine compartment. All components of the airplane were located in the immediate vicinity of the accident site and there was no debris field nor any disturbance in the crop leading to the site.
The top of the fuselage, vertical stabilizer, rudder, both wing leading edges, and the upper wing skins were crushed downward, relative to the airframe in an upright position. The flight controls were traced from the cockpit to the flight control surfaces to the extent possible due to the impact damage and overload separations from the ground impact. The flap actuator was found intact and was extended to a position that correlated to full flap deflection.
The engine remained attached to the engine mount, with significant engine mount damage and segmentation. The propeller assembly was partially embedded in the ground with 2 blades visible while the other 3 were buried in the ground. The propeller remained attached to the propeller flange and reduction gearbox, and the blades remained attached to the hub. The blades exhibited compound bend and twist progression from forward to aft in the sequence of rotation, consistent with producing thrust during impact.
Maintenance records showed that a 100-hour inspection was completed on July 18, 2024. There were no outstanding maintenance discrepancies. The airplane had accumulated about 41.9 hours since the last inspection.
Figure 1: The accident flight track overlaid onto Google Earth with yellow arrows indicating the end of the flight.
LOW & SLOW
Mabry I. Anderson | An Insider’s History
of Agricultural Aviation
Chapter Two: The Equipment & People (cont.)
November Start
Radical departures from the norm occur at these land grant schools, especially in farming and farm-oriented engineering. Logically, many such schools engaged in agricultural flying very early in the game. As a result of this interest, many technical advancements, particularly in the field of dispensing equipment, came about and continue to spring from the aircraft and engineering departments at these schools.
Notable among such institutions are Texas A & M at College Station, Ohio State University at Columbus, and Mississippi State at Starkville. Many other schools, such as the University of California at Davis, have contributed some notable work, but the three universities specially mentioned above have definitely led the field.
Texas A & M began seriously studying agricultural aviation back in 1926 under a branch of the college known as the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station. The initial objectives of these studies were to determine the extent of boll weevil control obtained by aerial application of chemicals; to obtain information useful to cotton growers in using agricultural aircraft; and to work with commercial airplane companies in improving methods and equipment.
A far-reaching program was developed during the 1926 growing season and carried over into 1927 and 1928. J.C. Gaines headed the school's Entomology Department and was assisted by W.L. Owen and H.E. Parish in carrying out the experiments.
Arrangements were made with several prominent cotton farmers, notably B.C. Roberts at Wharton, George Chance
The familiar figure of Carl Heimer heading off to another ag aviation convention. Whenever assistance was needed, Heimer was available.
at Bryan, and John Rogers of Navasota, to supply the cotton fields under study. Flying arrangements were then made with the Super LeRhone Flying Corporation at Houston, Huff-Daland Dusters of Monroe, Louisiana, and another branch of Super LeRhone known as Quick Airplane Dusters, also based in Houston.
Detailed and very carefully controlled and documented experiments were run for at least three growing seasons. These early ag aviation pioneers provided the best equipment and techniques available at that time. The flying was done with original Huff Daland Dusters and with Curtis Quick's famous modified Standards with converted LeRhone engines that produced a hopeful 120 horsepower.
The detailed results of this extensive work are reported in Experiment Station Bulletin No. 394 dated 1929. It is a most remarkable publication, considering its date. Comprising some 40 pages, it is complete with photographs, graphs, charts, comparison data, and recommendations to both farmers and flying personnel.
Among some of the more interesting observations are: "An airplane that has a venturi opening or nozzle is capable of distributing dust more effectively than a plane not so equipped. The venturi is also a factor in producing an increased power of adherence in calcium arsenate when it comes into contact with the cotton plants."
Effective Swaths
It is interesting to note that the experimenters were not impressed with extremely low flying. They concluded that, "Good distribution of poison can be obtained while flying at heights of 5 to 25 feet above the crop, depending upon atmospheric conditions." Wide swaths were recognized as
(Continued on page 82)
Lane Aviation is your North American Micronair dealer, providing proven technology that is used in over a hundred countries across the globe. The Micronair family of products are tailored to meet the varying needs of specific industries which include aerial spraying, horticulture and viticulture, agriculture, animal and public health, forestry and migrant pest control.
effective and recommendations called for parallel swaths 75 to 150 feet wide, slightly overlapped.
Another observation worth quoting dealt with pilots. "Only an experienced pilot can make an application that will obtain the best results," states the writer. "He must know the instant when to shut off the flow of dust. In order to avoid leaving any untreated cotton, it is good practice, in addition to 'zooming,' for the pilot to make an extra flight around the edges of the field." All of this good advice in 1929, no less!
The authors of this little masterpiece were also concerned with pilot safety. They advised that the "split type" or "tripod" landing gear was a great advantage for a dusting plane. Planes equipped with axle-type gears were apt to nose over due to cotton stalk resistance in the event of a forced landing.
Gaines also "discovered" the damage being done by cotton flea hoppers at about this time. As a result, this insect came under the gun of the early dusters, along with boll weevil and boll worm.
With this type early background, it is no wonder that Texas A & M continued its high interest in the ag aviation
field. Such a background eventually led to the design and construction of the famous Ag-1. And through the years, many radical improvements in both solid and liquid dispensing equipment can be traced to work done at this fine school.
Later, equally important work was done at Ohio State University. In 1950 its Agricultural Engineering Department initiated the most ambitious studies relating to dispensing equipment ever undertaken. The University already owned its own Stearman and, in addition, was loaned several other aircraft, including a Piper PA-11, a J-3, and possibly a Taylorcraft.
James E. Henry and the now widely known George Sanders headed up these rather remarkable studies. For the first time, accurate and completely scientific methods were employed in an attempt to learn just exactly what happened when the pilot opened the hopper gate.
Sanders, a New York farm boy, was a natural for this job. He was virtually born with a pesticide pump in his hands. Coming from a farm with a large commercial fruit orchard as part of its holdings, George was spraying fruit trees by hand almost from infancy.
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TWENTY YEARS AGO
Stories from AgAir Update Featured 20 Years Ago
Mississippi Pilots Attend Fly-In, Meet with FBI
by Courtney Kimmel
Pink was the color of the day as thirteen ag planes and 82 pilots took part in the Operation S.A.F.E E (Self-regulating Application and Flight Efficiency) Fly-In at the Greenwood Leflore airport in Greenwood, Mississippi.
Sponsored by the Mississippi Agricultural Aviation Association, Operation S.A.F.E. is designed to assist agricultural aviators in the fine-tuning of their fertilizer and pesticide application equipment. Dr. Dennis Gardisser, University of AR, Department of
Bio and Ag Engineering conducted the fly-in with the help of the Mississippi State Extension Service and the Bureau of Plant industry.
Pilots were given pink dye to mix with the water in their airplane before flying over a combination of instruments, including a string collector. During the clinic, pilots operated their aircraft as if fertilizing or spraying a customer's field. Equipment on the ground collected the material as they flew over and a state-of-the-art computer system generated graphic and mathematical printouts of concentration patterns and droplet sizes. This information was utilized to adjust the aircraft to the appropriate settings for safe and correct aerial application.
The high numbers of pilots were in attendance to meet with the FBI. There were about 10 FBI agents at the fly-in. The FBI interview involved the pilots filling out an information form about them, where their plane was stored in the winter and how secure it was.
Glenn Holloway, President of the MAAA took part in the fly-in and was excited about the successful turnout. Several sponsors made the fly-in possible, including Monsanto Crop Protection, Provine Helicopters, Kimmel Aviation Insurance, Barksdale Bonding and Insurance, and Gary Bright Aviation Services. Holloway spoke on behalf of the MAAA in saying, "We at Mississippi Agricultural Aviation Association sincerely thank all of these sponsors and hope that this was the first Operation S.A.F.E. Clinic in a series of annual Clinics.
Photos by Steffany Ward
AIRCRAFT
1972 Ag-Cat G-164A. S/N 926, TT Airframe 7,686, P&W R-1340-AN-1 (600 HP), TT SMOH 295, Blower Ratio 10-1, Overhaul by Tulsa Aircraft Engines, Excellent Compressions on all 9 Cylinders, 80 Gallon fuel bottom load, 300-gallon hopper bottom load, Satloc SLXG3 GPS with Light bar, Crophawk 7 flow control, Hershey Wing Extensions and Mods, most Inspections always done by Hershey Flying Service & Wallace Air Repair. Clean Northern Airplane, no Corrosion! Almost $9,000 spent on Annual Inspection done 09/18/23. Airplane is located in Seminole, TX! $65,000. For questions and more pictures contact Tim: 432-788-7309
1976 B Model Ag Cat - 1 Garrett Engine, Less than 100 hrs. on fresh overhaul engine, SATLOC M3, 330-gallon hopper, 38inch gate box, Agrinautics spray system, and Breckenridge spreader. Call Jack for more details at 530-682-6740
1978 Ag Cat C Model - A/C, Super 6 Garrett Engine, SATLOC M3, 500-gallon hopper, Agrinautics spray system, and Breckenridge spreader, 38 in. gate box. Call Jack for more details at 530-682-6740
1984 Ag Cat Super B - $200,000 OBO. Pictures are available upon request. Call Thomas at 660-572-0265
1975 Grumman G164. P&W 985-15B, Time since overhaul 440, Banner Aircraft, Dual Comm, VOR, transponder ADS-B Hershey Wings, extended TW. Hook, Smoke, 500 Letters, all lines, grapples, lead poles & hardware. 80 Gal. Hopper intact if you want to convert. $49,000. Call Mike at 813-390-5402
Ag Cat: G164A+, Export Special: G164A+, Fresh AmAg repair w/factory-jigged frameworks, New 335-Hopper, Ext’d/Metal Wings, 80-fuel, 24V w/Strobes, E-Servo, TWL, Hybrid Combo. Ready for 1000 hr. service-run. Your certified R985/R1340 E&P installed. $85K includes CofAW4 Export flyaway, $90K in your container. Contact +1 (870) 886-2418
Ag Cat QueenCat - QueenCat In Progress - S/N 566B Super B+ Mods, ready for Garrett or P&W Turbine, 400-gal, 120-fuel, hi wings, heavy
struts & wires, T.S. Tail, Heavy Gear, TL DAF Combo. $290K (YOUR FWF). Contact +1 (870) 886-2418
AIRCRAFT – AIR TRACTOR
2023 Air Tractor 802A-1001, PT6-67AG, Brackett Air Filter in X-Flow Frame, Hartzell 5 Blade Prop, MVP50T, Kawak Engine Control, 308 Fuel, Hatfield SPF, Stainless Steel Spray System with Aluminum Agrinautics Spray Pump, Large Electric Fan and Brake, Garmin G4 with IF3 Flow Control, 50% Boom Kit, Right Hand Boom Shutoff, Reinforced Boom Hangers, Quick Detach Center Boom Cap, Smoker, 7.5” Hydraulic Gate, Hydraulic Wingman, Black Horizontals, Rear View Mirror. Available Fall of 2024 with fresh annual, fresh HSI, and around 1200 hours TT.
Call Rick Turner with Neal Aircraft at 940-564-6822 for the price
1992 Air Tractor AT-502, PT6-15 0SHOT, TTAE 11,752, SPOH 3165. November 2023 annual. Clean Northern plane. Well maintained. Has a SATLOC M3. $425,000. Call Jim Knox at 218-289-1999 or email Jim@agrimaxllc.com
2023 Air Tractor 502XP, 872 hours TT on Engine, AF & Prop, Lane fan & brake, CP11 Nozzles, Load Hog, Hatfield & bottom load fuel, 3-inch load valve, stainless steel booms, heat & air, Tail spring protector, stainless steel fasteners, Storm cutters, new tail wheel tire, AgPilot X & flow control, Fresh annual in Oct. 2024, MVP system, radios. Not retiring, only downsizing. $1,525,000. Call Rod at 701-321-0768
1991 Air Tractor AT-401/402, ON401KR Serial number 401-0813 TTAF 4746, PT6A20 TTE 24,529, TSOH 13,331, TSHS 260, Hartzell HC-B3TN-3D Propeller, TTProp 2481, Prop TSOH 794. The aircraft has been operated in Canada for most of its
life and is currently based in TX. Very clean, low-time airframe, recent hot section inspection, and extensive IRAN. Fresh paint job last at last annual. Options include a Smoker, Reabe Hopper Gauge, bottom load fuel, Satloc M3 touch screen w/ flow control, VHF Comm radio, CP-09 Nozzles, Vortex Generators, and UMA Engine Instruments. Times may go up as the airplane is working. Sale with fresh annual. $400,000.
Call James at 256-590-3869
1996 Air Tractor 402B, PT6-15, TTAC 8257, 161 since wing spar AD C/W, 163 SHSI, 300 SPOH, Satloc G4 w/Intelliflow, Cycle sheet available, new style Air tractor, air intake & Cowl. $550,000.
Call Donnie Ripley at 830-275-1127
2009 Air Tractor AT-402B, N422RD, PT6A-34AG, Cascade Inlet, Smoker, Righthand boom shutoff, Night work lights, Stainless spray system, AFTT and ETT is 30hrs. $975,000.
Call Neal Aircraft at 806-828-5892
1982 Air Tractor 400 - Aircraft will be sold ready to work with fresh annual. Wings done at Georges Aircraft at 12,566TT, new paint 2016 in great shape no corrosion. G4 with Falcon light bar and flow control. 38-inch gate box. New stainless Booms. Spreader comes with the plane. Hydraulic wingman installed. 402 gear with new tail spring. All A/C component’s new air blows COLD! Vortex Generators and all LED lighting. Logs and pictures available upon request.
Call 731-514-9331
1979 Air Tractor 400 - “Red” N550BH, Hopper quantity 475 gallons Bailey hopper conversion, Reabe clear view canopy, Reabe hopper gauge with side view, 38” gatebox, 180 gallons of fuel, Single point fueling (Hatfield), Dropdown booms, Electric spray pump brake, Ag Pilot X with flow control,
Hobbs 1,496.4hr, AFTT 7,709 hr, Time remaining on wings 2,141 hr, Eddie current due in 1,281 hr, Hartzell prop HC-B3TN-3D, TSO 741.8 hr, Pratt and Whitney PT6-27, TSO 4,163.7 hr, TSHIS 1,804.2 hr. Good cycles remaining. $295,000. Call Jeremy at 815-718-5300
1989 Air Tractor 402 - 1989 AT-402, TTAF 5690, P&W PT6A-21 TTE 12,000, TSOH 1085, Hartzell Propeller HC-B3TN-3D TT 1085. Aircraft modified in accordance with FAA letter SL#80E, New CT+PT blades at engine overhaul, Satloc M3 GPS, New flow control, New drop boom kit, New Reabe digital hopper gauge, Very clean airplane. $360,000.
Call Tim at 701-799-8629
2024 Air Tractor AT-802A-67AG- October Delivery. Factory Options Include: Garmin audio panel, radio, transponder, and Smoker.
Call Southeastern Aircraft Sales for details: 772-461-8924
1997 AT-401B - Includes fresh annual. 0 IRAN prop, 0 IRAN engine (Covington), 0 Eddy Current insp. Complete logs since new. Only 16 401Bs currently registered in the U.S. $265K which includes $50,000+ of additional equipment and inventory. See spec sheet for all the details. $265,000.
Contact Bob 507-430-5114
2008 Air Tractor 802A, N194BM, PT6A67AG, Tanker 819, TTAF: 1549, TTE: 3895.4, TSO: 1281.4, TSHOT: 183.5, FRDS Gen 3 gate. Available this fall. For price call Neal Aircraft at 806-828-5892
fuel, New Pump, Wingman, Bottom Load Fuel, VG, 3-piece Windshield, New LDG 1500 TT SNEW, Tailspring 500 TT SNEW, FCU 300 TT SNEW, Starter Gen. 100TT SNEW.
Call Mid-Continent Aircraft at 800-325-0885
1997 Air Tractor 602-65AG, N5015K, TT 8455, 4000
Since Covington LOH, Prop 1600 TT, 4270 Hrs remaining on wings, Fast Start, Falcon Pro GPS & Flow control, Reabe Hopper gauge, Kawak Throttle quadrant, Single point fuel & low-level warning system, Storm Shield, Wingman, AC & Heat, Full spray gear & spreader, Currently working, Central Arkansas, Fresh annual & Hot with sale. Text or call for logs & pictures. $650K. Call Jared at 208-301-0683 or Jordan at 208-301-4162
2015 Air Tractor 602-65 N602JP, TTAF 4019, TTE 3961, Prop TT 2268, 266 SHOT, 2481 Remaining on Wings, 2000 remaining on Gear, Reabe hopper gauge, Heat & AC, G4 & flow control, 10” Vondron Hydraulic, Single point 228 gal fuel. $925,000. Call or text for logs & pictures. Call Jared Segebartt at 208-301-0683 or Jordan Nelson at 208-301-4162
2003 Air Tractor 602-45R, N602RS, 1197HP, TT 6461, 4870 SMOH 650 SHOT, Fast Start, G4 GPS & flow control, Kawak throttle, single point fuel, 210 gal, Storm shield window, wings & gear done last year at the factory, approximately 300 hrs since, AC & Heat, Reabe hopper gauge, Single-point fuel with low fuel warning system. The plane is currently working. Central AR. $550K Text or call for logs & pictures. Call Jared Segebartt at 208-301-0683 or Jordan Nelson at 208-301-4162
2021 Air Tractor 802 DC, 2021 DC 802 -67AG, N870JT, TT 1430, Hydraulic flaps & Gate 10”, Wingman, Falcon GPS & flow control L8 lightbar, Raebe hopper gauge, 302 gal fuel & single point, Garmin Radio & transponder, PS audio panel, CP 09 nozzles, AC & Heat, Tail deflector, LED lights, Smoker, Central AR currently working. Fresh Annual with sale. $1.9M. Call or text for logs and pictures. Call Jared Segebartt at 208-301-0683 or Jordan Nelson at 208-301-4162
110 Gallon Agricultural Spray UAV
2021 Air Tractor 802-65AG, 1117 Hours, Satloc G4, Flow Control, Transland 7 1/2” Hydraulic Gate, Wingman, CP11’s with swivels, 15,20,25, AFS check valves, Lane Brake, Smoker, A/C, LED Pulse Nose Lights, Fresh Annual, Always Hangared. Ready to go! $1,750,000. Call 573-820-3446 for more information
1991 Air Tractor 502B - ACTT: 9067, PT6-34AG ETSN: 12,162, Hartzell 3 Blade Prop, VG’s, Single Point Fuel, CP Nozzles, Smoker, Lane Electric Fan and Brake, Ag Pilot X GPS with flow control, Transland Electric Wingman, Reabe Hopper Gauge, Storm Cutters, ADSB Out, Transponder, PS Engineering PAR 200A Audio Panel/ Com, Garmin G5, 8,600 Hours left on Wing Spar done in 2021. $450,000. Call Scott at 573-683-0893
2016 Air Tractor AT-802, New to the market 2016 AT-802 with a -65AG. TTAE 4030, Engine since hot section 750, Hartzell HC-B5MP-3F TT 4030, SatlocFalcon with flow control. Hatfield bottom load fuel. Transland 10 vane spreader. Stainless CP 09 spray Nozzles. Wingman auger system. Garmin radios with ADSB in and out. Annual 4/24 Prop IRAN 4/24. Aircraft to be delivered with fresh hot. $1,095,000. Call Charlie at 318-235-0187
2017 Air Tractor 802, N869SS S/N 8020696, 4331 Hours Total Time, PT6A-65AG s/n PCE-PN0305, HSI done at 3557 hours, HC-B5MP-3F S/N EVA-3529, IRAN at 2577 hours, G4 Satloc w/flow control, VP 50, Turbine Conversions Single Point Fuel, Reabe Hopper Gauge, Hydraulic Wingman, PAR 200 Com Radio, Transponder. $1,050.000. Call Neal Aircraft at 940-564-6822 for pricing
2016 Air Tractor 802-65, 4100 TT, 308 fuel, G4 Wingman. Call Neal Aircraft at 940-564-6822 for pricing
2024 Air Tractor 502XP, FTO, radios, in stock.
Call Farm Air Inc. at 877-715-8476
2024 Air Tractor AT-602, FTO, radios, in stock.
Call Farm Air Inc. at 877-715-8476
2022 Air Tractor 802A, TTAE 1400, PT6A65AG, Hartzell HC-5MP-3F Propeller, TT Prop 1400, Smoker, MVP50 glass dash, 70% booms with electric valve shut off’s, stainless steel camlocs, Garmin radio package with ADSB in & out, Transland electric gate, Ag Laser, inside of panels top coated with paint, Kawak engine controls, 308 gall fuel, R/H boom shut off, 45 CP nozzles with swivels, Hopper foot well extensions, HD boom hangers, Satellite, AM/FM radio, G4 with IF3 controller for liquid, Transland quick attach boom clamps, Electric fan brake. Call Mike Lee at 870-623-0214
2003 Air Tractor 802AF C-GZRH - TTAE
1803.0, HC-B5MA-3D Propeller, TTSO 147.0, Last overhaul date Jan. 2023. Transponder GTX345 Garmin, GPS/COM GNS650XI Garmin, Audio controller GMA350C Garmin, COM GNS255A Garmin, Flight Computer PFD1000 Aspen, 406ELT 345 Artex, Autopilot 50 S-tec, Engine Instrument MVP50 International Electronics, Vortex Generators, GEN III FRDS system, Power quadrant Kawak. Total landings: 2193, Total cycles: 1329. The aircraft comes with complete spray equipment for forestry with Ag-Nav GUIA + Micronair AU4000 atomizers with brakes. $2,200,000 USD “Open to Offers.”
Contact Dave Frisch at Portage Aircraft at 204-857-4151, sales@portageaircraft.ca or Mario Morales at mmorales@forestpeotectionlimited.com or 506-261-5023
2001 Air Tractor 802AF C-FFPL - TTAE
1935.4, Engine TTSN 1955.4, HC-B5MA3D Propeller, TTSO 221.4, Last overhaul
date Jan. 2021. Transponder GTX345 Garmin, GPS/COM GNS650XI Garmin, Audio controller GMA350C Garmin, COM GNS255A Garmin, Flight Computer PFD1000 Aspen, 406ELT 345 Artex, Autopilot 50 S-tec, Engine Instrument MVP50 International Electronics. Dual cockpit, Rudder pedals, power lever, and control stick, GEN III FRDS system. Total landings: 2873 Total cycles: 1586. The aircraft comes with complete spray equipment for forestry with Ag-Nav GUIA + Micronair AU4000 atomizers with brakes. $2,200,000 USD “Open to Offers.”
Contact Dave Frisch at Portage Aircraft at 204-857-4151, sales@portageaircraft.ca or Mario Morales at mmorales@forestpeotectionlimited.com or 506-261-5023
2019 Air Tractor 502XP - 1550 hrs
$1,180,000 USD, Air Conditioning, Hopper Rinse Tank, 234 Gallon Fuel Capacity, Lane Electric Brake, 3” Load, Right boom shutoff, Left and right work lights, Vertical speed indicator, LED Taxi Lights, Fire extinguisher, Kawak Throttle Quadrant, Stainless spray system, with stainless loading valve, Garmin 225, VHF AM/XM/FM music audio panel, Satloc G4, Forestry flow meter, and auto boom, Intelliflow flow control, CP 11 Nozzles with swivels, Stainless inline Strainer, Hatfield bottom load fuel, Stainless steel spray system, Compro Smoker, Vortex Generators, Stainless Steel Cam-Locks. Clean Canadian Airplane. Call Mike at 1-204-745-8484
2023 Air Tractor 602 -65AG only 2 seasons! 350 Hrs total time since new NDH. Avionics: Farm UHF Icom, Garmin GMA 345 audio panel, Garmin GTR 225 VHF, Garmin ADSB In/Out Transponder GTX-345, Artex E-04 ELT. Guidance system: Satloc Falcon, Intelliflow 3 w/ Flow Control, Forestry flow meter. Options: 292 Gallon Fuel Capacity, Dual Garmin USB Chargers, Kawak Throttle Quadrant, Left-hand flight grip, Air Tractor GPS antenna mount, MDM importation, CP 09 Nozzles, J tubes, Stainless inline Strainer, Hatfield bottom load fuel, Smoker, Storm cutters, Electric right boom shut-off wired to GPS.
Call Dave at Portage Aircraft for pricing at 1-204-870-2828
2024 Air Tractor 504 - Ferry time only! Aircraft is currently home in Canada, set
it up the way you want!
Call Dave at Portage Aircraft for pricing at 1-204-870-2828
2022 Air Tractor 802A - dual cockpit with 1450 hrs since new. P&W -65, TTAE 1450. Going in for the hot section and annual in November. It has 305-gallon fuel tanks with a Hatfield fuel controller. The GPS system is an AgPilot X with flow control, a Reabe 7.5” electric gate, and a wingman auger. Avionics include Garmin radio, transponder, and audio panel with ADSB in and out. LED pulse lights, LED strobes, and tail lights. It has an MVP-50 with AFS check valves and CP11 TT nozzles on the AFS-coated booms with electric 50% boom shutoffs and an AFS-coated T boom. $2,000,000.
Call Jeremy at 870-219-9595
2021 Air Tractor 502XP, 2021 AT-502XP, Like new condition, one owner, owner flown. Bantam w/Intelliflow, bottom load fuel, CP11 Nozzles, Heat/Air, Radio and ABS out, Lane Fan Brake, TTAF, engine, and Prop 729. $1,500,000. Not retiring, only downsizing business.
Call Rod at 701-321-0767
2013 Air Tractor 402B, All Offers Welcome! TTAE 4775, PT6-15, TTSHOT 1317, Hartzell 3-blade, TTProp 4775, Prop Time Since Overhaul 684, BantumGPS with IntelliFlow Gen2, Garmin GTR200B Comm, GTX-327 Transponder, ADS-B out, Hatfield Single Point, Reabe Hopper Gauge, Shadin fuel computer, Storm Cutters, Storm Shield, Fast Start, Dynon D3 EFIS Synthetic Vision, Lane brake and fan, AmSafe restraint, LED lights, Smoker, January 2024 Annual, New A/C Compressor and A/C Flush, Midlife FCU inspection at 4687. $665,000. Aircraft times may go up as we are still working the airplane as needed. Call Jay at 515-961-4026 for more information
1996 Air Tractor 402B, 1996 AT-402B, TT 5300, AgPilotX, Smoker, A/C, CP11’s. $500K. Call Neal Aircraft at 806-828-5892 for more information
2018 Air Tractor 502XP, 12382 TT AF, Prop and Engine, Hot Section at 382 hrs. ago by Covington, Prop IRAN 382 hrs. ago, CP11 Nozzles, Bottom load fuel, Bantam w/InteliFlow, Lane Fan & Brake, Wingman, Comes with radios and ASB out. North Dakota airplane, no fertilizer, no corrosion. Flying now and ready to work! $975K.
Call Rod at 701-321-0767
2010 Air Tractor AT-802A-PT6A-67AG, TTAF/E: 7362, Satloc G4 w/flow, Becker comm radio, Vondran 10inch gate, flashing LED lights on nose and LED nav lights, MVP, load hog, Reabe hopper gauge, MVP 50, fast start, Kawak Throttle Quadrant, full spray gear and spreader, many additional new parts that can be explained over the phone. 455 hours since SPOH with new blades, 65 hours since new PT Blades from Standard Aero, 65 hours since new CT blades from EOS, 65 hours since extensive HSI, March Annual. Additional pictures of the plane and logbooks available upon request. $975,000.
Call Allen with any questions at 979-243-4114
2008 Air Tractor AT-402B -15AG N281LA Serial No. 402B-1201, Aircraft has been owned and operated in the Midwest and is very clean. Recent hot section inspection, propeller overhaul, and June 2024 annual. New main gear, tailspring, and hardware installed at annual. Options Included: Lane Electric Brake and Ground Adjustable Fan, Smoker, Bottom loading fuel system, Satloc Bantam with Intelliflow, VHF Comm Radio, Garmin 496, CP Nozzles, AmSafe Inflatable Restraint System, Electronics International Fuel Flow Meter, Vortex Generators, LED Lights All Around with Bayou Pulse Lights, Right Hand Boom Shut-Off, Transland In-Line Strainer, Analog Gauges. Great aircraft and ready to work. $735K.
Call Lane Aviation at 800-231-6376
$2.00 per acre direct operating costs
2010 Air Tractor AT-402B -15AG, N976CW, Aircraft has been owned and operated in the Midwest and is very clean. Recent hot section inspection and June 2024 annual. FCU Midlife was completed at 2,728 hours, propeller was overhauled at 2,933. New main gear, tailspring, and hardware installed at annual. Lane Electric Brake and Ground Adjustable Fan, Smoker, Bottom-loading fuel system, Satloc Bantam with Intelliflow, VHF Comm Radio, Garmin 496, TeeJet Nozzles, AmSafe Inflatable Restraint System, Electronics International Fuel Flow Meter, Vortex Generators, LED Lights All Around with Bayou Pulse Lights, Right Hand Boom Shut-Off, Transland In-Line Strainer, Analog Gauges. Great aircraft and ready to work. $725,000.
Call Lane Aviation at 800-231-6376
2008 Air Tractor 502B, 2008 AT-502B, S/N 2630, TTAE 5470, PT6-34AG, HSI completed by Covington at 4442.6 TT, Hartzell 3 Blade Prop, 216 Gallon Fuel, VG’s, Single Point Fuel, CP Nozzles, Smoker, Lane Electric Fan and Brake, Satloc Bantam with G4 Screen and G7 Lightbar, Garmin 660 GPS. $695,000. Call Rick at Neal Aircraft at 940-564-6822
2018 Air Tractor 802A -0768 N80393, PT6A-65AG, 3,500 TT, Stainless Steel Cam Locks, Electric Brake Gr Adj, Smoker, Pulse Lights, Hatfield Single Point Fuel, Air Repair 10” Hydraulic Gate, G4 w/ Flowcontrol, Kawak Throttle Quadrant, Wingman, Air Repair Tail Deflector, Trig ADS-B Out System. $1,250,000. Call Frost Flying at 870-295-6213
2022 Air Tractor 802A -0949 N11703, PT6A65AG, 1,700 TT, Stainless Steel Cam Locks, Electric Brake Gr Adj, Smoker, Pulse Lights, Single Point Fuel, 7 1/2” Hydraulic Gate w/ Transland Controller, G4 w/Flowcontrol Wingman, Tail Deflector, X-Flow System, 308 Gallon Fuel. $1,550,000. Call Frost Flying at 870-295-6213
2022 Air Tractor 802A -0944 N347ER, PT6A-65AG, 2,600 TT, Stainless Steel Cam Locks, Electric Brake Gr Adj, Smoker, Hatfield Single Point Fuel, G4 w/ Flowcontrol, Wingman, X-Flow System, 308 Gallon Fuel. Comm Radio. $1,350,000. Call Frost Flying at 870-295-6213
1995 Air Tractor 502B-0285, N6097V, TTAF 10,557.9, Hobbs 0557.9, TTE 9846.5, Prop TSMOH 3209.2, Annual done in September of 2023 at 10,532 TT. Wing spars replaced in December of 2013 at 7486.6 TT, 6728.7 time left on 9800-hour spars.PT6-34AG, Hartzell Three Blade Prop, Kawak Throttle Quadrant, Hatfield Single point Fuel, Stainless Steel Spray System with CP Nozzles, Smoker, Storm Cutters, Reabe Transparent Cockpit Top, Air Conditioning, Cockpit Heater. $450,000.00. Call Rick Turner at Neal Aircraft at 940-564-6822
2023 Air Tractor 802A -1089 N609LM, PT6A-65AG, 1,000 TT, Stainless Steel Cam Locks, Smoker, 308 Gallon Fuel, Pulse Lights, Fast Start, Amphibious Float Prep, Hatfield Single Point Fuel, Avionics Package, Falcon w/IF3 Flowcontrol. Call Frost Flying at 870-295-6213 for the price
2022 Air Tractor AT-602 -N602AF, TTAE 612, PT6-60AG, Hartzell 5 Blade Prop, 234 Gallon Fuel, MVP-50T Engine Monitoring, Kawak Engine Control Quadrant, Hatfield Single Point Fuel, Garmin Com and Transponder, Ag Pilot X with Flow Control, CP-09-3E Spray Nozzles, Smoker, Lane Electric Fan and Brake. See spec sheet for more details. $1,475,000. Call Rick at Neal Aircraft 940-564-6822
revision completed by GE May 2023 all ADs and SBs complied with. Propeller: 1,881.5 hrs. Wing Spar Replaced December 2017 at 7,642.9 hrs AFTT. Gear Legs replaced in 2014 at 7,025.7 hrs IAW Air Tractor SL. 170 US Gallon fuel with Turbine Conversion Single Point Fuel System AgNav Platinum Guidance and Flow Control ReaBee Hopper Qty System 2 sets of booms ASC-A10 and CP09-3P. $475K.
Overhauled by GE May 2023. Propeller: 193.6 hrs Wing Spar Modification completed March 2019 at 4,201.3 hrs AFTT 170 US Gallon fuel with Turbine Conversion Single Point Fuel System AgNav Platinum Guidance and Flow Control ReaBee Hopper Qty System 2 sets of booms ASC-A10 Atomizers and CP09-3P. $575K.
Call 306-786-3345
1991 Air Tractor AT-401 -TTAF 3162.5, P&W R1340, TTE 934.5, Hamilton Standard 3 Blade - 23D40-51, TTProp 507. Very low hours, well maintained, G4 Satloc Bantam, CP11 nozzles, Reabe Hopper Gauge, Vortex Generators, Garmen Comm, Smoker. $215,000 USD OBO.
Call Reed at 403-793-0949
1997 Air Tractor AT-502B - N5063N, PT6A-34AG, TTSN: 14,270.5, TTSHS: 26.2 (8/24/2023 @ 4209.3), HOBBS: 4270.5, Fresh Annual, TTSA: 44, SATLOC G4, Factory Air & Heat, Smoker, ADSB Out, Transponder, Com Radio, Laser Altimeter, Wingman, Side Load Fuel, Kawak Throttle, Reabe Hopper Gauge, A LOT OF TIME LEFT ON THE WINGS, Flown Regularly, Hangared when not in use. $425,000 Price negotiable. For more information, call Duston Bailey at 318-525-5880 or 318-722-0002
1998 Air Tractor AT-402B -7618hrs TT airframe; ~3800hrs TT engine, 484hrs since hot section, willing to do pending sale. Hartzell 3-bladed prop 784hrs since OH. Brand new spars and fresh annual. Will install guidance system of choice, comes with booms, pump, and electric brake. $675K OBO.
Contact +1 (979) 543-5272
1986 AT-301 Airframe Only - Parting Out, Approximately 5700 TTSN. NO ENGINE. AT-301: Wings, Tail Feathers, Airframe, Firewall Foreword Less Engine/Prop, Gauges, Gear leg, Hopper, STD Gate Box, Booms, Boom Hangars, Pump, Valve & Plumbing, etc., Flaps, and Ailerons.
Contact Farm Air at 877-715-8476
AIRCRAFT – CESSNA
1971 Cessna 188 - October 2023 annual. ACTT 3885, 0 SMOH IO 540, 0 SPOH. Clean northern plane well maintained. Air conditioning, Satloc 99, Agrinautics spray pump, lane Break. $190,000. Call Jim Knox 218-289-1999 or email Jim@agrimaxllc.com
1974 Cessna 188B - Clean 1974 Cessna 188B with super boom, wind-driven pump, super boom, Leading Edge cuff, and new SATLOC Bantam GPS system. TSMOH 1249, Airframe 10,081. $114K. Call 785-614-3548 or Travis at 785-738-7437
1975 Cessna A188B - AFTT 14,480, IO550D SMOH 133 by Western Skyways, 3-Blade Hartzell SOH 133 TSN 1200. 8:50x10 Cleveland’s, KY97A com, Satloc Bantam, Crophawk 7, hyd spray system with hyd spray valve, stainless booms/CP’s, Transland 51066 stainless spray pump, smoker, flagman, Robertson STOL, wing leading edge kevlar cuff, Annual 12/23,
owned since new. Asking $140K.
Email Terry Reznicsek at aviation@gervais.com or call 503-393-7401
Cessna A185F, N185HR, Model: A185F, TTAE: 475 original hours. Comes with fresh annual. Make offer. Located in Springfield, Colorado. $575K.
Contact Neal Aircraft at 806-828-5892
1978 Cessna Ag Truck, 5832 TTAF, 625 TTE, 550 TT on prop, 8.50X10 Clevelands, GPS, field ready. Price reduced to $102,000.
Call Reggie Odom at 850-336-0554
AIRCRAFT – PIPER
1977 Piper PA-36-300, N57846, S/N 36-7760017, Tach and TTAF 6588.36, Last annual done at TTAF 6577.66 on 5/7/24. AD2021-11-16 part H 1-5 due at TTAF 9633.94. Lycoming IO-540-K1G5, S/N RL-11689-48E, TTE 6577.66, TSMOH 300.46, Hartzell HC-C2YR-1BF, S/N CH38596B, TSMOH 300.46.
Call Jim Uselton at 785-706-1105 for more information
1976 Piper PA-36-286 Turbine, Turbine Brave, Low AFTT 2021.1, 1199.1 TSMOH, 1199.1 Since New Prop, Airframe Rebuild/Conversion, Wing Center Section/ Spar Caps/Upper and Lower Wing Attach Bolts, Panels, Paint, Glass, Fuel Bladders, Air Conditioner, CP 09’s, Stainless Booms, AFS Check Valves, Lane Electric Fan Brake, AgPilot X GPS, VG’s and Electronics International Engine Monitor. Will not find a nicer Brave or easier flying Ag Plane. Great Rookey turbine time builder. $325K. Call or text Lane at 478-488-0253 or midgaaviation@yahoo.com
1975 Piper PA-25-250, D Model, Lycoming 0-540-B2C5, SMOH: 209.1 AFTT:4265.4, Annual 12/21/23, McCauley 1A200FA Propeller, time since overhaul 1052.4, Pump with electric brake, CP-09 tips, New Battery, KX155 Comm Radio, Smoker, Flagger, Not installed SatLoc G4 will sell with or without GPS. Logs are Complete. Very well maintained and always hangared. $85,000. Call 605-380-6113
1978 Piper PA-36-300, N125HB, S/N 367860021, Tach and TTAF 5679.8. The last annual was done at TTAF 5655.7 on 6/1/23. Lycoming IO-540-K1G5, S/N L-17419-48, TTE 5679.8, TSMOH 1564.9, Hartzell HC-C2YK1BF TSMOH 1578.8.
Call Jim Uselton at 785-706-1105 for more information
1982 Piper Super Cub. Lowest time Piper built Cub on the planet, 650 hours TTSN, 0 SMOH, Stits Fabric, beautiful paint, Com Radio, L3 Lynx transponder with ADSB inout with touchscreen weather, traffic. Call Clyde at 956-202-2094
AIRCRAFT – THRUSH
1971 Thrush S2R --5A-252D, 2500 hrs since complete Goering rebuild. Metal tail, heavy gear, 4,000+ hours remain on spar caps, spar caps and leading edges done at ASI a couple seasons ago. This has been our back up airplane, so has not had much use since spar caps and leading edges were done. Super booms, stainless CP's, electric R/H boom shut off, smoker, rinse tank, Kawak, Ag Pilot X, iPad in dash, com radio, 200 gal fuel, VG's, 525-gallon hopper, fast start, electric lane fan/brake. Has never done fertilizer, although it will come with a new spreader. Clean northern airplane. Several spare parts to go with: tailwheel assembly, MLG wheel and tire assembly, O/H'd start/gen, and an FCU. Engine has about 2500 hrs on Hot. Still makes same torque/temp as the day I brought it home from Randy's. I have a couple engine options available. Can sell as is, or with a fresh hot from CD, or a 0 since complete O/H super 6.
Call Brady at 605-461-1823
1974 Thrush N4865X-2 -Lightweight! A real performer, 940 HP 485 gallon hopper, TT 11900, 13880 SHOT, 5579 remaining on spar cap, Hartzell prop 1120.5 TT, 0 since IRAN, Factory wing extensions, Micro VG kit, Kawak Throttle, Bantom GPS, Empty weight 4333 LBS, $325K. Call Jared 208-301-0683
1989 Thrush Ayres S2R T-34 142. TTAF 15,721. PT6-34 TTE 19,915. 1,339 since HOT. Hartzell Prop Model HC-B3TN-3D, 988 since O/H. 29,000 hr Wings Installed by Factory in 2009. 4,396 hrs since New. V/G’s. Satloc G4 with L7 Lite-Bar and Intelliflow. Smoker, Harbor Air-Con. Load Hawg, SS Booms with CP Nozzles. Single Point Fuel. This Aircraft has been maintained and updated by the same company since new. Fresh Annual in September of 2024. Ready to go to work. $400K. Give us a call. Thank you. Call Scott, 870-830-0572, and Mark, 870-830-1231
1999 Thrush 510 N40145. P&W PT6A-34AG 7114, TTSN, Starts: 2182, S/N PCE-PH0487, 2556 TTS Covington Lite Overhaul, Flights:22148, Date & time of last H.S.I. 12/1/21 1297 hrs. since Hot Section, Hartzell HC-B3 TN-3D 13028 TTSN, 2764 TTSOH, 510-gallon hopper, new batteries G-6381E, 3” dual load line (Installed 4/17/24), 41-inch hopper gate, Wing VG’s, SSF Dry spreader, Kawak Quadrant, CP Nozzles & Check Valves, 230 Gallon Fuel Cap, Auto Cal flow control, Satloc G4, Agrinautics 2 inch Pump, Garmin 225 radio, Electric pump break, Garmin G5 flight Inst., 2 inch SS Transland Spray Valve, Harbour A/C, 1.5-inch alum booms, Smoker, RT side half boom shut-off, Night work lights, ServAero springtail wheel assy., LED boom hangar lights, engine bleed air cockpit heat, Low fuel warning lights. WINGS: New factory lower spar caps installed 5/8/2014, Airfram TAC 8281. Replace factory spar caps every 5400 hrs. 4091 on spar caps. Comes with a spare set of wings with 2041 hrs remaining, Wing spar Eddy Current INSPECTION AD 2006-07-15, last eddy inspection: 4/5/2022 11521 TAC hrs., Next Eddy inspection due at 12765 TAC hrs. Logs and pictures ready to send. $525K. Call Jared Segebartt at 208-301-0683
2011 T34 Thrush 510 - 5100 TTSNE & AF, 400 SHSI, G4 Intelliflow, VG’s, well equipped. $695K. Call Chris at 520-251-1577
2011 Thrush S2R-T34 N7005B TTAE 6707.04, PT6A-34AG, Hartzell HC-B4TN3C/T10702NS Propeller TT 2597.23, MVP-50T, Cascade Inlet, Aero Led Lights, Standard Gate 5”, Compro-Smoker, Vortex Generators, Single Point Fuel, Hemisphere GPS Bantam, Load Hawg, Intelliflow. Prop installed at Hobbs 657.66 3/11/21, Custom Kit CK-AG-51, Battery Kit. Call Mid-Continent at 800-325-0885
1980 Thrush Ayres S2R-T34 Dual Cockpit - Dual Controls. TTAF: 7509.1. Engine Time Since Hot 15.9 hrs, TSMOH 4308.5 hrs. Metal tail, Satloc Bantam GPS with Flow Control. Harbor Air Conditioner. Garmin Comm Radio. Stainless Steel Booms. CP Nozzles. $440,000.
Very well-equipped aircraft, including Amsafe restraints and ADSB. This aircraft is ready to go. Would be interested in trading for an Air Tractor.
Call 605-350-4536
1990 Thrush S2R-T34, 2-hole Thrush, TTAF 13531.5, PT6A-34 TTE 23561.2, TSOH 6410.5, Hartzell HC-B3TN-3D Propeller Prop TSOH 5096.3. It doesn’t have dual controls. I have a seat that can be installed. Comes with a meter from Turbine Conversions for doing seeding. 10 vane spreader is in ok shape. In annual and ready for work. $310,000. May consider doing a partial trade for a smaller plane. Will entertain a lease to the right person with a down payment. Call or text 208-705-9161
1999 Thrush 510, Very clean 1999 510 Thrush. TTAE 7700, P&W -34, TSHS 800. Never fertilized with. It has been in west Texas/eastern New Mexico since new. Ag Pilot X GPS. $450K. Call 575-799-2504
Quantity-Spray Boom Pressure, Air Repair Fast Start, Transland 7.5: Reabe Electric Gate, Kawak Throttle Quadrant, New Battery Plate Assy, Load Hawg, Garmin G5 Flight Instrument, Garmin GTR-225 Comm, Garmin GTX345 TXP. Annual Feb. 2024. Call Mid-Continent at 800-325-0885
,
550 with -60. TTAE 7010.8, Time since hot section 469.8, Hartzell Propeller HC-B5MP-3CProp TT
1974 AYRES S2R, TTAF 11874.4, Time Since Overhaul 5378, TT Since Hot Section 1262.9, Hartzell Propeller HC-B3TN-5E, TT Prop 3458.2, Prop Time Since Overhaul 0.1, New Fabric Tail, New Long Turtle Deck, Bantom SATLOC and L7 Lightbar, New 485 Gallon Hopper Installed 4 years ago. $300K. Call Kyle at 530-682-6421
2009
S2HG-T65
Thrush
7010.8, Time since overhaul 5.1.
2024 Thrush 710, Dual Cockpit 710 with 65 engine, Hatfield single point fuel, & hopper rinse. N660MC. Call Mid-Continent at 800-325-0885
2022 Thrush 710, with PT6A-65AG, N710NW, S2R-T660, S/N: T660-168DC, Dual cockpit single control with standard equipment includes: Single Point Fuel, MVP-50T, A/C & Heat, Garmin G5, Hartzell 5-Blade Propeller, 3” Side Load System, 2” SS Spray System, Streamlined Aluminum Booms, Hopper Rinse System. See spec sheet for all optional equipment. Call Mid-Continent at 800-325-0885
2021 Thrush 710, N701NW, TTAE 1439, PT6A-65AG, Hartzell 5-blade Propeller TT 1439, All standard equipment included. Additional options on aircraft are as follows: Ag PilotX GPS, Ag Laser Altimeter, CP11 Nozzles, Lane Brake and Fan, Stainless Steps, AFS Check Valves, Fast Start, Garmin Comm Radio, AFS Booms, Reabe Hopper Gauge, Garmin Transponder ADSB-OUT, Swathmaster Spreader. The aircraft is in like new condition and equipped well. Call Mid-Continent at 800-325-0885
2004 Thrush 550, TTAF 8093, with PT645R 0 SHOT, O/H Bleed Valves, 0 SMOH Prop, Hydraulic Gate Box, SATLOC G4, Booms and Spreader. Sale with fresh annual. $510,000. Call 979-257-6695
2024 Thrush 710P, For sale 2024 fresh off the assembly line 710P, PT6A-65AG, 5-blade propeller, all standard options, including single-point fuel system, and
a smoker system. This airplane is ready to cover some big acres. It can be sold as equipped, or we can get you a quote and equip it with all your requested options.
Call North Star Aviation today at 620-356-4528
2024 Thrush 510P2+ - For sale 2024 fresh off the assembly line 510P2+ dual cockpit, PT6A-140AG, 4 blade propeller, all standard options, dualcockpit upgrade (includes hopper rinse & rear seat), and a smoker system are already installed. This airplane is ready to cover some acres; it can be sold as equipped, or we can get you a quote and equip it with all your requested options.
1994 Thrush S2R-G6 510 Super 6 - Annual January 2024, Current Hobbs 6700, Spar caps replaced at Hobbs 5636. Big butterfly installed. Options include SATLOC G4 with flow control (not pictured or installed), A/C and heater, VG’s, Right boom shutoff, Airfoil booms, Garmin Comm, Single point fuel, 228-gallon tanks, fast start, Transland pump and electric brake, Four battery conversion - new batteries installed July 2023, New tail spring and head installed at annual. Engine: Garrett TPE331-6-511M Super 6 built by CD Aviation in January 2024, installed in February 2024, 25 hrs SMOH, 25 hrs since CAM, 25 hrs since Hot Section. Prop: 3 blade Hartzell HC-B3TNSE 775 hrs TSOH. CLEAN AIRCRAFT, WELL EQUIPPED AND READY TO WORK! $540K. Contact Jody Perkins at Adcock Flying Service 360-632-5198 or email Jodycperkins@yahoo.com
CLASSIFIEDS
1992 Thrush Ayres S2R-G6, 1992 Ayres S2R-G6 Airframe, N3105U - No Prop, No Engine - TTAF 6937, MVP-50 Glass Panel, Vortex Generators, 24 Volt Freon Air Conditioner, Aileron Servo, Reabe Hopper Level Indicator, Fabric Tail, WingsCentury Spar Caps 60,000 hrs. life. Call Mid-Continent at 800-325-0885
Pratt & Whitney PT6A-140AG 867SHP STC Kit, for THRUSH 510P & 510G Aircraft - Complete Firewall forward bolt-on STC kits for the 510G and 510P. Thrush model aircraft. Contact Cascade Aircraft to secure the 867SHP-certified upgrade STC kit for your THRUSH 510 aircraft. Call 509-635-1212
1996 Thrush S2R-G6, 1996 Ayres Corporation S2R-G6, S/N G6-144 N2239V, TT: 6314.6, TTE: 11,990, HSI: 2153, Prop TT: 2332, Factory Spars installed at TT: 5,202, Options include: SATLOC G4/IntelliFlow, Smoker, AC and heater, VG.s, Winglets, Right boom shut-off, King 96 Comm, Hatfield SPF, Cool Start, SS Booms, CP-11 nozzles, AFS check valves, Agrinautics pump w/ electric brake, Shadin fuel flow, Landing light, Hopper rinse tank, Nav lights with strobes and four new batteries. Aircraft will need an annual inspection. $432K.
North Star Aviation is the First Lift Aviation Dealer. 620-356-4528
1991 Thrush S2R-T34, N672EH, 11,349 TTAF, PT6A -42 engine, TSO 3583.6, Load Master 4-blade propeller, Power Pressure Cowling with Quick Change Power Filter System, GPS SATLOC M3, Flow Control, Intelliflow, Spray Pump, Booms, Winglets, New Paint. Call Turbines, Inc at 812-877-2587
AIRCRAFT – OTHER
B1-A Callair Manufacturing Rights
Available now is the type certificate, drawings, jigs, tooling, aircraft parts, and property associated with this 300 gal Pratt and Whitney 985 powered sprayer. Start your own aircraft company or expand your line.
Contact +1 (850) 380-6091
ENGINE - PISTON
GE/Walter M601E-11 - 1986 Walter M601E-11 Engine. Damaged in a prop strike. Selling as is. Price reduced to $8,550.
Call 6441-316-9114
Pratt & Whitney R-985 & R-1340 Engines in stock. All with new pistons installed. Overhauled by Aero Recip, Covington, Tulsa and Younkin. Call 661-257-7708
Pratt & Whitney R1340 - R1340 Engine Overhaul - New pistons, new bearings, mags, ignition harness, carb, with warranty outright/exchange. Call Chester Roberts Supply Company at 903-429-6805
Pratt & Whitney R-985 & R-1340 Cylinder Assemblies - R-985 & R-1340 Complete OHC Cylinder Assemblies OHC in stock, all with new pistons installed and all gaskets and seals to install. We also stock new and overhauled magnetos, OHC carbs, starters fuel pumps, etc. Top overhaul tool kits $250 each.
Call 661-257-7708
Pratt & Whitney R985-AN1-14B - R985AN1-14B Tulsa Overhaul, New pistons, Bosch mags, ignition harness, carb with warranty outright/exchange.
For more information call Chester Roberts Supply Company at 903-429-6805
ENGINE - TURBINE
Pratt & Whitney (2) PT6A-27/28 Engines, PCE-52147 and PCE-52148. First run, High time, Strong running engines when removed from DHC-6. Surplus to needs, upgrading to -34’s. Logbooks available on request. Engines are P&W bare, crated. $85K for each engine.
Contact Pete Brawn at 541-740-5062 for more information
Pratt & Whitney PT6A-34. PT6A-34 PCEPH0404 For Sale, TSN 2565.5, FSN 3526, SSN 911, TSO 81.2, FSO 349, SSO 34, EOS Overhaul. See spec sheet for details. Call Jetset Airmotive for pricing. 817-354-2002
Honeywell/Garrett TPE331-6. (Super conversion STC to -511B) SN: P-27069C. Engine has only 372.2 hours Since MAJOR Overhaul!! And only 4830 hours TT Since NEW! - LOW cycles (status sheet below for download). The following work was just completed at TAE Aerospace: 0 Hours Since - Level 3 Prop strike inspection. 0 Hours Since - Hot section Inspection and Gear box inspection. 0 hours Since - Super conversion with Bigfoot Mod completed. 0 Hours Since - Overhauled FCU/Prop Governor/Fuel pump installation. Ready to go NOW! Asking $399,999 USD and will consider offers and trades of aircraft and engines! ORRRR...if you have a clean Thrush airframe to sell that would be just begging for this motor, let me know!
ASI JET Specializes in Aircraft Sales, Maintenance, and Parts Support. Call ASI Jet Sales at 320-587-7615 for more information! *All specifications are subject to verification upon inspection by buyer.
EQUIPMENT - DISPERSAL
Transland 10” Hydraulic Gate - Used 10” Hydraulic Gate. List price new: $37,765 Sales Price: $17,500. Call Neal Aircraft at 806-828-5892
Sorenson spray tank made for a Piper Super Cub, 80-gallon tank, fiberglass, and stored inside. $500. Call Don Kothe at +1 (308) 692-3315. Please do not email.
Stainless Steel Booms, Pumps & Nozzles - For Sale - High quality Stainless Steel booms, pumps and nozzles! On the shelf and ready to ship. Contact mark@turbineconversions.com or call +1 (616) 837-9428
Zanoni Equipment Atomizers - New, in stock and ready to ship at Turbine Conversions, Ltd in Michigan. High quality, stainless steel, tested, proven, and US operators are loving these atomizers. Contact 616-837-9428
Fire Gate Hatfield Hydraulic Drop Door, USFS / BLM approved, Fits Thrush, Dromader, can be adapted to Air Tractor 502 or 802, excellent condition, with streamlined fairings, all controls included. $5,000 Any reasonable offer accepted! Needs to go! S.E.A.T. program is expanding. Pilot/contractor training available. Call +1 (530) 345-9919
Ag Cat - Various Ag Cat Spares available. Please contact us for the price at spares@orsmondaviation.co.za or +27 58 303 5261 or visit our website at https://orsmondaviation.co.za/
Spray Equipment - New without warranty spray equipment for all Air Tractor models, including pumps, booms, and nozzles. Call for pricing and availability at 817-456-5450
SUPERBOOMS, Thrush Servos; Maintenance on Ag & G.A. Aircraft Including Heavy Structural Repairs; Robinson Helicopter Service Center; Machining, Fabricating & Sheet Metal Gurus. Call +1 (701) 642-5777
(2)Transland SS 22274 38” to 25” gate box adapters & 21966 Gate Boxes. $2500 Each or $4000 for both plus shipping. Call 620-525-6712
Miscellaneous Items For Sale - 50 brass T-Jet nozzles complete with swirl plates $250. Transland gate box for hopper SS good condition, 25 inch $500. Cal Max Helmet large, very good, complete w/ face plates. Wired for headset. $500. One alternator, new, 100 amp, adapter for P&W engines, electrical parts for night spraying $600. Call Al at 208-569-3407
EQUIPMENT - GPS
AgPilotX - Helicopter light bar now available with the new iPad based guidance system - AgPilotX. Entire system with helicopter light bar is 13 lbs. Call Anthony Fay with Insero for details 480-285-4367
Wanted: SATLOC Bantams, G4 Units & Flow Controllers. Call Mike at Orsmond Aerial Spray (Pty) Ltd +27 58 303 5261 or email mikep@ orsmondaviation.co.za
EQUIPMENT - PARTS
Thrush Parts for Sale- One (1) Set of 660 Heavy Landing Gear, Serviceable $25,000. One (1) Set of Serviceable, Heavy Landing Gear for 510 Thrush $13,000. One (1) Set of Serviceable Light Heavy Landing Gear $12,000. One (1) Set 29” Wheels and New Brake Disc $14,000. Each – 29’” Wheels and New Brake Disc $7,000. Brake Calipers for 510 Each $5,000. One (1) S2R FWF Marsh Conversion Engine TPE331 SuperOne and Hartzell Prop plus 4 Blades, All Accessories $190,000. Several Ayres Serviceable 510 Fuselage Frames, Heavy Frames Each $40,000. Thrush Parts for sale along with many other parts. Contact Bruce Andrews at Bruce’s Flying Service, Inc. 5561 Hwy 216, South Arlington, GA 39846 229-308-3017 or email bfsinc62@gmail.com
Air Tractor 802A Ram Air Offset Inlet Kit - ‘Complete Air Tractor AT-802A Ram Air Offset Inlet kit. Ferry time only. List price new: $38,493 Sales price: $25,000. Call Neal Aircraft at 806-828-5892
Air Tractor 602 Wings - ~6,500, First Run, 0 Since Half Spar. Will sell outright or core credit.
Call Frost Flying at 870-295-6213 for the price
Van Horn 2062200-301 - Van Horn OH 58 Tail Rotor Blades as removed from flying OH58. 981.1 SNEW, Excellent condition. Will send to blade shop for inspection upon sale. Must sell. Model #2062200-301. Call 910-876-2519
Kawak Electric Spray Pump - Variable speed high output Kawak electric spray pump. Will dramatically increase the productivity with up to double the output vs. existing electric spray pumps. Pilot-controlled variable speed output to pump or automatic speed modulation
via GPS/flow control integration. Call or email for pricing. 541-385-5051 or sales@kawakaviation.com
Kawak Power Stop Throttle Quadrants
- Air Tractor 5, 6, 8, and 1002 Kawak power stop throttle quadrants. Feature power lever stop, allowing the pilot to manually set max torque, temp, or Ng for the day. The new power “lever lockout” feature prevents engine over torques when the prop is in feather. Call or email for pricing. 541-385-5051 or sales@kawakaviation.com.
Thrush Top Hat Header Tank Modification - Thrush H-80 STC SA04485CH Top Hat Header Tank Modification. STC solves issues with FCU and extends the factory recommended replacement of the auxiliary fuel pump from 500 hours to 3,500 hours. Currently have 4 spots open for early 2024 delivery.
Contact your favorite Thrush dealer at +1 (616) 837-9428 or Ann@turbineconversions.com for more details.
Tools for reaming attach bolts wing main (Center wing to outboard wing) Attachment joints for Dromader M-18 per repair service bulletin #e/02.170/2000. Available for rent.
Contact ann@turbineconversions.com or 616-837-9428
Reinforced Thrush Leading Edges - Send your leading edges to us, and we will reinforce them with durable custom extruded aluminum reinforcements. Available directly from Turbine Conversions, Ltd.
Call 616-837-9428
Wanted: P&W Engine Parts - Pratt & Whitney Engine Cores, Engine Parts Inventories, Cylinders, Starters, Fuel Pumps and Boost Pumps.
Call Sun Air Parts at +1 (661) 257-7708
Air Tractor & Thrush Boost Pumps - New and overhauled Air Tractor and Thrush boost pumps in stock. Delco A4949 motor with 400 GPH AN4101 fuel pump attached. Outright and exchange. We supply these direct to both factories.
Call Sun Air Parts at +1 (661) 257-7708
Ag Cat Frameworks, All Models, 4130 weld assys, fixture perfect, ready to install. Struts, wires, hoppers, long fuel, highwings, dispersal equipment, hardware, all upgrades, components, and spares. Call +1 (870) 886-2418
AV-KOR1 Helmets Available Now! The AVKOR1 helmet is made out of a fiberglass composite, utilizing Koroyd and an antimicrobial comfort liner making it the lightest aviation helmet on the market. Features Fire Retardant trim and a FIDLOCK buckle system. Works with any aftermarket in-helmet communications devices. North Star Aviation is the First Lift Aviation Dealer.
Contact North Star Aviation at 620-356-4528
R-985 & R-1340 Engine Parts - Complete stock of all P&W R-985 & R-1340 engine parts. Also P&W tools, Top OH tool kits, Time Rite kits, engine mounts, Champion & Tempest spark plugs, parts books, OH and maintenance manuals, Mags, carbs, starters, fuel pumps boost pumps. Also, R-1830, R-200, R-2800 engines and parts. Call Sun Air Parts at +1 (661) 257-7708
Leaf Spring Conversion Kit PA25 - CTS 1109.21 - A-K-009 Leaf Spring Conversion Kit PA25 - CTS 1109.21 - Speed increase, large service life, and minimum maintenance. Kit includes spring, brackets, installation hardware, and certs. Made by Lavia SA, manufacturer of the PA-25 Puelche. Email aravia@aravia.com.ar
Transland Pump Mount.
Call Billy Maxwell at Transland +1 (940) 687-1100
Transland Aluminum Boom ClampsLarge & Small. Call Billy Maxwell at Transland +1 (940) 687-1100
Transland 4” Delrin Hopper Vents. Call Billy Maxwell at Transland 940-687-1100 or email sales@ translandllc.com for more information
Transland Grip Steps for AT aircraft. Call Billy Maxwell at Transland 940-687-1100 or email sales@ translandllc.com for more information
CLASSIFIEDS
Brushless Motor Airframe Fuel PumpNew Brushless Motor Airframe Fuel Pump - STC kits for PT6 Air Tractor and THRUSH aircraft. Long lasting, solid state, with fail safes. Call 509-635-1212
2013 AT-502B Firewall forward parts: Engine mount, cowling and Ram Air filter system. All parts with less than 1400 hours total time. Very clean and well maintained AT-502B. Parts are located in Alabama. Call Cascade Aircraft Conversions for more details 1-509-635-1212
Radial Mounts/Rings - Radial Parts: 2 Fiberglass AT Speed Rings, 1 THRUSH Speed Ring, 1 Radial engine mount with ring. Make offer. Call 509-635-1212
Pratt & Whitney PT6A-140AG 867SHP STC Kit for THRUSH 510P & 510G Aircraft - Complete Firewall forward bolt-on STC kits for the 510G and 510P. Thrush model aircraft. Contact Cascade Aircraft to secure the 867SHP-certified upgrade STC kit for your THRUSH 510 aircraft. Contact 509-635-1212
AT-502 sheet metal. Some new, some used, all airworthy. Mostly fwd. lower fuselage. $500 for all OBO. Will box and ship for materials and labor. Contact 530-345-9919
Ayres Thrush ‘Hoerner’ wing tips. Left and right, no damage. $500 for the pair. Call Gary at 530-345-9919 or email garyhendricksonn3n@gmail.com
EQUIPMENT - SUPPORT
Ground Support Engine Driven Transfer Pump, Zanoni Equipment’s all stainless steel construction paired with a Honda 13 HP motor.
Contact 616-837-9428
3” load, mix tank, fully contained and lockable, air compressor and storage complete and ready to go. Call Farm Air at 877-715-8476
Portable Load Pad - Like new portable load pad suitable for an 802. Very little use. $24k. Call Farm Air at 877-715-8476
HELP WANTED
Full-Time and Seasonal Pilots NeededGrowing multi-location Kansas operation seeking full-time and seasonal pilots. Herbicide experience is a huge plus. Benefits and guaranteed salary for the right candidates/full-time positions. Email your resume or list of total times to blindads@agairupdate.com Subject: ID#2757
Mechanic Needed - DaveAir is seeking a full-time Mechanic! No experience required, but candidates must be able to stand, stoop, squat, or kneel for up to eight hours
on concrete and lift up to 65 lbs. Ability to follow inspection checklists and address discrepancies is essential. This position offers the opportunity to become a licensed A&P within 2.5 years. Located in Monroe, LA. Interested? Send your resume to rachel@daveairllc.com
Certified Flight Instructor NeededDaveAir is seeking a full-time Certified Flight Instructor! Candidates must hold a valid CFI certificate; CFII is preferred. Excellent communication skills and a strong commitment to safety are essential for this role. If you’re passionate about inspiring the next generation of aviators, we want to hear from you! DaveAir is located in Monroe, LA. Send your resume to rachel@daveairllc.com
Mechanic/Shop Manager - Farm Air Flying Service is seeking a full-time mechanic/ shop manager. The ideal candidate would be an A&P and or IA with experience working on PT6s. However, we are willing to invest in and grow with a person with higher aspirations. Duties include 100-hour inspections, annual inspections on our fleet that includes, 502s, 504, 802, Ag Cat, and Bell 47 Soloy and general maintenance on related equipment (ground rigs loader trucks etc). Shop manager duties include ordering and stocking a shop for maintenance duties. Competitive pay, 12 months of housing and relocation help included. Located in the heart of California’s central valleys rice country, we are uniquely situated, surrounded by country living but close to big city life, with the Sierra Nevadas, the Pacific ocean in our backyard. Email oldcrow1982@gmail.com or call 530-300-5379
502 Pilot Needed Immediately- For a corn run in Nebraska. US pilots only, please. Please call or text 308-991-3432
Pilots Wanted - Seasonal & Full-TimeIndiana operator looking for pilots to fill seats in 402, 602, and 802 beginning July 2024. Must be able to get pesticide licenses in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois. Send resumes or inquiries to IndianaAgJobs@gmail.com
SEAT Pilots Needed- Seat pilots are needed immediately. Must be a Level I or Level II.
Contact Dain at 806-535-8560
IA AP Mechanic Needed - Northern California operation is looking for a full-time mechanic to set up shop. Ag cats, Thrushes, Air Tractors, and a few GA airplanes in the off-season. Ag experience is preferred but not required; salary depends on experience. We can help with relocation costs. Please call for more information. Come live in beautiful California and work on airplanes, a dream come true!
Contact Rick at 530-438-2141
AT-802 & Thrush Pilots Needed - Larnaca, Cyprus operation looking for AT-802 & Thrush pilots.
Please email references and resume to Nicolas at aviators@hotmail.gr
Alternate Application Division Manager - Nebraskaland Aviation is seeking an individual to assist with our vision, creation, and management of a new alternative application division inside of our company. This job is listed on our website at Careers | Nebraskaland Aviation | NE, KS | Ag Aviation, Fertilizer, Chemicals. Use of this equipment will include imagery services, as well as, but not limited to, herbicide, fungicide, biological, and nutritional product applications to row crops and rangeland. This new division will consist of aerial equipment such as rotary drones that are common today, larger unmanned fixed-wing aircraft that are coming to market, and all new technologies that will eventually become available. This division will also include ground applications to be made with UTV and ATV equipment, as well as autonomous ground sprayers and all other new technologies that will be coming to market. Our vision is to create the most technologically advanced and most capable alternate application division in the United States with the purpose of meeting the ever-changing needs of our customers. Email resume and references to Tye at tye.marquardt@nebav.com
Experienced Pilot Needed - Lakeland Aviation, Inc. Corcoran, CA, is looking for an experienced pilot. Average annual pay $200K+, 90% of work is 1 mile runs -1/2 section fields with few to no obstacles. Mostly newer airplanes, excellent maintenance, and crew. Home every night/day - we do work nights in the summer. Health Insurance, 401K, paid vacation. Fly 500-700 hours per year. Please submit a resume with references to Reid Potter at (559) 289-4649, rpotter@lakelandaviation.net or Chris Nolta (530) 517-1253, cnagpilot@comcast.net
AT-602 Pilot Wanted in MongoliaThomas Air LLC Mongolia is looking for an experienced fixed-wing turbine pilot for forestry flying in Mongolia. From the end of May through September for 3-4 months. Lots of adventure and bush piloting spray jobs in different locations. Throughout the summer. Contact info: burenkh@gmail.com, mobile number +976-8888-1369
Pilot - California, Central Valley Operation looking to hire fixed wing, and Helicopter Pilots. Turbine Thrushes, Air Tractor 802’s, Huey’s, and Bell 206’s. Night Flying is preferred. Please Call Debbie Burgos at 559-816-7244
AT-802 Timber and Corn Run pilot needed for rotation mid-January through mid-May. AT-802 Corn run pilot needed from mid-June to mid-August. Minimum experience - 500 hours 802 time or hightime 502 or 602 pilot. Email resume to cropdoctoral@hotmail.com or call/text 870-510-6882
Tabula – Eastern United States Regional Aviation Business Development Team Member: Due to continued growth in the United States, Tabula is hiring a new Regional Aviation Business Development Team Members for the Southern Eastern United States region to focus on our AirVision System. This position will be based out of our Melbourne, Florida location. About the role: The Business Development Team is responsible for maintaining our existing sales, growing new business, and technically supporting our products within the Agriculture, Mosquito, Forestry, Horticulture, Fire and Utility industries. We are seeking someone with experience in the Agriculture Aviation Sector. In return, we are offering a role that has the opportunity for growth and development, a base salary of $60k, plus a generous commission and bonus program that will reflect your skills, knowledge, and overall experience, with total earning potential being well over $100k. To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to recruitment@tabula.live
2 Professional Turbine Ag Pilots for the 2024 spray season. Operating Thrush 510P aircraft from May 15, 2024 to October 15, 2024. Job duties include providing aerial application on fields primarily in Saskatchewan and possibly other provinces. Must be insurable on Thrush 510P aircraft, and capable of operating a Satloc GPS system or able to learn it. Must be able to speak, read, and write proficient English. Accidentfree flight record is preferred. Housing and vehicle can be provided if needed. Wage is $50/hour, 40 hours/week. Performance-based bonus is offered. Workers compensation provided. Call Justin Farr at Farr Air Inc. at 306-861-6675 or 306-848-1044
Level 1 Seat Pilot - Looking for a level 1 seat pilot for 2024 and beyond for an exclusive use contract.
Contact Patrick Mertens at 970-571-0871
Mechanic Wanted - FAA maintenance facility is seeking a skilled mechanic to join the maintenance team at an industryleading aviation center. Qualified candidates must have Airframe & Powerplant Certificate with at least five years of experience working in Ag Aviation. Must be able to stand, stoop, squat, or kneel for eight or more hours on concrete, lift up to 65 lbs., follow inspection checklists, and fix discrepancies. Self-motivated individuals should be able to see the end goal at the
early stages for the maintenance process and be a team player. Competitive pay, 100% employer-paid health insurance with vision and dental options, 401k, paid holidays, vacation, and sick time. Interested parties should return a completed application with a current resume.
Contact Joe Risner – Director of Maintenance for more information. 800-325-0885
Helicopter A&P mechanic - Jones Aviation is looking for a full time, experienced helicopter A & P mechanic. We are located in northern California. Maintenance will be performed on site. Experience with UH-1H would be preferred. We would be willing to help with relocation costs. Needs to be a team player but not afraid to lead. Overtime might be required during seasonal times of year.
Contact Chris (530)321-1253
A&P, A&P/IA - FAA Part 137 Operator, looking for new A&P’s and experienced A&P’s. Air Tractors & Bell Helicopters. “Aircraft Type” experience not as important as: Conscientious, organized, willing to learn, get things done, team players. Will perform/participate in Scheduled/Unscheduled Maintenance & Inspections. Maintain support equipment/ shop. Full time/Year Round. $23-$32 hr DOE. Some Benefits & Vacation. US Citizen or Valid Work Visa.
Send Resume: DOM@trirotorllc.com
Ag & King Air Simulator Instructors: Looking for Ag & King Air Simulator Instructors. Instructors are 1099 contractors. Work is on a per-student basis. 1-3 day courses and paid by the day. Work one-on-one with the students. Classroom and simulator instruction. Days are 9-5 with no weekends. Lodging fees are covered for instructors who travel to our location to teach. Flight instructor certificate is not needed. Looking for someone who has an Ag pilot background/ experience. Turbine experience is a must. Could be active or retired. Must have an interest in teaching and passing on their knowledge to others in the industry. Please include a resume when inquiring. Email blindads@agairupdate.com Subject: ID#153
IA and A&P mechanics needed. Salary depending on qualifications and experience.
Call Frost Flying at 870-295-6213
Experienced Pilot/Manager - North Dakota aviation operation looking for an Experienced pilot/manager to co-manage FBO, Airport, and Aerial spraying operation. 802 and Turbine Thrush. Season runs mid-June through September. Potential opportunity to partner/purchase operation in the near future. Start putting your time and efforts into your building your own operation!! FBO and Airport management provide steady income streams to help make it through the slow seasons. Email resume and references to luke@ltenterprisesnd.com
Marketing Assistant Job - Lift Aviation is looking for a motivated person to assist with brand marketing and sales initiatives in conjunction with trade shows, brand building, and sales generation. Previous experience in marketing/sales is preferred. This position requires an excellent work ethic. The candidate will aid in sales, marketing, and tradeshow initiatives. Overall objective – Assist in all facets of sales/marketing. Competitive Wage Health / Dental / Optical Insurance PTO Paid holidays 401k Job Type: Full-time, Onsite Only, Hourly Pay, Travel possible. Email resume and references to Todd Lentz at todd@liftaviationusa.com
Experienced Engine & Component
Technicians Needed - TAE Aerospace is a global aerospace company, servicing commercial and defense customers worldwide. We create value for customers through innovative thinking, premium quality products, and services in aerospace engineering, manufacturing, turbine engine, and component MRO. Located across the globe, our maintenance facilities in Australia and in America are the leading provider of quality general aviation, aerial agricultural, turboprop engine, and component maintenance. Right now, we are looking for experienced Engine and Component Technicians to join our teams in Adelaide, South Australia, and Scottsdale, Arizona. If you have proven TPE331, PT6A or GE H80 experience or have worked in a similar role, and looking for your next challenge – we want you! Find out more about joining our team. Email: Hr-support@taeaerospace.com phone: +61(0)881500200 or visit: www.taeaerospace.com
Helicopter Spray Pilot - B&S Air Inc. is looking for an experienced Helicopter Spray Pilot for the 2023 season. 1000 Hours of Turbine Spray time on forestry work is required. Work will be guaranteed from April-November of 2023, with the possibility of a long-term seat. Please contact Chase Gibson directly at 228-860-2375 to discuss the seat. https:// www.bandsairinc.com/
Mix Truck Driver/Helicopter Loader - QUALIFICATIONS: Class A or B CDL required with tanker and hazmat endorsements. Experience in related field is helpful; clean driving record, must pass regular drug and alcohol screenings; must be willing to travel and work outside in the elements, and some heavy lifting may be required. Immediate permanent relocation is not necessary. JOB DESCRIPTION: Our company provides silvicultural services for many types of customers throughout the US South and Midwest. This job offers workers a chance to travel and interact with many different types of leaders in the forestry industry. This is a great opportunity to advance with our company or to meet other persons in the industry that may help to further your career. This job
will require you to be on the road from March-end of October with off time November-February. Our helicopter crews often work long hours and 7 day work weeks. Duties include: Driving mix truck from one spray location to the next with the help of the crew leader for navigation and filling the helicopter with chemicals. Necessary training will be provided to complete these tasks. Stays at hotel required while working out of town or at company owned apartment when working near our office. Ideal candidate will be willing to work hard with a positive attitude, work long hours and work as a team to help make the crew productive. PLEASE CONTACT CHASE GIBSON DIRECTLY at 228-860-2375 or email resume to chase@bsairinc.com
Tabula – Regional Aviation Business Development Team Members for the Canadian Market: Due to continued growth in the United States, Tabula is hiring a new Regional Aviation Business Development Team Members for the Canadian Market to focus on our AirVision System. In return, we are offering a role that has the opportunity for growth and development, a base salary of $60k, plus a generous commission and bonus program that will reflect your skills, knowledge, and overall experience, with total earning potential being well over $100k.
To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to recruitment@tabula.live
Tabula – Regional Aviation Business Development Team Members for the Southern Central United States: Due to continued growth in the United States, Tabula is hiring a new Regional Aviation Business Development Team Members for the Southern Central United States region to focus on our AirVision System. We are seeking someone with experience in the Agriculture Aviation Sector. About the role:The Business Development Team is responsible for maintaining our existing sales, growing new business, and technically supporting our products within the Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture and Utility industries. In return, we are offering a role that has the opportunity for growth and development, a base salary of $60k, plus a generous commission and bonus program that will reflect your skills, knowledge, and overall experience, with total earning potential being well over $100k.
To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to recruitment@tabula.live.
Pilots Wanted - Looking for a few good pilots to fly 400-turbine Air Tractors. Willing to help with the turbine transition for the corn run. Perfect opportunity for a piston pilot.
Call or text Craig at 815-499-4704
Long-Term Experienced AT-402 Pilot - Well established company in Ohio looking for a long-term experienced
AT-402 pilot - 2023 and beyond. Housing is available. Fungicide, insecticide, fertilizer, seeding work on corn, beans, wheat, and some vegetables. Send resume to chadniese@embarqmail.com or Call Chad at 419-235-4182
POSITION WANTED
Experienced Pilot Available for 2025 and beyond. Contact me for resume, references, or any questions at email: dwowen54@yahoo.com or call 318-418-2441
Pilot Arizona - Pilot Available now. Any state or country. 58 good condition. Recent time on 510P. Licensed in Kansas, Colorado. E mail pawneeguy@hotmail.com
Plane & Pilot Available - Plane & Pilot available from July to August for 4-6 weeks. 510 Thrush. Experienced owner/operator. Quality work. Shapefile proficient. Email contact information and operation location to blindads@agairupdate.com Subject: ID#3384
Looking for 2024 Seat and Beyond Georgia: Looking for a 2024 seat and beyond. Willing to travel. Total time 20,200. Turbine time 18,471. Total Ag time 1,255. Licensed in Georgia. Completed NAFA in January 2024. Call Hale Ellis for more details at 678-779-4726
Experienced AG Pilot looking for Seat Georgia: Experienced AG Pilot looking for Seat, 7500TT, 4300AG, flown all Air Tractors models and Thrush planes. Resume available on request. Contact IFlyag66@gmail.com
Subcontract for Corn Run South Dakota - Experienced pilot with AT-5, 6, or 802 SATLOC/flow control, extensive SHP time. Contact 701-541-0102
Experienced Tail Wheel Looking for Seat Utah - Experienced Tail Wheel. Most of my time has been in Turbine and Radial Ag Aircraft. Currently flying corporate and have a flexible schedule. Have a clean and safe record. Looking for ferry or contract flying opportunities. Located in Salt Lake City. Call Ty at 801-232-5777
Helicopter Pilot Turbine/Piston Tennessee - Helicopter pilot turbine/ piston 7000+ flight hours looking for opportunity. Willing to work as a loader and hangar to earn a seat. Hardworking and committed to delivering highquality results. Reliable and dedicated with an excellent safety record and work ethic. Available on short notice. I appreciate your time. Looking forward to hearing from you. Steve. Reach out via call, text or 901-586-7322 or email at Stbrown77@gmail.com
AK Bush Pilot Looking for AG Pilot Slot, Alaska - 25 yrs AK bush. Central America Missionary pilot. 7500 TT, 1250 DHC3, 250 DHC3T. Train me so I can spray for you. See resume for details or email Will at whframingconsultant2@gmail.com
Looking for Long-Term Seat in the US Cordoba - Looking for long-term seat in the US. I have an interesting combination of Aviation Engineering, Flight Training and Flight Experience, both Rotary Wing and Fixed Wing. Currently flying Thrush 510, Robinson 44, Robinson 66 and King Air C90. Experience in liquid application, aerial seeding and aerial fertilization. I am also URT (Upset Recovery Training) and aerobatics flight instructor giving instruction for more than 80 pilots already including AG pilots on how to recover airplanes form upset attitudes. Pilot Licenses: ATP, IFR Helicopter, CFI, TT Rotary Wing 1,500 hours. Resume and references are attached. For more information email cerionidiego@gmail.com
Looking for a Seat Missouri: Experienced Loader, CFI - Working on my second year loading now. Trained with Eagle Vistas over the winter on AG with John Becker. Some Ag-Cat and Pawnee time, 25 hours ag, 850 total, 150 tailwheel. I have my CFI, multi, and instrument. Looking for a seat in a plane, willing to load for the right company. Call 417-763-7675 or email JosephDittrich@live.com
OPERATIONS FOR SALE
Operation For Sale or Lease - 20510
State Highway 113 Knights Landing, CA 95645, ±12.97 acre site, Large improved yard with buildings, Building Total Footprint SF: ±9,852 SF, (Shop: ±1,880 SF, Hangar: ±6,372 SF, Office: ±1,600 SF, Shower available), Gravel Yard (at standard coverage): ±437,877 SF, Paved Yard/Runway: ±102,736 SF, Licensed FAA Airstrip, Grade-level loading/accordion doors, Former crop dusting operation, Diesel Fuel Tanks w/23,000-gallon capacity, Advanced Security System (Bay Alarm), three separate ingress/ egress points, EPA Wash Rack, Septic, and RV shore power hookups, Propane Tank, Good access to I-5 (14 min drive time). Video Link: https://
vimeo.com/849173587?share=copy. $2,900,000. Contact Mike Metzger at 916-440-1830
Southwestern U.S. Business for Sale: Established Southwestern U.S. business for sale. Our main priority is to make sure our customers are well taken care of in the future by a capable party with a solid background in ag aviation. Our private facilities would possibly be a good satellite operation for a larger operator looking to expand. Current owner/pilot & loader can stay on as needed, especially in the beginning to help with customer transition. Season generally runs AprilSeptember, averaging 60k acres/year. Please inquire only if you own/have owned an operation or have previous experience running one. Email inquires to blindads@agairupdate.com Subject: ID#6010
OPERATIONS WANTED
Looking for Operation in ND/SD: I’m looking for an operation in North Dakota or South Dakota. It does not need to include aircraft, and I’m open to how we can make a deal work. I’m open to satellite operations, etc. Please email inquiries to blindads@agairupdate.com, Subject: ID#6605
PROPELLERS
12D40-6101-12 Propeller, Overhauled with 8130 Form. Call +1 (903) 429-6805
Hamilton Standard Propeller 23D40 with 6511-12S Blades Overhauled Completely. Includes 8130-3 form. Call +1 (903) 429-6805
Hamilton Standard 22D40 Hydromatic Propeller 6533 blades overhauled complete with distributor valve and prop, Governor.
Call +1 (903) 429-6805
Hamilton Standard 23D40 Propeller with new blades 6511A-9 installed. Completely overhauled with 8130-3 form. Call +1 (903) 429-6805
QUALITY Propellers For Sale
33D50-6601A18 OHC $31,500
23D40-6601A18 OHO $29,500
22D40-6533A12 OHO. $26,500
12D40-AG100-4S 375-SOH $21,000
12D40-AG100-2 828-SOH $19,000
HC-B3TN-5M 106 OHC $27,000 Call +1 (870) 886-2418
Jeffries Airworks Dynamic Propeller Balancing with Chadwick Helmuth engine printout equipment. Jeffries Airworks, Dynamic Balancing, Vibration Analysis. Much more than just a balance. Nationwide service on your location.
Call Jim Jeffries, A&P/IA, 985-507-9981
TRAINING
Riggin Flight Service South Dakotaoffering private, commercial, instrument, Ag, multi-engine, tailwheel, etc. We tailor our courses to meet your needs. Call+1 (605) 256-9774
VEHICLES
Auger Truck C7500. Stainless hopper, auger, and scale. Everything works. Upgrading to a bigger frame for next season. $95,000. Available in October. No holds. Cash in hand takes it home in October. Call Kaitlin at 218-201-0921
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. As the only family-owned Pratt & Whitney Canada Designated Overhaul Facility in the world, no one knows the PT6A better. From 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.
