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
aau@marsaylmedia.com
PRESIDENT: Graham Lavender graham@marsaylmedia.com
VICE-PRESIDENT: Bill Lavender bill@agairupdate.com
SECRETARY: Sandy Lavender sandy@agairupdate.com
ACCOUNTING: Casey L. Armstrong casey@marsaylmedia.com
CIRCULATION: Mary Jane Virden maryjane@marsaylmedia.com subs@agairupdate.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:
Ted Delanghe ted.delanghe@gmail.com
Robert Craymer robertc@covingtonaircraft.com
Regina Farmer regina.farmer@chem-man.com
Carlin Lawrence carlin@agairupdate.com
Ryan Mason ryan@agairupdate.com
Michelle Miller michelle@thefarmbabe.com
Josh Alameda josh.alameda@gmail.com
Tracy Thurman thurmantracyt@gmail.com
LATIN AMERICAN REPRESENTATIVES:
Ernesto Franzen ernesto@agairupdate.com
Gina Hickmann gina@agairupdate.com
Ivan Parra ivan@agairupdate.com
Noelia Burgeus noeliburgues@gmail.com
Pat Kornegay pat@svatx.com
Guillermo Giordana aravia@aravia.com.ar
Marcia Specht marcia.specht@gmail.com
FROM THE COCKPIT
Bill Lavender | bill@agairupdate.com
A Great Experience with Great People, More to Come!
Iam writing this editorial reflecting on my wonderful trip to Brazil in August to do some much needed fishing and attend the SINDAG conference. Every trip to Latin America I have made has been very gratifying, and the one I made in August was no exception.
It started with a long weekend at a fishing pousada by the Cuiabá River. This fishing “camp” was exceptional in accommodations, food, hospitality and fish. Traveling with my longtime friend and now the South American Editor of AgAir Update, Ernesto Franzen, we experienced the joy of catching and releasing many piranha and dorado fish.
The scenery of the Pantanal was breathtaking, especially true when you consider the Cuiaba River waters were infested with piranhas, and there were hungry alligators around every river’s bend. I know alligators don’t usually eat adult humans, but I wasn’t about to find out! I have been to many places and done many things besides flying ag-aircraft: rhino harvesting in Mozambique, chasing kangaroos in Australia, hunting prairie dogs in the United States, dodging all sorts of wild beasts in South Africa’s Kruger Park and much more. But the Pantanal will always be at the top of my list of travels to remember.
SINDAG hosted an excellent congress this past August in Santo Antônio do Leverger, north of Cuiaba, Mato Grosso. The attendance of exhibitors and attendees was remarkable. It may have been one of the largest ag-aviation conventions I have ever attended in my 50 years of attendance. The Brazilian industry is growing exponentially, as evidenced by this trade show.
In this month's issue, we have dedicated the cover story as our annual “Photo Issue.” The phenomial photos over the following pages used to take rolls and rolls of film, long lenses and the "luck of the shot" that we would get the right photo, only to know once the film was developed. When the first digital cameras came along, they were no match for the fast shutters of the larger body cameras. Now, with what fits in the palm of your hand, the images can rival some of the best photos by DLSR cameras. With that being said, remember, with the convenience of the technology that can fit in your pocket, fly like everyone is watching. Two clicks and the world will see the picture without even having to get the film developed.
- Photo by @tomjonesfoto on IG Overhead of the Thrush in Indiana.
- Photo by Photo by @tomjonesfoto on IG
A rare aerial view from an Air Tractor of a full rainbow.
- Photo by @artysair on IG
A smoke pass from a two seat Air Tractor in Texas.
- Photo by @texas_avgeek on IG
A sunrise shot of the Cessna 188.
- Photo by @tudonivelado on IG
An Air Tractor on the climb out in Guatemala.
- Photo by @aviacion_agricola_guatemalteca on IG
Pilot view from the front.
- Photo by @deltaplanespotter on IG
An Air Tractor passes by barns.
- Photo by @downshilohroad on IG
The Piper Pawnee hard at work in Turkey.
- Photo by @cem_dogut on IG
THE ISSUE PHOTO
Take a moment to appreciate these selected images from our magazine and online. We are thankful for all the submissions this year and look forward to showcasing more in the future.
Remember to tag @agairupdate for a chance to be featured on our social media and in the AgAv Pics section of AgAir Update !
Photo by Tom Jones
Photo by Peter Schellenberger
Coming in low and fast for a field approach.
A dual-cockpit and single-seat Air Tractor return to base.
Photo by Tom Jones
Photo by Joe Richard
Photo by Parker Williams
A Heliteam Bell 206 works the corn run in Illinois.
An Air Tractor gets a much needed clean after a spray run.
Photo by Jacobo Ramos
Photo by Joe Richard
Photo by @tudonivelado on IG
Lifting off in the Thrush in South America.
Photo by @parkerwilliams24 on IG
Photo by @tomjonesfoto on IG
Pulling into the sunset in Indiana.
Three Air Tractors await their next mission in Guatemala.
A pilots eye view over crops from the helicopter.
Five AgCats in formation on the ground in Indiana.
•
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•
Photo
Photo by @applicconsultoria on IG
Photo by Sarah Murray Howland, Forest Air Helicopters
Photo by André le Roux
Photo by @asasdoagro_ms on IG
A Thrush on a spray run in South America.
Banking out in the AT-802 in Arkansas.
On the corn run in South America.
Forest Air's Bell 206 sprays a crop in New South Wales, Australia.
Coming in low on Canola spraying.
•Pratt & Whitney PT6A-140AG
•Firewall Forward Bolt on Kit (w/new engine mount)
A historical look back at Lee Farms in the mid 1970s running a Thrush.
A Huey hard at work on the corn run.
Fire in the sky in Brazil.
An overhead refueling shot in Guatemala.
Photo by @tomjonesfoto on IG
Photo by @gulfstreamchris on IG
Photo by @agaviationadventures on IG
Photo by @david_shved on IG
Photo by @adventurerig on IG
Photo by @theheliteam on IG
Banking in the two-seater.
The Start Stick making it go.
The Heli Team Huey waiting for its next spray during a 2023 corn run.
The view off the wing in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
A Thrush at sunset in Star City, Indiana.
Air Tractor and support vehicle, captured.
NEW RG-220 BATTERIES DESIGNED FOR THE MOST DEMANDING APPLICATIONS
We love the RG-220. We like that the battery box is clean; it’s a cleaner, friendlier installation without corrosion treatment and preventative maintenance. The mechanic appreciates it and for us it reduces our maintenance costs. There are more amps available for faster, cooler starts.”
For Air Tractor Models AT-402, AT-402A, AT-402B, AT-502, AT-502A, AT-502B, AT-504, AT-602, AT-802 & AT-802A
STC SA01090DE provides for the installation of Concorde RG-220 batteries in Air Tractors.
The TSO-C173a authorized RG-220 was specifically designed to start PT6 turbine engines. It is built with the same components and features that are proven to optimize current output, maximize capacity and sustain turbine engine power requirements. The RG-220 is dependable season after season.
• Faster starts, improved performance and reduced engine wear
• Sealed technology - no electrolyte management or potential contamination
• Proprietary PolyGuard® Separators – for added protection against shock & vibration
• Concorde batteries are 100% recyclable
• Supported by Concorde’s world class customer service
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AeroFlow Systems
A Journey of Innovation and Dedication
by Graham Lavender
AeroFlow Systems, Inc., a leading name in aerial application technology, has a history of hard work, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. The company's story is closely tied to the journeys of its new owners, Travis Hershberger and Eric Miller, whose combined experience and dedication have helped shape it into what it is today.
Eric Miller: Building a Foundation in Aerial Application
Eric Miller’s story began in Dauphin, Pennsylvania, where he started working for John Tallman of Tallman Aerial Spraying at the age of 12. His early years were spent learning the ins and outs of mechanics and aerial application, gaining a solid foundation in the field. As he grew older, Eric took on more responsibilities, including running load setups and managing jobs across Pennsylvania.
In 2011, Eric moved to Indiana to contract as ground help, where he began working with Garrett Eby at AgriFlite Services, Inc. His work in Indiana soon became full-time, and Eric managed all ground operations at AgriFlite. His aerial application expertise and drive to improve processes made him an invaluable asset to the company.
Travis Hershberger: A Legacy of Craftsmanship
Travis Hershberger grew up in Northern Indiana, where he was introduced to the manufacturing world at an early age. At 13, he began working at his family’s business, Superior Tool & Die. By 16, Travis was spending his afternoons at the shop, working full-time during the summers. His dedication to the craft was evident early on, and after graduating high school in 2001, he entered an apprenticeship program while working full-time as a machinist and machine builder.
Travis’s talent for small engineering projects and CAD design soon became apparent, leading him to take on custom projects that added significant value to the family business. His skills and leadership qualities eventually saw him move into management, where he continued to excel until the end of 2019. However, Travis’s passion for innovation and growth led him to seek new challenges, and in 2019, he boldly decided to leave the family business to pursue his dream of owning AeroFlow Systems, Inc.
(Continued on page 24)
Eric Miller (L) and Travis Hershberger (R)
New Brand, More Possibilities
The only Check Valve that will stop the leaking, dripping and plugging!
is now
Standard On-Off
NOW AVAILABLE IN FULL LENGTH BOOMS
Right and/or Left Boom Shutoff & Proprietary Coatings “AFS Extended Life” Spray Booms
*Available in 2 inch & 1.5 inch
*welded or Camloc fittings
*24 volt electric
*.47 sec close
*Proprietary Coatings
*Lightweight only 6 lbs
*Specifically designed for ag aircraft
The Birth of the New AeroFlow Systems
The seeds of future ownership of AeroFlow Systems were planted in 2013 when Eric took on managing sales and service for the company. By 2014, he had begun designing valve systems for booms, seeking the help of his friend Travis, a skilled toolmaker. The two collaborated on various projects, with Travis designing and building prototype parts based on Eric’s ideas.
Between 2015 and 2016, the duo tested their first right-boom shutoff systems, refining their designs through rigorous full-season testing. Their products quickly gained a reputation for durability and effectiveness, leading to the introduction of coated boom systems in 2017. The success of these products spurred further innovation, and by 2018, AeroFlow was designing and prototyping its own booms and T-boom systems.
In 2019, Travis Hershberger joined Eric full-time, leaving his family’s machine shop behind. Together, they set out to take AeroFlow Systems into the next generation of aerial application support. Their hard work culminated in the 2020 release of AFS’s full-boom system, a complete in-house design and manufacturing effort by Travis and Eric.
AeroFlow Systems Today and Beyond
The past few years have seen AeroFlow Systems grow and evolve, with a continued focus on designing new products, improving existing ones, and supporting the flying service. In 2024, Travis Hershberger and Eric Miller officially purchased AeroFlow Systems, Inc., and relocated the company to a new, larger manufacturing facility at 12839 Industrial Park Drive, Granger, IN 46530.
Looking to the future, AeroFlow Systems is committed to maintaining its position as a leader in the industry by offering constant and unparalleled customer support, continuously improving product designs, and innovating new solutions that are simple, effective, and easy to maintain. Every product AeroFlow releases is thoroughly tested in the industry to ensure it works for you, not the other way around.
At AeroFlow, the phone lines are always open because Travis and Eric understand what it’s like to experience downtime during the busy season. They are dedicated to making sure their customers have the support they need when they need it.
As AeroFlow Systems continues to grow, the company remains grounded in the values that have guided it from the beginning: quality craftsmanship, innovative solutions, and an unwavering commitment to its customers.
NAAA INSIGHTS
RIDE ALONG
2024-2025 PAASS Program Focused on Avoiding CFIT Accidents and Complying with Endangered Species Act
by Scott Bretthauer – Director of Policy, Education & Safety
The 2024-2025 PAASS program will soon be coming to a state/regional convention near you. The primary missions of PAASS are to protect the lives and enhance the professionalism of agricultural aviators who have such a huge impact on the agricultural output of our country. Since its inception in 1998, PAASS has contributed to a reduction in both agricultural aviation accident rates and drift incidents. The total agricultural aviation accident rate has declined by over 26% and the fatal agricultural aviation accident rate has declined by 6% since PAASS began. Aerial drift complaints have been reduced 26% during the history of PAASS. Nearly 86% of ag aviation accidents are caused by those that do not attend PAASS annually. This season’s PAASS program will open with a review of the 2024 agricultural aviation accidents. The review will include a breakdown of the types of accidents and pilot demographics. Based on a record-setting number of mid-air collisions in 2024, the review will include how to avoid mid-air collisions based on what happened in recent mid-air accidents. Use of radios, ADS-B, ferrying at the correct altitude, and a plan when working near other ag aviators are all critical to avoiding mid-air collisions.
The accident review will lead directly into the human factors segment, which will be on avoiding controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) accidents. CFIT continues to be a major accident cause in the aerial application industry, particularly for fatal accidents. CFIT accidents include collisions with wires, towers and guy wires, trees, other objects, and the ground itself. PAASS will cover updated statistics on CFIT accidents over the last several years to reveal the objects being struck and whether or not the
pilot was aware of the obstacle before they collided with it. Striking wires that the pilot was already aware of is a common occurrence. Pilots’ overall flying experience level and time in type of aircraft they had the CFIT accident in will also be discussed.
Participants will hear from several pilots who have experienced CFIT accidents firsthand. The interviews will focus on the factors that led to the accident so that attendees can avoid similar situations. They will talk about how they failed to notice or forgot about the wire or other obstacle they struck. How they responded after the accident will allow the audience a chance to think about how they might react in the event of an accident. Participants will also learn about the true cost of wire strike accidents, which includes not only the repair costs but also the loss of work income while the aircraft is being repaired.
The results of an FAA focus group study of agricultural aviators who had wire strike accidents will also be covered. This study reveals risk factors that contribute to wire strike accidents, including both situational and personal risks. Study participants provide information on actions they could have taken to avoid the collision. Participants will hear from a helicopter pilot who discusses how he scouts for wires and other threats and plans his application accordingly.
The environmental professionalism segment of the 20242025 PAASS program will cover two subjects. The first
(Continued on page 28)
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.)
will be an overview of the USDA-ARS Aerial Application Technology Research Unit’s (AATRU) aerial droplet size models to maximize efficacy and mitigate drift. The four versions of the model and how to use them to calibrate an agricultural aircraft for both GPA and droplet size will be covered. Aerial applicators can use the models to ensure they are both compliant with the label and to maximize drift mitigation.
The second part of this segment will be a detailed example of how to use EPA’s Bulletins Live Two! (BLT) to determine where, when, and what mitigations are needed to protect endangered species when applying pesticides. A real-life scenario from an ag aviator will show applicators how to locate their application target area on the BLT website, determine if the application will occur within a pesticide use limitation area (PULA), download the bulletin with required mitigations, and comply with the additional restrictions. The example will include both determining where buffer zones are required based on adjacent vegetation and wind direction as well as setting up the aircraft for the correct droplet size.
The 2024-2025 PAASS program will also include a security segment that describes a vandalism incident that occurred to an agricultural aircraft. While no serious damage was done, the situation could have been much worse, highlighting the need to remain constantly vigilant to secure your aircraft, chemicals, and other assets. An aviation medical examiner will cover how to avoid medications that can impact flying and how to stay properly rested to avoid fatigue.
Use of an Operation S.A.F.E. pattern testing kit that can be used by a pilot or operator to conduct their own spray pattern testing will help demonstrate how easy it can
be to test your aircraft’s application performance. The system uses water sensitive papers and a smartphone with an app. No computer, flat-bed scanner, or fluorometer is required. The role distractions, particularly those related to technology in the cockpit, potentially play in accidents will also be covered. The 2024-2025 PAASS program will conclude with a series of multiple-choice questions asked using polling software to ensure knowledge retention of the material presented by the participants.
The 2024 application season has seen far too many fatal accidents. This winter, make sure you take time to attend PAASS at your local state or regional ag aviation association meeting. Commit yourself to listen, learn, and offer your own thoughts during PAASS. Also, become a certified professional aerial application safety steward by becoming C-PAASS certified. Our statistics show that those participating in our education and safety programs are much less likely to have an ag aviation accident. As an industry, we must strive to be safer – for ourselves, our families, and the future of the ag aviation industry.
PAASS is your opportunity to improve your agricultural aviation knowledge. Register to attend one this fall or winter. Visit AgAviation.org and check the calendar of events to find dates and locations of state and regional meetings offering the 2024-2025 PAASS Program. Please make it a priority to join NAAA or renew your NAAA membership because the payoff far exceeds what you will spend in dues in the form of effective advocacy that reduces regulation and taxes affecting your aerial application business and trade association membership dues are tax deductible.
Membership is easy!
Call (202) 546-5722 or pay membership dues online at AgAviation.org.
SINDAG Holds Record Breaking Convention in Brazil
by Ernesto Franzen, AgAirUpdate South American Editor
SINDAG, the Brazilian Agricultural Aviation Association, held its annual convention at the Santo Antônio do Leverger Airport (SWLV) in Mato Grosso from August 20 to 22, 2025. The Congresso da Aviação Agrícola do Brasil de 2024 (2024 Brazilian Agricultural Aviation Convention) was undoubtedly South America's biggest and best ever. Due to the rotation agreement signed between Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, this event this year also doubled as the Mercosur Agricultural Aviation Convention, adding an international color to the event.
Even the 100 F heat did not keep a cumulative audience (each attendee counted each visit) of 4,851 visitors from visiting 224 exhibitors spread across 248,000 square feet. This year marks the first time the South American event has rivaled the Ag Aviation Expo. Sindag estimates that the deals closed during the event reached R$250 million reais or about $44.3 million US dollars.
This success is the result of the tireless work of the Sindag and Ibravag staff, specifically Sindag President Hoana Almeida Santos and her Executive Director Gabriel Colle, Operational Director Cláudio Júnior Oliveira and especially Administrative Coordinator Marília Luíze Schüller and Operational Coordinator Janete Lima, the last two who worked more directly organizing the event.
The 2025 Brazilian Agricultural Aviation Convention will occur in the same location in Santo Antônio do Leverger from August 19 to 21, 2025, while the Mercosur Convention should happen in the second half of July in Buenos Aires, Argentina. AgAir Update's sister publication, AgAir Update Brasil, provides complete coverage of the Brazilian ag aviation industry. Contact AgAir Update to expand your market into this rapidly growing ag aviation sector, or subscribe.
Photo:
Photo: C5 NewsPress
Photo: C5 NewsPress
Photo: C5 NewsPress
Photo: C5 NewsPress
S & T Aircraft Accessories
Photo:
Photo:
Photo: C5 NewsPress
Photo:
Tabula’s Integration with the Reabe Hopper Quantity Gauge Benefits Pilots and Ground Staff
August 22, 2024 – Tabula, a leading provider of aviation GPS guidance and job management systems for the agricultural industry, has completed an integration with the Reabe Hopper Quantity Gauge to keep the pilot up to date with how much coverage they can expect before heading back to base to refill.
Designed to help pilots plan their runs before heading back to base, the system uses the current target rate and actual tank volume to determine coverage area before empty, displaying the total on the AirVision tablet as hectares or acres remaining - removing the distraction of in-the-head calculations as the job progresses.
Back at base, loaders can keep track of the area remaining for individual aircraft through Tabula’s online platform
Tabula Live, allowing them to anticipate arrival order and prepare appropriate volume and spray mixes for incoming aircraft, decreasing turnaround time between runs.
Reabe Air thanked Tabula for their collaboration on this project. Troy Reabe, owner of Reabe Air states, “Our industry’s greatest asset is each other and we, as vendors, should work together so we can create the best products for the customer. Reabe Air is committed to making innovative, reliable, and safe products that are designed with the mechanic and pilot in mind."
While there is a small cost for cabling, the feature is available free of charge for all Tabula AirVision customers with standard Reabe Hopper Quantity Gauge installations.
Kyle Scott Lost in Ag Aviation Accident
The founder and CEO of Scott Aviation and later CO Fire Aviation, Kyle Scott, lost his life during an aerial application flight on September 5th, 2024, while flying his AT-602 in Colorado. A former Minnesota native, Scott founded Scott Aviation in Fort Morgan, Colorado, providing aerial application service in and around the Fort Morgan area, approximately 90 minutes Northeast of Denver, before the founding of CO Fire Aviation in 2019 and Gold Aero in 2020. Both companies operate primarily out of their Fort Morgan base, including the Fort Morgan Airport FBO run by Scott Aviation. CO Fire Aviation has been a successful aerial firefighting company for several years, providing SEAT aircraft on contracts in Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada, and Colorado.
and spending time with family and friends at their cabin in Wyoming. His enthusiasm for life and love for his family and friends were always at the forefront, and he was often found cheering on Piper and Skylar at their volleyball and basketball games (usually earning a warning from the local Athletic Director), additionally supporting their barrel racing events. Their daughters said he was their biggest fan and critic, constantly pushing them to learn and improve. Kyle and Jennifer celebrated 27 years of marriage and experienced countless moments of pure love full of respect and loyalty. They showed each other unwavering support for one another over time. They loved doing life together, celebrating all they had accomplished and the wonderful, independent, caring daughters they raised.
Not only was Kyle a contributor to the aviation industry, but he utilized his skill by supporting his local communities when called upon, providing fire relief in local grass fires, duck drops, and Easter egg drops, and donating helicopter and plane rides for local fundraisers. He felt humbled, honored, and fulfilled when he provided Angel Flights to those in need. Kyle was an Honorary Member of the Fort Morgan Fire Department since 2013 and Rural Board President for the Rural Fire Protection District.
His influence extended beyond his companies. Kyle was a dedicated member of the National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA), serving on the Executive Board and the Colorado Agricultural Aviation Association (CAAA), passing through the chairs and serving as President. He was a strong advocate for safety, innovation, and best practices within the industry. Kyle also served as the President of the SEAT Operators Association, where he was recognized for his leadership and commitment to the industry’s future.
Beyond his professional achievements, Kyle had a deep passion for the outdoors. He loved snowmobiling, hunting,
Kyle’s sudden passing leaves an immense void for his family, friends, and aviation and firefighting communities. He will be remembered for his incredible contributions to the field, love for adventure, and devotion to his loved ones. His legacy will live on through the lives he touched and the countless contributions he made.
Kyle was remembered by many in Fort Morgan after his passing via social media for the impact he made in many areas of the community, including comment from former Morgan County Sheriff Jim Crone, who commented that Kyle was always willing to lend a hand to the community, be it for wildfire support or to provide an aircraft when needed for official duties or to support the local community or helping the Nebraska Panhandle Honor Flight with an escort as they arrived into Morgan county.
Kyle was a friend to many, a proud husband and father, and will be sorely missed by the industry. Our thoughts are with Kyle's family and the entire Scott Aviation, Gold Aero, and CO Fire Aviation families.
Proudly supporting operators of:
Air Tractor Equipped with Capstan's
Air Tractor Equipped
Exhibits at the 2024 Farm Progress Show
Air Tractor showcased its AT-802 aircraft, equipped with the state-of-the-art SwatchPro boom system by Capstan, at the Farm Progress Show, held from August 27-29 in Boone, Iowa. This event is a major gathering for farmers, drawing 150,000 to 200,000 domestic and international attendees who come to connect and do business with a diverse range of exhibitors.
“We had a prime location right at the northeast gate entrance, directly across from the Case IH booth,” said Chris Lockhart, sales coordinator at Air Tractor.
Lockhart noted the excitement from visitors, many of whom were thrilled to see an agricultural plane up close after typically only seeing them in the sky. The size of the plane surprised several attendees. While visitors waited to tour
the aircraft, Air Tractor staff took the opportunity to discuss the high standards of safety and professionalism that aerial applicators maintain. Several Iowa Agricultural Aviation Association board members volunteered their time at the booth, sharing valuable insights with farmers and the public.
Lockhart estimated that 3,000 to 4,000 people visited the Air Tractor booth throughout the three-day show. While staff couldn’t engage with everyone, the industry exposure was significant. Partnering with Capstan Ag to feature the SwathPro pulse-width modulation boom system, Air Tractor highlighted aerial application as a crucial element of precision agriculture.
Air Tractor plans to return to the Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois next year.
CRAYMER’S COUNSEL
Robert Craymer | robertc@covingtonaircraft.com
Best Practices – Preservation
Does your engine have a time when it sits unused? Are you properly preparing to let it sit on or off the airframe?
Like any machine, the times the PT6 engine is not used can be just as hard or harder on it than the times when it is being used routinely. Pratt and Whitney Canada has given us some very easy-to-follow guidelines that will make sure that when you are ready to work, your engine is as well. Everything regarding preservation is scheduled around a time frame and has significant consequences. If an engine is not preserved per the published schedule, the engine could suffer corrosion damage, and the warranty could be voided. The only way to check for corrosion damage is to disassemble the engine to visually inspect ALL components. Therefore, we always provide time to discuss the importance of engine preservation.
Here is what you need to know:
If the engine will be inactive for 0 to 7 days, all that is required is to make sure that the engine is sheltered. Humidity and temperature changes that can cause condensation are grounds to move your preservation plan to the next level. Also, if there is a lot of salt in the atmosphere you live in, you want to do a clean water rinse (desalinization wash) prior to storing the airplane. Exhaust covers, inlet covers and securing the prop are really the only other requirements.
(Continued on page 48)
Fuel control.
The second calendar interval classification is 8 to 28 days. This area of the calendar is the most common in ag aviation. The first step is to run the engine and follow the 0 to 7-day instructions. Next, you will need to add desiccant bags and a humidity indicator in the exhaust duct. The objective is to maintain and confirm the humidity level at 40% or less. Check the humidity indicator every couple of weeks; replace the desiccant and indicator if it turns pink. Make sure there is no source of humidity near the engine, and if there is, make sure to remove it.
If your time dictates that your engine must sit for 29 to 90 days, there are a couple of additional steps to take. Washing the engine inside and out, touching up any of the missing protective coatings and lubricating the linkage. Next, disconnect the fuel supply line and cap at the oil-to-fuel heater. Disconnect the fuel line at the flow divider inlet and then add the proper preservation oil. Instructions in the maintenance manual show you how to do a motoring run to replace the fuel in the system with the preservation oil. Then, of course, you cap and cover everything. Make sure that you also follow the 0 to 28
days steps, and don’t forget your humidity indicator.
For some, the engine may sit over 90 days. For those, you must do all the above plus drain the oil, remove the oil filter and coat the flanges and other exposed surfaces with either oil or a preservation compound as described in the engine maintenance manual. Add a tag to your oil filler cap advising that the oil has been drained and include the preservation date. If you expect the engine to sit for longer than a year, the best practice is removing it, doing all the above, and storing it in a proper shipping container.
What happens if I don’t?
If your engine is not preserved 8-28 days before starting, you must do a Total Acid Number test on the engine oil. Up to 90 days, there are numerous other things you must check and do, as well as specific start-and-run procedures. If your engine goes up to a year unpreserved, fuel nozzles, accessory bench checks and additional inspections are required. In addition, the engine must be disassembled and inspected for corrosion.
The easy alternative is to run the engine weekly. That may seem like a nuisance, but maybe not when you compare it to the cost of parts replacement or downtime for inspections. When you perform these runs, you want to run at 80% power for 10 minutes, reducing the oil system's condensation and preventing fuel stagnation.
Reduction gears.
Remember that if you don’t record the work you do to preserve your engine in the engine logbook, it doesn’t happen. Engine preservation must be documented. All of this is especially important if you have a Pratt & Whitney Canada warranty on your engine. You don’t want to jeopardize your warranty claim because the engine wasn’t preserved or stored correctly.
As always, I just want to provide you with the best practices to allow the engine to run trouble-free for the longest possible time. Take as much time to protect your engine as you do protecting yourself, and your engine will be there for you when you need it.
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.
Michelle Miller | michelle@thefarmbabe.com
Farmers are Aging Is it Really a Problem?
It’s no secret that the average age of farmers is on the rise and has been for a long time, but is this really something we need to worry about? According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, there are 3.4 million farm producers with an average age of 58.1 years old, an increase from 57.5 from the 2017 Census of Ag. This trend has been going on for a while, but one misconception is that this is bad. People tend to think that farmers are aging and when they retire, there won’t be anyone left to continue producing the food, fiber, and fuel we need.
The average age of a farmer can vary across the country. While it is relatively consistent in most places, producers in southern states tend to be slightly older, while
midwestern states tend to be slightly younger. While farmers are still getting older, it’s also essential to look at how many farmers there are in each age category. From 2017 to 2022, the number of producers between the ages of 35-64 declined 9%. Over the same time, the number of producers 65 and over increased 12%. But the number of young producers under 35 also increased slightly.
Another interesting finding from the most recent ag census is that agricultural producers tend to have experience with individual farming for an average of 23.4 years.
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Encouragingly, 30% of producers are beginning farmers, meaning they have been farming for ten years or less. The average age of these beginning farmers is lower than the average, at 47.1 years old. Their farms tend to be smaller than average in acres and sales, showing that people are starting farms and joining the ag industry. These people tend to be younger.
One reason farmers are aging is the barriers for young people to start or join a farm. It takes a lot of capital to start, join, or take over a family farm. There are high costs in equipment, land, and other inputs. Older people tend to have higher wealth than younger people, so it isn’t a huge surprise that this is reflected in the average age of a farmer. Young and aspiring farmers also face rising interest rates and challenges finding labor.
Farm size is also rising, with farms becoming more extensive and efficient. In 2022, the average size of farms increased by 5 percent, while the number of farmland acres decreased by 2 percent, making it harder for young and aspiring farmers to access land.
So what can we do about it? The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has programs
to support beginning farmers and ranchers, who are often younger. We must continue to support agricultural education so that if young people choose to pursue starting or taking over a farm, they have the knowledge and skills to do so. Supporting 4-H and FFA programs is also crucial. A succession plan is essential if you have a farm, as it can significantly help future generations.
In exciting news, a recent study found that farmers have become slightly younger compared to the rest of the U.S. population. Since 1960, the average age of U.S. farmers has increased 7.6 years, while the median age of the U.S. population has increased 8.8 years.
While it is true that farmers are aging, this isn’t a huge problem. Farms are getting more extensive and efficient, and tools like succession planning will be crucial to ensure these farms can be passed down to future generations. Young people are interested in becoming farmers, as we can see from the increase in the number of beginning farmers. We must ensure these young and aspiring farmers have the opportunity, tools, and support to become farm producers.
Increase Your Odds of Walking Away After a Crash
A Neurosurgeon’s Take
by Dr. Samantha Parker
When talking about motorcycle accidents, a common saying is, “It’s not a matter of if, but when.” Unfortunately, this same phrase seems to apply to pilots, and in my near decade around the aerial application industry, I haven’t met a single pilot who hasn’t “put down” at least one plane. Aerial applicators work in an environment with maximum obstructions, minimal altitude, and typically a splitsecond window to transition from routine flight to an abnormality or potentially emergency procedure. Training at the busiest trauma center in the country, I have treated more than my fair share of pilots with devastating traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. Here is what I’ve gleaned from that experience and some of the current national data.
Let’s compare numbers, shall we? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the annual rate of deaths per 100,000
registered vehicles is 127 in general aviation aircraft, compared to 58 in motorcycles and 11.9 in cars. Looking at aviation specifically, the CDC reported the rate of agriculture pilot fatalities (one death per 100,000 hours flown) to be three times higher than that of pilots in other industries..
The best study to date was performed by Wiegmann et al. in 2003, in which 559 autopsies were performed to analyze the pattern of injury sustained by pilots in GA accidents. The most commonly occurring injuries were fractures of the ribs (72.3%), skull (55.1%), facial bones (49.4%), and pelvis (36%). Blunt trauma resulted in organ hemorrhage, including the liver (48%), lungs (37.6), heart (35%), and brain (33%).
Seventy to eighty percent of deaths were attributed to crash deceleration to the face or head, aka a flail injury in which the body is thrown about inside the cockpit.
A second autopsy study performed by the FAA in 2009, looking at fatalities in Alaskan pilots spanning 2004 – 2009, suggested at least 33 lives could have been saved by helmet use.
Let’s recap. Crashes happen at higher rates in agriculture aviation than practically any other vehicle with an engine. The rate of mortality or severe disability (translated as you are fully dependent on others for all activities of daily life) if a crash does happen borders on 65%, and the vast majority of these deaths are due to head injury from the
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pilot physically bouncing around inside the cockpit upon deceleration.
So what can you do?
• Wear a helmet with a visor or eye protection. Helmets absorb the impact of collisions, reducing the risk of traumatic brain injuries, which have long-term consequences. Even if an injury occurs, wearing a helmet can significantly reduce the severity, potentially turning a life-threatening situation into a survivable one. Pilots wearing helmets have a higher chance of surviving accidents and a lower need for neurosurgical interventions.
• Five-point harnesses reduce the risk of being thrown from the seat into the instrument panel, ceiling, or windows, which are the primary causes of flail injury and the resulting blunt trauma to bones and solid organs.
• AmSafe offers seatbelt airbags that have become standard options in most new aircraft or can be easily retrofitted into existing aircraft seats to further protect against forward strike hazards, flail injuries, and cervical whiplash injuries.
So why are there still pilots that don’t wear helmets or five-point harnesses?
The most common reasons given are lack of comfort, reduced visibility, cost, and, let’s face it, vanity. There is an FAA flight helmet standard for use by pilots of Air Tractor models AT-504, AT-802, and AT-802A, including DOI/USFS, Mil-Spec, and DOT helmets. While the FAA does not require helmets for other Air Tractor models, pilots are strongly recommended to wear an appropriate flight helmet. Modern helmets are designed with comfort in mind, making them less cumbersome and more likely to be worn consistently.
Aviation is known for having the highest safety standards of any industry. Medicine emulates aviation in its attempts to improve patient safety, including checklist safety stops prior to surgery and closed-loop communication. Lead by example by wearing helmets and properly fitting and securing seat restraints—they set a standard that encourages others to adopt these measures and fosters a culture of safety.
Mabry I. Anderson | An Insider’s History of Agricultural Aviation
Chapter Two: The Equipment & People (cont.)
Art of Persuasion
The bidding started and the crowd caught fire under Carl's pleading. Ridiculous bids were coming in from all over the hall. Then, as a stroke of genius, Carl suggested to the crowd that they form some bidding "corporations," thereby pooling their resources to bid more and more! They did just that. Within minutes, three or four "corporations" were bidding on the contents of that brown paper bag, screaming each other's bids down until finally, after 15 minutes, the bidding was over. Carl had sold that bag and its contents for $530, undoubtedly the highest price ever paid for a fifth of Jack Daniels Green Label!
Carl was even better known, however, as the official goodwill ambassador for the industry and one of the most effective friends that the business ever produced. Heimer was a masterful organizer and superb public relations man. When a convention came up, he was there assisting, helping organize exhibits, and working with others, regardless of the product they sold.
He was one of the first to see the value of prominently displaying ag aircraft to the general public, as well as to the industry. He helped organize the first of the great exhibitions held at the NAAA annual meeting, as well as those held by state associations. His was a familiar figure, leaning out of the cockpit of an ag plane, taxiing
Fertile Central American lands offered excellent employment opportunities for U.S. pilots. These Snow S-26s await action in Nicaragua in the early 1960s.
“ (Carl Heimer) was one of the first to see the value of prominently displaying ag aircraft to the general public, as well as to the industry. He helped organize the first of the great exhibitions held at the NAAA annual meeting, as well as those held by state associations... ”
it down the streets of Las Vegas or Phoenix on the way to an exhibition hall!
During the course of his ag aviation career, virtually every state association in existence voted Heimer its highest award to an allied industry member. He accepted them with a touching humility. On a few occasions he was actually speechless, for Heimer a rare and almost unbelievable condition.
Carl's career included a hitch with Uncle Sam beginning in 1939. It was not until 1947 that he became a commercial pilot and gravitated to ag flying. Somehow he persuaded J.R. McDaniel, a pioneer Florida operator based at Fort Pierce, to give him a chance to fly Stearmans. Between 1950 and 1955 Carl flew the aircraft for this firm, working mostly on truck crops, citrus, and cane in the semitropical farm community around southeast Florida.
With this type background, Carl moved to Indian River Flying Service about 1955 and for a time worked primarily with DDT applications in the Indian River Mosquito Control District. These mosquito control districts were common in those days, particularly along the Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Texas coasts. The work done by ag flying firms during this period contributed immeasurably to the health and welfare of millions of people plagued by mosquito hordes. As an aside, malaria, a serious and often fatal disease, was virtually wiped out during this period of heavy DDT application by aircraft.
In 1959 Heimer made a move that strongly affected his future, as well as the future of certain segments of the
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Eve Storm, President STARTPAC
industry, by joining Piper Aircraft as sales manager for its ag aircraft line. The PA-25 had made the scene and Heimer not only sold aircraft, he also acted as Piper's chief agricultural test pilot. Much of the progress made by Piper can be attributed directly to Carl Heimer and he was fully responsible for the firm's decision to upgrade its product and produce the 300 and 375 horsepower Braves.
In his job, Carl traveled extensively and became known worldwide. His career carried him to more than 40 foreign countries and he became almost as well known in North Africa as he was back home.
"There ain't an Arab pilot alive that doesn't know Carl Heimer," an old duster pilot remarked one evening at a convention. "Heimer set up ag flying operations all over North Africa, especially in the Sudan and in Egypt and he got more jobs for American pilots overseas than anyone who ever worked that region."
Heimer had the uncanny ability to make people do what they ought to do. This talent made it possible for him to move into a totally strange area and quickly set up a
completely workable flying operation where only sand and irrigation pumps had existed before.
Carl Heimer was one of a kind. He contributed as much as or more to the industry than any single individual. His retirement to his home in Vero Beach, Florida, left a gap that simply can't be filled. Fortunately, he still maintains his love of ag aviation and will be seen around convention halls as an honored guest as long as he desires
With admirable foresight, the framers of our state and federal constitutions provided for most states to build and operate what are known as land grant colleges. These institutions, for the most part, became the leading schools in their respective states.
Heavily endowed with both money and land, they provide an education for hundreds of thousands of students, specializing usually in agricultural and engineering fields. Most of these schools make it possible for students to actually work their way through college. These highly motivated young people contribute significantly to the welfare and economy of the nation.
Drake Martin | drake.martin@chem-man.com
The Corn Walk Before You Run
Ihave attributed a large portion of my success selling Chem-Man to the many years I used Chem-Man managing a spray business in Arkansas. It has always been a second language for me to talk the talk in the southern states, whose primary focus is treating rice and cotton. I’ve understood how different operations can be geographically distinct, specifically in the “Corn Run” in the Midwest. However, understanding that concept has never been a good substitute for first-hand knowledge. I realized that for Chem-Man to grow in the Midwest, I needed to obtain practical experience working there. In years past, I would spend a day or two with an operation here and there, but I never seemed to scratch the surface of what was happening during the heat of the corn season.
My drive to learn and better understand the corn run led me to the late spring of this year when I posted in one of the ag aviation-focused social media groups looking for an operation seeking help during their spray season. It wasn’t long after publishing the post that I received
a phone call from a man I knew very well because of his long-standing presence and reputation within the industry. That person was Joel Meyer, President of Meyer Agri-Air in Wellsburg, Iowa. I immediately knew how important it would be to work with someone like Joel, who has a long-standing reputation in the industry. Joel not only owns and operates Meyer Agri-Air but was one of the founders and creators of Seed Field Check. Joel currently serves as Secretary on the NAAA committee. Joel recently served a four-year term on the DriftWatch board and two three-year terms as the IAAA President. Aside from the various terms, Joel has served with the state and national level committees. He is also a member of the Agribusiness Association of Iowa, serving as an advocate and representative for the aerial industry in the state. Joel is also a current member of several state aerial organizations surrounding Iowa. Joel also serves on the Building and Grounds Committee at the Grundy Center Hospital, where he was instrumental in adding two new wings at his local hospital.
It wasn’t until our first conversation that I quickly realized how extraordinary it would be for not only myself but for the benefit of Chem-Man to experience the corn run firsthand while helping a large company like Meyer Agri-Air (MAA). I quickly began the process of obtaining my Iowa Handler’s License. After a handful of days of studying, accompanied by the detailed instructions laid forth by the clerical staff at MAA, I was certificated and ready to begin the season in Iowa. Joel asked me to perform the duties of a team leader at one of his 8 locations where the company operates. I had reservations about stepping into that role where I would take on such heavy responsibilities. Still, with my many years of experience in the South, he felt confident in my ability to operate a web-based operational management software.
I was invited a few weeks later to attend the annual handlers and crew leader training session at Meyer AgriAir’s flagship location, where the full-time and part-time staff can meet, learn safety procedures, and be introduced to the intricacies of working at an aerial operation. Upon arrival on the first day of the training session, it was easy to see Joel's attention to every detail, from the well-manicured grounds, the impressive facility boasting the clean and well-maintained AirTractors, and the multistation administrative office. I finally saw just how large of an operation Joel had conducted. The training session would last two days and cover various sessions and topics, beginning with fire extinguisher training, handbook, and safety training. The sessions would then be split between handlers and location managers.
The session that was oriented for the handlers began with basic handling information such as units of measurement,
how to calculate loads, how to check in and manage inventory, and how to handle and mix chemicals properly. Lunch was prepared and provided by the staff at Meyer Agri Air, led by Joel’s better half, Terri, who helps keep operations running smoothly and keeps the pilots and staff well-fed throughout the season. After everyone enjoyed lunch, the handlers were then introduced to the ag aircraft environment, where they were instructed on how to perform various tasks such as connecting the load hoses, refueling the airplanes, cleaning the windshields, freeing the nozzles from contaminates and debris, and overall safety while working alongside the ag aircraft. The handler’s portion of the training was concluded with forklift operational training.
With the handler’s portion of the training underway, the remaining members and I, tasked with the crew leading positions, went to a different segment of the training session where we were introduced to the mapping software used at Meyer Agri-Air. During this session, we were challenged with other scenarios where we learned how to mitigate spray jobs based on different variables such as distance, the presence of seed corn workers, beehive locations, and other obstructions. We learned how to communicate effectively with the crews in charge of the seed corn workers, create work orders based on the previous variables, and generate the shapefiles that the pilots would use to complete the spray jobs. Amongst all the topics covered in the handler’s and crew leader’s training, the subject with the most emphasis by Joel was safety and communication. The importance of safety was directed
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not only for the pilots but for everyone involved, from the crew and handlers to unsuspecting bystanders in the vicinity of where the applications would take place.
A misconception I’ve always had about operations in the Midwest was assuming that having a short season meant a short preparation time for the season. As the season began for me, I quickly realized that the preconceived notion I developed was the furthest from the truth for operators like Joel. I learned the ropes of being an effective crew leader from the training session I attended. I could see how much Joel and his staff leave no stone unturned and that behind every second of the short season are days and hours of preparation leading up to that moment. I understood better that the magnitude to which Joel operates is mainly dependent on his organizational skills, his ability to delegate, his emphasis on safety, and his attention to detail with high regard for professionalism and quality application. Although the primary season for the Meyer Agri-Air crew happens in a short window, Joel and his crew spend the entire year leading up to that season preparing to be able to take the season head-on.
As the season progressed, I could see first-hand what goes on behind the scenes at an operation in the corn belt. There were so many things that I got to experience firsthand that helped me gain valuable insight that I have been able to bring back to Chem-Man. I had the opportunity to utilize a program similar to Chem-Man, which allowed me to see where Chem-Man thrived and where we needed to focus our attention and efforts to improve our product. As the season ended and my time at Meyer Agri-Air ended, I had the chance to reflect and take what I had witnessed into perspective. It was still astonishing to me just how
large of scale Joel operated, with eight locations ranging in a 450 square mile radius, several aircraft, and numerous full-time and part-time employees.
At the end of the four weeks spent in Iowa, I sat down with Joel to learn more about his business and beginnings, which I am eager to share with the readers. Like many of us in the industry, Joel grew up with an agricultural background. Joel’s family farmed, and he expressed his interest in ag flying at an early age while he was on the farm. He recalled that in his younger years, he was out on the farm working and watching the local crop dusters fly, and the sights and sounds enthralled him. Joel achieved his ratings and was working on a commuter flight. The day finally arrived when Joel faced whether to pursue a career as a first officer or press forward into a flight. He thought back to his younger years at the thought of flying ag and decided that was the direction he wanted to go. He, without haste, obtained his 50 hours of ag training in Dothan, Alabama. Once he returned home from ag training, he purchased a 265D Piper Pawnee. Joel could pursue his career flying ag with the support of his parents. Joel was fortunate enough to be situated in the heart of seed corn production, and the opportunities to treat seed corn were vast and abound and laid the way to the foundation of what Meyer Agri-Air is today. As business grew, Joel quickly had to develop the tools he used to care for his customers. Joel soon traded the Pawnee to a 620B Weatherly in 1996. In 2005, Joel upgraded and purchased his first 502B. Fast forward to the present day, Joel now owns and operates 9 Air Tractors and 1 Bell L3 Longranger and contracts out several planes and helicopters from operators across the US to help during the busy season.
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Joel Meyer started with the 265D Piper Pawnee...
...and later traded for a 620B Weatherly in 1996.
Joel believes that his staff is the functioning cog that keeps operations running.
Before his flying career, Joel worked many years at a local ag cooperative. Through his years at the co-op, he was introduced to a concept that stuck with him and that he carried into his ag flying career. While working at the co-op, he worked in an ISO program (International Standard of Organization). They adopted the ISO to sell products at a better price but discovered that the ISO didn’t necessarily help sell products. Still, it helped with the day-to-day operations and maximize efficiency and productivity. Utilizing these standards helped track everything they did, from where every dollar was spent to prioritizing daily tasks and developing an order of importance to running a successful business. Joel would later apply these same ISO principles learned from his day job to the ag flying business, which would be the critical component to how he would successfully run his operation at the scale that he currently does.
I asked Joel what one of the most rewarding aspects of his career would be, and he told me how satisfying it is to help facilitate jobs for all the late high school and college-age students who come to help in the summer. Joel goes on to explain how he takes pride in teaching young adults so many things that often get overlooked in school these days, such as units of measurement, operating forklifts, and even how to manage a fire extinguisher. Joel mentions whether it’s the fire extinguisher training, operating a forklift, mixing and configuring loads, or working with an airplane, he enjoys knowing that the young people who come to work at MAA are faced with a new challenge or task that they wouldn’t usually be exposed to and that they learn how to accomplish that job and that they can take their new-found confidence with them as they go on to college or on to pursue their careers later in life. He expresses how pleased he is to see still young people pursue careers in agriculture and is humbled at how dedicated everyone who comes to work at Meyer Agri-Air has been.
Joel also expands further on his appreciation to his staff. Joel admits that he couldn’t do what he does without the dedicated staff at Meyer Agri-Air. Joel believes that his staff is the functioning cog that keeps operations running. He relies on them heavily
to begin preparing for the upcoming season as soon as the current season ends. He uses an analogy like that of a funnel in that as one season closes and another begins, he and his staff are on the outside ring of the funnel. This is the time to start meeting with retailers, addressing anomalies presented in the season, maintaining equipment, completing continuing education, licensing, and much more. As time passes, they get closer and closer to the inside of the funnel, and once they arrive at the throat of the funnel, everything will happen at once. Every minute of every hour will have been prepared and accounted for, allowing them to be efficient and use every available minute in the rush of the corn spraying season.
I asked Joel what else has allowed him to be successful, and he answered that having an open mind and willingness to embrace change has helped his company grow tremendously. Joel states that just because he and his team have done things a certain way in the past doesn’t mean they can’t be open to new ideas and concepts in the future. He goes on to say that crossing paths with someone like myself who presents new ideas or technologies allows them to explore other options that will enable them to be more efficient and productive. I would agree with Joel, as this principle has been the driving force behind Chem-Man’s growth. Without embracing technological shifts or being attentive to customer feedback and requests, Chem-Man wouldn’t be what it is today. Furthermore, after my time in Iowa, we can look to Chem-Man to improve its program to suit the needs of the operators in the Midwest.
While the seasons wind down for most operations, we can all begin shifting focus on the upcoming year. As a new year and season approaches for everyone at Chem-Man, we are working diligently to take what I learned during my time in Iowa to expand Chem-Man's capabilities. I want to thank Joel Meyer and his staff for allowing me the opportunity to join their team over the summer to gain valuable insight from an outside perspective.
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Jude wrote, “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life” (Jude 1:20-21). Jude is saying to keep ourselves in the place where we can experience the blessings that God loves to give us. This means to not get ourself in a position where we’re going to feel His chastening and His punishment. Jesus said, “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love” (John 15:9-10).
for Jesus Christ’ returning to this earth. Jude isn’t thinking of a past mercy or a present mercy, he’s thinking of the greatest mercy of all, the most undeserved mercy; that’s eternal life in heaven in the presence of God (Revelation 21:3).
When we live a lifestyle of obedience to God we will enjoy the full shower of God’s love and blessings. But as soon as we become disobedient, we step out of that place of blessing into the place of being disciplined by God (Hebrews 12:3-11). Samuel said, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry” (1 Samuel 15:22-23). Because he didn’t obey the Lord, King Saul lost his position of being King over Israel and his life.
When we commit ourself to the will of God; submit to what the Spirit of God wants us to do, and submit to His leadership and direction in our life, we will always be living according to the Word of God. Staying in the place of obedience where God’s love is poured out, even in the midst of all sorts of problems in our life. “Waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.” It means to live in the light of the return of Jesus Christ, live in the light of eternity, live in the light of the future, live in eager anticipation of the Lord’s return, and wait anxiously
Paul wrote to the Thessalonian believers, “How you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10). “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:11-13). Live in the light of Jesus Christ’s return and seeing Him face to face and hearing Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Mathew 25:21). The apostle John wrote, “Keep yourselves from idols. Amen.” (1 John 5:21).
The English word “wait” is translated from the Greek word “anameno” which means “Waiting with patience and confident expectancy.” We can confidently know that the Lord will someday come back to this earth. Because of this we should live our life being ready for Him to come back at any moment, and never being in a situation where we would be ashamed of His appearing. We are called to live a lifestyle of discipline of building ourselves up in the most holy faith; praying in the Holy Spirit; keeping ourselves in the love of God, always staying in the place of obedience to Jesus Christ. Waiting eagerly and always being ready for that mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that brings us eternal life.
Jeremiah wrote, “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new
every morning; great is Your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23). Paul wrote, “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)” (Ephesians 2:4-5). Paul told Timothy, “It’s a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance; Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am foremost. And yet for this reason I found mercy.”
Jude says, “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the King, eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Jude 24-25). When Jude talks about all the mercies of God he cannot keep from praising God for His eternal mercies toward sinful humanity. It’s by the mercy of God that we are forgiven, justified and sanctified. It’s by the mercy of God that we will live in the presence of God for all eternity.
“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand will save me. The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever” (Psalm 138:7-8). By the power of the Holy Spirit we can live our entire life, strengthened, secured, protected, and useful for God’s purposes. We are built up in the faith, praying in the Spirit, obedient to God, and His love pours out blessings upon our life. We live in the light of His return and our eternal life in His presence. “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:1-2).
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Jerry Webb – (1945-2024)
BELDEN – Jerry Webb – husband, father, grandfather, friend, and agricultural pilot– took the most important flight of his life on Saturday evening, Sept. 7. 2024, from Sanctuary Hospice House to his eternal home. He was 78 years old. A lifelong resident of Lee County and the Belden community, he was born to Vance Witt Webb and John Trice Webb on September 10, 1945, in Tupelo, MS. Jerry attended Belden Elementary School and graduated from Tupelo High School in 1965. He attended Itawamba Junior College (now ICC) and Mississippi State University but knew that he wanted to fly. He was taught by C. D. Lemmons at the Tupelo Airport before receiving his pilot’s license from Acme Flying School in Fort Worth, Texas.
and past president of the Half a Hundred Club, a national agricultural aviation group. He especially enjoyed the group’s United States and Central America trips, a few of which actually had a connection to aviation! Mostly, he just enjoyed the people with whom he traveled.
Jerry was a member of Belden Baptist Church and, later, Harrisburg Baptist Church. The fellowship he experienced in his years in the Randle Sunday School class and the Mourne/Baughn Sunday School Class was particularly important to him.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister Carolyn.
Jerry married Bonnie Roper in 1968. She had moved next door to the Webbs when she was six and he was eight. They dated throughout high school and college and spent fifty-six years of married life together. They were proof that not only do opposites attract but that they can be happy together.
In 1974 Jerry was employed by the Mississippi Department of Transportation and began agricultural flying on the weekends. Taking a leap of faith, he established Webb’s Agricultural Flying Service in 1976 and owned it until his retirement in 2014 because of declining health. He was proud of the fact that many of his customers also became his lifelong friends. He often told his grandchildren, “Find something that you love to do and you won’t work a day in your life.” Describing his love of aviation, he was heard to say, “I won’t work, but I will fly an airplane.” His yellow airplane could be spotted across northeast Mississippi, and people, especially children, loved to watch him work. Aviation was truly his passion. He also co-owned Tupelo Flying Service for a number of years and, at one point, served as interim manager of the Tupelo Airport.
Jerry was a proud and active member of the Mississippi Agricultural Aviation Association, having attended every Association convention from 1976 through 2018. He served as president, was named the 1994 Association Pilot of the Year, was given an honorary lifetime membership in 2012 in recognition of his work with the group, and was presented the Lee Abide Award in 2013, the group’s highest honor. In addition, he was named to the State Board of Agricultural Aviation by Governor Kirk Fordice. Jerry was also a member
In addition to his wife, Jerry is survived by his son, Jerry Trice Webb, Jr. (special friend Kathy Brashears) of Tupelo, MS; his daughter Tracey Williamson (Nolan) of Madison, MS; his grandchildren Allison Webb of Tampa, Fl, Brad Williamson of Madison, MS, and Mary Leigh Williamson of Madison, MS; his brother Kenneth Webb (Joyce) of Belden, MS; his special cousins Susan Webb of Tupelo, MS and Mary and Johnny Webb of New Albany, MS; and bonus grandchildren Katelynn and Chris Lewis of Pontotoc, MS, and Taylor, Grant, and Brody Bishop of Mantachie, MS. In addition, he leaves behind a host of friends, especially those at the Belden Truck Stop, the Cleveland Thursday Night suppers, and various farms and workshops throughout the area. He was surely a “people person” who enjoyed socializing. His family hopes his friends will remember Jerry as the character he was and realize how much he enjoyed and appreciated each of them.
A celebration of life service was held on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at Holland Funeral Directors in Tupelo. Visitation took place from 12 PM to 3 PM with the service immediately following conducted by Dr. Forrest Sheffield and Rev. David Smith. Private interment will be at Lee Memorial Park with no graveside service. Family members who are honored to serve as pallbearers are Ron Roper, Ryan Roper, Christ Lewis, Grant Bishop, Trey Webb, Brad Williamson, Nolan Williamson, and Eddie Norton.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sanctuary Hospice House, P.O. Box 2177, Tupelo, MS 38803, Eight Days of Hope, 142 Kings Hwy, Pontotoc, MS 38863, or a charity of your choice.
Insurable Interests - Some Reminders
by Josh Rittenberry
As the 2024 ag season comes to a close, many operators across the country found continued prosperity, while others were hampered by Mother Nature and commodity prices. The lowest ebbs of any season are the injuries and fatalities that occur. In the tight-knit community of ag aviation, when a pilot is severely impacted by injury or loses their life, the entire industry hurts for them. This article contains just a few helpful reminders that are intended to serve as guidance to operators who may eventually deal with the insurance consequences when the worst happens.
• DOCUMENTATION. In the event of any covered hull claim, the first items of interest to the claims adjuster are pilot records that include the last signed pilot history form, the pilot’s log books, certificate, and copies of their last FAA medical and biennial flight review. A good practice for an
operator to put in place is to ensure all of this information is readily available, either in electronic or paper form, at the start of the season, updating it as necessary as the season progresses. If a low-time pilot is involved in an accident, the operator should also be prepared to make available documented completions of any applicable training requirements previously set forth by the insurance company.
• WORKERS’ COMPENSATION. If an operator’s employee is seriously or fatally injured while on the job and the operator has a workers’ compensation policy with the appropriate coverages/exposures, a claim can also be filed on that policy. While state regulations on workers’ compensation vary widely from state to state, it is important for an operator to be informed of what benefits are available in the event of a covered injury or fatality.
NTSB REPORTS
Accident Synopses
Accident Number: CEN24LA318
Location: Stanwood, MI
Date: June 20, 2024
Aircraft: AYRES CORPORATION S2R
Injuries: None
On June 20, 2024, about 0706 eastern daylight time, an Ayres Corporation S2R-600 airplane sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Stanwood, Michigan. The pilot was uninjured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight.
The purpose of the low-level flight was to apply Echo 720 agricultural fungicide to a field with potatoes in a rural area. The airplane had departed earlier in the morning from the operator’s facility at the Lakeview Airport (13C), Lakeview, Michigan.
The airplane was flying to the west, about 10 ft agl, and was traveling about 130 mph. The pilot had completed applying the fungicide to the potatoes and he momentarily and partially turned his head and body to the left to view the spray boom pressure gauge that is located outside of the cockpit. Shortly after viewing the spray boom pressure gauge, the main landing gear impacted terrain. The pilot immediately pulled the airplane up and increased the altitude of the airplane. The left main landing gear was pushed up into the left wing from the terrain impact and it fuel leaked from the left wing fuel tank. The pilot then began looking for an area to perform a forced landing. A forced landing was performed to a flat grass field on private property shortly after. The airplane came to rest upright on the nose and forward fuselage. The pilot performed an emergency shutdown of the airplane, and he was able to egress from the airplane without further incident.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and the left wing. The airplane was recovered from the accident site, and it was transported to a secure location. The airplane, which was manufactured in 1978, was equipped with a Honeywell TPE331-1-151 turboprop engine, and a Hartzell HC-B3TN-5M three blade controllable pitch aluminum propeller. The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or the engine that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot reported that to view the spray boom pressure gauge that is located aft of the left flap (about mid flap) and mounted on the left spray broom, you must look to the left and down, to about an 8 o’clock
position. The pilot reported that it takes one to two seconds to view the readings accurately on the analog gauge due to the distance from the spray boom pressure gauge to the cockpit, which he estimated is about 8 ft from his eyes in the cockpit. The pilot added that he can partially turn and view the spray boom pressure gauge with utilizing the four point restraint system. The airplane was equipped with an Electronics International MVP-50T engine monitor system; however, this system was not configured to show spray boom pressure.
The airframe, the engine, and the propeller all had an annual inspection performed by a mechanic on April 1, 2024. At the time of the accident, the airframe had accumulated 20,961.67 hours.
The operator has five Thrush Aircraft S2R series airplanes that are utilized for aerial application work. All the operator’s airplanes have a spray boom pressure gauge that is mounted on the left side spray boom and that is the only source of reading spray boom pressure on their airplanes.
The Federal Aviation Administration Type Certificate for the airplane, A4SW, is currently held by Thrush Aircraft, LLC, Albany, Georgia.
Accident Number: WPR24FA201
Location: Arco, ID
Date: June 20, 2024
Aircraft: AIR TRACTOR INC AT-802 (A1); AIR TRACTOR INC AT-502B (A2)
Injuries: 1 Serious (A1); 1 Fatal (A2)
On June 20, 2024, at 1258 mountain daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-802 and an Air Tractor AT-502B were destroyed when they were involved in a mid-air collision near Arco, Idaho. The pilot of the AT-802 was seriously injured and the pilot of the AT-502B was fatally injured. Both airplanes were operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flights.
Both airplanes were owned by the same operator and both pilots were employed by that same operator. According to the operator, both airplanes were operating from the Arco-Butte County Airport (AOC), Arco, Idaho, on the day of the accident. They began operations about 0530 and each airplane had conducted multiple aerial application flights within 10 miles of AOC prior to the accident.
The AT-502B departed AOC about 1230 with 400 gallons of a fungicide and insecticide mixture to be applied to wheat. The AT-802 departed AOC about 1245 with full fuel tanks and 575 gallons of insecticide to be applied to potatoes. Aerial application data for the AT-802 was obtained from a recovered iPad utilizing the AgPilotX application. The data showed the AT-802 was applying chemicals to potato fields no.10 and no. 11 north of US Highway 26. Field no. 11 was immediately adjacent to the highway and field no.10 was adjacent to field no. 11 to the northwest. The application data showed the AT-802 was applying chemicals to both fields making northwest and southeast passes (figure 1). The AT-802 was not equipped with ADS-B equipment.
The AT-502B was equipped with ABS-B. Preliminary ADS-B derived data provided by a commercially available source showed the flight path began with the AT-502B flying a west and then an east track about 5 miles northwest of AOC over wheat fields no. 2 and no.3. The airplane then flew to the southeast before turning to the south, where it overflew the fields which the AT-802 was working (figure 1). The last ADS-B target for the AT-502B was north of the accident site, over US Highway 26.
Two witnesses traveling westbound on US Highway 26 observed one airplane traveling from north to south over the highway at low altitude. They also observed a second airplane traveling towards the first on a northerly heading. They said the southbound airplane appeared to make a left turn in front of the northbound airplane. The northbound airplane then appeared to make a left turn to avoid the first airplane before they collided.
The accident site encompassed three areas of wreckage, the main wreckage of the two airplanes and a debris
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Figure 1
field located about midway between the two fuselages. Both airplanes and the associated debris came to rest on flat, sagebrush covered terrain south of US Highway 26. The main wreckage of the AT-802 was located about 450 feet south of the highway, with a debris path oriented on a magnetic heading of about 220° heading. The main wreckage of the AT-502B was located about 1,900 ft south of the highway and about 1,600 ft southeast of the AT-802. The debris path of the AT502 was oriented on a magnetic heading of about 105°. Portions of both airplanes’ right wings were located within the debris field between the two main wreckages.
Accident Number: ERA24FA274
Location: Martin, TN
Date: June 25, 2024
Aircraft: Air Tractor AT502
Injuries: 1 Fatal
On June 25, 2024, about 0820 central daylight time, an Air Tractor, Inc. AT-502A was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Martin, Tennessee. The commercial pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight.
A witness who was outside about 900 ft and nearly due north of the accident site reported seeing the airplane flying in a southerly direction about 15 to 20 ft above the height of the treetops and was not spraying. The witness reported that the engine sounded normal, then when the flight was near his position, he heard a sound or loud noise like something was dragging, and then about 2 to 3 seconds later heard a loud noise consistent with impact. He called 911 to report the accident then went to the accident site and provided information to the 911 operator.
The airplane came to rest inverted in a heavily wooded area. The angle of the observed tree strikes was consistent with a steep descent through the tree canopy. Examination of the inverted airplane revealed the right wingtip was separated and not located at the accident site. The wingtip was subsequently located on the ground about 605 ft north-northeast from the wreckage. Additionally, a spray nozzle was also located on the ground about 22 ft from the separated wingtip. Further, flakes of white paint consistent with the main color of the airplane were located on the ground about 143 ft north-northeast from the wingtip location, or about 748 ft from the main wreckage location.
Further examination of the wooded area north-northeast of the main wreckage revealed a freshly broken tree trunk and tree limbs. The tree trunk fracture was estimated to be 60 to 90 ft above ground level. The tree was located among trees at the south edge of one field that was intended to be sprayed, or about 750 ft northnortheast from the main wreckage. A portion of the fractured tree was about 4 inches in diameter.
Examination of the right wing revealed a semi-circular indentation in the leading edge about 12 inches inboard of the wing rib with eye bolt, or middle aileron hinge compression rib. The impression was about 4 inches in diameter which closely matched the diameter of a recovered portion from the impacted tree. The forward spar was deformed aft in the area of the tree contact, and damage to the wing skin was noted in that area. Post-accident examination of the roll, pitch, yaw, flaps, flap droop, and aileron/rudder interconnect systems revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction.
Components that contained non-volatile memory were recovered and retained for further examination.
Accident Number: CEN24LA255
Location: Brad, Texas
Date: July 4, 2024
Aircraft: AIR TRACTOR INC AT-802
Injuries: None
Analysis
The pilot was performing firefighting activity at the time of the accident. He reported that after scooping a load of water and applying takeoff power, the airplane encountered a large boat wake which caused it to become airborne. However, the pilot did not have sufficient flight control authority to counter act the engine torque. The left float contacted the water, and the airplane veered to the left. The left-wing spar was damaged during the impact sequence. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions before the accident that would have precluded normal airplane operation.
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be: The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control after encountering a large boat wake.
Accident Number: CEN24FA260
Location: Bonita, LA
Date: July 11, 2024
Aircraft: AIR TRACTOR INC AT-502B (A1); AIR TRACTOR INC AT-802A (A2)
Injuries: 1 Fatal (A1); 1 None (A2)
On July 11, 2024, about 1407 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-502B airplane and an Air Tractor AT-802A airplane were involved in a midair collision near Bonita, Louisiana. The Air Tractor AT-502B was destroyed, and the pilot was fatally injured. The Air Tractor AT-802A sustained minor damage, and the pilot was not injured. Both aircraft were operated as Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial applications flights. (A2) departed a company airstrip about 2 miles west of the collision location, and the planned flight was
to provide aerial application to a field about 12 miles east of the airstrip.
(A1) departed a company airstrip about 3 miles northeast of the collision location, and the planned flight was to provide aerial application to a field about 10 miles southwest of the airstrip
According to the (A2) pilot, he departed the private airstrip and was traveling east about 200 ft above ground level. About 2 miles after departure, the pilot observed (A1) about 100 ft to his left at the same altitude. The pilot pulled back on the control stick to avoid (A1). The pilot felt an impact and heard a bang, and he was able to control the airplane after the collision. The pilot circled the area, noticed (A1) had impacted the terrain, and observed a small ground fire. The pilot returned to the airstrip, and the airplane landed with the tail wheel landing gear missing from the airplane. During the collision, (A2) sustained minor damage to the tail wheel and fertilizer spreader, and (A1) was destroyed after it impacted trees and terrain.
A witness, who was the loader for (A2) and located at the company airstrip, stated that he observed (A2) takeoff from the airstrip and en route for the planned flight to the east. Above a distant tree line, he observed (A1) transitioning from the northeast to the southwest and then the collision between the two airplanes. He observed one airplane descend into the terrain and then saw smoke, then the one airplane continued in flight. Shortly thereafter, (A2) returned to the airstrip.
According to the operators of both airplanes, neither pilot provided radio communications during the aerial application flights.
Post-accident examination of (A1) and the accident site revealed the outboard 6 ft of the left wing was separated and came to rest in the wooded terrain. The separated wing structure exhibited a semicircular impact and black rubber transfer marks, consistent with the size of (A2)’s main landing gear tire. (A1)’s left horizontal stabilizer, about midspan and mid-chord, was deflected upward and exhibited a witness mark and black rubber transfer mark, consistent with the size of (A2)s tail wheel tire.
The underside of (A2)’s spreader exhibited yellow paint transfer marks and shards of paint and fiberglass, consistent with (A1)’s left wing tip. The tail wheel and fork were found in a rice field about 750 ft east of the collision location.
Post accident examination of both airplanes revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Both airplanes were equipped with Satloc devices. (A2)’s Satloc data was extracted from the device, and (A1)’s Satloc control unit was retained for further examination and data extraction.
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Arkansas Agricultural Aviation Association Changes Convention Dates
The Arkansas Agricultural Aviation Association's convention, originally scheduled for early January, has been rescheduled. It will now take place on Friday, January 10, and Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort. The event is just a week later than initially planned, and all other details remain unchanged.
For those attending the event, please note the new dates and contact the ArAAA with any questions or concerns.
Arkansas Agricultural Aviation Association
Katherine Holmstrom, Executive Director P.O. Box 166038
Little Rock, AR 72216
PH: (501) 503-3310 • EMAIL: katherine@araaa.org
Ag Pilot's Maxims
by Ted Delange
In the early days of WWI, there were no manuals on aerial combat. The aircraft were poorly designed for the job. Airframe structures were fragile, powerplants unreliable, and pilot training minimal. (This sounds very familiar with the early forays into aerial application in the 1920s.)
This was to change dramatically when Oswald Boelcke, a German fighter ace, developed a pamphlet on aerial tactics called Boelcke’s Maxims (Dicta Boelcke in the original German). It was a list of fundamental rules designed to guide pilots in aerial warfare, and it was so successful that Air Forces adopted it in various forms on both sides of the war. Over time, those principles of air warfare have expanded to become the basis for U.S. and Canadian air combat training.
Codifying air combat tactics was revolutionary in an era where early enemy reconnaissance pilots exchanged waves. Things changed rapidly with the carrying of small arms and, soon, frame-mounted machine guns. Boelcke’s Maxims covered eight fundamental principles; one of the most famous was to attack out of the sun, essentially hiding in the sun’s glare from your opponent.
This bit of aviation history certainly rings a familiar tune when it comes to the genesis and growth of aerial application. Not surprisingly, military pilots performed early forays into using aircraft to treat crop infestations. In 1921, a United States Army Air Service Curtiss JN4 piloted by Lieutenant John Macready spread lead arsenate to attack moths ravaging catalpa fields in Ohio.
In many ways, aerial application is a form of warfare, where the enemy is a staggering variety of pests,
including weeds, insects, and fungi, and successfully protecting crops from them is a combination of improving delivery methods with continuing improvements in ag pilot training. That has meant the establishment of professional ag aviation schools, along with state and national associations to provide leadership in the continuing development of the industry.
That development has seen great strides in providing comprehensive ab initio and ongoing training for today’s ag pilots, including fostering written and unwritten rules to guide new, journeyman, and experienced pilots in their daily flying activities. Many have already become wellestablished standard operating procedures in the aerial application business.
Here are some suggested maxims to include on this evolving list.
1. Safety First. This is a no compromise rule that stands as the firm foundation for all successful operations. Curt criteria must be used to assess every flight. Will it be safe, and will it be effective? If the answer to both is not an immediate and forceful “Yes!”, it’s time to rethink and replan the flight. Trundling down the runway with that uncomfortable feeling that you are pushing the limits too close to the edge or forgetting some key element in the preflight is not the way to go.
2. Know your aircraft. Being able to take off and land an aircraft is only the beginning of where you need to be in the arena of aircraft handling. There is a need
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for a complete understanding of the aircraft’s flight characteristics under varying load sizes, including stall responses in both straight and level and maneuvering flight. Ending up in a near or full stall a couple hundred feet above terra firma is a lousy way to start (or end) the day’s activities.
On a personal note, I was mentored by an experienced and highly professional Kiwi pilot in my early ag flying days. His rule of thumb, when it came to adapting to an aircraft, was that it took 100 hours of operations flying to the point where he felt he could deal with any eventuality. Recall the adage that superior pilots use superior judgment to stay out of situations requiring super skill.
1. Know your equipment. Modern aerial application gear is remarkable in hardware and software in its ability to deliver loads with unprecedented accuracy. Long gone are the days of human flaggers on the ground or even the use of flag dispensers for swath guidance. But as with any computerized system, it takes time and considerable practice to become truly adept at successfully and safely operating modern dispersal equipment. An excellent place to begin is on the ground with comprehensive training initially and in subsequent seasons when a bit of rust has come in the off-season.
2. Know yourself. One of the demands of ag aviation is long hours in the saddle, often with marginal sleep, and often at new locations where conditions may differ considerably from home base. It is difficult to be objective about one’s skills and performance levels, especially when there is lots of pressure to
fly in marginal conditions. Rather than risk a subpar job, give yourself a break from flying, returning when conditions are favorable. And always beware of overconfidence that breeds as your flying abilities become highly honed. It’s too easy to bite off more than you can chew when the ag aviation gremlins strike at a most inopportune time.
3. Know the weather. There are few jobs in aviation where the difference between a great job and something less is the dynamics of the weather. Shifting winds, mechanical and thermal turbulence, density altitude, false horizons, valley effects, inversions, the list goes on and on. Make it a point to keep fully aware of current and changing weather conditions, particularly when you travel to an off-base location where aircraft performance can be seriously degraded.
4. Don’t fly into the sun. This one is reminiscent of Boelcke’s rule about attacking with the sun behind you. It doesn’t take much to hide a small tower, powerline or other obstacles when flying directly into the sun, particularly when the sun is low, and your windscreen could use a good cleaning. I have seen visibility so bad because of the rapid accumulation of insects on the windshield; rather than try to operate into the sun, I shut the booms off and flew over the affected swath at a safe altitude, completing that swath on the next down-sun swath.
These are just a few suggestions, with the primary focus on completing the day’s ag air operations safely and effectively. Remember, you’re fighting a war every day to protect food for a hungry world, and you want everyone to come home safe and found at the end of the day.
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1976 Ag Cat G164B Project - Not rebuilding a wreck! These Projects are cosmetic rebuilds. ‘B’ Model has all major components (some small items missing) included with this project. Also, Satloc system minus keypad included with Project. Complete Firewall Forward Engine Exhaust stack, Carburetor, Linkage, Etc. Prop H.S.12D40 AG-100Blades. 22 in. Airfoil Wing-Tips, Extended Fuel Tanks in wings. Wings hanging on interior walls of Hangar after removal from aircraft. Everything reassembled on Projects done according to AG-CAT Maintenance Manual by I.A., A. & P. ** I have current Registration and Logbooks for a 1980 G164B. ** All AG-CAT Parts and Projects are being sold as one unit for $60,000! Fantastic price, keep what you want, sell the rest. Everything sold as is where is, no Warranties expressed or implied. Purchaser responsible for removal and transport. No Shop Equipment or Tools being sold! Personal References are available from FSDO Baton Rouge, LA, and Landry Aero. Viewing of Parts by appointment only. Please contact owner for details. Call Gene Lejeune at 337.458.6922 (Cell), if no answer contact Landry Aero Parts Dept. (Gerad Guidry or Marc David) at 337.783.7366
1972 Ag-Cat G-164A. S/N 926, TT Airframe 7,686, P&W R-1340-AN-1 (600 HP), TT SMOH 289, Blower Ratio 10-1, Overhaul by Tulsa Aircraft Engines, Excellent Compressions on all 9 Cylinders, 80 Gallon fuel bottom load, 300-gallon hopper bottom load, Satloc SLXG3 GPS with Light bar, Crophawk 7 flow control, Hershey Wing Extensions and Mods, most Inspections always done by Hershey Flying Service & Wallace Air Repair. Clean Northern Airplane, no Corrosion! Almost $9,000 spent on Fresh Annual Inspection done 09/18/23. Airplane is located in Bassett, Nebraska. It’s Ready to Work! $65,000. For questions and more pictures Call Tim: 432-788-7309
1984 Ag Cat Super B-15 - $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. Call +1 (870) 886-2418
Ag Cat QueenCat - QueenCat In ProgressS/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). Call +1 (870) 886-2418
AIRCRAFT – AIR TRACTOR
1991 Air Tractor AT-401/402, ON401KR Serial number 401-0813 TTAF 4746, PT6A-20 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
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
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
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
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
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. Call Bob 507-430-5114
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 506-261-5023or mmorales@forestpeotectionlimited.com
2021 Air Tractor 502B - Auction Sept. 18-23, Online Auction September 18-23 at Airspaceauctions.com - Research and register: full maintenance data, ownership history and many more images at the link https://bids.airspaceauctions.com/ Listing/Details/447075/2021-Air-TractorAT502B-Low-Time-TUGAK. A low-time 2021 AT-502B, meticulously maintained and in excellent condition. This aircraft, owned by a leading French-based banana producer, is equipped with a Storm Shield windshield and Storm Cutter assembly, offering enhanced protection and performance in severe weather. With minimal hours on the airframe, this 502-B is ideal for agricultural spraying or firefighting operations. The company is transitioning to drone-based operations, making this exceptional aircraft available in auction. Aircraft Total Time: 1352.5; Aircraft Total Flights: 2554; Date of Annual: 1-December-23; Fuel Capacity: 170; gallon fuel tanks; Stall Speed: 126 mph; Useful Load: 4,500 lbs / 2,041 Kg; Engine Details: Pratt & Whitney PT6A-34AG; Serial Number: PCE-PH1378; Engine Total Time: 1352.5; Engine Total Flights: 2554; Engine Total Start: 820; Propeller Details: Hartzell HC-B3TN-3D/T10282NS+4; Serial Number: BUA34616; Blade Model: T10282NS+4; Serial Numbers: M08723, M08724, M08729; Prop Total Time: 1352.5; Avionics Details: Garmin GTX 335 Transponder; Garmin GTR 225A; AG-NAV Gui Call +1 254-271-9909
2001 Air Tractor 802AF C-FFPL - TTAE 1935.4, Engine TTSN 1955.4, HC-B5MA-3D 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 506-261-5023 or mmorales@forestpeotectionlimited.com
2006 Air Tractor 602-60, Hrs TT 5221.7, 1275 Hrs left on wings, New FCU 3477 Hrs, New belly skins 4703 Hrs, New batteries 5120 Hrs, Prop IRAN 4190 Hrs, G4 Satloc with flow control, 10” Vondran Hyd Gate, Wingman, Kawak Throttle Quadrant, Storm Shield, Reabe Hopper Gauge, LED Nose and Strobes, 5 Blade Lane Electric Brake, Sold with Fresh Annual. $650,000. Call 870-217-1865
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
2022 Air Tractor 802A - 650hrs NDH $2,175,000 USD Clean Canadian Airplane! Avionics include: Garmin GI 275 with synthetic vision, AM/FM/XM Delphi music,
110 Gallon Agricultural Spray UAV
Farm UHF Icom, Garmin GMA 345 audio panel (3-channel), Garmin GTR 225 VHF Comm, Garmin GNC 355 GPS/Comm, Lynx 9000 Transponder with traffic, Artex ELT. Guidance system: Satloc G4, Intelliflow 2 flow control, Forestry auto boom. Options: 380-gallon fuel Capacity, Dual USB charger with flight timer, Kawak Throttle Quadrant, CP-09 Nozzles, Transland Stainless inline Strainer, Hatfield bottom load fuel, Stainless steel spray system with stainless load, Smoker, Wipaire Vortex Generators, Storm cutters, Electric right boom shut-off. Call Dave at Portage Aircraft Specialties Ltd. Call Dave at Portage Aircraft 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 Airtractor 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
2016 Air Tractor AT-802, New to the market 2016 AT-802 with a -65AG. TTAE 4030, Engine since hot section 750, Hartzell HC-B5MP-3F TT 4030, SatlocFalcon with flow control. Hatfield bottom load fuel. Transland 10 vane spreader. Stainless CP 09 spray Nozzles. Wingman auger system. Garmin radios with ADSB in and out. Annual 4/24 Prop IRAN 4/24. Aircraft to be delivered with fresh hot. $1,200,000. Call Charlie at 318-235-0187
2021 Air Tractor 502XP, 2021 AT-502XP, Like new condition, one owner, owner flown. Bantam w/Inteliflow, bottom load fuel, CP11 Nozzles, Heat/Air, Radio and
ABS out, Lane Fan Brake, TTAF, engine, and Prop 729. $1,525,000. Not retiring, only downsizing business. Call Rod at 701-321-0767
2013 AirTractor 402B, 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 info.
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 info.
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
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 at 208-301-0683 or Jordan at 208-301-4162
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 at 979-243-4114
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
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
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
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
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 940-564-6822
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 at Neal Aircraft 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 price
2018 Air Tractor 802A -0768 N80393, PT6A-65AG, 3,500 TT, Stainless Steel Cam Locks, Electric Brake Gr Adj, Smoker, Pulse Lights, Hatfield Single Point Fuel, Air Repair 10” Hydraulic Gate, G4 w/Flowcontrol, Kawak Throttle Quadrant, Wingman, Air Repair Tail Deflector, Trig ADS-B Out System. $1,250,000. Call Frost Flying at 870-295-6213
2022 Air Tractor 802A -0949 N11703, PT6A-65AG, 1,700 TT, Stainless Steel Cam Locks, Electric Brake Gr Adj, Smoker, Pulse Lights, Single Point Fuel, 7 1/2” Hydraulic Gate w/ Transland Controller, G4 w/Flowcontrol, Wingman, Tail Deflector, X-Flow System, 308 Gallon Fuel. $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
$2.00 per acre direct operating costs
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
1989 AIR TRACTOR AT-401 - Cascade Turbine Conversion M601E-11 AFTT:
8,662.0 hrs Engine TT: 1,910.4 hrs shop revision completed by GE May 2023 all ADs and SBs complied with. Propeller: 1,881.5 hrs. Wing Spar Replaced December 2017 at 7,642.9 hrs AFTT. Gear Legs replaced in 2014 at 7,025.7 hrs IAW Air Tractor SL. 170 US Gallon fuel with Turbine Conversion Single Point Fuel System AgNav Platinum Guidance and Flow Control ReaBee Hopper Qty System 2 sets of booms ASC-A10 and CP09-3P. $475K. Call 306-786-3345
1994 AIR TRACTOR AT-401 -Cascade Turbine Conversion M601E-11 AFTT: 4,690.6 hrs Engine TT: 193.6 hrs Overhauled by GE May 2023. Propeller: 193.6 hrs Wing Spar Modification completed March 2019 at 4,201.3 hrs AFTT 170 US Gallon fuel with Turbine Conversion Single Point Fuel System AgNav Platinum Guidance and Flow Control ReaBee Hopper Qty System 2 sets of booms ASC-A10 Atomizers and CP09-3P. $575K. Call 306-786-3345
1991 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 -34AG, 7618hrs TT airframe; 484hrs since hot section, willing to do pending sale. Hartzell 3-bladed prop 784hrs since OH. Brand new spars and fresh annual. SATLOC M3 with booms, pump, and electric brake. $675K. Call +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. Call Farm Air at 877-715-8476
2018 Air Tractor 602. Late model, low time, 2018 AT-602. 3600hrs Total Time. G4, center point fuel, AFS check valves, CP flat fans. Call 979-541-7864
AIRCRAFT – CESSNA
1975 Cessna A188B - AFTT 14,480, IO550D SMOH 133 by Western Skyways, 3-Blade Hartzell SOH 133 TSN 1200. 8:50x10 Cleveland’s, KY97A com, Satloc Bantam, Crophawk 7, hyd spray system with
hyd spray valve, stainless booms/CP’s, Transland 51066 stainless spray pump, smoker, flagman, Robertson STOL, wing leading edge kevlar cuff, Annual 12/23, owned since new. Asking $140K. Email Terry Reznicsek at aviation@gervais.com or call 503-393-7401
1974 Cessna 188B, N888BT, SIN 0001782T, Engine IO-520-D11B SIN 1031405, McCauley Prop #D2A34C98 SIN 961474, TTAF 5194.0, Engine TSMOH 1069.8, Prop TSPOH 1263.5. Engine: Factory overhauled on 10/16/15, Comp last annual 60/69/62/62/64/61 over 80, Mag sent off in 2022 for 500-hour inspection, Has Airwolf remote oil filter, Starter drive OH in 2019, Starter OH in 2020. Airframe: All Leading Edge skins were replaced in 2023 due to dents, along with a couple of top skins, and the top of RT Airlerium wings were repainted to match. Wings reinstalled with all new hardware. Installed all new Mich lunging gear attached bolts and saddles. Has Trig comm radio, Hydraulic spray pump, 8.50 x 10 tires, Satloc 99 GPS, New side windows in 2022, New tailwheel assembly in 2014, Engine mount was removed and refurbished in 2022 due to surface rust, New left bladder in 2014, new right bladder in 2016. Prop: Overhauled in 2014, Flushed in 2016 due to new engine, Govenor OH in 2016. $125,000.
Text Aaron Peterson at 870-253-8242 or email aaron@advantageagair.us
Cessna A185F, N185HR, Model: A185F, TTAE: 475 original hours. Comes with fresh annual. Make offer. Located in Springfield, Colorado. $575K. Call 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 367760017, 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 RL11689-48E, 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 info.
1978 Piper PA-36-300, N125HB, S/N 36-7860021, 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-1741948, TTE 5679.8, TSMOH 1564.9, Hartzell HC-C2YK-1BF TSMOH 1578.8. Call Jim Uselton at 785-706-1105 for more info.
1975 Piper PA-25-250, 1975 Piper PA25-250 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.
1982 Piper Super Cub. Lowest time Piper built Cub on the planet, 650 hours TTSN, 0 SMOH, Stits Fabric, beautiful paint, Com Radio, L3 Lynx transponder with ADSB in-out with touchscreen weather, traffic.
Call Clyde at 956-202-2094
AIRCRAFT – THRUSH
1996 Thrush S2R - 1996 Super 6 Thrush, 10,177 TT, TPE331-6 (Super) Engine, TTSOH 5435, 510 SHSI/GBI, 2472 remaining on spar caps. Well equipped. $425K. Call 509-336-1007
1990 Thrush S2R-T34, 2-hole Thrush, TTAF 13531.5, PT6A-34 TTE 23561.2, TSOH 6410.5, Hartzell HC-B3TN3D 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.
Call or text 208-705-9161
1972 Aero Commander S2R, N954DM Serial #1683R, TT in service: 13585.1 hrs. Major Airframe Overhaul at 13125.0 hrs., Garrett TPE-331-5-252 Serial #P-22117, TSO 5723.7 (HSI Preformed at 5196/Gearbox Inspection at 5264) Time Remaining on Wings 4156.0 hrs., Hartzell Propeller HC-B4TN-5NL, Time Since IRAN 62 hrs. This aircraft is above average for the year and model. It has been maintained and serviced by authorized facilities IAW FAA and Factory Airworthiness Directives and Service Bulletins. Equipped with the following: AgNav GPS Guia Platnum w/Flow Control, Hopper Rinse System / 525 Gallon Hopper, Electric Fan and Spray Pump Brake, Vortex Generators / AFS Nozzles and Check Valve / Aluminum Booms, Harbour STC A/C, Hooker Shoulder Harness, Comm Radio/ ADSB, Anti Collision Wing Lights, Smoker, Strobes, Bleed air Heat. Fresh annual! Call Dirk at 334-797-7727 for more info.
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. Call Souther Field Aviation at 229-924-2813
2009 Thrush S2HG-T65, Thrush 550 with -60. TTAE 7010.8, Time since hot section 469.8, Hartzell Propeller HCB5MP-3C - Prop TT 7010.8, Time since overhaul 5.1. 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
Thrush -Multiple Parts for SalePT6 Engine Mount (New), 5 Ailerons, 2 Flaps, 4 Fiberglass Canopies (New), 2 Sets Door Frames/2 Doors, Hopper Lid (New), 3 L Side Panel w/step, 1 R Side, Panel w/step, Hopper Glass Frames - 2 outside, 1 inside, RH Landing Gearing Pairing - New P/N 10825T900296, L/R Wing INDB Side Panel, T/W Trunion Fiberglass Tips Rudder & Elevator, 2 Spinners, 2 RH Landing Gear, 3 Stick Pivot Arms, 5 Dump Handles, 5 Flap Bell Crank Assy., L Wing Fiberglass End Cap, 4 Boom Hangars, Belly Skin Scoop, 3 Breckinridge 13 Vane Spreaders, 2 Hi Vol Transland Spreaders, 1 Hopper Gate Box, Battery Platform, Hopper Baffling, 5’ Leading Edge Skin, Vent System, Rear Wing Spar 52085T003, Rear Wing Spar 20291T002, Oil Cooler, Hopper Bracetube, 5 S.S. Boom Hanger Attach, Insp. Plates (bucketful), 2 Crossover Vent Lines, 1 Box Landing Lts. $30K Takes All! For details text only - Jackie Fussell at 912-381-2893
1996 Thrush S2R, Super 6 Thrush, 10,177 TT, TPE331-6 (Super) Engine, TTSOH 5435, 510 SHSI/GBI, 2472 remaining on spar caps. Well equipped. $425K. Call 509-336-1007
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
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
1974 AYRES S2R, TTAF 11874.4, Time
Since Overhaul 5378, TT Since Hot Section 1262.9, Hartzell Propeller HCB3TN-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
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 620-356-4528
2024 Thrush 510P2+ - For sale 2024 fresh off the assembly line 510P2+ dual cockpit, PT6A-140AG, 4 blade propeller, all standard options, dual-cockpit upgrade (includes hopper rinse & rear seat), and a smoker system are already installed. This airplane is ready to cover some acres; it can be sold as equipped, or we can get you a quote and equip it with all your requested options. Call North Star Aviation today 620-356-4528
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! $575K. Contact Jody Perkins at Adcock Flying Service 360-632-5198 for email Jodycperkins@yahoo.com
1992 Thrush Ayres S2R-G6, 1992 Ayres S2R-G6 Airframe, N3105U - No Prop, No Engine - TTAF 6937, MVP-50 Glass Panel, Vortex Generators, 24 Volt Freon Air Conditioner, Aileron Servo, Reabe Hopper Level Indicator, Fabric Tail, 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 AircraftComplete 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
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. Call +1 (850) 380-6091
AIRCRAFT – HELICOPTER
Bell 206B and 206L models for sale or lease, spray-ready. Call Hunter Parker at 561-723-3592 or Brian Parker at 561-723-1911
ENGINE - PISTON
GE/Walter M601E-11 - 1986 Walter M601E-11 Engine. Damaged in a prop strike. Selling as is. $9500. Call 6441-316-9114
Pratt & Whitney R-985 & R-1340 Engines in stock. All with new pistons installed. Overhauled by Aero Recip, Covington, Tulsa and Younkin. Call 661-257-7708
Pratt & Whitney R-985 & R-1340 Cylinder
Assemblies - R-985 & R-1340 Complete OHC Cylinder Assemblies OHC in stock, all with new pistons installed and all gaskets and seals to install. We also stock new and overhauled magnetos,
OHC carbs, starters fuel pumps, etc. Top overhaul tool kits $250 each. Call 661-257-7708
Pratt & Whitney R1340 - R1340 Engine Overhaul - New pistons, new bearings, mags, ignition harness, carb, with warranty outright/exchange.
Call Chester Roberts Supply Company at 903-429-6805
Pratt & Whitney R985-AN1-14B - R985AN1-14B Tulsa Overhaul, New pistons, Bosch mags, ignition harness, carb with warranty outright/exchange.
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. $95K for each engine. Call Pete Brawn at 541-740-5062 for more information
Pratt & Whitney PT6A-34. PT6A-34 PCE57524 For Sale, TSN 8341.4, FSN 15632, SCN 3912, EOS Overhaul. Call 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. *All specifications are subject to verification upon inspection by buyer.
Call ASI Jet Sales at 320-587-7615 for more information!
EQUIPMENT - DISPERSAL
New Ag PilotX flow control Mkit - 9005 - 2”
Electro Magnetic Meter Flow Controller for AgPilot X. 2” stainless steel full port valve with cables. New, still in the box. $4250. Call 530-300-5379
Air Tractor 802A Ram Air Offset Inlet Kit
- Complete Air Tractor AT-802A Ram Air Offset Inlet kit. Ferry time only. List price new: $38,493 Sales price: $25,000. Call Neal Aircraft at 806-828-5892
Transland 10” Hydraulic Gate - Used 10” Hydraulic Gate. List price new: $37,765 Sales Price: $17,500. Call Neal Aircraft at 806-828-5892
Sorenson spray tank made for a Piper Super Cub, 80-gallon tank, fiberglass, and stored inside. $500. Call Don Kothe at +1 (308) 692-3315. Please do not email.
Stainless Steel Booms, Pumps & Nozzles - For Sale - High quality Stainless Steel booms, pumps and nozzles! On the shelf and ready to ship. Contact mark@turbineconversions.com or call +1 (616) 837-9428
Zanoni Equipment Atomizers - New, in stock and ready to ship at Turbine Conversions, Ltd in Michigan. High quality, stainless steel, tested, proven, and US operators are loving these atomizers. Call 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. Call 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
New in box Satloc G4 - L8 lightbar, all hardware wiring new in box. $19,000. Call 530-300-5379
Satloc G4 - (THIS UNIT IS SOLD, BUT WILL HAVE 5 MORE COMPLETE USED G4 SYSTEMS AVAILABLE THIS WINTER)
2016 Complete Satloc G4 system. Screen, CPU, and light bar were working as they should at the time of removal. Connecting cables in good shape. System was removed by A&P. CPU has had regular updates from Northstar in Kansas. CPU currently has Legacy, and IF2 & 3 flow control software. 10K OBO. Please call Jack at 402-761-2322 Roth Aerial Spraying
GPS Trac Map, Ag Nav, Satloc - 3Complete Trac Map Flight 3 systems (lightbar, head unit, cables, antenna etc.) $3,500.00 USD. Miscellaneous Trac Map Flight 3 Parts - Light Bars, Cables, Wireless Dongles. Satloc - Light bar and cable. Ag Nav - Ag Flow 1 Screens (6 total). Screen and mounting brackets only. $500.00 USD. Make me an offer on it all or willing to part out separate. Call 306-786-3345
AgPilotX - Helicopter light bar now available with the new iPad based guidance system - AgPilotX. Entire system with helicopter light bar is 13 lbs. Call Anthony Fay with Insero for details 480-285-4367
Wanted: SATLOC Bantams, G4 Units & Flow Controllers.
Call Mike at Orsmond Aerial Spray (Pty) Ltd +27 58 303 5261 or email mikep@orsmondaviation.co.za
EQUIPMENT - PARTS
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
Ag Cat ‘A’ Model current Registration N8950H - ‘A’ Model current Registration N8950H, Serial-Number 1588. Hopper refurbished, new glass in the windshield, new instruments in panel (
some missing ). All major components come with Project. Wing Extensions, Extended Fuel. Wings stripped of paint and fabric, steam cleaned, all cracked skins and loose rivets removed from wings. $5000+ new Leading-Edge Skins and Nose-Ribs still in shipping box from Hershey Flying Service. Viewing of Parts by appointment only.
Contact Gene Lejeune at 337.458.6922 (Cell), if no answer contact Landry Aero Parts Dept. (Gerad Guidry or Marc David) at 337.783.7366
Ag Cat Multiple Parts - A&PIA Vietnam Warrior Owner closing shop (Retired). Stearman Crop-Duster, which was my first Ag-Pilot seat. The young man sitting on the tire [ was born while I was on a night combat mission in Vietnam 1967 ] a Navy Veteran died at age 54. He and his sister were involved in the building of the ‘A’ Model. The hangar must be emptied for the next tenant. The following items pictured are for sale. Working on final set of wings. Over my head in background is ‘B’ Model Fuselage. I have an ‘A’ Model G164-A Firewall Aft Project. Also, G164-B 400-gl. Hopper. Firewall forward on AG CAT Mount, P&W 1340 AN-1 Engine, 12D40 Prop A100 Blades (as removed from flying aircraft). Engine TSMOH 1098.2 hrs. Overhauled by California Aero Eng’s. New O/H round Oil-Cooler still in box with Tag attached. In the following photo’s you will see only a portion of what goes with these aircraft. I am offering everything at greatly reduced prices! Past time to go fishing. Thank you all for helping me exiting Hangar with dignity. Many thanks to all the staff at Landry Aero! Landry Aero and my Hangar full of parts is located at Legros Memorial Airport [ 3R2 ]. Viewing of Parts by appointment only. PRAYING YOU GET HERE BEFORE IT IS ALL GONE.
Contact Gene Lejeune at 337.458.6922 (Cell); if no answer contact Landry Aero Parts Dept. (Gerad Guidry or Marc David) at 337.783.7366 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 price
Thrush S2R Wings - with Century spars, 55000 hours remain ready for paint. Price $120,000. Call Patrick at 989-763-0195
Van Horn 2062200-301 - Van Horn OH 58 Tail Rotor Blades as removed from flying OH58. 981.1 SNEW, Excellent condition. Will send to blade shop for inspection upon sale. Must sell. Model #2062200301. $29,999. Call 910-876-2519
Kawak Electric Spray Pump - Variable speed high output Kawak electric spray pump. Will dramatically increase the productivity with up to double the output vs. existing electric spray pumps. Pilot-controlled variable speed output to pump or automatic speed modulation
via GPS/flow control integration. Call or email for pricing. 541-385-5051 or sales@kawakaviation.com
Kawak Power Stop Throttle 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 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
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
Ag Cat Frameworks, All Models, 4130 weld assays, 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 AV-KOR1 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 inhelmet communications devices. North Star Aviation is the First Lift Aviation Dealer. Call North Star Aviation at 620-356-4528
Leaf Spring Conversion Kit PA25 - CTS 1109.21 - A-K-009 Leaf Spring Conversion Kit PA25 - CTS 1109.21 - Speed increase, large service life, and minimum maintenance. Kit includes spring, brackets, installation hardware, and certs. Made by Lavia SA, manufacturer of the PA-25 Puelche. Email aravia@aravia.com.ar
Transland Pump Mount.
Call Billy Maxwell at Transland 940-687-1100
Transland Aluminum Boom Clamps - Large & Small.
Call Billy Maxwell at Transland 940-687-1100
Transland 4” Delrin Hopper Vents.
Call Billy Maxwell at Transland 940-687-1100 or email sales@translandllc.com for more info.
Transland Grip Steps for AT aircraft. Call Billy Maxwell at Transland 940-687-1100 or email sales@translandllc.com for more info.
Brushless Motor Airframe Fuel Pump - New Brushless Motor Airframe Fuel Pump - STC kits for PT6 Air Tractor and THRUSH aircraft. Long lasting, solid state, with fail safes. Call 509-635-1212
2013 AT-502B Firewall forward parts: Engine mount, cowling and Ram Air filter system. All parts with less than 1400 hours total time. Very clean and well maintained AT-502B. Parts are located in Alabama.
Call Cascade Aircraft Conversions for more details 1-509-635-1212
Radial Mounts/Rings - Radial Parts: 2 Fiberglass AT Speed Rings, 1 THRUSH Speed Ring, 1 Radial engine mount with ring. Make offer. Call 509-635-1212
- 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
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.
Call 530-345-9919
Ayres Thrush ‘Hoerner’ wing tips. Left and right, no damage. $500 for the pair.
Call Gary at 530-345-9919 garyhendricksonn3n@gmail.com
EQUIPMENT - SUPPORT
Ground Support Engine Driven Transfer Pump, Zanoni Equipment’s all stainless steel construction paired with a Honda 13 HP motor.
Call 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. Call Farm Air at 877-715-8476
HELP WANTED
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
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/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.
Call Dain at 806-535-8560IA 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!
Call Rick at 530-438-2141
R66 Helicopter and Pilot WantedWestern operation looking for an R66 helicopter and pilot. Long-term contract. All inquiries must include a resume or list of total times.
Email blindads@agairupdate.com Subject: ID#3900
AT-802 & Thrush Pilots Needed - Larnaca, Cyprus operation looking for AT-802 & Thrush pilots.
Please email references and resume to Nicolas at aviators@hotmail.gr
Alternate Application Division Manager - 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 fixedwing 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 at (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. 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.
Call Patrick Mertens at 970-571-0871
Mechanic Wanted - FAA maintenance facility is seeking a skilled mechanic to join the maintenance team at an industry-leading aviation center. Qualified candidates must have Airframe & Powerplant Certificate with at least five years of experience working in Ag Aviation. Must be able to stand, stoop, squat, or kneel for eight or more hours on concrete, lift up to 65 lbs., follow inspection checklists, and fix discrepancies. Self-motivated individuals should be able to see the end goal at the early stages for the maintenance process and be a team player. Competitive pay, 100% employer-paid health insurance with vision and dental options, 401k, paid holidays, vacation, and sick time. Interested parties should return a completed application with a current resume.
Call 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.
Call 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 longterm seat.
Please contact Chase Gibson directly at 228-860-2375 to discuss the seat. 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 Marchend of October with off time NovemberFebruary. 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 AT402 pilot - 2023 and beyond. Housing is available. Fungicide, insecticide, fertilizer, seeding work on corn, beans, wheat, and some vegetables. Send resume to chadniese@embarqmail.com Call Chad at 419-235-4182
POSITION WANTED
Pilot Arizona - Pilot Available now. Any state or country. 58 good condition. Recent time on 510P. 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. Call 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 at 901-586-7322 or email at Stbrown77@gmail.com
Looking for Ag Pilot or Ground Crewman Position - Mature and teachable Ag Pilot, seeking to learn from other professionals. Either as an Ag Pilot or a ground crewman. Extensive farm and aviation maintenance background. Four seasons loading and Ag pilot experience. Flight time is as follows, 1240 TT, 645 Ag, 40 Turbine. A&P mechanic. Thank you. Please email AgAir41@outlook.com
AK Bush Pilot Looking for AG Pilot Slot, Alaska - 25 yrs AK bush. Central America Missionary pilot. 7500 TT, 1250 DHC3, 250 DHC3T. Train me so I can spray for you. See resume for details or email Will at whframingconsultant2@gmail.com
Looking for Long-Term Seat in the US Cordoba - Looking for long-term seat in the US. I have an interesting combination of Aviation Engineering, Flight Training and Flight Experience, both Rotary Wing and Fixed Wing. Currently flying Thrush 510, Robinson 44, Robinson 66 and King Air C90. Experience in liquid application, aerial seeding and aerial fertilization. I am also URT (Upset Recovery Training) and aerobatics flight instructor giving instruction for more than 80 pilots already including AG pilots on how to recover airplanes form upset attitudes. Pilot Licenses: ATP, IFR Helicopter, CFI, TT Rotary Wing 1,500 hours. Resume and references are attached. For more information email cerionidiego@gmail.com
Looking for a Seat Missouri: Experienced Loader, CFI - Working on my second year loading now. Trained with Eagle Vistas over the winter on AG with John Becker. Some Ag-Cat and Pawnee time, 25 hours ag, 850 total, 150 tailwheel. I have my CFI, multi, and instrument. Looking for a seat in a plane, willing to load for the right company.
Call Joseph Dittrich +1 (417) 763-7675
OPERATIONS FOR SALE
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
approximately
40,000 acres per year (Additional acres and assets available in Oklahoma). The Aircraft is an S2R-T34 with a PT6A-34AG. Main assets include cash flow on 40,000 acres, airplane, 64x80 hangar with 60 ft door, and concrete loading area with 12,000-gallon double-walled fuel tank. Owner financing is available for the right buyer. May be able to separate assets. Contact Jeff Mount at jeff.mount63@gmail.com or 605-670-9703
PROPELLERS
Hartzell HC-B3TN-3D\T10282NS+4 - Hartzell Propeller - HC-B3TN-3D\T10282NS+4, 45 hours since new. $67,500. Call James at 320-296-7673
12D40-6101-12 Propeller, Overhauled with 8130 Form. Call +1 (903) 429-6805
Hamilton Standard Propeller 23D40 with 6511-12S Blades Overhauled Completely. Includes 8130-3 form. Call +1 (903) 429-6805
Hamilton Standard 22D40 Hydromatic Propeller 6533 blades overhauled complete with distributor valve and prop, Governor. Call +1 (903) 429-6805
Hamilton Standard 23D40 Propeller with new blades 6511A-9 installed. Completely overhauled with 8130-3 form. Call +1 (903) 429-6805
QUALITY Propellers For Sale
33D50-6601A18 OHC $31,500
23D40-6601A18 OHO $29,500
22D40-6533A12 OHO. $26,500
12D40-AG100-4S 375-SOH $21,000
12D40-AG100-2 828-SOH $19,000
HC-B3TN-5M 106 OHC $27,000
Call +1 (870) 886-2418
Jeffries Airworks Dynamic Propeller Balancing with Chadwick Helmuth engine printout equipment. Jeffries Airworks, Dynamic Balancing, Vibration Analysis. Much more than just a balance. Nationwide service on your location. Call Jim Jeffries, A&P/IA, 985-507-9981TRAINING
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
We build loader trucks to your specifications. Stainless Steel Straight and Fold Up. Mild Steel Straight and Fold Up. Mild Steel Hopper w/Stainless Steel Tube. Been in loader truck business since 1980. Call Pat Ballard Office: 870-697-2004 Fax: 870-697-3568
185 Hwy. 42 West, Hickory Ridge, AR
Automatic Truck, 2005 IH Automatic Truck. $85,000. Call Kaitlin at 218-201-0921 International Truck - 2018 International - Cummins engine, automatic, $26,000 without box. Call Mid-Continent at 800-325-0885
Aerial Spraying Business For Sale: Located in South East, South Dakota. 3-year average of
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.
