AgAir Update | April 2023

C-PAASS Goes Live

Protect your biggest asset.

A high-production, reliable Air Tractor is the heart of a strong business. Perform recommended maintenance and required inspections to protect it.

MAINTENANCE MATTERS

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!

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Josh Alameda - josh.alameda@gmail.com

A14 Pratt & Whitney Canada Celebrates One Billion Flying Hours and 60 Years of PT6 Innovation

A18 Texas Aerial Applicator Gives Swathpro™ System A Thumbs Up A24 It’s a Judgement Call

B2 2023 NAAA Spring Board Meeting Recap

FEATURE IN EVERY ISSUE

Goes Live

One of the requirements for C-PAASS Certification is the attendance of an Operation S.A.F.E. clinic. On the cover: The first

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Marcia Specht - marcia.specht@gmail.com

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C-PAASS to Wind Turbines

Recently NAAA, through NAAREF, has released a comprehensive educational program for ag-pilots that will put money in their pockets and help to bring them home safely after each day of flying. For the last two decades and a half, PAASS has been a valuable tool in aiding the ag aviation industry to improve upon itself. However, its “bite” has been limited by less than optimum attendance and a need for a more direct financial return to those who participated. The new C-PAASS program that is in its infancy addresses these issues.

C-PAASS has been a work in progress for several years. Now that it has come to fruition, operators can participate and see just how far C-PAASS can take them. Although much of the promise of C-PAASS is yet to be realized, it is quite evident that these promises are viable. To name a few, C-PAASS participants may be able to apply products at a lower rate than those labeled for today. This one issue alone is huge. Everyone knows lower application rates work as well, if not actually better, as higher rates. This is not speculation on my part, but actual first-hand witnessing to low rate applications efficacy in South American operations. Be sure to read the results of the Zanoni three-year trials in this issue.

Such a move to change label rates would open many doors for aerial applicators. It could bring on the legal use of widespread electrostatic spray equipment. Rotary atomizers could become more common, and drones may start to play a more significant role for the ag-operator. These three tools alone are proven to work well in South America. This is one area of applications that the North American aerial applicator has been left out of. Hopefully, one day soon that will change. I don’t have to tell you how much more profitable a flying service becomes when it incorporates low application rates into its spray program.

Of course, there are other advantages to participation in C-PAASS. For instance, insurance companies should be eager to write policies for those in C-PAASS. PAASS alone has proven beyond any doubt that participation is a win-win for the insurance folks; fewer aircraft accidents and less drift. C-PAASS will only enhance the efforts of PAASS.

An operator participating in any certification program adds ammunition to his arsenal of self-defense against bogus claims. Being a C-PAASS participant will not necessarily give the operator a “get out of jail” card, it surely will carry the weight of professionalism. Sometimes that is exactly what the operator, or pilot, will need to turn the tables in his favor in a court of law.

Read more about C-PAASS in this month’s edition’s cover feature article in AgAir Update. Everyone should be thankful to NAAA and NAAREF board members and staff members for the effort they put in to make C-PAASS a reality.

I recently read an article about a wind turbine company agreeing to compensate growers who had to pay extra for aerial applicators’ services and neighboring growers with wind turbines having to pay growers without them that are impacted. In particular, this article referenced Illinois and the efforts of Jerry Lay Aviation, LLC. Jerry Lay is an ex-ag operator that serves on the Woodford County, Illinois zoning board. Growers with wind turbines adjacent to growers that do not have wind turbines and incur higher application costs will have to reimburse the difference in costs. Kudos go to Mr. Lay.

Recently, I was at the southernmost tip of Brazil, along the Atlantic coast. There were numerous wind turbines planted in rice fields causing issues for aerial applications. I don’t see the long-term advantage of a wind turbine, but what do I know? A Google search reveals a single, typical wind turbine costs $2-$4 million dollars and $42,000-$48,000 dollars a year to operate. However, other costs include depreciation on a 20-year expected lifespan and land costs, routing its power to an electrical substation. The list goes on for costs that you do not hear about, such as the downtime when it is not operating due to lack of wind. Oh well, I’m getting off-topic. Maybe one day soon, I’ll write a “fair and balanced” editorial about wind turbines.

Until next month, Keep Turning…

April 3-4, 2023

Aerial FireFighting 2023 Pacific Northwest

TBD

Seattle

May 27, 2023

International Crop Duster’s Day United States

July 18-20, 2023

SINDAG 2023

Sertãozinho Cruz das Posses

Sertãozinho - State of São Paulo, Brazil

August 2-3, 2023

Aerial FireFighting 2023 Asia

Pacific

NSW Rural Fire Service State Training Academy

3 Walters Wy, Dubbo NSW 2830, Australia

October 5-7, 2023

NAAA & NAAREF Oct. 2023

Board Meetings

Radisson Dayton & Dayton Convention Center

Dayton, OH United States

Lindsay Barber Lbarber@agaviation.org (202) 546-5722

October 16-17, 2023

Aerial FireFighting 2023

Europe

TBD

Athens, Greece

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

agairupdate.com/calendar

December 4-7, 2023

2023 Ag Aviation Expo Palm Springs Convention Center Palm Springs, CA United States

Event Website: http://www. agaviation.org/convention NAAA Ag Aviation Expo Registration naaaexpo@agaviation.org 202-546-5722

January 2024

Louisiana AAA Conference Golden Nugget Casino TBD

Kim Brown LAAGAVIATION@outlook.com (225) 436-3199

January 2024

Arkansas AAA Convention TBD

Katherine Holmstrom katherine@araaa.org 501-503-3310

January 2024

Arizona AAA Meeting & PAASS Program TBD

Brittany Armstrong barmstrong@agairusa.com (520) 705-9692

January 2024

Texas AAA Convention TBD

Chris Shields cshields@thetexascapitol.com (512) 658-8161

January 2024

Missouri AAA Convention TBD

Eric Blair ericb802@yahoo.com (573) 283-5590

January 2024

SC Aerial Applicators Association Meeting

TBD

Shanda Allen 843-358-3583 flyallen@sccoast.net

January 2024

Northeast AAA Convention TBD

Ed Carter businessoffice@northeastaaa. org (609) 820-7987

January 2024

Oklahoma AAA Convention United States

Sandy Wells sandy@okaaa.org (405) 431-0381

January 2024

Ohio AAA Meeting

TBD

Brian Gibbs gibbsaerospray@gmail.com (419) 332-1724

January 2024

Mississippi AAA Convention TBD

Vicki Morgan vickimorgan@msaaa.com (662) 299-7836

January 2024

Association of Montana Aerial Applicators Convention

TBD

Alyssa Stromberg alyssastromberg16@gmail.com (406) 480-3965

January 2024

New Mexico AAA Convention United States

Sue Stewart dandsaerial@aol.com (940) 864-2456

February 6-7, 2024

Tri-State Aerial Applicators Convention

The Park Event Center Waite Park, MN Andrea Barber Goebel sdaviation@gmail.com 605-690-3477

February 15-17, 2024

NAAA & NAAREF Feb. 2024 Board Meetings

Alexandria, VA United States

Lindsay Barber Lbarber@agaviation.org (202) 546-5722

October 10-12, 2024

NAAA & NAAREF Oct. 2024 Board Meetings

Location TBD AL United States

Lindsay Barber Lbarber@agaviation.org

Phone: (202) 546-5722

November 18-21, 2024 2024 Ag Aviation Expo Fort Worth Convention Center Fort Worth, TX United States

NAAA Ag Aviation Expo Registration naaaexpo@agaviation.org

Phone: 202-546-5722

http://www.agaviation.org/ convention

C-PAASS Goes Live

by Graham Lavender with contributions by Andrew Moore, NAAA

NAAA launches the first certification program for aerial applicators to increase safety and application efficacy.

Aerial applicators, now more than ever, operate in an environment of competing interests. An everincreasing demand for timely and effective applications is challenged by factors such as added regulatory burden, rising insurance costs, and stiffer pesticide label language, just to name a few. The agricultural aviation

industry is rising to these challenges and, in character, has moved to advance education, rather than regulation, as the path forward.

The new Certified-Professional Aerial Applicator Safety Steward (C-PAASS) program is a voluntary program allowing those aerial applicators who strive to constantly educate themselves to better their safety and applications to be recognized for their efforts. The initial certification requirements are based on education and professional opportunities already available to all ag aviators.

After many years of development, the NAAA and NAAREF have officially launched their professional certification for the future of agricultural aviation, the Certified-Professional Aerial Applicator Safety Steward (C-PAASS) program to serve as the industry’s flagship certification and as a roadmap for the pursuit of the best educational opportunities currently available. While by no means a requirement, this voluntary program allows those aerial applicators who strive to constantly educate themselves to better their safety and application

quality to be recognized for their efforts. Secondarily, the certification can signal to customers, regulators, and others outside the industry their commitment to professionalism.

C-PAASS certification is offered annually to individual ag pilots, both operator and non-operator. As the first year for C-PAASS, its requirements are based entirely upon education and professional opportunities already available:

This is only the beginning of the comprehensive program. As NAAA develops its own Learning Management System (LMS), new on-demand courses and content will be incorporated into the C-PAASS program. A wide variety of topics will eventually be included in the online-based learning management system, including those covered in the knowledge and skills section of 14 CFR Part 137 and those on how to set up agricultural aircraft to make on-target applications properly.

C-PAASS-certified aerial applicators can use their certification status to inform regulatory officials and insurance agents and to market to their customers that they have undergone additional training and development to ensure that they safely provide highquality service. This was the impetus for developing C-PAASS—to expand and gain recognition for maximizing professionalism and to show allied businesses, from insurance to pesticide providers, additional benefits should be warranted for professional certification, such as possible insurance discounts and more flexibility on pesticide label language. For instance, some labels already require Operation S.A.F.E. participation to use. It’s possible that in the future, C-PAASS-certified aerial applicators may be able to apply at lower spray application rates (GPA) or with reduced wind-directional buffer zone distances, etc.

Whatever additional benefits are bestowed upon C-PAASS ag aviators, the program will undoubtedly demonstrate agricultural aviation’s professionalism and positive public image to the industry’s customers, regulators, and the public we help feed, clothe and protect.

To Submit a 2023 C-PAASS Application:

1. Check your eligibility - You will need to log in using your NAAA username/password. Contact information@agaviation.org if you need assistance.

2. If eligible, scroll to the bottom of the page and locate the 2023 C-PAASS Application tile. Hover over it and click the green Register (Free!) button.

3. You will be prompted to attest to your completion of each of the requirements and directed to upload documentation of your 2023 membership in a State/

Your application will be reviewed within three business days.

If your application is accepted, you will be provided a link to pay the certification fee (currently $100) and obtain your digital certificate.

According to NAAA CEO Andrew Moore, “Professional certification is an idea that the NAAA and NAAREF Boards have been discussing going back to the turn

Regional agricultural aviation association. NAAA Staff will be automatically notified to review your application once this documentation is submitted.

4. Your application will be reviewed within three business days.

5. If your application is accepted, you will be provided a link to pay the certification fee (currently $100) and obtain your digital certificate.

of the Millennium when pesticide manufacturers approached us about it for aerial label use. NAAA’s size, budget, and reserves prevented us from executing a program, but we’ve been researching and developing plans since those early days. We’ve also had great guidance from past NAAREF Presidents Rod Thomas, Brian Rau, and Dominique Youakim in providing

organized, thoughtful, and progressive guidance. Having resources and staff more readily available, we have C-PAASS.”

It’s too early to quantify the program’s effectiveness in reducing insurance costs or providing more flexibility on pesticide labels. The program is less than two months in, and NAAA reports there are fewer than a dozen C-PAASS-certified pilots to date.

According to Moore, the Association has seen significant interest from government agencies. NTSB’s safety recommendations from its 2014 Special Investigative Report on the ag aviation industry included the industry to “distribute guidance covering 14 CFR Part 137 knowledge and skills subject areas and skills test items.” The NTSB communicated that C-PAASS may be the program that addresses that final recommendation that the industry has yet to cover. That will be a noteworthy accomplishment and show NTSB our commitment to safety.

In addition, with the deadline approaching later this year for implementation of EPA’s updated certification standards for states to develop for pesticide applicators, which includes the states having unique testing and educational training criteria for those in the aerial category, there is growing interest in the C-PAASS educational programming.

NAAA is looking at making the past three years (2021-2022 and 2020-2021) of the PAASS program available on NAAA’s new web-based Learning Management System so now every ag pilot can qualify for C-PAASS in 2023.

Moore continues, “There is no question in my mind that C-PAASS will save lives and hopefully take us to that goal of zero fatal accidents in a year--of course, its success is directly relational to those that participate. We see that 86% of ag aviation accidents over the past five years come from ag pilots either that are not attending or not annually attending PAASS. PAASS has reduced accidents and drift incidents by 26% in 25 years, with only a 47% attendance rate. If the industry unites collectively and embraces this professional certification program, the good forthcoming for ag pilot’s families, pocketbooks, and public reputation will be immeasurable.”

Pratt & Whitney Canada Celebrates One Billion Flying Hours and 60 Years of PT6 Innovation

LONGUEUIL, Québec, Feb. 23, 2023 – Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC), a business unit of Pratt & Whitney, has achieved one billion flying hours since the formation of the company nearly 100 years ago, in 1928. P&WC engines power missions across a diverse portfolio – including Business Aviation, General Aviation, Regional Aviation, Helicopter Aviation and Auxiliary Power Units. Over this time, more than 110,000 engines have been produced, with over 66,000 currently in service powering our 16,000+ customers.

“Aviation has the power to change the world. Our engines power aircraft that benefit millions of people every day,” said Maria Della Posta, President, Pratt & Whitney Canada. “Every second, a P&WC-powered aircraft takes off or lands somewhere on the planet, whether they’re driving commerce, reuniting families, or powering humanitarian missions, emergency medical services, or search and rescue missions. Achieving one billion flying hours is made possible by the dedicated team at Pratt & Whitney Canada along with our customers, suppliers and the extended P&WC community. We look forward to celebrating this achievement with them this year.”

PT6: A 60-Year Legacy of Performance and Innovation

The PT6 engine family – the most prevalent and versatile in aviation – is celebrating 60 years of excellence and innovation. It has been embraced by fixed-wing and helicopter airframers around the world. With more than 64,000 PT6 engines produced since its introduction in 1963, it powers over 155 different aviation applications. The PT6 is unmatched in engine performance, reliability and dispatch availability, having reached 500,000 million flying hours.

“Our PT6 engine remains at the forefront of the aviation landscape, bringing breakthrough achievements in performance, control systems and data intelligence,” added Della Posta. “Today's PT6 is up to four times more powerful, has a 50 percent better power-to-weight ratio and up to 20

percent better specific fuel consumption compared to the original engine. Each new model is developed and designed with a specific mission, platform and customer in mind, while pursuing a reduced environmental footprint.”

The PT6 engine’s relentless technological evolution has never been more apparent than in recent years. The latest engine family, the PT6 E-Series™, is the first with a dualchannel integrated electronic propeller and engine control system in general aviation.

The PT6 is also the only turboprop engine in the world to be approved for single-engine instrument flight rules (SEIFR) in commercial passenger flights in Europe, North America, New Zealand and Australia.

Building upon its innovative spirit, Pratt & Whitney Canada is committed to ensuring that the PT6 remains the engine of choice for its customers and the industry well into the future.

About Pratt & Whitney

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft and helicopter engines, and auxiliary power units. To learn more, visit www.prattwhitney.com.

TURNING DATA INTO ACTION

Our FAST™ solution helps you make informed decisions and optimize operations through full-flight data intelligence delivered wirelessly within minutes of engine shutdown. It helps you see the small details — as well as the bigger picture — so you can stay ahead of the game.

EXPLORE OUR DIGITAL SOLUTIONS AT PRATTWHITNEY.COM/FAST

Ernesto Franzen Joins AgAir Update as South American Editor

AgAir Update Brazil , AgAir Update 's sister publication published exclusively in Brazil and in Portuguese, welcomes Ernesto Franzen (known in aviation circles as Franzen) to the team as our South American Editor. Ernesto started flying ag in 1991, and in 1995 met Bill Lavender during a vacation trip to the US. They became friends and, with Ernesto's guidance, came up with the idea of starting a Latin American edition of AgAir Update , which until then was printed almost entirely in English. AgAir Update Latinoamerica started printing part in Spanish and part in Portuguese. Ernesto wrote articles for the publication and even had an editorial column. But in the early 2000s, political issues in his state – Rio Grande do Sul – turned the agricultural environment less favorable for ag aviation. The operation Ernesto had flown for five seasons had to downsize, and being the junior pilot, he had to leave. Like many pilots from Rio Grande do Sul at the time, Ernesto went north to Mato Grosso to look for new opportunities. However, his family couldn't move with him, and the long season away from his loved ones proved too hard to endure. To stay close to his family, Ernesto opted to start a new career in law enforcement; he joined the Brazilian Federal Highway Patrol. The Brazilian public service doesn't allow you to have a side job, so Ernesto had to quit AgAir Update .

Now, after 20 years of service, Ernesto retired from the patrol and, becoming a civilian again, was invited to come back to AgAir Update , as he remained friends with Bill after all these years. Ernesto will be headlining articles and editing the Portuguese content.

"In my many trips to the US to visit with Bill and other friends, I learned many American expressions. One of my favorites is 'You have some large shoes to fill", That's how I feel. It is quite a challenge, and the only way I'll be able to do it is the same way Bill did it: with the reader's help."

In my days as an ag pilot, late 1990s in the Pelotas region…

… and in my “cockpit” today. Yeah, the years didn’t help my looks, I know.

Thrush: S2R, S2R-T11, S2R-T15, S2R-T34, S2RHG-T34, S2R-T45, S2R-T65, S2RHG-T65, S2R-R1340, S2R-R1820, S2R-R3S, S2R-G1, S2R-G5, S2R-G6, S2R-G10, S2R-H80 (510G)

Air Tractor: AT-300, AT-301, AT-302, AT-400, AT-400A, AT-401, AT-401A, AT-401B, AT-402, AT-402A, AT-402B, AT-501, AT-502, AT-502A, AT-502B, AT-504

Cessna Models: 188B, A188B, T188C

Dromader : PZL M18, M18A, M18B

Piper Brave: PA-36-285, PA-36-300, PA-36-375

Weatherly: 201, 201A, 201B, 201C, 620, 620A, 620B

Texas Aerial Applicator Gives Swathpro™ System a Thumbs Up

via Air Tractor

Air Tractor pilots who have been flying with the recently STCapproved CapstanAG™ SwathPRO aerial application system say it has helped them achieve superior drift mitigation. Aerial application and crosswind compensation is controlled from the cockpit and optimized on the fly.

“It’s given us the opportunity to adjust gallons per acre and swath width,” said Brad Lauderdale, a third-generation pilot, at Liberty Flying Service based in Castroville, Texas. “With the pulse width modulation and keeping constant pressure on the nozzles that you set up your boom with, the system has drastically reduced any kind of drift problems we’ve ever had,” he added.

The SwathPRO system allows pilots to make changes while literally “on the fly,” as pilots can alter the swath width and flow rate with predetermined settings by cutting off individual nozzles and adjusting spray boom pressure from

the cockpit. Pilots also can choose either the left, right, or center booms individually or a combination of boom selections while spraying, further enhancing the control of the spray.

Lauderdale has been using the system for several years as part of a field test group. Liberty Flying Service primarily sprays row crops, pasture brush, and vegetables, as well as some organic flying which lasts all season long. Liberty installed the SwathPRO system nearly three years ago on an Air Tractor AT-502B. Several pilots have flown the airplane applying various herbicides: Roundup®, Liberty®, 2,4-D, Sendero® on brush and for cotton defoliation.

“We’ve probably sprayed close to 400,000 acres with this SwathPRO system on the AT-502. I would say most of those acres, 350,000 of them, have been herbicide work. The system probably has close to 1,500 hours on it,” Lauderdale estimated.

Brad Lauderdale – Liberty Flying Service, Castroville, Texas.

The system has allowed Liberty Flying Services to take on more work and work more efficiently while providing cleaner jobs. “With a 10-mile-an-hour wind and the SwathPRO system, we were running straight streams, drift control, everything that I normally do. That was one of many times flying with the SwathPRO system that I’ve just been so impressed knowing that it was the system. It was the ability of that system to control for drift and ensure the droplet sizes were all the same, all the time,” he said.

Lauderdale described the spray boom configuration that works well for him. He runs straight streams on every third nozzle, straight-back flat fans at every other third nozzle, and then a 45-degree down flat fan at the remaining third nozzles across the boom. All the flat fans are size 10 tips. The straight streams are size 20. “We can get it up to about three and a half gallons per acre if we need to on a straight stream.”

“Sometimes farmers will turn in planted acres and the staff in the office can’t figure it out. So, you just go off that…but then discover the field is different. Different conditions, different ways to trim it up. You can make all those adjustments and not have to come back with another herbicide load. So that has saved a lot of time, effort, money on a busy day that’s packed with 2,000 or 3000 acres you got to get done today. Between that nozzle set up and those profiles, it’s really helped add efficiency to the organization.”

With Roundup work, Lauderdale said he has averaged 2-1/2 to 3 gallons per acre. “We can go lower volume with the straight-back flat fans when we’re burning down milo or something like that. We can run a wider swath and a lower volume to cover more ground. That has allowed me to go anywhere from 8 to 10 gallons per acre all the way down to 1 gallon per acre with the profiles we’ve set up.”

He added the system is easy to maintain. “We’ve found that keeping the spray system cleaned weekly eliminates a lot of trouble,” he said. “The maintenance on it is similar to an electrostatic system.” ➤

Lauderdale tracked the annual operation cost for the SwathPRO system outside the initial purchase cost. “It’s probably equal to what you’d pay on a regular aluminum boom system that you get with an Air Tractor out of the factory,” he said.

He recommends that an operator who is thinking about buying the system needs to evaluate the kind of jobs they do. “It really pays off on herbicide work. It’s where we make our money with it here. Drift mitigation is probably 90 percent better, in my opinion. It’s hard to put a number on that—but I can put a number on it: In two and a half years, I haven’t had to deal with the Texas Department of Agriculture.”

“If you do a lot of cotton defoliation, I’ve noticed a night and day difference. If you’ve done any defoliation work, you know that it either didn’t overlap enough or overlapped too much,” he said. “Since I started using the SwathPRO system, running straight-back flat fans and the 45-degree flat fans is how we defoliate anywhere between 2 to 3-1/2 gallons an acre. It is a beautiful initial defoliation job on irrigated cotton. And then the second shot is clean.”

Lauderdale’s verdict? “I’ve improved my business. I’ve got more customers that have come to us because we’ve got prettier work,” he said. “I’m able to do jobs that other operators can’t do, or they just turn down. There are jobs that I know I can do now because I’ve got confidence in the system.”

Contact your Air Tractor dealer for sales, installation, or service questions. For more information about the SwathPRO aerial application system, visit www.airtractor.com/swathpro.

TracMap Releases Fully Integrated Variable Rate Flow Controller for Ag Aviation

TracMap’s new Flow Controller delivers accurate flow rate control, automatically adjusting for ground speed and seamlessly integrating with variable rate maps.

Mosgiel, Otago. 3 March, 2023. TracMap is pleased to announce the release of their new variable rate flow controller for the TracMap Aviation System.

Designed in conjunction with aviation contractors, the Aviation Flow Controller delivers very accurate variable flow rates that automatically adjust based on ground speed and seamlessly integrate with variable rate map parameters. The new Controller also incorporates autoboom technology programmed to turn spray on and off as the aircraft enters and leaves blocks.

Controller functionality is accessed through the existing TracMap Aviation system with no additional hardware required in the cockpit. The display is customisable by the pilot and provides the ability to easily adjust rates on the ground, in flight or during the job. These features all combine to ensure efficient product use and best-practice soil and crop management.

Guy Stevenson, Chief Operating Officer of AGFite has trialled the system extensively. "The TracMap Team has truly created a masterpiece; we consider it to be the best unit in the world, it's absolutely perfect and the customer support is awesome."

The Aviation Flow Controller forms part of TracMap’s nextgeneration solution for Aerial Application and brings a new level of usability and functionality to the agricultural aviation industry. The full solution includes the TML-A, the variable rate flow controller, and a choice of one of two lightbars. The system has guidance patterns to support most situations and new safety features, such as wire warnings, that operate in conjunction with the lightbar.

For more information and installation options, please contact your local sales representative.

About TracMap

Founded in 2006, TracMap is a provider of best-inclass agricultural GPS guidance and job management systems for aviation and ground applications. Their fully integrated solutions ensure efficient application, superior safety and effortless administration that allow farmers and contractors to work together to improve land management.

The company currently operates in New Zealand, Australia and the USA. For information regarding TracMap products, visit www.tracmap.com.

It's a Judgement Call

by Ted Delanghe

In my novice years as an ag pilot, while discussing the issue of flight safety with someone much more experienced, I asked him what makes a safe ag pilot. He was straight and to the point.

It’s a judgment call. Pilots with good judgment tend to make good decisions. Pilots with poor judgment tend to make poor decisions.

I do remember pondering over his answer for quite a while. It was clear enough at first glance, but as the old saying goes, the good things are always simple, but the simple things aren’t always easy.

Sound judgment sets the foundation for making good decisions, whatever the situation. But how do you go about developing sound judgment?

One way is by experience. I was flying an AgCat treating a field with very prominent tree lines on both east and west borders and power lines, which I was overflying at the south end. Halfway through, the R-1340 developed a small prop seal leak, resulting initially in a few oil splatters on the windscreen. Fortunately (or unfortunately), I could open the left door and reach around the wipe off the smudges.

The situation worsened after several trips until it was getting very pronounced. But a partial load would finish the field, and I decided to press on. On the very last pass, I was flying next to and very conscious of the tree line and forgot about the powerline at the end of the field. I pulled up just in time to contact the powerline directly on the spray pump. Fortunately, it was a single strand and broke upon impact, but not until it sheared off the pump.

Yes, a lesson learned from experience – stop flying when you have a problem - but experience can often be a strict teacher. Better to learn from the mistakes of others through ongoing dialogue than to experience them all yourself.

Education a Core Element in Safety

One of the basic foundations of developing good judgment is to do the very best you can in educating yourself about the many hazards, constraints, and pilot attention demands common to ag operators. See Figure 1. The more you know, the better you can assess the associated

risks and make sound and fact-based judgments on the task at hand. That starts with a professional ag school program and a disciplined approach to keeping flight safety as the number 1, 2, and 3 priority. No substitutions are allowed.

Overconfidence

One of the interesting things about being an ag pilot is how proficient we get at stick and rudder flying. It’s a direct result of having a lot of takeoffs, landings, and lowlevel turns at max gross weight that fine-tunes our ability to handle the aircraft safely in situations that demand skillful piloting.

At the same time, one of the danger areas of being an ag pilot is that we get so proficient that we lower the margin of error by being overly confident. Our judgment of what is safe and what does not tends to get clouded, especially when the action gets hot and heavy. As we get more experienced, we tend to push aircraft and weather limits to where a small error can spell disaster if we are unaware of the consequences of lapses in good judgment.

Thank goodness there is a lot of educational support for inflight safety from the continued efforts of national and state ag aviation organizations taking a proactive approach to flight safety and safety.

The training of ag pilots has also taken leaps and bounds over prior years where a normal approach was “There’s the aircraft. Go fly. Let me know if you have any questions.” Today professional ag pilot schools deliver comprehensive curricula and training programs that stand a novice pilot in good stead in their developing years in the ag business.

Let the Good Times Roll

The issue is not whether we exhibit good judgment when the pace is slow and all the ducks are lined up in a row. The issue is how do we ensure continued good judgment when someone turns on the blender, and the action gets hot and heavy.

Here again, the national and state ag aviation associations have a lot of great materials, from posters to programs focused on helping you make sound judgments, particularly in recognizing higher-risk situations where an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. ➤

Self-Assessment

Flying single-seat aircraft means we are the only ones monitoring our flying. It is too easy to get a bit lax at times, straying away from complying with information in the Aircraft Operating Manual or standard operating procedures. When assessing your work, be fair but firm as you would be when evaluating someone else’s work.

Statistical reports consistently indicate that pilot error, mechanical failure, and poor weather conditions are the primary causes of accidents/incidents. Luckily problems with powerplants have been sharply reduced in recent years due to the growing complement of turbine-powered aircraft and an increased focus on preventative maintenance.

I’ve seen statistics that cite pilot error as the primary cause of 50% to 80% of accidents, and however you cut the cake,

that’s a large percentage that needs addressing. No one wants to be a statistic.

Safety First

Suppose you foster and fly in an environment that actively supports a “Safety First” attitude. In that case, you and all those you are working with are much more likely to prioritize safety than environments where the bottom line drives a culture of accepting unacceptable risks with little thought on the possible consequences.

Like many things we do, it’s often a judgment call. We must make many decisions directly affecting how safe and effective our aerial applications will be. Those decisions will most likely turn out just fine when supported by common sense, sound judgment, and adherence to the basic principles of flight safety.

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Air Tractor® Community Mourns Loss of Ag Aviation Africa Founder

Air Tractor is saddened to announce the passing of long-time Air Tractor dealer Lourens Kritzinger following a courageous battle with cancer.

Lourens was a successful aerial applicator in South Africa for over four decades, earning a reputation across sub-Saharan Africa for his professionalism and value-added service to customers. For many years, Lourens piloted his own AT602, providing aerial application services with precision and expertise. Together with his son Matt, they operated Ag Aviation Africa since 2012, providing sales, expert service, and support of the complete line of Air Tractor aircraft. Matt Kritzinger will continue his father’s legacy.

“Lourens’ passing is certainly a loss to our worldwide Air Tractor family,” said Air Tractor President Jim Hirsch. “He was a talented entrepreneur and wonderful friend. And for ag aviators across the African continent, he was a driver of change and progress.”

Ag Aviation Africa developed infrastructure and supplier networks that allow the company to provide aircraft sales and operational assistance to ag and fire aviation operators in sub- Saharan Africa. Large, commercially operated farms in the region have their own agricultural aviation operations, and Ag Aviation Africa has assisted them with aerial management solutions. Matt Kritzinger will lead the Air Tractor dealership going forward.

“Lourens and his dedication to our industry will be sorely missed. But we know that Ag Aviation Africa is in good hands with Matt.” Hirsch added.

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Mid-Continent Announces Delivery of New Thrush Inventory

New Thrush models are on the way, ready to sell, and ready to work.

Mid-Continent is eager to announce that new Thrush models are on the way, ready to sell and ready to work. In April, the company will take delivery of a 2023 Turbine Thrush 510P2+ (-140), then in May, a 2023 Turbine Thrush 510P2 (-34) will arrive on-site. This is a unique opportunity

because many aircraft manufacturers and dealers have been challenged to keep up with the high demand for new inventory in a market that relies heavily on the supply chain. For more information, contact their sales department at 800-325-0885 | sales@midcont.com.

NTSB REPORTS Accident Synopses

NTSB Identification:

CEN22LA280

Location: Maryville, Missouri

Date: June 21, 2022

Aircraft: Aero Commander S2R l

Injuries: None

After about 1 hour of flight in the agricultural airplane, the pilot was landing on his home airstrip on runway 14. The airplane touched down on centerline and bounced. The pilot attempted to correct for the crosswind; however, the airplane touched down again and ground looped off the side of the runway. The wings and the empennage sustained substantial damage.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operations. The reported wind at the time of the accident was from 350 degrees at 6 knots, gusting to 15 knots.

Probable Cause and Findings — The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be: The pilot’s failure to maintain control during the landing with a quartering tailwind.

NTSB Identification:

WPR22LA168

Location: Folsom, New Mexico

Date: April 28, 2022

Aircraft: ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II

Injuries: None

The pilot reported that after departing from a loading truck for the aerial application flight, he turned into the wind, then initiated a right downwind turn. The helicopter lost airspeed and rotor rpm so the pilot lowered collective and the helicopter settled to the ground resulting in a hard landing. The tailboom and main rotor were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with

the helicopter that would have precluded normal 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 airspeed and rotor rpm which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB Identification: CEN22LA200

Location: Aurora, Missouri

Date: May 12, 2022

Aircraft: THRUSH AIRCRAFT INC

S2R-H80

Injuries: 1 Minor

The pilot reported that prior to spraying any field, he would make two surveillance passes. During the second surveillance pass on the day of the accident, although he was aware of a power line in the vicinity, the pilot did not ensure safe clearance from the power line. The landing gear struck the power line and the airplane impacted terrain. Both wings and the fuselage sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings — The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be: The pilot did not ensure clearance from a power line during a surveillance pass of a field to be sprayed.

NTSB Identification: CEN22LA342

Location: East Grand Forks, Minnesota

Date: July 21, 2022

Aircraft: AIR TRACTOR INC AT-502

Injuries: None

The pilot reported that, while maneuvering to apply chemical to a field at low altitude, the top of the vertical stabilizer struck a set

of power lines. The pilot reported that “the rudder was hammed and [he] had no rudder control.” The pilot made a forced landing in a wheat field. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported no preaccident failures or malfunctions with the airplane before the collision with the power lines that would have precluded normal operations.

Probable Cause and Findings — The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be: The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the power lines during a low-level application pass.

NTSB Identification: CEN22LA345

Location: Ithaca, Nebraska

Date: July 28, 2022

Aircraft: ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II

Injuries: None

The pilot was enroute to the next field he would spray and used a handheld GPS unit to navigate. When he finished imputing information into the GPS, he looked up and saw power lines across his flight path. The pilot pulled up on the collective and cyclic to climb; however, the helicopter struck the upper power line. The pilot entered an autorotation, during which the pilot felt unusual vibrations, but had full authority of the flight controls. The helicopter settled into a mature stand of corn, which resulted in structural damage to the tail boom and main rotor system. The pilot stated that he should have climbed to 500 ft agl before he used his GPS to navigate to the next field.

Probable Cause and Findings — The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be: The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during low level aerial application operations due to a distraction.

2023 NAAA Spring Board Meeting Recap

NAAA Completes a Capital Marathon Week With Leadership Training, Government Advocacy and Board Meetings

President

Courtesy NAAA

For five full days, from Feb. 14-18, NAAA exerted great influence in our nation’s capital region, whether it was providing professional training to the next generation of leaders of the aerial application industry, advocating key ag aviation policy positions to federal officials, or outlining substantive policies for the national association to strengthen the industry moving forward.

Leadership Training Program

NAAA leadership program participants get ready to hit the halls of Congress with NAAA President Craig Craft and CEO Andrew Moore.

The 26th class of the Leadership Training Program began Tuesday, Feb. 14, where 11 individuals nominated by state and regional ag aviation trade associations underwent professional training in understanding personalities, policy advocacy, and media and communications training for 3 ½ days. The group, along with NAAA board, committee and staff members, spent multiple days advocating ag aviation policy issues to federal policy and lawmakers, including meetings with the EPA advocating for aerial use language on pesticide labels without unnecessary and burdensome

label language; and meetings with multiple U.S. Senators and U.S. Representatives on subjects ranging from funding federal aerial application research, eliminating unnecessary and duplicative water permits for applying pesticides under the Clean Water Act when FIFRA already requires pesticides’ safety to water, tower marking and logging requirements, and drone safety requirements. ➤

NAAA CEO Andrew Moore, NAAA’s South Dakota board representative, Craig Bair, and NAAREF

Perry Hofer of Doland, South Dakota, met with Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.).

NAAA’s Arkansas board representative, Matt Woolard, arranged a meeting with Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.) in Washington last Thursday. Pictured from L-R: NAAA leadership training participants Travis McPherson (North Dakota), Justin Staas (California) and Bart Alexander (Louisiana), Woolard, Sen. Boozman, leadership training participant Brant Bottoms (Arkansas) and NAAA’s Moore. Sen. Boozman is the Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee.

AgAv PAC Breakfast

NAAA hosted its annual fundraiser for its political action committee—AgAv PAC—during its capital area board meeting and was joined at the event by U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.). Fischer spoke about the upcoming farm bill, which must be authorized this Congress and discussed a particular piece for the bill she is authoring that would provide incentives for farmers that utilize precision agricultural technologies.

EPA

Another key government official addressing the Board was Ed Messina, the director of the EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), which has jurisdiction over approving pesticides on the market and how they may be used. Messina gave a great presentation summarizing the different divisions at OPP and how some weigh the risks and others the benefits of pesticides to formulate their registration and labeling decisions. He also elaborated on the challenges the EPA faces presently, particularly dealing with the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Section 7(a)(2) of the statute requiring that federal agencies must ensure that the “actions” they authorize will not result in jeopardy or adversely modify designated critical habitat for species listed as endangered or threatened by the

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and/or the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) (jointly the Services). OPP’s “actions” that may jeopardize species are authorizing the sale, distribution and use of pesticides according to the product labeling. The EPA is consistently sued by environmental activists over the ESA. Messina provided several quotes from judges in these cases, such as one from the Center for Food Safety v. Regan, Dec. 2022, 9th Circuit where the judge states, “It’s déjà vu all over again. EPA comes before this court once more because of its failure to abide by the law…. EPA cannot flout the will of Congress—and of the people—just because it thinks it is too busy or understaffed.” The EPA is currently saturated with pesticide decisions that must be reviewed under the ESA.

Messina also stated that OPP is currently evaluating NAAA’s input recommendations for Tier 3 analysis under the AgDRIFT atmospheric model. Tier 3 analysis means further refinements to off-site drift analysis to take into account more specific and refined aerial application inputs, which could allow greater use of specific pesticides as they go through individual risk assessments because of potentially lower modeling of off-site drift.

Messina also stated that OPP is working with several groups to better understand the use of UAVs for pesticide application, such as the EPA PPDC Emerging Technology Working Group, of which NAAA staff are on the group. OPP is trying to better understand the process for updating risk assessment, labels, obtaining additional data, etc. when it comes to UAVs.

U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.)

Ed Messina, the director of the EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs, updated NAAA’s Board on pesticide policy issues on Feb. 17.

Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) spoke at NAAA’s AgAv PAC breakfast.

CEO Report

Andrew Moore, NAAA CEO, provided an association and industry overview, starting with an economic overview stating that USDA forecasts food price inflation in 2023 to be 7% compared to 2022’s 9.9%. Farm Income in 2023 is forecast to drop $25.9 billion (15.9%) to $136.9 billion from 2022. The drop is partially due to U.S. ag exports, which are expected to decline by $2.5 billion in 2023 from 2022 due to the high value of the dollar versus other global currencies and a current anemic U.S. trade policy. The current administration has been late in getting key trade advisors in position, and China is tapping Brazilian supplies of corn with Ukrainian corn production down due to the conflict with Russia. The U.S. hasn’t taken advantage of corn production losses in the Baltic.

Public policy issues were then discussed, starting with the farm bill, which expires this fall, if it is not extended or reauthorized. NAAA has been lobbying Congress to enact regulatory relief as part of the bill, such as codifying state and federal preemption of enforcing pesticide regulations under FIFRA to prevent a hodge-podge of different county and municipal rules; also pushing a law to exempt pesticide applicators from having to obtain water permits under the

Clean Water Act (CWA) since pesticides are already tested for water safety and the Biden administration’s new definition of a Water of the U.S. under the CWA would include ephemeral waters that may not have waters running through them for months if not years. NAAA will also be advocating for federally funded aerial application technology research as part of the farm bill. The fight will be tough to enact a farm bill, especially in the House of Representatives, as deficit hawks square off with food stamp constituencies, which consist of about 80-plus percent of farm bill spending. Federal debt has increased 50% since the last farm bill in 2018 to $32 trillion when $26.3 billion of ag spending was cut.

Moore discussed pesticide issues, many of which were discussed by EPA OPP Director Messina. NAAA continues to work to reregister pesticides labeled for aerial use without unnecessary or burdensome label language. Since 2017, NAAA has submitted a total of 257 comments to the EPA to support such uses. Another concept brought to the EPA’s attention during the time the Board was in town was a software concept named sitespecific risk assessment. Inputted into the software would be the environmental conditions at the actual spray site (waterbody nearby, endangered species, etc.), then the application equipment used (nozzle, boom width, pressure, etc.). ➤

From L-R, NAAA Precision Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn Holloway Jr., Government Relations Committee Chairman Damon Reabe, President Craig Craft and Scott Bretthauer, NAAA’s director of policy, education and safety, at a meeting with the EPA.

The output would be either additional protections needed for the applicator to implement to protect a sensitive area, or perhaps grant leeway to the applicator, such as allowing for the application to take place in wind speeds more than existing limitations.

Moore also discussed NAAA’s efforts to continue to meet with major chemical manufacturers to register products aerially. Last year it met at UPL, BASF and Syngenta headquarters to meet with top-level officials. This spring it is working on meetings in the Midwest with Bayer and Corteva.

Moore touched on transportation policy issues such as NAAA Board member from Arkansas Matt Woolard’s efforts along to get the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to release a proposed regulation later this year allowing states to transport up to 1,000 gallons of Jet A without a CDL HazMat endorsement. Moore also brought up NAAA’s comments to the EPA to not ban avgas leaded fuel until an alternative is readily available and affordable. He also stated that Congress must pass FAA reauthorization legislation this year, and NAAA will be urging Congress to expand the 2018 statute it worked on requiring both marking and logging of rural towers between 50 and 200 feet tall and 10 feet in diameter or less to apply to all types of towers meeting this description. NAAA will also be working to put in statute language requiring drones to always give right-of-way to manned aircraft.

Moore switched gear to communications. NAAA is proceeding again with its “Above All Forms of Crop Care” ads promoting the agricultural benefits of aerial application and providing the website link for farmers to find NAAA operator members that conduct such services. The ads will be published this spring in Farm Journal Media’s AgWeb newsletter (circulation: 201,000 farmers nationwide), The Scoop magazine (circulation: 20,000 ag retailers and crop consultants nationwide) and Top Producer magazine (circulation: 100,000 large farmers nationwide).

Moore also discussed progress made by NAAA’s Ad Hoc Communications Committee, which is studying ways to broaden NAAA’s focus on external communications after the success of the public relations results of the 100th anniversary celebration. Discussions have been made with publisher Farm Journal to perhaps have ag aviation articles be more present in their widely circulated publications to agriculture. Conversations have also ensued with Marsayl Media about the possibility of providing programmatic

marketing services on behalf of NAAA. Programmatic marketing takes data from a web user to program the best web advertisements that best represent that user’s search/ viewing behavior. NAAA has also worked with public relations agencies such as the Baering Group and Clyde Group to provide services to broaden the industry’s reach to the larger media.

Accident data was then presented from the recently released 2021 FAA General Aviation Activity Survey. It showed a total of 924,037 ag hours flown that year, with 5.95 accidents per 100,000 hours flown. Those stats showed that our accident rate has continued to decrease since the PAASS Program hit the stage in 1999 by 26.34%. Total accidents in 2022 were 51, sadly, nine of which were fatal. Moore then announced that the Certified Professional Aerial Applicator Safety Steward (C-PAASS) program is now up and running and that those who are NAAA members and belong to a state/regional ag aviation association, along with having completed the past three years of PAASS and gone through an Operation S.A.F.E. clinic over the past two years may now complete their application and receive their 2023 C-PAASS certification at https://education.agaviation.org/cpaass. Craig Craft, the 2023 NAAA president, is the first person to receive the C-PAASS certification. In 2024 additional online training and testing material will be required to become C-PAASS certified.

The 2022 Knoxville, Tennessee Ag Aviation Expo was then discussed. It was a profitable show, netting $809,771 for the association, with 1,573 attendees. The 2023 show in Palm Springs, California, is coming together nicely. Aircraft will be flown to Palm Springs International Airport and towed to the convention center. The Kickoff Breakfast speaker will be Burt Rutan, described by?Newsweek?as “the man responsible for more innovations in modern aviation than any living engineer.” He designed the legendary Voyager, the first

Scan here to get C-PAASS certified.

aircraft to circle the world nonstop without refueling. He also created SpaceShipOne, the world’s first privately funded spacecraft, which won the $10 million Ansari X Prize, offered in an effort to spur the development of affordable space tourism. The 2024 Ag Aviation Expo will be in Fort Worth, Texas, followed by Reno, Nevada, in 2025 and 2028 and Savannah, Georgia, in 2026.

Membership was then discussed. NAAA completed 2022 with a total of 1,826 members—88 more than in 2021 which includes 23 more operator members and 55 more pilot members, although still only 31% of the total number of aerial application operators and non-operator ag pilots in the U.S. As of the end of January, there were 1,129 NAAA members for 2023—423 operators and 323 pilots.

Moore concluded with optimistic forecasts for agricultural production, again citing global population figures of 8 billion humans presently on the planet with 9 billion souls expected by 2050, according to the United Nations. This and the trend of global average temperatures steadily increasing since 1980 to today has increased fungi and other pest pressures in ag and will likely result in more and more demand for pesticide applicators. ➤

Board Meeting

After a busy day-and-a-half of meetings, President Craig Craft presided over the Feb. 18 afternoon NAAA board meeting. The following are business highlights and approved motions from the committees and Board:

Joint Allied & Convention Meeting: The 2022 Knoxville, Tennessee Ag Aviation Expo was a smashing success ranking second in total income received from an NAAA convention. Unfortunately, NAAA had to pay an attrition penalty to one of the hotels due to last-minute cancellations and not filling the room block. To avoid this in the future, NAAA is working with future convention hotels to have a three-week cancellation clause; if a room is canceled within a three-week window of the start of the convention, a one-room-night penalty will be levied and applied to NAAA’s room block.

Palm Spring’s convention this year will include Burt Rutan, the world-famous aeronautical engineer and designer of the Voyager and SpaceShipOne, as the Kickoff Breakfast speaker.

The Board approved a motion by the committee to negotiate contracts for a November 2027 Ag Aviation Expo in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, based on the offer the city provided the association.

Budget & Finance Committee Meeting: Darrel Mertens, former Treasurer from Colorado, provided an excellent and comprehensive overview of the association’s finances. The total assets for the association equal $5,448,822 and rose $29,638 from last year. As of Jan. 31, 2023, net income for NAAA is $633,561, $50,809 above the prior year.

Mertens also presented a proposed 2023-2024 Fiscal Year Budget. The budget includes underestimating revenues that may be seen from people wanting to be certified under C-PAASS. More convention revenues may also be seen from the convention and wires course, but they were not budgeted. C-PAASS has also seen increased insurance costs and software costs to install learning management software to provide online courses and testing to the tune of $47,000. The budget, ultimately enacted by the Board, has a projected deficit of $192,591.

Communications: Oklahoman Matt Regier, chair of the committee and of its ad hoc panel looking at augmenting external communication activities, reported on a presentation made by AgAir Update’s Graham Lavender on programmatic advertising. This is a system that makes it possible to purchase and place ads, including targeted advertising content, in less than a second on the internet based on the users viewing habits. It is a system the committee is looking at to benefit NAAA by getting the industry messaging out to the right audience.

To focus more on external communications, as a healthy majority of members and those in the industry were surveyed wanting last spring to positively promote the industry to the public as was done during the recently completed 100th anniversary celebration, the committee brought a motion to the Board to discontinue the summer issue of Agricultural Aviation magazine and bring the number of annual issues from four (4) a year to three (3) a year beginning in 2024. The Board approved the motion.

Government Relations: Chairman Damon Reabe of Wisconsin reported on the government relations issues reported above in the CEO report. He also made a vital point of urging all board members to complete any survey NAAA requests of them and to urge those in their states to do the same. Examples of such surveys include the Raspet Flight Research Laboratory’s request for ag aircraft GPS data to counter drone users’ claims that there is minimal activity at 500 feet or below; a similar survey on obstacle encounters recently released by the University of North Dakota; the NAAA Industry Surveys, etc. The data gathered by these surveys are imperative to NAAA’s advocacy efforts on behalf of the aerial application industry.

Insurance: Chairman Rogge of Colorado reported that the association is looking at the possibility of offering group health insurance to members by researching the services provided by a company named Decisely. Decisely is a technology company partnering with health insurance plans nationwide to effectively create a healthcare.gov

NAAA President Craft presides over NAAA’s board proceedings.

NAAREF President Perry Hofer accepts donations from Tom May on behalf of the Nebraska Aviation Trades Association, Sue Stewart on behalf of the New Mexico Agricultural Aviation Association and Don Younglove on behalf of the Illinois Agricultural Aviation Association.

type site that may be available to members to choose a health care plan that works for their business or individual pilots if the operator chooses not to offer insurance. The first step to moving forward is to survey the membership and gauge the interest. NAAA would have to use Decisely’s survey and there is a cost. NAAA is looking into this and will report on the cost and move forward if reasonable.

Membership: Louisianan Dwayne O’Brien, Vice President, presented the committee’s report. One very interesting highlight that the committee worked on is the Charles Stokes Memorial Turbine Training Scholarship, a scholarship generously funded by Jim Mills of Turbines Inc. that will provide scholarship funds to a turbine training institution for a low-time ag pilot making the transition to a turbine engine ag aircraft. Applications will be available soon and are due

at the end of August. Regarding the Ag Wings of Tomorrow Scholarship, BASF and Thrush have both committed to $10,000 for the 2023 scholarship.

Museum: Matt Woolard of Arkansas informed the Board that the Agricultural Aviation Museum and Hall of Fame in Jackson, Mississippi, is planning phase two renovations which will include a 30-seat theatre. The refurbished Snow S-2A is expected to be delivered in late spring to its final resting place in the museum, and the NAAA’s 100th anniversary book, Agriculture’s Air Force: 100 Years of Aerial Application, is now for sale in the museum’s gift shop. NAAA is working with the Smithsonian to sell the book in its National Air and Space Museum gift shops. The committee discussed and agreed to explore creating a walkway at the museum to memorialize pilots lost to ag aviation accidents. ➤

From top to bottom:

The idea would be to list the names of everyone who has been killed in an ag aviation accident, going as far back as possible, by imprinting their names on pavers placed along an outdoor path at the museum that could be called “The Last Pass Path.” The first step is to research and develop a list of fallen pilots, which Graham Lavender has begun to do. The committee is moving $2,500 from NAAA’s Harold Miller Fund to help finance this project.

Precision Agriculture: The committee discussed Application Insight’s forthcoming nozzle shield caps aimed at reducing small droplets, which is showing promise in reducing drift. Also, Stephen Foster of Foster and Associates Technology Consulting provided an update on current efforts to modernize AgDISP—the atmospheric model determining drift movement. He presented a proposed software development plan which would produce open-source software to use by the EPA, researchers and applicators for autonomous spray systems and the site-specific risk assessment concept. The next step forward is fundraising for this project.

Support: Sue Stewart from New Mexico discussed the topics for the 23-24 Athena program—educational material brought to the state conventions to support ag aviation operations’ crew. The topic next season will be titled “The Five Blades to Propel your Health & Wellness” and will focus on a variety of wellness topics such as hydration, environment, relationships, etc.

The Support’s convention activities in Palm Springs will include a Monday meet-and-greet program to take place at the Palm Springs Air Museum. The Athena program will also be presented during the Ag Aviation Expo. The topic for this year’s Support Committee scholarship is “What value does ag aviation bring to your local economy?” and that information is on the NAAA website.

NAAREF: NAAREF President Perry Hofer of South Dakota announced that the curriculum for the PAASS program is well established, with program content determined for the educational program for the next two years.

He also mentioned new funding sources, stating that there are now two state associations sponsoring PAASS at the $5,000 level, qualifying them for an ad in PAASS— Illinois and New Mexico. Hofer also mentioned that the Sunday fundraiser for PAASS, on Dec. 4 at the Ag Aviation Expo, will be karaoke and called “Crooning for PAASS.”

Concluding Business: Tom May with Nebraska Aviation Trades Association made a $3,000 donation to NAAREF; Sue Stewart with New Mexico announced that their state made a $3,000 donation to NAAREF during the Covington match, and they are now donating an additional $2,000 to NAAREF, for a full $5,000 donation. Don Younglove with Illinois announced that their state made a $5,000 donation during the Covington match.

Before adjourning, President Craft recognized the leadership training program participants. He also reminded the Board of Directors of key takeaways from the meeting:

• Remind people in your state to book in the room block for the Ag Aviation Expo.

• Nominate a member for an award from your state/regional association.

• Complete the surveys that NAAA sends to members.

• Remind your state/regional members to turn in GPS data to the MSU Raspet study.

• Remind your state operators and pilots to join NAAA and the state/regional association.

• Consider hosting the Athena Project at your state/regional conventions.

• Sponsor a Support scholarship applicant. Also, check out the new Charles Stokes Memorial Turbine Training Scholarship.

• Challenge your state/regional association to donate to NAAREF.

The Athena program will also be presented during the Ag Aviation Expo.

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.)

SPREADING THE FACTS

Michelle Miller - michelle@thefarmbabe.com

Top Seven Myths About Aerial Applicators

The aerial application can sometimes receive a lot of hate in the media from environmental activists who don’t understand the precision and skill required to spray crops from the air. Ag pilots take their jobs very seriously and take special precautions to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the environment. In case someone you know is still skeptical, here are seven debunked common myths to “clear the air” about “crop dusting.”

Ag pilots don’t have any “real” training.

Contrary to popular belief that all ag pilots are daredevils flying by the seat of their pants, they, undergo a great deal of training before ever stepping into the cockpit. At a minimum,

becoming a crop duster requires a commercial pilot’s license, often with specialized training in aerial application. Earning your wings also involves hours of classroom work and computerized simulations on the ground before taking flight. Once in the air, aspiring crop dusters typically first fly with a professional co-pilot until they are ready to take off solo.

Pesticides are made of unnatural materials. Did you know that 99.9% of pesticides used on American crops are chemicals plants produce naturally to defend themselves in nature? Why reinvent the wheel by creating new compounds in a lab when nature has already thought of everything? ➤

When stressed or damaged, plants release natural toxins to protect themselves against predators. Because of this, Americans are estimated to eat about 1.5 grams of natural pesticides per person per day. That’s about 10,000 times more than the average person consumes in synthetic pesticide residues daily!

Pilots are careless with where they spray.

Thanks to their specialized training, ag pilots know exactly how high and fast to fly to hit their target. Most crop dusters only fly 10 to 15 feet above the tops of the crop canopy! Pilots are sure not to release their agricultural chemicals too early and want to get as close as possible to the field to minimize drift. Drift occurs when the wind and land catch the pesticides on an unintentional target. To prevent this, a strict list of conditions must be met prior to spraying, including suitable weather conditions and low wind speeds. The type of chemical and stage of the crop also narrow the window of opportunity to apply agrochemicals, making ag pilots masters of timing and efficiency.

Food sprayed with pesticides are unsafe to eat.

A common lie that organic industry-sponsored lobbying groups tell consumers is that crops sprayed with agrochemicals are unsafe for human consumption. The fact is, organic farms use agrochemicals, too, many of which cross over between both sides of the industry. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ensures that all our produce meets thorough and rigorous safety standards before reaching the grocery store. These agencies ensure that residue levels remain below established limits to safeguard human health. Studies have shown that the minuscule amounts of residue that make it to your plate are so little that they are virtually insignificant to human health. The likelihood of ingesting any residues is further reduced by adequately washing your produce before eating!

Aerial application of pesticides harm the environment, especially bees.

In response to the public’s concern for bee populations, the EPA implemented several policies that protect pollinators from pesticide exposure. Ag pilots protect the environment

by spraying only when necessary and during ideal weather conditions. Research shows that aerial application also combats climate change by maximizing crop yield on existing farmland, increasing pesticide efficiency, and using precision ag technology to ensure an accurate targeted application every time.

Spraying from the air is more unsafe than from the ground.

Pilot safety is of utmost importance to the farming community, so proper licensing and ideal weather are necessary before starting the engines. Comparatively, time spent in the cockpit is greatly reduced relative to alternative spraying methods, reducing risk potential. Thanks to modern safety procedures, the benefits of crop dusting far outweigh the hazards of the sky. Manned aircraft can access wet fields and spray when the terrain is too difficult, or crop canopies are too thick for ground rigs. Crop dusters can also spray more pesticide faster and cheaper than any other alternative with less overall manual labor required.

Some alternatives work better than chemical pesticides.

Farmers will not use pesticides unless they have to. Agrochemicals can be very expensive and are often used as a last resort. Rather than rely on them, many farmers implement an “integrated pest management (IPM)” strategy that incorporates a variety of tactics to fight insects! One great IPM tool is releasing beneficial insects into your field to kill or eat pests, such as ladybugs or parasitic wasps! Other IPM strategies may include growing crops that release natural bug-fighting chemicals, tilling the soil to disrupt the pest lifecycle, or routinely cleaning farm equipment. And while all of these are good approaches to pest management, none are nearly as effective as pesticides, and all are needed in a balanced IPM plan.

It is “plane” to see that crop dusters are not just “winging it” but are, in fact, experts in their “field!” Pesticides are a vital component in ensuring the success of both conventional and organic farms. (In a very minimal dose!) So, the next time you see a crop duster whiz by, remember their crucial role in bringing food from the farm to your fork!

Going to the Birds to Prevent Hazardous Strikes

Using UV Lights to Drive Away Danger

by Jim Tise, FAA Office of Communications

The FAA is researching new and potentially game-changing technology that significantly reduces the chances of birds striking general aviation aircraft.

The technology inverts the customary approach to bird hazards, namely how pilots can avoid or maneuver around birds. The new approach — if positive results from research continue to play out — gives birds the warnings they need to fly out of the paths of oncoming airplanes and helicopters.

The danger of bird strikes has been an albatross around the aviation community since humans joined their feathered friends in flight. The number of reported strikes in the United States increased by 144% from 2000 to 2017.

From 1988 to 2018, wildlife strikes killed more than 280 people and destroyed more than 260 aircraft globally. The annual cost of wildlife strikes is estimated at $150 million to $500 million in the United States and around the world.

The most famous example of a dangerous bird strike was the 2009 “Miracle on the Hudson,” in which a US Airways jet was forced to land on the Hudson River after both engines of the aircraft ingested birds and failed.

“In the future, bird strikes are definitely going to rise because you’re going to have more aircraft in the sky,” said Dan Dellmyer, an engineer in the FAA’s Software and Systems Branch. He

noted that the United States is seeing more rotorcraft and drones in the air, with the number of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft also expected to grow. Populations of large birds — such as eagles and Canada geese — are increasing, and quieter engines make it more difficult for birds to hear oncoming planes. Yet another factor is that airports are often located near attractive gathering sites for birds, such as trash dumps, swamps, and open bodies of water.

What should airports do when wildlife won’t leave? The FAA is looking at a possible aerial solution — Drones. Read more in this article.

FAA Seeks Birds-Eye View of Wildlife Incursions

What should airports do when wildlife won’t leave? The FAA is looking at a possible aerial solution: Drones.

When the FAA began research on bird-strike avoidance in 2015, it considered two questions:

1. Can we put a radar system in the cockpit to help pilots avoid birds, and/or

2. Can we identify a system that deters birds from coming near us?

Testing revealed that avian-avoidance radar in the form of an antenna mounted on the aircraft is expensive, bulky, and difficult

to install. There were also issues with the software, such as too many false alarms.

A second approach, said Dellmyer, addressed the question: “Can we alert the birds better?” After extensive research, the FAA believes the answer is “Yes.”

Birds have tetrachromatic color sensitivity, which means they can see red, green, blue and ultraviolet colors. Dellmyer’s research at the FAA’s William J. Hughes Technical Center experimented with replacing the landing lights found on most general aviation aircraft landing gear with a pulsing ultraviolet LED light that birds can detect.

Rodney Shelley — owner of and pilot for his crop-dusting company Whirlwind Aviation in Fisher, Ark. — knows all about birds. A goose flew through the cockpit window of one of his planes, hitting his brother in the face. His brother was okay, and the plane landed safely, though it suffered severe damage. “We deal with ducks and geese on a minute-by-minute basis,” he said. It’s just every day, every day, every day.”

The FAA tested the UV sensor on Shelley’s Air Tractor 802, flying the plane for roughly 80 hours over the course of several weeks. The FAA had him run through various scenarios, such as takeoffs and landings with the UV light on and off, diving, and hard banking.

“With the lights on, I could circle the field … the ducks would take off and leave me alone,” Shelley described. “They wouldn’t stay in the field with me like they normally do. They would turn and go the opposite way immediately. It was pretty interesting.”

He also noticed that when the UV LED lights were turned off, the birds returned quickly.

Dellmyer deemed the results “very favorable.” He estimates the birds were spotting the plane with the UV LED lights won from as far as 166 yards away, compared to 108 yards away without the lights on, giving the fowl plenty of time to maneuver out of harm’s way.

While artificial intelligence and cloud technology might offer better solutions for bird avoidance in the future, Dellmyer says the UV LED light “is the better technology now.” Additional benefits include a simple and inexpensive installation process, and easy-to-do maintenance. Mounting the UV LED on a landing gear is a “perfect fit,” he added.

Next up, his office needs to find more funding to continue the next phase of research, including flying at night and in different weather conditions, as well as testing with different bird species.

When asked what he would tell other pilots about lights, Shelley, was quite clear: “If the birds see that light, they will move away. I believe it actually does work.”

Anti-bird spikes at an airport.

What You Can Do

The biggest challenge for airport wildlife managers today remains the need for good strike data as well as mitigating hazardous wildlife (and their attractants) off airport properties. Pilots, airlines, airports, and air traffic controllers can greatly improve mitigation efforts by reporting all strikes (regardless of how “insignificant”) and provide as much information as possible. To improve that data, the FAA has worked to make reporting wildlife strikes much easier.

Simply navigate to wildlife. faa.gov and click “Report a Strike.” You can even do it from your smartphone.

“Report a Strike” also includes instructions for safely collecting remains whenever possible. Though admittedly not for everyone, the remains are critical to helping airport wildlife managers create better mitigation strategies. These strategies differ according to species. For instance, the methods used to drive off a hawk are different from those that would be effective against a starling. As outlined on the website, the remains — generally feathers — should be sent to the Smithsonian, which provides identification services free of charge to U.S. registered aircraft owners and operators. If feathers are not available, even a swab of the biological material (a.k.a., snarge) can help experts determine the species through DNA.

2023 Support Scholarship Contest Entries Due Sept. 15

via NAAA

The theme for this year’s contest is “What role does ag aviation play in producing a local commodity?”

The 2023 Support Scholarship Contest deadline is Sept. 15. The NAAA Support Committee will award a $2,000 scholarship as top prize, and Covington Aircraft Engines has generously agreed to sponsor a $1,000 scholarship.

The theme for this year’s contest is “What role does ag aviation play in producing a local commodity?”

The 2023 Support Scholarship Contest is open to any individual sponsored by an NAAA member. The scholarship is not restricted to individuals pursuing

a “flying career” and can be used toward any educational pursuit beyond high school (at any age).

Any educational pursuit beyond high school (at any age) is eligible. Entrants must be a senior in high school or registered in higher education by the fall semester of 2023. The competition is open to anyone sponsored by an NAAA member. Previous winners are not eligible to compete. Submissions must be an essay of at least 1,500 words or a 5-minute multimedia presentation. Submissions are now entered online. More information about eligibility requirements, contest guidelines and sample essays from past scholarship recipients is available.

• 2023 Essay Theme: “What value does ag aviation bring to your local economy?”

• Contest Deadline: Sept. 15, 2023

• Compete for up to a $3,000 scholarship donated by NAAA Support Committee & Covington Aircraft

For further details, use the QR Code or visit https://www.agaviation.org/scholarships.

LANE AVIATION, INC. ROSENBERG, TX

TWENTY YEARS AGO

Shannon Agri Flying

by Bill Lavender

CLARKSDALE, MS — Since the days of operating Stearmans in 1950, Jack Shannon has come a long way to be a pioneer in “prescription flying.” Not many ag operations have been in business for over 50 years. An even smaller number, if any, can say they still have the very first ag plane owned by the company. Today, Shannon Agri Flying is not still working that Stearman, N55290, but it is restored to its original twoseater configuration in the hangar. Jack has many thousands of hours in N55290 from when it dusted the fields of Mississippi. In those days, he took off from the same strip Shannon Agri Flying uses today, albeit now with 2,500 feet of runway, of which 2,100 feet are concrete. That was over 50 years ago. Today, Shannon Agri Flying operates three Air Tractor AT-602s.

With the legacy of beginning his flying career in 1950 working for Mrs. Wilson and Glen Owens flying a Piper

J-3 Cub, Jack got his chance to fly a Stearman when one of the pilots didn’t show up for work. The operation’s owners instructed him to start spraying with one of the 220 Continental-powered Stearmans. It was a leap in performance to Jack compared to the underpowered J-3 Cub with its 40-gallon hopper. Soon after, Jack formed Shannon’s Agri Flying in Clarksdale in 1952, with only two customers. Progressing through the years with Stearmans, each set up for either dry or wet work, until 1969 when the transition to Ag-Cats (including later on two 500-gallon King Cats) was made.

In the late 1980s, Shannon Agri Flying bought their first Air Tractors, trading two King Cats with their problematic 1,200 horsepower Wright R-1820 engines for two new Air Tractor AT-301s. From AT-302s to AT-401s to an AT-502, until today, when the company operates three high-production AT602s powered by PT6A-60 engines. ➤

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The Shannon Air Tractors work a 35-mile radius of Clarksdale, often using satellite strips to get closer to the fields needing treatment. Approximately 80% of the acreage treated by Shannon Agri Flying is cotton. Other crops include corn, milo, wheat, corn, rice, and soybeans. But cotton is king with Roundup burndown, herbicide, insecticide, growth regulator, and defoliation applications.

Beginning in 1986, flying an Ag-Cat, Jack’s son Dan started in the business. At the same time, Shannon Agri Flying bought out Cotton Carnahan’s business. Cotton flew elevenplus years for Jack before retiring only a few years ago at the young age of 78. Today, Dan Shannon, Chuck Galloway, and Erwin “Mooney” Easley pilot the three AT-602s. Jack slowed down from flying duties in 1995.

One Auger Dan loader truck and two others keep the aircraft’s turnaround time on the ground to a minimum. Each AT-602 is outfitted with a Jack Frost Wingman, virtually reducing the need for three-wing jumpers. Each AT-602 is guided by SATLOC GPS units using the WASS signal. Twelve AU-4000 Micronair rotary atomizers per aircraft are used for liquid applications except for herbicides. However, Jack and Dan believe that if a proper cage was developed and the Micronair unit rotated slowly enough, the unit could do excellent herbicide work. Presently, CP nozzles are used for herbicide applications.

New farming technology has arrived in the Mississippi Delta region. Farmers are paying for variable-rate prescriptions of fertilizer, herbicides, insecticides, cotton growth regulators, and defoliants.

InTime, Inc. of Cleveland, Mississippi, is utilizing two general aviation aircraft flying to 12,000 feet to acquire infrared images of cotton crops in the Mississippi Delta with digital multispectral camera systems. With these images, InTime provides growers and consultants with digital scout maps that can be used to determine chemical application rates through real-time prescriptions. These scout maps from digital imagery are available to the grower and/or crop consultant within 24 hours of acquisition. InTime’s tailor-made prescription service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for VRT-equipped ground and aerial applicators. For aerial applications, like Shannon Agri Flying, the data is emailed or can be downloaded from www.gointime.com.

InTime’s unique service allows for the prescription generation and delivery within minutes of a customer’s request. This data can then be transferred onto the SATLOC PC card for insertion into the SATLOC unit. With modifications to one of the AT-602s by Ag Air Systems of Bend, Oregon, application rates can be controlled via the data stored in the card, variable rates, and prescription flying.

The concept is to vary the rate of certain chemicals applied to cotton. This may or may not save the total amount of growth regulator applied in a given field. Still, it will most certainly improve the results from the chemical as it is applied to meet the plant’s needs throughout the field instead of an average rate over the field.

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How this will affect the efficacy of the insecticide mixed with the growth regulator is yet to be seen. In most cases, the insect pressure is greater when the cotton is thicker. However, where the growth regulator rate is reduced, it is possible the insecticide rate may be adversely affected. Close scouting of the cotton during the season will tell if the tank mix needs separating. Even if the farmer is required to make two separate applications, one with the growth regulator and the other with an insecticide, the overall yield increase could easily offset the additional application cost and, at the same time, be a bonanza for the aerial applicator.

AgAir Update was about three weeks too soon with its visit to Shannon Agri Flying. The AT-602 that will be used for the prescription flying experiments was being readied for the AgAir Systems unit but not completed. The hydraulic system is an adaptation of the Ag-Air Systems STC’d system developed for the U.S. State Department AT-802 aircraft.

The factory air conditioning unit was removed from the accessory drive pad of the PT6A-60 engine. Having Pratt and Whitney’s blessings, Ag-Air Systems installs a hydraulic pump capable of driving an Ag-Air Systems air conditioning unit, the spray pump, and the hydraulic actuated boom valve. The Auto-Cal spray valve control unit integrates the GPS data into the hydraulic system. The overall system also will be able to control the hopper gate box opening for prescription applications of dry materials.

Prescription flying is new, with the first applications made by Paul McFayden in Australia (see AAU February 2002) and Blair Air Service of California. Shannon Agri Flying’s system will be installed on an AT-602. The project is experimental, but the parties involved are confident it will work.

The modifications for Ag-Air Systems’ initial unit onto the AT-602 must receive an FAA 337 field approval. This will be coordinated with the FAA certification office in Seattle and will also pave the way for amending the current At-802 STC to include the AT-602 and, ultimately, the AT-502. Certification of the additional aircraft models will not prove to be any problem with the ground already covered on the AT-802 program. The basic Ag-Air Systems hydraulic package is a proven design, having been in service on numerous aircraft, both fixed-wing and helicopters, for over ten years. The hydraulic drive can be installed on any of the models of PT6 engines typically found on agricultural aircraft.

The forward 18-gallon hopper rinse tank has been removed, replacing its weight with the hydraulic system. Overall, the hydraulic system should provide a reliable power source to operate the air-conditioning unit, spray pump, and spray valve or dump gate.

AgAir Update will closely follow how well prescription spraying works in the Mississippi Delta. It could be the next newest and bravest technology to onset ag aviation. Jack Shannon said, “I believe the most significant change in this business I have seen in the last 53 years has been GPS guidance. Next are the improvements in our aircraft. Now, it will be prescription spraying. We, as an industry, need to embrace it and provide our customers with the very best application job possible.”

When a company like Shannon Agri Flying has been in business as long and successfully as it has, from the same location, managed and owned by the same man for more than 50 years, operating top-level equipment, it is prudent to pay attention. If Shannon Agri Flying service and Jack Shannon believe prescription flying is the future of ag aviation, the odds are they are right.

It’s Not Just a Fizzy Drink SODA

by Dr. Susan Northrup, FAA Federal

Air Surgeon

Maintaining the safety of the National Airspace System (NAS) and the public is the fundamental purpose of the FAA. Expanding access for all to the ranks of aviation is also a major goal. To that end, the Office of Aerospace Medicine oversees several processes that allow pilots to get a medical certificate more quickly despite certain disqualifying conditions. We authorize Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) to make decisions to speed up the certification process through programs like Conditions AMEs Can Issue (CACI) and AME Assisted Special Issuance (AASI). These successful programs allow more pilots to leave the AME with their certificates in hand. In this article, we’ll cover the Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA).

So, What’s a SODA?

Most individuals qualify for a pilot medical certificate at the time of examination. The majority of those with potentially disqualifying conditions ultimately are also issued a medical, but are required to have a more detailed evaluation. Broadly speaking, there are conditions that typically progress, while others remain relatively static. For the former group, we usually put pilots on a Special Issuance (SI), AASI, or CACI. The particular condition(s) determines the necessary evaluation(s) and frequency. For static conditions, such as an amputation or color deficiency, we generally issue a SODA if the pilot is capable of performing airman duties without endangering public safety. (For color deficiency, we issue a Letter of Evidence (LoE), equivalent from the pilot’s perspective. We are currently reviewing this process though). Unlike an SI or AASI, neither a SODA nor a LoE expires as long as the underlying condition has not adversely changed.

Initial issuance of a SODA or LoE usually includes a medical flight test (MFT) as performed by either an ASI (aviation safety inspector) at a Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) or a designated pilot examiner (DPE). This evaluation typically includes both a ground and airborne evaluation. You will be authorized to take the MFT even if you do not

currently qualify for a medical certificate. It is rare, but possible, to authorize a SODA or LoE based on operational experience.

For static conditions, such as an amputation or color deficiency, we generally issue a SODA if the pilot is capable of performing airman duties without endangering public safety.

There are some things you can do to help facilitate the SODA/LoE. Before your examination, contact your AME to determine what information to bring and their availability to help with the process; also, discuss the aircraft you want to use. Most FSDOs can accommodate the typical single-engine, dual-control trainers, but your local FSDO might not be able to accommodate a request for other aircraft types. Come prepared to tell your AME which FSDO you request. We will send that FSDO an authorization for an MFT (as applicable) and courtesy copy you. Please identify your desired FSDO early; the process is delayed when we need to ask. Be aware that the AME will defer your exam and the FAA subsequently will issue a denial pending the outcome of the MFT.

Once you have the SODA, simply present your authorization letter to your AME, and he or she may issue a medical certificate if you are otherwise qualified. This simplifies your certification process going forward. The SODA may have specific limitations that allow the pilot to perform to an acceptable standard and will be issued for a specific class of medical (First, Second, or Third).

How Does This Help You?

Once you have provided any additional information needed, successfully completed your MFT (if required), and been granted a SODA/LoE, you’re done. If the condition remains static, simply type your SODA number (N/A for LoE) into MedXPress and present the letter (for both) to the AME when you renew your medical. The FAA and other pilots benefit since this frees up resources to expedite reviews of other examinations. It’s a win-win.

Each convention is always unique and fun.

This time of year is when we usually wrap up our convention season. It’s been a hectic season with many class presentations, traveling, meeting, and greeting our aerial ag friends and vendors.

However, as of this writing, we are preparing to go to our first Canadian convention in Regina (I’ve been teased about the similar name), Canada, this year. When you read this, we will have completed the convention and be back in the US!

I’m nervous and excited about the convention. I’ve never traveled to Canada before, so I have a fear of the unknown. I do have my passport checked off the list. Since I speak ‘Dolly Parton,’ will they be able to understand me? Will I be able to handle the long flight to Canada? I always fear losing my driver’s license and now have a passport to keep up with too. The first time is always the hardest, but we will figure it out.

After attending so many conventions nationwide, I’ve learned that the industry is very similar in each region with different accents. I’ve made many good friends, and I’m sure I will make some Canadian ones!

People always tell me you are so lucky to travel to so many different places. They always seem to think that we are able to visit the area. However, we usually don’t have the time to tour because we are working so hard at our booth.

One year, our first female president of the NAAA, Brenda Watts, told me, ‘I didn’t realize y’all had to travel so much!’ She realized how hard it was after traveling to so many conventions herself.

However, it’s always a good time, and I enjoy every season! Each convention is always unique and fun.

Y’all wish me luck! Stay safe. Regina

TAAA Participates in TDA Inspector Training Program

by Clyde Kornegay via TAAA

This past month TAAA had an opportunity to participate in a Texas Department of Agriculture training program. Every year TDA conducts training for all field inspectors from across the state, and this year’s training was held on February 8 in San Marcos, Texas. This event serves as an introduction for new inspectors and a refresher for the veterans. They have heavy workloads, with only about 45 inspectors covering 254 counties throughout Texas! They are responsible for monitoring compliance with state and Federal pesticide use laws. This includes all commercial, non-commercial, and private applications by all aerial applicators, farmers, exterminators, ornamental lawn personnel, City employees spraying right of way, etc. With help from Brad Tullis, Perry Cervantes, and others at TDA, included participation from TAAA representing ag pilots and operators. Brad Lauderdale and Clyde Kornegay attended this training representing the association and our Texas community of aerial applicators.

Unfortunately, most often, a TDA inspector’s only exposure to our community comes as an inspection or an investigation into possible violations. Our participation allowed the inspectors to walk around an ag-aircraft and speak with a pilot and an operator outside of the framework of an inspection and investigation. It was also an opportunity to discuss all the work applicators put into mitigating problems and describing the environment in which we work.

Brad Lauderdale, a central Texas operator/pilot and board member of TAAA, was kind enough to fly his new Air Tractor 502XP to San Marcos to give the inspectors a close-up look at the equipment being used out in the field. In addition to many of the same equipment installed on most of the aircraft in the state, Brad’s airplane is equipped with CapstanAg’s SwathPRO system, which just received its STC approval for installation on new Air Tractors. There is a lot of variation in dispersal equipment throughout the state. Brad did a great job explaining the similarities and differences in equipment operating in the field.

Brad and Clyde explained in detail not just the workings of the equipment we are all using but also the efforts that everyone goes through trying to minimize drift, adhere to label restrictions, and respond to complaints in ways that address concerns while still getting the job done. Another aspect of our business that was discussed in detail is the obstacle-filled environment in which we work day in and day out during the spray season. The response from the inspectors was enthusiastic and very positive. The event was well received by all TDA personnel present, and our hope is that TAAA and TDA will continue to work together to make this an annual event, fostering both training and goodwill between all of us moving forward.

A WING AND A PRAYER

Carlin Lawrence carlin@agairupdate.com

The Things and Pleasures of This World Have No Eternal Value

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also…

Let me clarify that it’s not a sin to work and become wealthy if it’s done honestly. But it is a sin to be lazy and not want to work. Solomon wrote, “The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich…The lazy man will not plow because of winter; he will beg during harvest and have nothing” (Proverbs 13:4, 20: 4). The apostle Paul wrote, “Let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.” God gives us talents and abilities and requires that we work and use them. Adam was told to take care of the garden (Genesis 1:15). But Christians are not to worship the things and pleasures of this earth. James wrote, “Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (James 4:4).

Jesus said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be… No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate and love the other, or he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and riches”

(Matthew 6:19-21, 24).

God created Adam as a spiritual being, living in a body, and possessing a consciousness, and having a relationship with God. But when Adam sinned against God, the spiritual part of Adam

died, and he lost his relationship with God, and it left a spiritual void within Adam (Genesis 3:124). Since we are all descendants of Adam, we are all born with this same spiritual emptiness within us. There’s no risk too significant or price too high that people will not do or pay to try and satisfy that strong cry within their hearts to fill that spiritual emptiness within them.

Have you noticed that it’s impossible to totally satisfy the thirst for worldly wealth, things, thrills, and excitement? Everything becomes less exciting the more you have of it or do it. That’s the primary reason amusement parks constantly change and improve the games and rides. It doesn’t matter how much money, land, or anything else a person has; he or she is never satisfied. It’s amazing how quickly a new home, car, pickup truck, or plane gets old or out of date and style. It’s impossible to find lasting satisfaction and fulfillment in anything of this world.

Solomon thought the secret of life was to gain knowledge and worldly wisdom. He wrote books on Biology, Zoology, and several other things, and people would come to hear him lecture because of his brilliance. He wrote over a thousand proverbs and over three hundred songs. But he said, “This, too, is a chasing after the wind. For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief, and this too is meaningless, for the wise man dies just like the fool” (Ecclesiastes 1:17-18; 2:15-16).

Solomon built a great palace with beautiful gardens, roads, cities, and ships, but that didn’t satisfy his spiritual emptiness. Solomon then turned to gaining wealth and possessions, amassing more wealth than anyone of his time. Solomon had huge parties where everyone had all they wanted to eat and drink, and they would last for several days. But that didn’t satisfy the spiritual emptiness within him. Solomon had hundreds of wives and concubines, and they turned his heart toward other God’s, and the Lord was angry with him (1 Kings 11:1-13).

Solomon wrote, “I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, which was the reward for all my labor. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 2:10-11). A rich man said to himself, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.” But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:16-21).

Solomon wrote, “Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This, too, is meaningless. As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owner except to feast his eyes on them?” (Ecclesiastes 5:10-11). I paraphrase these two verses: “The more you get, the more it takes to take care of what you have, and this, too, is like chasing the wind.” At the end of his life, Solomon said, “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “All is vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

The apostle Paul wrote, “Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life” (1 Timothy 6:9-12).

The only thing that can fill the spiritual emptiness within humanity is trusting in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and receiving the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who gives us a relationship with God. Paul said, “Live by the Spirit, and you will not fulfill the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). Jesus said, “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? (Mark 8:36).

LOW & SLOW

Mabry I. Anderson An Insider’s History of Agricultural Aviation

The Early Days Down South — Chapter One continued…

Dispensing Equipment

During 1922 and 1923, continuous development took place on aircraft dispensing equipment. The results became fairly well known in regions of heavy cotton production. Progressive farmers were asking questions and wondering aloud when it might become possible, and practical, to obtain commercial dusting services from pilots and aircraft. Entomologists all over the Cotton Belt were following the progress of this pioneer program and the stage was being set for purely commercial crop

dusting to begin. Barnstorming pilots, whose grapevine worked just as well then as it does today, heard of this work and were interested. This interest was due to the almost undreamed of hope that some day they might get paid for flying.

Coad and Woolman were convinced that although the principle was sound and feasible, a specially designed airplane was necessary before serious commercial crop dusting work could begin. ➤

Early aerial application flights drew crowds of curious onlookers. Scores of people gather around the landing field at Delta and Pine Land Planting Company in Scott, Mississippi, on August 30, 1922, to view demonstration flights.

More

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And then one of those remarkable coincidences occurred that completely changed the face of farming and flying forever. This was the unscheduled landing at Tallulah by George B. Post of Ogdensburg, New York. Post, vice president of Huff-Daland Airplane Company, was enroute to a business meeting in Texas. When he landed in Tallulah, he was introduced to Coad and Woolman. After listening to their story and observing their efforts at Delta Laboratory, Post was convinced that these dusting experiments were of farreaching importance and saw in crop dusting a possible new market for selling airplanes. After many hours with Coad and Woolman, Post returned to New York, determined to become involved in crop dusting and the stage was set for the first real commercial agricultural flying effort.

Despite isolated hangar legends to the contrary, Huff-Daland Dusters, Inc., was the first commercial agricultural flying firm in existence.

The company was an offshoot of Huff, Daland and Company of Ogdensburg, New York, a manufacturer of civil and military aircraft that was founded in 1920.

Thomas Henri Huff was its president and his partner was Elliott Daland. Both men were talented engineers.

Huff was an M.I.T. graduate and an instructor in aeronautical engineering there. He had a meteoric early career in aviation, serving as chief engineer at Standard Aircraft Corporation at a time when Standard SJ was a competitor of the famous Curtiss Jenny. He later worked as a designer for the Naval Aircraft Factory.

Elliott Daland was similarly well educated, having done postgraduate work at Harvard and M.I.T. He worked under Huff at

Standard and was also briefly with Curtiss. Although handicapped by very poor eyesight, he was a remarkable man who contributed tremendously to the success of Huff, Daland and Company as a producer of aircraft, especially for the military. The company's expertise in the production of very fine, serviceable (though homely) aircraft was well established long before it ventured into the agricultural flying field.

Formation of Huff-Daland Dusters, Inc. took place in late 1923, largely through the efforts of Dr. Bert R. Coad and C. E. Woolman, both with Delta Laboratory at Tallulah, Louisiana. They completely convinced Huff, Daland and company vice president George Post that the agricultural flying field was wide open for exploitation. Post, a rabid pilot and astute businessman, was extremely interested. He saw in agricultural flying a new market for aircraft and a new field for pilots and the general advancement of aviation. Previously, most manufacturers were almost entirely dependent upon the military for the sale of aircraft since the civilian population, for the most part, made do with the cheap surplus Jennies and Standards that had been placed on the market by the military.

The new agricultural flying firm was formed with George Post as president and Lieutenant Harold R. Harris, an Army Air Service test pilot at McCook Field, as vice president and operations manager. Harris was already an almost legendary figure in ag aviation flying circles, with background as the chief test pilot at McCook Field. He was familiar with virtually all of the aircraft currently in production. Harris was granted a long leave of absence by the Air Service to assist in the development of agricultural flying. He later returned to active duty with the Air Service, after which he had a distinguished career with several major airlines. He returned to the Air Force in World War II and eventually rose to the rank of brigadier general. ➤

Improved spreader (venturi) on one of the original dusters at Tallulah Laboratory, 1922 or 1923.

Legendary Pilots

Harris’s reputation made it relatively easy to recruit pilots and maintenance personnel for this new venture. He came up with some good fliers, many of whom would become legendary in dusting circles. These included Dan E. Tobin, N.L. Cote, Eugene Stevens, George Ott, Arthur Gray, Elliot Dunn, Henry “Pop” Elliott, and Douglas Culver. Culver was a maintenance expert, who had worked with Harris at McCook Field. In early 1924, C.E. Woolman left the agricultural extension service at Delta Laboratory and took responsibility for the new firm’s entomological work and was made vice president and field manager.

In production already was Huff-Daland’s basic biplane, the “Petrel 5,” powered with a 200-HP Wright E4 engine and suitable for conversion into a duster. This airplane was initially used by the firm but was somewhat underpowered and was eventually factory upgraded into a more formidable machine, designated as “Petrel 31.”

It was quite an airplane, with a 50--foot wingspan, powered by

the well-known 400--HP Liberty. It would actually carry 1,000 pounds of calcium arsenate dust fairly well. This model had received several important modifications, including reduced vertical surface, cut-down fuselage for better visibility, and elephant-ear balance treatment for the elevators. Most of the control cables were outside, where they remained during the entire life of the Huff-Daland Duster.

Another singular feature was the lack of both trim tabs and a vertical stabilizer, which made the aircraft somewhat tiresome to fly. As late as 1948, some of the original aircraft were still working in the Mississippi Delta and the pilots were still griping about the constantly changing center of gravity!

It is difficult to imagine that the Liberty engine was the best available for this aircraft, but it seemed to be just that. Later, when the Wright J-4 and J-5 Whirlwinds became available, most of these planes were converted to this power plant, which was superior in performance and reliability.

Continues Next Month

Pioneer agricultural pilots Lieutenants Charles T. Skow, L.C. Simon, and G.L. McNiel (left to right) standing alongside DH-4 used for observation and photography, August 25, 1922.

U.S. Advertising Index

Zanoni Publishes Results of Three Years of Studies with its Atomizers in Brazilian Crops

Zanoni's research and development program evaluated more than 50 aircraft, aiming to increase the efficiency and safety of aerial applications in the South American country.

Over the past three years, Zanoni Equipamentos has been monitoring and funding various research to evaluate and improve the use of its rotary atomizers. About 50 different aircraft were analyzed (including AT-402, AT-502, AT502XP, AT-602, AT-802, Thrush 510, Ipanema 202, and Ipanema 203) using different equipment, configurations, and flow rates.

The collected data help to better understand the efficiency of aerial application technologies used in Brazil, comparing them with those used in other countries and measuring data such as coverage, droplet density, and deposition in crops. In addition, the information obtained over the last few years allows a better understanding of some topics related to safety in using atomizers, such as droplet size, drift potential, and the use of adjuvants. Research with operators has also helped better understand some mechanical characteristics of the atomizers, such as the influences generated by different parts and configurations.

Efficiency

Unlike North America, where operators continue to carry out high-volume applications in grain crops (above 30 L/ ha – 3 GPA), the Brazilian agricultural aviation industry has constantly increased its operational efficiency through stateof-the-art technologies. An interesting way to compare the results is through the "coverage" (%) of water-sensitive paper in field collections. Comparing the Zanoni database (referring to studies in Brazil using low-volume atomizers) with studies carried out in the USA and Brazil using nozzles at higher flow rates, the following results were found:

• Applications at 5 L/ha (0.5 GPA) with an atomizer tend to provide the same coverage (1% to 3%) as a nozzle application at 5 degrees deflection at 20 L/ha (2 GPA).

• Applications at 10 L/ha (1 GPA) with an atomizer tend to provide the same coverage (3% to 5%) as an application with a 5-degree deflection nozzle at 30 L/ha (3 GPA).

• Applications at 20 L/ha (1 GPA) with an atomizer tend to provide the same coverage (5% to 10%) as a 5-degree deflection nozzle application at 50 L/ha (5 GPA). ➤

GPA) with nozzle. The evaluation indicated that both in the middle of the canopy and the lower canopy, the deposition with 10 L/ha (1 GPA) was higher than with 15 L/ha (1.5 GPA) in all the mixes, according to the following data: 0,717 0,619 16%

0,662 0,560 18%

1,937 1,662 16% Insecticide + Adjuvant 1 Atomizer - 10 L/Ha (1 Gpa) Nozzle - 15 L/Ha (1.5 Gpa) Superiority

0,843 0,666 26%

0,817 0,597 37%

2,244 1,763 27% Insecticide + Adjuvant 2 Atomizer - 10 L/Ha (1 Gpa) Nozzle - 15 L/Ha (1.5 Gpa) Superiority

0,969 0,741 30%

0,891 0,695 28%

0,971 0,762 27%

Zanoni also conducted a large-scale study with its atomizers at the Pesticide Application Technology Laboratory at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (PAT-UNL) in the United States, being the first Brazilian company to conduct this type of study. More than 135 different applications were evaluated with the equipment simulating different speeds, flow rates, and rotary atomizer configurations. Although this is the most popular pattern of studies among nozzle manufacturers, and many agronomists use data obtained in wind tunnels as a parameter for aircraft calibration, the results are quite limited. This type of study analyzes only the "spraying" and not what arrives on the target, thus missing a crucial element for understanding the efficiency of aerial application.

Atomizer Under Review at University of Nebraska-Lincoln Pesticide Application Technology Laboratory (PAT-UNL).

0,811 0,680 20%

2,529 1,982 27%

2,576 1,974 30% Insecticide + Adjuvant 3 Atomizer - 10 L/Ha (1 Gpa) Nozzle - 15 L/Ha (1.5 Gpa) Superiority

On this same subject, it is essential to emphasize that the farmers carry out the best evaluation. Brazil has a peculiarity in relation to other countries since her,e a good part of the fleet is operated by the growers themselves, who can directly monitor the result of aerial applications in practical terms. Although scientific theory always offers us important guidelines, the actual control of pests in the field determines the quality of an application. Water-sensitive papers, spectrometers in wind tunnels, mirrors, UV light, and other tools certainly give us important guidelines for the work. However, they all have their limitations. First and foremost, the ag aircraft exists to get the active ingredient to the target and to kill the pests. This is our primary objective and should be the most important guideline.

Application Evaluation at 10 L/ha (1 GPA) with UV Flashlight in Cotton Crop.

Safety

With the growing concern of environmental issues and sensitivity of low-volume work in relation to a more significant potential for drift, care with this type of application must always be doubled. In addition, the high cost of pesticides creates the need to ensure that it is being deposited in the correct place, at the risk of significant losses to the farmer. Just as studies using water-sensitive papers offer a first guideline regarding application efficiency, they also help us to understand whether the offered droplet spectrum is within safety standards. Over the past three years, Zanoni Equipamentos' research and development program has monitored the use of its atomizers in the most diverse aircraft (from those that fly at 110 mph to those that fly at 160 mph) to ensure that they are not producing very fine drops.

In addition to monitoring the droplet spectrum, Zanoni carried out some research protocols to analyze the drift potential generated by its atomizers. In one, 10 different adjuvants being applied with insecticide by an Ipanema 202 at a rate of 10 L/ha (1 GPA) were evaluated. It was found that it is possible to reduce the potential for drift by at least half using the correct mixture. In another study, an application at 30 L/ ha (3 GPA) with a 30-degree nozzle deflection offered greater drift potential than the same aircraft spraying 10 L/ha (1 GPA) with a rotary atomizer. The collectors were positioned at 250 m (800 ft), 500 m (1600 ft) and 1000 m (3200 ft) from the target, and in all of them, the results were 10x greater for the application at 30 L/ha (3 GPA) in relation to the application at 10 L/ha (1 GPA). It is still necessary to perform a similar analysis on higher-speed aircraft (such as Air Tractor or Thrush) to validate these results. ➤

www.zanoniequipamentos.com.br/en

Study with Collector Towers Evaluates Drift Potential up to 1000m (3200 ft).

The use of adjuvants can significantly reduce the potential for drift, and choosing the right product is crucial to safe, lowvolume work.

Mechanics

Over the last three years, assessment in the field has helped to monitor not only issues of efficiency in pest control and application safety but also some mechanical characteristics of the equipment that affect the work of operators. When Zanoni entered the atomizer market (a decade ago), all equipment used the same cage system, with fine hole mesh. Zanoni developed new cage models that soon became popular in the domestic ag aviation industry, including with other brands, to offer greater durability and ease of operation. After years of discussions about what would be the impact of this part of the atomizer on the droplet spectrum, it was concluded that the size of the holes has little influence on the size of the drops, having only operational consequences, such as resistance, clogging, and ease of cleaning.

Research and Development Program

In addition to the impact of the cages, research with operators also helped to assess the effect of other pieces of equipment. The ideal blade size was found for each aircraft model (mainly for the fastest ones), and the best angle of the deflector discs was determined to protect the droplet spectrum. Finally, it can be noted that the superiority of Ball VRUs was proven in relation to the disc system for the precision of the flow in each nozzle, thus guaranteeing a more uniform swath.

The spray nozzle is one of the most essential pieces of equipment in aerial application jobs. Despite its small cost and size in relation to the aircraft, it determines the main characteristics of the work, such as the flow rate, the correct coverage, and the deposition of the pesticide in the place where it is desired. The small tool is decisive in the final result of the application. In the event of a failure in its operation, it can jeopardize the entire investment made by the operator. Conducting research is the responsibility of application technology manufacturers. Investigations, both in the field and in the laboratory, are critical to assess the performance of products, ensuring that they are being manufactured regularly, obtaining data to help users, observing areas for improvement, and, above all, guaranteeing safety and efficiency in the application. In the case of rotary atomizers, which are equipment developed for low-volume applications, the importance and responsibility of manufacturers are even greater. This type of work is more sensitive, requiring special care and almost perfect calibration to combine maximum efficiency with the highest safety standards in the application, something the Brazilian ag aviation industry has achieved with great success.

Different types of meshes in the atomizers. Research indicates that the size of the holes has little influence on the droplet spectrum.

Atomizers designed for high-speed aircraft (160mph) to ensure a safe droplet spectrum.

Droplet spectrum evaluation in Air Tractor 502XP.

Collaborating to Protect Australian Grass Trees

by Parks Victoria

A collaborative program has seen Australian agencies work together to combat the deadly plant pathogen, Dieback (Phytophthora cinnamomi) in and around Great Otway National Park.

Dieback is a deadly disease that devastates native plants like grass trees and native animals that rely on native habitats like the Southern Brown Bandicoot and Long-nosed Potoroo.

To slow the spread, a trial is underway to reduce the impact of dieback through Victoria’s first aerial application of Phosphite, a low-toxicity salt-like chemical over the Anglesea and Carlisle Heathland.

“We can protect large amounts of bushland fairly quickly and easily using aerial spraying,” said Katrina Lovett, Regional Conservation Program Coordinator at Parks Victoria.

The chemical, already used in Western Australia, works by boosting plant defenses against Phytophthora, giving native species a fighting chance to survive.

“Once dieback is present, it can’t be eradicated but can be controlled. Applying Phosphite to plants doesn’t kill the disease, but it boosts the plant’s immunity. So, it’s a little bit like an immunization,” said Jessica Miller, Environmental Programs Manager at the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority.

“We’re working together to slow the spread of Phytophthora dieback in the Otways, and this trial will give us a real insight into the effectiveness of aerial spraying across a large area,” says

This trial’s findings will help inform the future use of Phosphite to help protect and support native vegetation in both the Otways and across Victoria.

This project is part of the Australian Government’s Wild Otways Initiative, which aims to protect native wildlife from threats, including dieback. The aerial application is one part of a broader project to map the occurrence of the disease in the Otways, prioritize areas for protection, and train staff, community groups, and Traditional Owner groups to prevent the spread of the disease further.

This project is a collaboration between Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, Parks Victoria, the Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action, Barbara Wilson Pty Ltd, and Field Air Group. The Australian Government funds Wild Otway’s Initiative.

Tim Miller, Wild Otways Project Officer from the Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action (DEECA).

Native Australian grass trees are one of the species which are particularly susceptible to dieback. Photo credit: Corangamite Catchment Management Authority.

The aerial application will help boost native plant immunity against the disease. Photo credit: Corangamite Catchment Management Authority.

CRAYMER’S COUNSEL

Robert Craymer - robertc@covingtonaircraft.com

The Power Section

The modular design of the PT6 has been documented and discussed in previous articles. We have talked about the rear module and the gas generator. Now let’s turn our attention to the front of the engine, called the power section. The power section does precisely that; it turns the air from the gas generator into power. Now we look closer at how air is turned into energy.

Simply stated, the power section comprises a turbine section and a gearbox. Much like the engine’s modular design, the power section can be looked at in modules itself. The rearmost subassembly or module is the power turbine. It comprises either one or two rotors (power turbine disks), depending on the engine model on a shaft. This module also includes the power turbine vane ring and power turbine stator housing. The shaft is the power turbine or PT shaft,

and it runs through a housing where two bearings support it. Moving forward in the engine, the end of the PT shaft opposite the disk(s) is the 1st stage sungear. This is the entry point into the rear reduction gearbox section of the power section. Before looking at the reduction gearbox or RGB, think about how fast the power turbines spin. They take all the hot compressed gases from the gas generator and use them to turn before that gas is exhausted from the engine. The power turbine speeds are in the range of 30,000 to 33,000 RPM. That is the speed that starts its way into the reduction gearbox.

The reduction gearbox contains two sets of gears and is built like our solar system. We have two sun gears in the center, surrounded by two planetary gears. Each gear set is housed in a housing: the rear and front RGB housings. ➤

As stated, the 1st stage sungear is attached to the PT shaft. As it turns, it drives the 1st stage planet gears. This set of gears is a group of three gears matched in weight within a certain tolerance. They are contained in a balanced carrier assembly and, on the outside, run inside a ring gear. The 2nd stage sungear is also attached to the first stage carrier. All the 1st stage assembly is contained in the rear RGB housing. This housing also includes the torque piston and cylinder, where the torque indication comes from. This completes the middle module of the power section.

The final module is the front RGB housing. Five planetary gears rotate around the 2nd stage sungear. These are the 2nd stage planet gears, and they are all matched by class and are housed in the 2nd stage carrier. The carrier is attached to the prop shaft. Now we are finally able to turn the prop shaft. Depending on the model, the final gear reduction is 14.5 to 17.5 of power turbine RPM to one prop revolution. Bearings on both ends support the 2nd stage carrier and prop shaft. The #5 bearing supports the carrier end. ➤

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When you have a live wire or lightning strike, the path of the electricity most commonly taken is prop, prop shaft, and 2nd stage carrier. We typically find arcing damage on both the bearing and the carrier. The prop end of the prop shaft is supported by the #6 and, in large engines, the #7 bearing. Also housed in the front RGB are the drive gears for the prop governor, overspeed governor, and prop tach. All these gears and bearings in the reduction gearbox are why there is also a chip detector in the front housing. I stress to everyone to ensure their chip detector is connected and working, which we check every 100 hours.

Besides the chip detector, the other inspection items on the power section center around the exhaust duct, power turbine blades and temperature sensing system. I encourage everyone to pull a stack and look at the PT blades. If that is not possible, then at least put the borescope in and take a peak. You need to make sure that the blades look as you expect. Twenty years ago, an AD was issued regarding lowquality exhaust duct welds (AD 2002-23-13). I haven’t seen a poor weld in a while, but it is worth mentioning as it is a straightforward, one-time inspection if you have an older small engine.

Finally, we must discuss the temperature sensing system. The ITT or internal turbine temperature system is housed on the power turbine stator housing. There are 8 – 10

temperature sensing probes connected by a bus bar and connected to a wire harness to the outside of the engine. I had many calls about engines that exhibit intermittent turbine indicating problems. We test these components with a Barfield tester. We measure insulation resistance and loop resistance per the engine maintenance manual. I recommend having this done occasionally, especially when you have the power section removed. The insulation breaks down over time, potentially leading to intermittent problems.

Hopefully, you now have a good idea of the construction of the PT6A engine. I always find it fascinating that the engine was developed in the 1960s, and much of the technology developed during that initial engineering is still in use today. The PT6A continues to be one of the world’s most useful and dependable engines.

Robert Craymer has worked on PT6A engines and PT6Apowered 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 has been an instructor of PT6A Maintenance and Familiarization courses for 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.

JEDDAH: training in Arab territory ended this Thursday (23), after five days of activities.

United Nations Conducts Ag Aviation Training to Combat Locusts

The United Nations training was promoted within a program that covers countries in Africa and the Middle East against the Locust plague that threatens the food security of populations in the region almost every year.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) concluded a workshop in Saudi Arabia on aerial spraying against locusts that plague Africa and other countries in the Middle East in February of this year. The training took place in the city of Jeddah, on the shores of the Red Sea. The training is part of an annual schedule to monitor and combat swarms of desert locusts in Africa and the Middle East. Additional workshops are scheduled for October 2023 in Morocco, Northern Africa.

The training is part of broader exercises held by the Commissions for the Control of Desert Locusts in the Western (covering Algeria, Mali, Morocco, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, Chad, and Tunisia) and Central (Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia) regions of the FAO, and in partnership with local governments. The meetings also include training on using drones to monitor insects and educational courses on online surveillance platforms, emergency management, and other topics.

In 2020, the UN Agency conducted an online training course for technicians from Chad, Niger, Mali, and Mauritania for air base operation management against locusts. That year, East Africa (especially Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, and Kenya) and Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula experienced the biggest locust plague in 25 years. To face the crisis, FAO mobilized $230 million in land and air operations over

2,300 hectares in the affected countries – which involved around 20 aircraft working simultaneously with pilots of different nationalities. The 2020 plague even reached Pakistan– where the government is also leveraging aerial spraying on over 50,000 acres against the plague.

According to the United Nations, the concentrated effort in Africa avoided the loss of 4.5 million tons of crops. It saved pasture land that facilitated the production of over 900 million liters of milk, which guaranteed food for 42 million people in one of the poorest regions on the planet. The UN estimated the value of cereals and milk saved at US$ 1.77 billion.

The Desert Locust Control Commissions hold assessment meetings each locust season, seeking to share expertise and incorporate technologies for planning and execution, like incorporating agricultural aircraft to carry out long-range insect surveys and betting on state-of-the-art DGPSs and GIS (EarthRanger) systems to coordinate ground and air teams. In addition, recommendations are made on the adaptation of legislation in each country on the use of drones, registration of chemical or biological products used against insects, and other guidelines.

FAO has contracted with agricultural aviation companies to fight locusts in Africa since the 1990s. Since biblical times, the desert locust ( Schistocerca gregaria) has been possibly the most voracious pest on the African continent and in parts of the Middle East and Asia. The species can travel up to 150 kilometers a day in large clouds. A female can lay 300 eggs throughout her life, and even a tiny group can consume enough food in a short time to feed about 3,500 people.

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TPE331 - Turbo FatCat, 515-gal, 126-fuel, Hi-Wings, Heavy Struts/ Wires, T.S. Tail, 41” TL/DAF Bombo, fully equipped, fresh AmAg-re-furb. Your certified engine/prop. Fresh annual, can C of A/w for export. Scheduled completion date Sept. 2023. AmAg, 870-886-2418/2489 Fax frank.kelley@ ag-cat.com

Special “Pair” pricing for two Super-A+ Queen-Cats, 350 Gal TL combos, 80-fuel, B-Cabins, TST, Ext’d wings, W-A, DF-Smoke, ES. Your certified power-pkg FWF. $135K each, $250 both! American Agviation / Ag Cat Sales & Services since 1971, 870-886-2418 (2489 fax) frank.kelley@ag-cat.com

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. $75K includes CofAW4 Export flyaway, $80K in your container. AgCat Sales & Services since 1971, 870-886-2418/2489 Fax, 870-7591692 Cell. frank.kelley@ag-cat.com

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Air Tractor AT-301

AT-400

1980 AT-400A, N3655B, PT6A-27 TTE 7698.5 HSI 2584.4, TTAF 10501.3, GPS: Ag Pilot X, Nose Lights, Ag Pilot X Flow Control, Reabe Digital Hopper Gauge, A/C, Nozzles, Clear Glass Canopy. $330K See spec sheet for details. Woodley Aerial Spray Jeramy VanLanduit 815-718-5300

Relisting! The sale fell through. 1989 Super B Fat Cat, super 6 engine, 500 gallon, 11,166 TT, 1189 since hot, 188 IRAN, hydraulic spray system, air conditioning and heat, wing extensions, servos, night lights, E/I digital gauges. $220K. Call 509-520-8267

1975 Grumman G164A Ag Cat, N7496K, 6102.7 TT, Pratt & Whitney R-985AN14B 451.7 SMOH by Leach. 451.7 hours since wings recovered and painted, prop governor, starter, and 22D30 prop OH. New alternator. 130 hours since cockpit aft was disassembled, repainted, and reassembled. Chip detector, SATLOC Bantam, stainless steel booms & CP nozzles, electric fan brake, Transland gate & Swathmaster spreader, Smoker, spare wheels/tires/brake calipers, and other assorted parts. $100K. Call or text 337-319-3013

1986 AT-301, C-GAXT, S/N 301-0651, TTAF 6715.8, TTE SMOH 807.2, P&W 1340-S3H1, Hamilton Standard 22D40 TTSO 456 Due 12 May 2025. AT-401 Gear and Wheels. Dyna Nav AirAG Guidance, Smoker, CP-03 nozzles. Annual due 30 June 2022. $98,000 USD. Parkland Aerial Applicators 204-647-2731, Manitoba, Canada.

1980 AT-400A, N3650D, PT6A-15AG TTE 11195.3 HSI 931.8, TTAF 11108.6, GPS: Ag Pilot X, Ag Pilot X Flow Control, Reabe Digital Hopper Gauge, A/C, Nozzles, Clear Glass Canopy. $250K See spec sheet for details. Woodley Aerial Spray Jeramy VanLanduit 815-718-5300

1971 Grumman Ag Cat

G164A with spare engine, Hershey wing extension, Garrett -1 Conversion, AFTT 11,911, TTE 11861.1, Total SHOT 3438.7, Wheel 1 1038.5 Cycles remaining, Wheel 2 2776.8 Cycles remaining, Wheel 3 4302.6 cycles remaining, Engine #2 has TSN 8255.3, TSO 4770, TSHO 1148.3, CSO 3018. $189K 989-763-0195

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Classifieds Starting at $19.99 478-987-2250. Fax: 478-352-0025.

Ground up Super B AgCat rebuild Firewall aft complete aircraft. This does not include the power plant or engine STC. The estimated completion date is April 1st. This is as close to a new AgCat complete airframe out there. 400-gallon hopper, Long Range Fuel, Raised Wing, Heavy Gear, and Tail Spring. $355K Call Storm Aeronautics for details 402-367-3213

Various Ag Cat Spares available. Please contact us for the price at spares@ orsmondaviation.co.za +27 58 303 5261 or visit our website at https:// orsmondaviation.co.za/

QueenCat In Progress - S/N 566B Super B+ Mods, ready for Garrett or P&W Turbine, 400-gal, 120-fuel, hi wings, heavy struts & wires, T.S. Tail, Heavy Gear, TL DAF Combo. $200K (YOUR FWF) AmAg, 870-886-2418/2489F 870-7591692 Cell frank.kelley@ag-cat.com

1986 Geared AT-301 with 5890 hours clean airframe. Engine is P&W Geared 1340, 544 SMOH by Covington. Hamilton 23D40-311 PROP 0 Time SOH, Fuel 126, Air Conditioning, Garmin SL40. For more information call Farm Air Inc at 877-715-8476

1981 AT-400A, N23416, PT6A-27 TTE 13375.1 HSI 3638.5, TTAF 10447.0, GPS: Ag Pilot X, Nose

Lights, Ag Pilot X Flow Control, Reabe Digital Hopper Gauge, A/C, Nozzles, Clear Glass Canopy. See spec sheet for details. $340K Woodley Aerial Spray

Jeramy VanLanduit 815-718-5300

1981 AT-301, N2367C, S/N: 301-0412, TTAF: 15734.8, Tach: 1220.5, Wings: New spars installed by Air Tractor Certified Repair Station (Zero time), Paint: 8 yrs. P&W R-1340-S3H1-G, S/N: ZP-104037, TTE: 10353.8, SMOH: 128.8, Propeller: 3 Bladed, Hydromatic Propeller, Manufacturer: Hamilton Standard, Model: 23D40-311, TT: 1220.5, TSOH: 128.8, Miscellaneous, SATLOC M3, Smoker, Night Work Lights. $125K Call Neal Aircraft at 806-828-5892

1979 AT-400A, N8907S, PT6A-27 TTE 12596.1, HSI 1898.6, TTA 10669.6, GPS: Ag Pilot X, Nose Lights, Ag Pilot X Flow Control, Reabe Digital Hopper Gauge, A/C, CP Nozzles, Clear glass canopy. See spec sheet for details. $300K Woodley Aerial Spray

Jeramy VanLanduit 815-718-5300

1979 AT-400, N550BH, PT6A-27, TTE 25172.2, Hot Section Inspection 1548.2, TTAF 7453. APX & SATLOC, Nose lights, Ag Pilot X Flow Control, Reabe Digital Hopper Gauge, A/C, CP Nozzles, Clear Glass Canopy. See spec sheet for details. $360K Woodley Aerial Spray Jeramy VanLanduit 815-718-5300

AT-402

1998 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 Contact Speck or Heath 979-543-5272 or industinc@ gmail.com. Resellers don’t bother.

1996 AT-402B, N60998, TTAF 7166, PT6A-15AG, TTE 10,253, Load Hawg, Heat & A/C, Comm

Radio-Hand Held, Wing spar due at 8,200 hrs. - 1,034 hrs. left, Light Star SATLOC, Eddy Current due at 7787 TT, New rear spar attach bolts due at 7551.1 TT, Bottom load fuel, Boom w/ CP03 Nozzles, Annual 1/1/22. See spec sheet for more details. MidContinent Aircraft, Hayti, MO, 800-325-0885 www.midcont.net

AT-502

2015 AT-502B, 3,577

1988 AT-502, N1006Y, Hobbs: 2550.6 Air Frame TT: 10,516 (Wings Due In 6862.6 Hours) Engine TT: 17,378.6 hours PT6A-27 (Fresh HOT Section Inspection) Engine Time Since Major Overhaul: 5346.9 Extras: Turn Windows, Split Panel, 3-piece windshield. $373,000 Call Dain Guetersloh at 806-535-8560

2004 AT-602, TT 9708.5

Since New, PT6- 65, 200 HRS Since extensive hot, Prop Time S0H with New Blades 3000 hrs .m10876ans Blades, Landing gear was replaced 300 hrs ago, 2200 hrs remain on spars, No Damage History, SATLOC G4 with L7 light Bar & Flow Control, Air Repair VR Hydraulic System Dry & Liquid, 80 CP Flat fan nozzles with 50% electric boom shut off, fast start, com radio, smoker, load hawg, A/C & Heat, Lane Brake and Fan. $550,000 with Fresh April annual by Air Repair or $500,000 as is and you annual. Call 662-719-2200 or 662-398-7833 for information.

1999 AT-402A -11AG, TTSN:2800 Commercially Maintained Recent Prop overhaul, Single pt Fuel, Digital hopper gauge DAM Diagnostic system, Tracmap GPS, AgNav flow control. Always Hangared Asking $495,000. Call to Discuss! Peter 204-522-5883 corsairaviation2015@gmail.com

1991 AT-402A, 6800 TTSN, PT6A34AG, 1825 SOH, 0-SHOT, fresh spars, Bantam/flow, Hatfield S.P., Com, Reabe hopper gauge, Reabe canopy, S.S camlocs, AMSAFE harness, CP’s, smoker, electric brake. $656K. No Trade Call 309-759-4646 Farm Air Inc.

Hours since new, No Damage History, PT6A-34AG, 3,577 Hours since new, “0” hours since HSI by Dallas Airmotive, “0” SMOH Fuel Control Unit, High-Pressure Fuel Pump, Prop Governor, Overspeed Governor. SATLOC G4 with IntelliFlow VGs, Heater, LED lights, Artificial Horizon, Garmin Audio Panel, Comm, Transponder (ADSB out). Fresh extensive annual, Kawak quadrant, Storm Cutters, factory air. This is a clean, ready-to-go 502B. $795,000 Call Clyde, 956-202-2094

2012 AT-502B, TT engine & airframe: 5357 hrs., hot section at 3735 hrs with fuel control, bleed air, low & high pressure pump, prop governor overhauled at that time. New paint at 4600 hrs. CP flat fan nozzles, 12 vane SSF spreader. Prop Iran at 4600 hrs. Price reduced to $690K OBO Contact: Dwayne Bebee at Riceland Aviation in Jennings, LA at 337-824-1567 or 337-224-9918

1998 AT-602, PT6-60, TTAE 4299.1 hrs.

Currently flying.

1990 AT-502, PT6A-34 TTAF:10863, TTE:10863 421 hours since Prime Turbine light overhaul. 3715 hours on new CT blades, prop TTSOH 1100. Wing spar caps replaced 2900 hours on wings. Amsafe airbags, wire cutters clear view canopy, single point fuel, Heat/AC, night lights, 2” stainless spray system and booms with 48 CP nozzles, 3”load valve. Hopper rinse system. Ag-Nav Platinum. See spec sheets for details.

$475K Contact Marty Owen Dubois Idaho 208-317-7669

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Classifieds Starting at $19.99 478-987-2250. Fax: 478-352-0025.

2012 AT-502B, N507HB, 4390 TTAF, 180 Since FCU OH, 180 Since fuel pump OH, 180 Since HSI, Ag Pilot X with flow control, single point fuel, stainless booms, CP-11 nozzles, AFS check valves. Price reduced to $685,000 Call Neal Aircraft at 806-828-5892

AT-602

2010 AT-602 -60, N602MS, 4310 TTAE, Engine Hot 350 hrs. ago w/ new blade, Prop overhaul 350 hrs. ago, Large fuel 280 gallons, Hatfield fuel, SATLOC w/Flow Control, Radio console, Night lights, No airframe damage, Hangared & mostly owner flown, fresh annual date of sale. Plane detail scheduled for Feb. $700K Dow Croom at 573-225-8019

Compressor section OVH and test cell run at 4200.7, Prop TSO 370, TSHOT 98.4, New FCU, Factory AC, SATLOC Bantam, Smoker, Aeronautics Pump, Aluminum Booms, CP-03 Nozzles, Transland 12 Vane SS Spreader, and wing replacement in 2300 hrs. $610K 337-753-2569 or agaviation89@gmail.com

1998 AT-602, N5086H, PT6A-60AG, 8800 hours TT, New wings, AFS booms with vortices shutoff, Ag PilotX, ADSB in out Garmin 345, Par200a radio, Storm cutters, Fresh hot section with Dallas airmotive. Clean west Texas plane runs cool with low NG. Good flying plane. $550K Call Travis at 701-361-5695

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Get Serious About Selling

Classifieds Starting at $19.99 478-987-2250. Fax: 478-352-0025.

AT-802

2011 AT-802A, PT6A67AG, N209LA, 5453 TT airframe and engine. Fresh hot section inspection, PT2 blades replaced, overhauled FCU and flow divider, smoker, single point fuel, KY196 COM radio, Ag PilotX GPS system, float mods, Lane spray pump fan, and electric brake. Fresh annual inspection. $1,095,000 For more information, call Mike Schoenau at Valley Air Crafts 559-686-7401

Aircraft - Cessna

1979 Cessna T188C

Turbine, AFTT 7582, 3836 TT since turbine conversion Rolls Royce 250-C20S, TTE 6162, SHMI 1236, Prop SOH 1253. 8:50x10 Clevelands, 10” Tail Wheel, KY97A com, SATLOC Bantam, hydraulic spray system and spray valve, Crophawk 7, Agrinautics 65310 spray pump, smoker, flagman. Annual completed 2/2023. Asking $220K, make offer. Call Terry at 503-393-7401

2017 AT-802A, 2600 hours TT airframe, and engine. TracMap GPS, Night lights, PT6A-65AG engine, Kawak throttle quadrant, Lane electric pump brake. $1,295,000 For more information, call Mike Schoenau at Valley Air Crafts 559-686-7401

1982 Cessna Ag Husky, N9983J, 6454 TT, Less than 140 hours on factory remain, New SATLOC Bantam, Great C188T. Kevlar LE, VG’s, 10” wheels, smoothest nicest one you’ll find. $210,000 Call 918-704-0308

2013 AT-802 -65, 4600 TTAF, 8010 Engine TTSN, Covington light overhaul at 5700 hrs., New hot section w/New blades-0 time, Fresh annual completed 2/23, Starter annual completed 720 hrs. ago, Prop annual completed 720 hrs. ago - overhaul, Landing gears at 3400 hrs. TT, Fuel control at 4320 hrs. High-pressure fuel pump at 4500 hrs., SATLOC w/Flow Control, Hyd. Gate box w/Big spreader & cart, Nite lights, Reabe fuel, Hatfield fuel load system, Mostly owner flown & bought new, one owner. Hangared all its life. Plane detail scheduled for Feb. $1,100,000 Call Dow Croom at 573-225-8019

2023 AT-802 -67AG, available April 2023. Contact Rick Stone at Southeastern Aircraft Sales & Service at 800-441-2964 or mail@ southeasternaircraft.com

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1981 Cessna T188C Ag Husky, 6800 TT, 205 STOH with new Millennium cylinders, turbocharger, rebuilt fuel controls and injection pump, Super Ag tips, Super booms, CP11 nozzles, VGs, SATLOC LiteStar 4, Duke Spreader. $90,000 Located in SE Idaho Call 208-5308983 Turbine Brave also for sale. Call for details.

1971 Cessna 188 Ag Wagon, Equipped with AgNav Guia GPS, comm radio, transponder, adsb out, smoker, super booms w/CP-09 nozzles, and spreader! Clean airframe! Will sell with a fresh annual. Asking S130,000 or best offer. Call Aaron 618-759–1139

1969 Cessna Ag Wagon, 6900 TT, 970 SMOH, IO520 Engine, 3 blade prop, May 2022 annual, all logs, dry spreader & spray system, SALTOC X3 w/L7 Lightbar, 1897# useful, located in Austin, Minnesota. Ready to work! $95,000 Call 507-219-8191

Aircraft - Dromader

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Aircraft - Piper

1974 Cessna 150, N3011V is a nice Cessna150M that flies straight and true, and even though the engine is over TBO, it still runs strong. This aircraft would be a good time builder. 5470 TT, CONTINENTAL O200A, SMOH 2100, Cessna MX300 Nav/ com, Narco AT-50 Transponder With encoder, Two place intercom, Annual Completed: 5/25/2022. Call Danny at 573-359-0500

Brand new 2022 Laviasa PA-25-235 Puelche. Ready to ship or fly. SMOH 0.0 hrs. TT 0.0 hrs. Lycoming O-540-B2C5. 1A200/FA8452 prop. 180 gallons hopper and complete spray system. 53 gallons center fuel tank. Contact Aravia S.A. at +54 11 5273-2224 or visit our website http:// www.aravia.com.ar/

Total Time, 66 since Overhaul engine, 66 since IRAN Prop, 4040 hours remaining on wing spar caps, 275 gal hopper, Agrinautics pump and fan, dropped streamlined booms with CP nozzles and check valves, 2” left side load, extended wings, 90 gal fuel with new fuel cells, crop hawk, automatic flagger, pistol grip, nav/strobe/instrument/landing/taxi and night working lights, left entry step, good paint, tires and glass. Price reduced to $185K or OBO. Contact Johnston Aircraft Service at 559-6861794, info@johnstonaircraft.com or visit our website at www. johnstonaircraft.com

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Aircraft - Thrush

1964 Cessna 310I, TT 5253, Continental IO-470U engines TSMOH LH 573 RH 249, McCauley props TSPOH LH 573 RH 670. Nice twin, true 6 seater & heavy hauler. It’s a clean northern airplane with no corrosion, new tires, new heater & fresh annual. Paint and interior are both prob a 5 out of 10. Basic radios. Would be interested in trade for Piper Cherokee 6, Saratoga, or Lance. $55,000 Call Tanner Sotvik at 701-520-0229 or 701-662-4416

1966 Piper PA-25-235, N4484Y, TTAF 3513.0, Lycoming 0-540-B2B5 SMOH 780.0, Bantam GPS, Intelliflow, Smoker, Spreader. Very clean Western airplane. See spec sheet for details. Mid-Continent Aircraft, Hayti, MO, 800-325-0885 www.midcont.net

1996 S2R 510P Thrush with -41 upgrade, TTAF 9629, Engine TTSN 17,921, SMOH 12,642, VGs, load hog, bottom load fuel, SATLOC G4 with IntelliFlow. $399,000 Contact Ryan McCallister at 573-776-4633

2000 Thrush 660; PT6A-65AG Airframe: Approx. 7615 hours TT, Engine/Propeller:PT6A65AG, Approx. 1720 SMOH, FCU 705 hrs. Since OH, 585 hours since Hot Section (TAE Aerospace) 5-blade Hartzell 0 SMOH (At Maxwell, prop currently off) Equipment: AG pilot X GPS w/Flow Control, Garmin G5 Attitude indicator, Reabe Digital Hopper Guage, Bottom Load Fuel, Load Hawg System, Shadin fuel flow meter, Smoker, Kawak Throttle Quadrant, Lane Electric Fan Brake, Super Booms with CP nozzles, Right boom shutoff, Comm radio, Fast Start System, Landing lights, Air Conditioning, Cockpit fire Extinguisher, Vinyl Decal Stripes and Registration number. Fresh Thrush Service Center annual! Asking $765,000 ($750,000 without GPS and Flow control) ASI JET is a Factory Authorized Thrush Dealer, Service Center, and Parts distributor. Specializing in New and Used aircraft sales, Please Call ASI Jet Sales at 952-941-6255 for more information.

1978 Cessna Ag Truck, 5832 TTAF, 625 TTE, 550 TT on prop, 8.50X10 Clevelands, GPS, field ready. Price reduced to $102,000. Call Chad Stuart, Airplane Services, Inc. Call 850-336-0552

1978 PA-36-300 Piper, N3787E, TTAF 45590, Lycoming Engine TIO-540, TTE 1851.0, Hartzell Propeller TT 1946.0, Spreader, Boom & Nozzles, 86 Gal Fuel, SATLOC GPS, Time left on wing spars 3656 hrs. Annual 4/1/21. See spec sheet for details. Make offer! Mid-Continent Aircraft, Hayti, MO, 800-325-0885 www.midcont.net

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. $155,000 Call Sun Valley Aviation at 956-421-4545

S2R-T34 - N6203D, TTAF 2916, PT6A-140AG TT Engine 1190, Reabe Electric Gate, Reabe Hopper Gauge, Smoker, Weatheraero Fan, 4 boom hangers per side, Stainless Booms, Electric fan brake, Leading edge lights, G4 w/Flow Control, Load Hawg, Bottom Load Fuel, VG’s, MVP-50T Glass Panel, CP Nozzles. See spec sheet for details. Mid-Continent Aircraft, Hayti, MO, 800-325-0885 www.midcont.net

Excellent Condition 1974

Thrush S-2R, TT 5092, Pratt & Whitney R1340 Geared Engine. TSMO 344. Always kept in Hangar. Comes with Extra set of booms and pump. Extended Wings, Aileron Servos, M3 SATLOC, Crop Hawk, New Stainless Steel Booms, CK-AG-29 Wing Splice, 29” Wheels, Spring Tail Wheel, Cold Air Intake, Cool Seat, Bottom Load Fuel, Smoker. $185K Video of Thrush https://youtu.be/ hk0KagR0uVI CALL 660-254-1176 MITCHELL WORTHINGTON Have a spare engine and two propellers can add to sale.

1976 PA 36 SUPER BRAVE 400 HP - 3965

2014 Turbo Thrush

2016 Ayres Thrush S2R

510G DC, Equipped with GE H80 (800 SHP)

Turboprop engine, Airframe Total Time 2300 Hours, Engine Total Time 1600 Hours since new with recent shop visit to comply with current SB’s, Hartzell four-blade propellor with 2300 Hours, 510 gallon spray system with stainless spray gear, CP 11’s, SATLOC Bantam GPS with IntelliFlow, Dual VHF plus UHF Garmin Audio Panel and Transponder, Airframe extensive corrosion proofing carried out when new, Immaculately kept, always hangared and piloted by owner/ operator. Available May 2023, Located in Queensland, Australia.

Asking Price: $1,250,000 AUD

Email rebecca@tablelandair.com.au +61 432156193

2015 Thrush 510G, Airframe Total Time

3815, Engine Total Time

2600 SNEWProp total Time 3815 (325 hours Since IRAN)

*Times are Approximates* Equipped with a GE H80 (800 SHP) turboprop engine; Hartzell four-blade, reversible, constant-speed propeller; 510-gallon spray system with 41-inch stainless steel gate box for dry applications and emergency liquid dump capabilities; MVP-50T glass panel display, two-inch stainless steel spray system; three-inch side loader; streamlined aluminum booms; wingtip navigation and strobe lights; cockpit lighting; 228-gallon fuel system; windshield wiper and washer; 29-inch-high flotation tires and wheels with dual-caliper Cleveland brakes; and Zee air conditioner and cabin heat

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT: SATLOC

1976 Turbine Thrush, SN 2294R, TPE 331-10-511M

TS CAM and HSI 520.8 & recent repair due to prop strike from ag air turbine. 3367 hrs remaining on spar caps. 200 gal fuel, AC, G4 SATLOC, new spreader. Smoker, CP flat fans. Aircraft looks like new, very recent overhaul. $495K 530-570-9412

Bantam GPS (large G4 screen) with flow control, Bottom Load fuel, Leading edge LED Lights, Comm Radio, Digital Artificial Horizon, Storm Shield installed, Smoker, Lane Electric Fan Brake, Vortex Generators, ASU Night vision certified aircraft. All specifications are subject to verification upon inspection by buyer. ASI JET is a Factory Authorized Thrush Dealer, Service Center, and Parts distributor. Specializing in New and Used aircraft sales, Please Call ASI Jet Sales at 952-941-6255 for more information!

1994 Thrush S2R-G10, N3024U Serial #G10-108

TTAF 7762hr, 1645hr

Since Full CAM at CD Aviation. 1645hr Since Prop OH at Maxwell, Night lights, LED wingtip & Strobes, 510 gal hopper, AC & Heat, Cool Seat, 228 gal fuel with side load fuel, 60,000hr wing spars, 200hr on starter OH, AC Delco STC Batteries, Smoker, Dropped Stainless Steel booms, Left-hand shutoff, AFS check valves, CP11’s with swivels, one year on New Agrinautics Fan & Brake, Garmin 660 with ADSB In, Garmin SL40 Com, Garmin GMA345 audio panel, Lemo, Helicopter & GA audio plugs, Dyna Nav GPS with Flow Control. $485K Good Clean Northern Airplane! Rodney 701-367-5243

1995 Thrush S2R, N3160M, TT 11,195.4, PT6A-34 TSO 0.0, Wings 24,000 hrs remaining. New 4-blade propeller, Power intake with quick change filter, SATLOC w/G4 screen, L7 Light bar, Extended mount, IntelliFlow, Air conditioning, Smoker, Load Hawg, Lane Electric Brake, Fan, Spring Tail Wheel w/2” extension, Metal tail, Emergency hopper shut off, Booms & spray system, Bottom load fuel., Bottom load feed, New Paint. Call 812-877-2587

Best Classified Buy In The Industry. Read By More Ag Pilots Than Any Other Publication.

Classifieds Starting at $19.99 478-987-2250. Fax: 478-352-0025.

2011 510P Thrush, Single Cockpit - C-GMQD, 500 Gallon Hopper, TTAF 2204, PT6-34AG, PCE-PH0647, TTSN 1824 / 1874 cycles, Propeller HCB3TN-3C TSO: 587 hours. Comm 1 & 2: Garmin

SL40, Audio Panel: Garmin

GMA340, Garmin Aera 796 GPS, Servo Tabs, A/C, Heat, Max Pulse Lites. Extensive spare parts included. $810K US For more information, call David Hall at 506-647-8212 or email hall.david@jdirving.com

1979 S2R-T34-013 Dual Cockpit - C-GMQA, 400 Gallon Hopper, TTAF 4765, PT6-34AG, PCE-56682, TTSN 4765 / 6980 cycles, Engine 4000 hr TBO / TSO: 1345 hours by Vector Aerospace, Propeller HCB3TN-3C TSO: 1338 hours. Comm 1 & 2: Garmin SL40, Audio Panel: Garmin GMA340, Garmin Aera 796 GPS, Servo Tabs, Cleveland wheels & brakes. Extensive spare parts included. $585K US For more information, call David Hall at 506-647-8212 or email hall.david@ jdirving.com

1973 Thrush S2R, TTAF 10,100 hrs., Walter M601-E11 0.00 SIRAN, Avia V508EAG Prop 0.00 SIRAN, March 2022 annual. 2700 hours remaining on Wing Spars. 1000 Since Eddy Current. Metal Tail, Harbor AC, Smoker, SATLOC Bantam w/G4 screen, Single Point Fuel, CP flat fan nozzles, AFS Check Valves, Transland Pump with electric brake, Shadin Fuel Flow, New Tires, and New Front Windshield. $275K Call John Lott at Souther Field Aviation at 229-924-2813

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Aircraft - Weatherly

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Aircraft - Other

1979 S2R-T34-015 Dual Cockpit - C-GMQC, 400 Gallon Hopper, TTAF 4558, PT6-34AG, PCE-56690, TTSN 4506 / 6067 cycles, Engine 4000 hr TBO / TSO: 1736 hours by Covington, Propeller HCB3TN-3C TSO: 2976 hours.

Comm 1 & 2: Garmin SL40, Audio Panel: Garmin GMA340, Garmin

Aera 796 GPS, Servo Tabs, Cleveland wheels & brakes. Extensive spare parts included. $540K US For more information, call David Hall at 506-647-8212 or email hall.david@ jdirving.com

1995 S2R-G1 SN: G101, N3298N, Current Hobbs 3241.4 “add 2534.6 for Total Time Airframe”.

Wings: 664 Hours L/H, 707 Hours R/H since new factory spar caps

CK-AG-29, SB-AG-34, SB-AG-41, SB-AG-41,196 Gallon Fuel, Winglets and Vortex Generators. Engine: TPE 331-1-151A/Super 1

SN:P92162C,3241.4 Since CAM, 707 Since Gearbox and Level III Prop Strike Inspection, 707 Since Starter Generator OH, 0 Since Hot Section Inspection, Updated component time/ cycle sheet on request with TAE.

Propeller: HC-B3TN-5M/T

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. www. cascadeaircraftconversions.com info@ cacaircraft.com 509-635-1212 or 800-716-2550

1979 S2R-T34-014 Dual Cockpit - C-GMQB, 400 Gallon Hopper, TTAF 4389, PT6-34AG, PCE-56683, TTSN 4389 / 6047 cycles, Engine 4000 hr TBO / TSO: 1068 hours by Vector Aerospace, Propeller HCB3TN-3C TSO: 532 hours. Comm 1 & 2: Garmin SL40, Audio Panel: Garmin GMA340, Garmin Aera 796 GPS, Servo Tabs, Cleveland wheels & brakes. Extensive spare parts included. $620K US For more information, call David Hall at 506-647-8212 or email hall.david@ jdirving.com

Best Classified Buy In The Industry. Read By More Ag Pilots Than Any Other Publication.

Classifieds Starting at $19.99 478-987-2250. Fax: 478-352-0025.

10282N+4 SN:BUA33392, 707 Since New. Airframe: Herr Hopper 480 Gallon, Hatfield Single point fuel and 6.00 X 6 tailwheel, Kawak: Hyd. Spray system, Hyd spray valve, Hyd Air conditioning, Battery Box, Fast Start 48-volt system, Cool Seat, Garmin SL40 VHF, Garmin GTX320 (Needs check per FAR 91.413)

AK-450 ELT. Spray System: AG-Nav connected to Auto-Cal flow control system, Hyd-driven pump, dropped booms with CP11TT nozzles, Transland Spreader. For additional log books and specs go to https:// www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/ rg64894o87gghz6v15tlh/h?dl=0&rlk ey=7r7d42t3xgeiaiqrg8wcrm72n $325,000 or OBO. Tim ShamblinText or Email at 208-431-4795, timshamblin@gmail.com

2013 S2R-H80 Thrush, N3046NAirframe only! 3600.0 TTAF Make an offer, very motivated! Mid-Continent Aircraft, Hayti, MO 800-325-0885 www.midcont.net

1992 Thrush S2R-G6, N449AT serial #G6-105, TTAF 6185, TTE since IRAN at CD Aviation 945 hrs., VG’s, night lights, 510 gal. hopper, A/C & heat, cool seat, Garmin GPS, smoker, right boom shutoff, long-range fuel tanks, comm radio, new spar caps installed 35 hrs. ago, recent prop overhaul by Maxwell Aircraft. Aircraft is in great condition, side load fuel, concord batteries, SATLOC M3 GPS, Intelliflow control, SS boom hangers, booms and center section, CP11 TT nozzles, Lane fan on the pump, Reabe hopper gauge w/side display. $450K OBO Serious inquiries only! Call 701489-3558

B1-A Callair Manufacturing Rights. Available now is the type certificate, drawings, jigs, tooling, aircraft parts, and property associated with this 300 gal Pratt and Whitney 985 powered sprayer. Start your own aircraft company or expand your line. Call for details. Airplane Services Inc. 850-675-1252, 850-380-7268, 850-380-6091.

2023 Thrush 510, 510P2+, and 710 available. Call MidContinent Aircraft, Hayti, MO, 800-325-0885 www.midcont.net

Order your 510 Thrush Pen and Ink Drawing from our DeSpain Collection today for only $59.99 plus S&H. Call 478-987-2250

Order your Radial Thrush Pen and Ink Drawing from our DeSpain Collection today for only $59.99 plus S&H. Call 478-987-2250

1938 Boeing A75N1(PT17), N54284, TTAF 6080.7, R985-AN14B, TTE 520.4, Annual 6/2021, Garmin SL-40COM, Garmin GTX 327 TXP, PS Engineering

PM-1200, Installed Oilmatic Pre-oiler, Installed Airwolf remote oil filter, Smoker, Speed ring, total fuel 56 gallons, Redline brakes, Garmin GDL 82 ADSB-OUT. Call MidContinent Aircraft, Hayti, MO, 800-325-0885 www.midcont.net

2006 Beech G-36 Bonanza, 880 Hours since new, Garmin 1000/WAAS, Factory Air, Leather. This airplane is like new. Price reduced to $550,000 Call Sun Valley Aviation, 956-421-4545

Order your The AgOp Collage Pen and Ink Drawing from our DeSpain Collection today for only $59.99 plus S&H. Call 478-987-2250

Order your In-Formation Pen and Ink Drawing from our DeSpain Collection today for only $59.99 plus S &H. Call 478-987-2250

Order your Stearman Pen and Ink Drawing from our DeSpain Collection today for only $59.99 plus S&H. Call 478-987-2250

Aircraft - Helicopters

VersaAir Services is looking for helicopter pilots and truck drivers for the 2023 aerial spraying season. We will need plots that are available to work from spring through the summer and all the way through fall pasture in the Midwest. All inquires please email jsutton@versaair.com

Order your Bell 206 Helicopter Pen and Ink Drawing from our DeSpain Collection today for only $59.99. plus S&H. Call 478-987-2250

Engine - Piston

R985-AN1-14B Tulsa Overhaul, New pistons, Bosch mags, ignition harness, carb with warranty outright/ exchange. For more information, call Chester Roberts Supply Company at 903-429-6805

R1340 Engine Overhaul - New pistons, new bearings, mags, ignition harness, carb, with warranty outright/ exchange. For more information, call Chester Roberts Supply Company at 903-429-6805

Pratt & Whitney R-985 & R-1340 Engines in stock. All with new pistons installed. Overhauled by Aero Recip, Covington, Tulsa and Younkin. For more information call Sun Air Parts 661-2577708, Fax 661-257-7710 or email info@sunairparts.com

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 Sun Air Parts 661-257-7708, Fax 661-257-7710 or email info@ sunairparts.com

Engine - Turbine

Two New P&W PT6A-67F (build spec 1425) 0-TSN, delivered from Pratt in 2018 but never installed, $1,200,000 each. Contact 800433-0814 US/Canada; OH/ 330698-0280. Mark Ext.203 mark@ preferredairparts.com

P&W PT6A-65AG, 11,072.6 TT, 1,006.3 hrs SMOH by Prime Turbines, 1.6 hrs since 300 hr inspection.

$495,000 Call 662-292-7541 or 662363-1461

P&W PT6-67F, 2500 TT, $765,000 Call Brent at 662-719-7519

Pratt & Whitney Geared 1340 with 570 hours since overhaul. $28,000 Call Farm Air Inc at 877-715-8476

PT6A-34AG Exchange Engine, Part Number 302088, Serial Number PEC-RB0343. Available for immediate delivery. PT6A rotating component service life record is in the pictures. Contact our experienced sales team today at sales@taeaerospace.com or visit our website, taeaerospace.com, to find out more about our extensive PT6A services.

PT6A-34 PCE-57524 For Sale, TSN 8341.4, FSN 15632, SCN 3912, EOS Overhaul. For pricing call Paul at 305-825-2001 or email preeves@ jsamiami.com

Turbo Cat Kit ready for installation this winter. Kit includes new firewall forward, Hartzell propeller, EI-MVP, custom built fiberglass cowlings and much more. We can supply a new PT6A-15AG or -34AG for a great price with the kit. Includes a “Fly Safe - Transition Program” Contact ann@turbineconversions.com for pricing and additional details.

Complete Engine Package! TPE3316 Engine, 537 Since Cam, CD Aviation Hartzell Propeller HCB3TN-5M/ 537 Since New, Starter Generator 23047-007, 25 Hours

Since Overhaul, Beta Tube Included. $177,000 Call Lynn Johnson at 701-360-5966 or 701-352-3700

(3) PT6A-34AG Engines For Sale, TSO’s 0.0. Visit our website for spec sheets. Or call or email Jay Streb at 812-8772587, jay@turbinesinc.com

Equipment - Booms

Air Tractor AT-301 Booms. 16’ long including fittings on the ends. Can fit up to 19 spray nozzles. Used last summer, no issues. $1200 515-979-8885

NEW never used alm. 502 booms brass nozzles, Used 12 vane Breckinridge spreader, good shape. Misc. Ag Cat parts. All must go. Rich 870-253-8242

For Sale - High quality Stainless Steel booms, pumps and nozzles! On the shelf and ready to ship. Contact mark@ turbineconversions.com

SUPERBOOMS, Thrush Servos; Maintenance on Ag & G.A. Aircraft Including Heavy Structural Repairs; Robinson Helicopter Service Center; Machining, Fabricating & Sheet Metal Gurus; Tri-State Aviation, ND 800642-5777 or tsa@tri-stateaviation.com www.tri-stateaviation.com

Equipment - Nozzles

Zanoni Equipment Atomizers in stock and ready to ship at Turbine Conversions, Ltd in Michigan. High quality, stainless steel, tested, proven, and US operators are loving these atomizers. Contact Mark@ turbineconversions.com for more info. www.turbineconversions.com

Equipment - Parts

For sale: Trotter Controls computerized fire gates (4) FRDS GEN I and (1) FRDS GEN II, (2) GEN I available immediately, and 2 GEN I and 1 GEN II available spring of 2023. All systems are complete (less the wire harness), asking $250K for all (5) or $65K each. Systems were removed operational to upgrade to the GEN III system. Please contact Mario at 506-261-5023

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 530-345-9919

Vondran Hydromax Fire Gate - One year old. $60,000 Call 409-6565998

Transland Grip Steps for AT aircraft. Call Billy Maxwell at Transland 940-687-1100 or email sales@ translandllc.com for more information.

Transland 4” Delrin Hopper Vents. Call Billy Maxwell at Transland 940-687-1100 or email sales@ translandllc.com for more information.

3 Hatfield Fire Gates. Air Tractor, vented lids for a 502, Transland quick attach. Make a Reasonable offer. Call 204-856-9422

Equipment - 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 661-257-7708, Fax 661-257-7710 or email info@sunairparts.com

502B spray pump Agrinautics 38” Gate Strut Assembly and complete bottom installation ready to go (Electric brake) second 502B spray pump with all bottom installations (electric motor for fam feather) see pictures of both pumps. Note: they are used pumps. You have to pick it up. $3,900 870-930-5729

EquipmentSpreaders

Transland spreader in excellent condition. Fits 32” opening, most likely on Piper Pawnee. Southern Oklahoma, can be delivered. $1,500 Email m.kafer@verizon.net for more info.

Transland stainless spreader, Part #20241, 25” 9 vane, slim line, like new. $1,500 USD Call 863-467-4000

Transland 10 Vane Spreader for a 602 or 802, #23537. $10,000 Call Brent at 662-719-7519

10 Vane Transland spreader, new in the box. Part #23537 $12,160.31. Contact Rick Stone at Southeastern Aircraft Sales & Service at 800-4412964 or mail@southeasternaircraft.com

(2)Transland SS 22274 38” to 25” gate box adapters & 21966 Gate Boxes. $2500 Eachor $4000 for both plus shipping. Call 620-525-6712

Transland 10 vane spreader for 38” gate, new, $11,000; Lane Aviation 281-342-5451 or FAX 281-232-5401

Equipment - Support

Load Trailer For Sale, Includes Water Tank / Fuel Tank / Pumps - (2)1800-gallon water tanks. (1)2000-gallon fuel tank. New 3” wet seal John Blue Honda chemical pump.

2” Honda fuel pump with meter. (2) stainless steel calibrated mixing vats. Containment in loading area. 12-volt hard point. For aux pumps. Stereo system. Email info@morgenrothaviation. com or call Dardon Morgenroth at 361648-2308.

3” load, mix tank, fully contained and lockable, air compressor and storage complete ready to go. For more information call 309-759-4826 or email hcurless@farmairinc.com

GPS - AgNav

AgNav GPS Silver System - New in box / never used! Includes office package. Main computer model P153. $6,500.00 plus shipping. Call Bub at 252-975-2194

GPS - AgPilotX

Helicopter light bar now available with the new iPad based guidance systemAgPilotX. Entire system with helicopter light bar is 13 lbs. Call Anthony Fay with Insero for details 480-285-4367

GPS - Garmin

Used Garmin 335 ADSB transponder with an installed kit. Removed for an upgrade. Call Bub at 252-975-2194

GPS - SATLOC

Two complete SATLOC M3 systems with Intelliflow’s: One removed last Fall for an upgrade. One removed a few years ago, kept as a spare; IntelliFlow motor needs overhauled. Both systems sell together as a package for $7800. Free shipping in US. Contact Darrin Pluhar Plu’s Flying Service 406-853-0039 pluflyinc@mcn.net

2 Year Old SATLOC G4 GPS System for sale, like new. Also have various used GPS systems. AG PILOTX DEALER. $13,000 Call Tanner J. Sotvik at DEVILS LAKE AERO SERVICE 701520-0229 or 701-662-4416

Help Wanted

Air Tractor is seeking qualified candidates for the full-time position of test pilot. Candidates must have a minimum of 2000hr total time with 1000hrs of ag and 1000hrs time in Air Tractor turbine-powered airplanes. A commercial pilot certificate with high performance and tail wheel endorsements is required. Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen. Candidates must have the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Desirable skills include Air Tractor approved flight instructor, CFI, experience interfacing with FAA, A&P license, and chemical applicator license. Must be able to work with people well. This is a hands-on pilot job that includes performing various hands-on activities with tools in hand. Duties: Moving airplanes on the ground, initial setup, and rigging of the airplane, making the first flight on planes, and completing the production test flight according to published procedures. correcting discrepancies, coordinating with production planning, sales, production leads, and quality to help synchronize flight test schedules. For more information, email: valperez@ airtractor.com

Large Midwest operation looking for AT-502, AT-802, and -42 510 Thrush pilots for the 2023 season. Pilots must have 500 hours of Turbine Ag time. Also, Multi-engine turbo prob experience would be a bonus to fly our Piper Cheyenne for business trips throughout the year. Slobs and princesses need not apply, only hardworking pilots with a good work ethic. No time to babysit! Email resume and references to blindads@agairupdate. com Subject: ID#4012

Established Midwestern operation looking for a Pilot/Mechanic. Year-round work. Salary depends on experience. AT-502 experience is a plus. Email all inquiries to blindads@agairupdate. com Subject: ID #4010 Inquires must include a resume and references or a list of qualifications.

We are seeking a pilot for turbine Thrush in NW Iowa for 2023 and beyond. Our pilot of 9 years is retiring, so we are in search of his replacement. Our season runs from July 1st to the end of August. If you are looking for an opportunity to work alongside a family-owned, God-centered, patriotic, respected operation. We would love to visit with you. Send us an email to vankleekent@outlook.com or hawkeyefan1@hotmail.com with your info and phone number, and we will call you back. Thank You, and God Bless TracMap, Aviation Sales Manager –South Central United StatesTracMap is a GPS-guided proof of application and job management system for the agriculture sector that gives aviation applicators certainty. TracMap allows them to easily orchestrate the work done and to have certainty that jobs have been completed accurately. The system provides guidance and real-time tracking and automatically stores detailed data, which they can refer to any time to prove compliance and drive efficiency and productivity gains. Due to continued growth in the United States, TracMap is hiring a new Regional Aviation Sales Manager for the Southern Central United States region. For details go to http://classifieds. agairupdate.com/details.php?id=3994 To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to recruitment@tracmap.com

Northeast Missouri owner-operator looking for Cessna 188 pilot and Ag school graduate to work ground and build time in 188 for a future seat. Send resume to wfs1@nemr.net or text to 660-216-1940. The season runs from April through October. Housing and RV hook up on location.

Looking for an experienced pilot that is a team player to join our group. Will be flying a 502 or 602 with all the bells and whistles. Have locations in SD, ND, NE, MN, and IA. The season is June through August. Also, have a full-service maintenance shop if interested in all-year employment. Call Wade at 605350-4127 or Greg at 605-350-4536.

Looking for an experienced pilot in Farmington, New Mexico. The season is from April through September. Herbicide experience is required. All the spraying is on pivots, in that area. Acres range from 70,000 to 80,000 per year. The work is generally scheduled. I will be flying a well-set-up 402 with a -34. Call Greg 605-3504536 or Wade 605-350-4127.

Colorado operation is seeking an Air Tractor pilot for the 2023 season and beyond. Please see attached job description (spec sheet) for more details and direct any inquiries to Neil at 970454-2939.

VDCI is seeking aerial pesticide pilots to fill the roll of a full-time Pesticide Applicator. The current vacancy is located in the Monroe, LA area. To be considered for this position, you must live in or be willing to relocate for the duration of the spray season (typically April- November). Housing and accommodations can be provided if necessary. Pesticide Licensing will be required for various states in the South East region of the United States. For more information, please see the following job posting. https://careers-rentokil.icims.com/ jobs/35638/aerial-pilot/job?mobile= false&width=920&height=500&bga =true&needsRedirect=false&jan1offs et=-420&jun1offset=-360

I am looking for an experienced pilot for newer Air Tractor 602 with Ag-Nav GPS. May-August or corn run. Year-round with A&P for in-maintenance shop. Call Brian Fisher at 419-560-5429

Kindersley Airspray requires two qualified, commercially licensed professional agricultural aerial applicators for the 2023 season to fly 510P Thrush. Applicants must have five years or more experience, a minimum of 1000 hours of turbine ag experience, must have previous experience with spruce budworm forestry applications, an excellent working knowledge of SATLOC GPS, must be acceptable to our insurance provider (accident-free record), be proficient in numeracy, reading, writing and speaking English. Applicants must be physically able to perform physically demanding job in a fast paced environment.

Education: Commercial Pilot’s License, Saskatchewan Aerial Pesticide License, Turbine Transition Training. Duties: to fly a fixed wing turbine aircraft safely and efficiently with SATLOC GPS flight computer, to work with customers to create spray orders, to work in a professional manner with ground support crews, to perform daily checks on turbine powered aircraft, to keep work logs in an orderly fashion, to be available to work when conditions are optimum, to keep current their commercial pilots license and provincial pesticide applicators license and to mentor junior and first year pilots. Wages: Paid monthly. Rate is $95.00 per hour, 40-60 hours per week, overtime with remuneration. Worker’s compensation coverage as required by law. For Skills And Abilities go to http://classifieds.agairupdate.com/ details.php?id=3954 Contact Name: Colin Bevan at 306-463-4600 or email advanced.aviation@sasktel.net

Get Serious About Selling

Classifieds Starting at $19.99 478-987-2250. Fax: 478-352-0025.

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 midJune 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 at luke@ltenterprisesnd.com

Canadian Turbine Pilot Wanted

- Kinniburgh Spray Service LTD, based in Taber, AB is a proactive organization with 70 years of service, requires Professional Agriculture Aerial Applicators to fly our Air Tractors 502 and or 802 from June 1st to September 30th, 2023. Job duties: Fly fixed-wing Turbine Air Tractors safely and efficiently. Work with customers and ground crew in a professional manner. Be available when conditions are optimum. Perform elementary maintenance and servicing of aircraft and maintain journey logs following Transport Canada guidelines.

Certificates Required: Canadian Commercial pilot’s license, Alberta and Saskatchewan Aerial Pesticide Applicator License, Valid Category One Medical license. Skills Required: Min 2500 Hrs Ag Turbine, of which 1000 hrs must be turbine Air Tractor, Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing English, Capable of operating Satloc GPS systems, Clean Flight Record, Insurable through our insurance provider. Wages/

Salary: $95/Hr based on 40hr/ week, overtime with remuneration. Wages based on acres sprayed, acres sprayed in season depend upon weather and farm economy. Workers compensation provided. Benefits and relocation expenses provided. Email resume including references to info@ kinniburghspray.com. Only successful applicants will be contacted.

Looking to fill an AT-502 seat, year-round season, must be willing to relocate for a permanent position. Part-time available Feb-May also. Please send your resume to: jamie@ gladesag.com

Full-time mechanic needed, A&P or IA preferred though we will consider previous experience and facilitating training in the future. 60% new aircraft with annuals and routine maintenance filling in the rest of the workload. Steady work all year, full insurance and retirement benefits, clean and modern facilities. Competitive pay depending on experience. Please email resumes to logan@laneav.com.

Bain Aviation, Inc., a familyowned company based at Weiser, ID since 1997, seeks Journeymen Commercial Pesticide Applicators for our AT602 and S2RG10 aircraft. Our well-maintained fleet is G4/ Intelliflow equipped. Our service area is primarily irrigated row crops in the Western Treasure Valley of Southwest Idaho/Southeast Oregon with a small amount of rangeland seeding and spraying. We also service some dryland acres on the Camas Prairie of north-central Idaho in the Grangeville area. The ideal candidate would have a FAA Commercial Pilots License, a valid FAA Second-Class Medical Certificate, Idaho State Department of Agricultural and Oregon Department of Agricultural Commercial and Aerial Pesticide Applicator Licenses, 2000 hours fixed wing ag, 200 hours in make and model and herbicide experience. Please submit a Letter of Introduction and Resume to vandal83672@ yahoo.com

Western Canadian Aerial Ltd. is looking for 7 Professional Agricultural Turbine Spray Pilots for the 2023 Spray Season. WCA operates a fleet of 402, 502, 504, 602, and 802 Air Tractors for agricultural spraying throughout the prairie province and forestry contracts. Anticipated Start Date: May 1, 2023, thru October 1, 2023. Education: Commercial Pilots License, Pesticide Applicators License. Applicants must: have a minimum of 2500 hours of agricultural spray experience, of which 1000 hours must be on a Turbine Air Tractor; up-to-date medical; proficient in speaking, reading, and writing English; capable of operating Satloc GPS systems or the equivalence; performing basic maintenance and servicing on aircraft maintaining journey logs following Transport Canada guidelines; having a clean flight record, being insurable through our insurance company. Wage/Salary: $50.00/Hr based on 40 hr work week, Overtime, Worker’s Compensation provided, the possibility of seasonal bonus, Accommodations, Meals, and vehicle provided. E-mail resumes, including references, to chiefpilot@wcaerial. com. Only successful applicants meeting all requirements will be contacted. Western Canadian Aerial Ltd. Box 1257 Minnedosa, MB R0J 1E0 Office: 204-867-3147

Two Pilots Needed in North Dakota - A 2018 AT-502XP pilot is needed. The pilot last year covered 122,000 acres and an AT-402-34 pilot. Experience is needed but will get work. Must be able to travel some. For details, call Rod at 701-321-0767

Bighorn Airways, Inc. in Sheridan, WY is seeking an experienced helicopter applicator pilot. Minimum of three season spraying and 1500 hours of helicopter spray experience. Full-time position located in the Rocky Mountain Area. Jet Ranger & L-3 Equipment experience is a plus. Bighorn Airways is a growing company and there is huge potential for a candidate who is willing to be flexible and shows a high degree of versatility. Please provide references with your application. Apply at https:// bighornairwaysinc.bamboohr.com/ careers/45?source=aWQ9MTM%3D

CDL Drivers Wanted! Need something to do in the off-season? Oligrow Trucking is looking for responsible CDL drivers. No time commitments, commission-based pay. Average $2,000/wk. Call 318-439-5670

Want to make an impact on the future of aviation? Join our team of instructors & maintainers! Hiring those who have a passion for flying - both in the air and on the ground. Please see our website to apply! https://www.agflight.com/ join-our-team CFI Requirements: 250 Hours, CFI (CFII Preferred), 2nd Class Medical. Additional Information: We offer free (optional) on-site housing for all employees, just a couple of yards away from the tarmac and hangars. Largestudio-style apartments offer privacy while maintaining the sense of community at AG-Flight Pilot Training between instructors, maintainers, and students. Each apartment has a full kitchen, bathroom, living room, bedroom, and closet space with free internet, and utilities included.

B&S Air Inc. is looking for an experienced Helicopter Spray Pilot for the 2023 season. 1000 Hours of Turbine Spray time on forestry work is required. Work will be guaranteed from April-November of 2023, with the possibility of a long-term seat. Please contact Chase Gibson directly at 228-860-2375 to discuss the seat. https://www.bandsairinc.com/

Need pilot for 602/65 immediately for IL corn run for next 3-4 weeks. Potential opportunity for cover crop work in August thru September as well. Contact Michael @ 309-532-1720

Mix Truck Driver/Helicopter LoaderPLEASE CONTACT CHASE GIBSON

DIRECTLY at 228-860-2375 or email resume to chase@bsairinc. com QUALIFICATIONS: Class A or B CDL required with tanker and hazmat endorsements. Experience in related field is helpful; clean driving record, must pass regular drug and alcohol screenings; must be willing to travel and work outside in the elements, and some heavy lifting may be required. Immediate permanent relocation is not necessary. JOB

DESCRIPTION: Our company provides silvicultural services for many types of customers throughout the US South and Midwest. This job offers workers a chance to travel and interact with many different types of leaders in the forestry industry. This is a great opportunity to advance with our company or to meet other persons in the industry that may help to further your career. This job will require you to be on the road from March-end of October with off time November-February. Our helicopter crews often work long hours and 7 day work weeks. Duties include: Driving mix truck from one spray location to the next with the help of the crew leader for navigation and filling the helicopter with chemicals. Necessary training will be provided to complete these tasks. Stays at hotel required while working out of town or at company owned apartment when working near our office. Ideal candidate will be willing to work hard with a positive attitude, work long hours and work as a team to help make the crew productive.

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

LIFT Aviation – Sales / Marketing Assistant Job Opportunity. Lift Aviation is looking for a motivated person to assist with brand marketing and sales initiatives in conjunction with tradeshows, brand building, and sales generation. Previous experience in marketing/sales is preferred. This position requires an excellent work ethic. Candidate will aid in sales, marketing, and tradeshow initiatives. Overall objective – assist in all facets of sales/marketing. For a list of responsibilities, required skills and experience go to http://classifieds. agairupdate.com/details.php?id=3641

Competitive Wage, Health / Dental / Optical insurance, PTO, Paid holidays, 401k, Job Type: Full-time Email resume and references to Todd Lentz at todd@ liftaviationusa.com

Pilots wanted for 2022 spray season in the Midwest for an 802. Must have a good work ethic. Email resume and references to. Email resume and references to blindads@ agairupdate.com

Subject: ID #3547

Well established company in Ohio looking for a long-term experienced AT-402 pilot - 2022 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

Best Classified Buy In The Industry. Read By More Ag Pilots Than Any Other Publication. Classifieds Starting at $19.99 478-987-2250. Fax: 478-352-0025.

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 that travel in to our location to teach. Flight instructor certificate 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. Email resume and references to blindads@agairupdate.com

Subject: ID#2710

Large midwest aerial application business looking for A&P and IA mechanics. Must have Air Tractor and PT6A experience. Starting salary is 70-80K if qualified. Must supply a resume and three references. Send resume and references to blindads@ agairupdate.com, Subject: ID#2234 or fax to 478-352-0025

Due to expansion opportunities, we are looking for experienced 402- 802 pilots and an A&P. Must have knowledge of the latest GPS units. This is a full-time turbine position in the Upper Midwest. Historically from May to October. We spray a large variety of row crops. Mostly fungicides, insecticides, and micronutrients no herbicide work. We also do dry fertilizer and cover crops. We are looking for team players willing to grow with us. A pilot with a strong work ethic is desired. Also looking to add another A&P. Please reply with a resume to Agpilot502802@gmail.com

IA and A&P mechanics needed. Call 870-295-6213 Salary depending on qualifications and experience.

Miscellaneous

Air Tractor or Thrush Seat Covers - Seat covers are done. I have been working with upholstery companies for a couple of years now, testing and making changes. I have a few on hand that can be bought off my website, where you can read the full description. Easily installed and removed from factory Air Tractor or Thrush seats. $1,000 each https://ambericandesigns.com/products/ seat-cover 701-361-5695

Gentex HGU Flight Helmet for Fixed Wing, Large w/carrying case, See attached sheet for details. $800 Firm 608-393-4926

AV-KOR1 Helmets Available Now!

The AV-KOR1 helmet is made out of a fiberglass composite, utilizing Koroyd and an anti-microbial comfort liner making it the lightest aviation helmet on the market. Features Fire Retardant trim and a FIDLOCK buckle system. Works with any aftermarket in-helmet communications devices. North Star Aviation is the First Lift Aviation Dealer. Call North Star Aviation today at 620356-4528.

Toy plastic model Air Tractor. 12” wingspan, removable stand. Great toy for the kids or desktop model. $15 + s/h order online at www.takeofftoys.com or e-mail trevoredwards@sw.rr.com

Keep your drink hot or cold in this insulated 16oz Air Tractor Tervis Tumbler. $14.99 plus S&H Made in the USA, Makes a great gift. For more information call 478-987-2250

Vino? They do say ag pilots age like wine. Place your favorite wine in these high quality Rolf wine glasses etched with an ag plane, sold as a Set of 4. $49.99 plus S&H Makes a great gift. For more information call 478-9872250

Specialty belt buckles, show your pride in style. $39.99 plus S&H Makes a great gift! For more information call 478-987-2250

Aviator Backpack and matching coin purse (sold separately). For more information call 478-987-2250

New from our DeSpain Collection, Pen and Ink Thirsty Stone Coasters. These high quality coasters will look great on any desktop or table. Set of 4. $29.99 plus S&H Makes a great gift! For more information call 478-987-2250

Best Classified Buy In The Industry. Read By More Ag Pilots Than Any Other Publication. Classifieds Starting at $19.99 478-987-2250. Fax: 478-352-0025.

DeSpain Collection Customizable Note Cards featuring your favorite Pen and Ink drawing. $19.99 plus S&H For more information call 478-987-2250

Operations For Sale or Wanted

Are you thinking about: Starting an ag aviation operation but do not know where to start? Buying out an ag aviation operation owner? Do you have an ag aviation operation and want to expand, add more services, and improve your operations? WE CAN HELP!!! Contact us today at: agaviationstudio@hotmail.com www. agaviationstudio.com

Looking for a warm place in the winters to keep busy. We have what you need! Turnkey Aerial Spray Business for sale due to health reasons. Established business with airplanes and helicopters on a private strip. Multiple locations, buildings, hangars, and house. Email inquiries to blindads@agairupdate.com

Subject: ID#3972

Established aerial application business for sale, operating in NW part of US. This modern, clean facility includes a single hangar 50 x 64 with Schweiss bi-fold door, a good cement pad, with loading bay. Fully insulated and heated office, apartment, bedroom with bath. The season runs from April to September and the operation services a diversified crop mix of dry land, irrigated, and pasture. This operation is well established with great customers and customer base. The operation is run from a paved municipal airport with an excellent opportunity for owner-pilot operation. 1975 Cessna Ag Truck included with the sale along with the FAR 137 certificate. Available as a turnkey ready business or the owner will assist with the start-up. Email inquiries to blindads@agairupdate. com Subject: ID#3809

Parts - Airframe

New Brushless Motor Airframe Fuel Pump - STC kits for PT6 Air Tractor and THRUSH aircraft. Long lasting, solid state, with fail safes. Contact Cascade Aircraft Conversions at info@cacaircraft.com or 509-635-1212 for more information.

For Sale: 2 sets of Wings S2R - 228 Gal. 1 set: Avenger with new Leading Edges & Leading Edge Reinforcements (Doublers) and 1 set: Century Spar Cap Kits with new Leading Edges. Call for pricing: 229-725-4150 or 229-308-3017 We also have numerous other parts available for the S2R.

(2) Sets of Ag Tip Winglets for a Thrush or Air Tractor. $2,500 plus freight. Price per set. Call 210-844-4074

LA-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. Contact Guillermo at aravia@ aravia.com.ar call +54-3462-463488 or go to our website www.laviasa.com

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 530345-9919

Ayres Thrush ‘Hoerner’ wing tips. Left and right, no damage. $500 for the pair. Call Gary at 530-345-9919 garyhendricksonn3n@gmail.com

Blue anodized aluminum windshield washer replacement cap with handle. $65 Available online only at www. ambericandesigns.com Questions ambericandesignsllc@gmail.com

Air Tractor Bolt In Step Extension - CNC cut anodized aluminum step extension that bolts into existing step for more footing and traction. $125 Available online only at www.ambericandesigns.com Questionsambericandesignsllc@gmail.com

CNC cut anodized aluminum spray mirrors. $275 with mirror online only. $275 www. ambericandesigns.com Questionsambericandesignsllc@gmail.com

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. Contact ann@ turbineconversions.com or contact our favorite Thrush dealer for more information.

Get Serious About Selling Classifieds Starting at $19.99 478-987-2250. Fax: 478-352-0025.

Ag Cat Frameworks, All Models, 4130 weld assys, fixture perfect, ready to install. Struts, wires, hoppers, long fuel, high-wings, dispersal equipment, hardware, all upgrades, components, and spares. AgCat Sales & Service since 1971. 870-886-2418/2489F, 870-759-1692 Cell, frank.kelley@ ag-cat.com

1960 Piper Comanche Wings Complete with Gear, Paint Fair, No Hail damage. Also have fuselage. $9,000 Call Tanner J. Sotvik at DEVILS LAKE AERO SERVICE 701-520-0229 or 701-6624416

Smokers/Driftfinders - Minimize your off target drift risk. FAA/PMA’d and STC’d for installation on most Agricultural aircraft. 44 years in business and over 6,200 units in service. For more information Please call Compro Aviation, Inc. 785-8992294 or visit us on the web at www. comproaviation.com

REBUILT 29” THRUSH LANDING GEAR IN STOCK & we can REPAIR / REBUILD yours to LIKE NEW STATUS. Johnston Aircraft Service, INC. 559-686-1794 / Email parts@ johnstonaircraft.com or visit our website at www.johnstonaircraft.com

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

Parts - Engine

Cleaning Hangar Out - 502 Engine Mount & Air Box $3,500 Call 210844-4074

Radial Parts: 2 Fiberglass AT Speed Rings, 1 THRUSH Speed Ring, 1 Radial engine mount with ring. Make offer. Cascade Aircraft Conversions. 509-6351212. info@cacaircraft.com

-34 Cascade Inlet System. Firewall FWD for S2R Thrush. $35,000 Call Bruce’s Flying Service at 229-7254150

Ground Support Engine Driven Transfer Pump, Zanoni Equipment’s all stainless steel construction paired with a Honda 13 HP motor. Special introductory pricing orders received by January 31, 2020. Contact Mark@ turbineconversions.com for more info.

Parts - Other

Propeller H/S Ag 100 12D-40 hub. It hasn’t been used since IRAN was done in Aug. 2021. This was my spare prop, and I no longer own the airplane. 254597-2406 or 254-749-0224

Complete Wingman for 502 or 602. $7500 Call Lynn Cary at 870-7346064

Two Air Tractor Gen II fire gates for sale, well maintained and available starting mid-October. Please call 970571-0871

AT-802 Hatfield Fire Gate - New Production ready to ship! Original Hydraulic Clam Shell Design, STC, BLM & IATB Approved. Proven reliable design, currently fighting fires in North & South America. Built tough, lighter weight, and affordable pricing available options. Other aircraft models available - STC on All models of AT, Thrush, and M18 Dromader with short lead time. Contact ann@ turbineconversions.com

Get Serious About Selling Classifieds Starting at $19.99 478-987-2250. Fax: 478-352-0025.

Transland Pump Mount. Call Billy Maxwell at Transland at 940-6871100 or email sales@translandllc. com for more information.

Transland Aluminum Boom ClampsLarge & Small. Call Billy Maxwell at Transland 940-687-1100 or email sales@translandllc.com for more information.

Cleaning Hangar Out - S2R Thrush Main Landing Gear $3,500 Call 210844-4074

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 661-257-7708, Fax 661-257-7710 or email info@sunairparts.com

602 Wingman System. Call for Price: 870-672-2089

Air Tractor Gen 2 Firegate, Complete system, Fairings, wire-harness. Call For Price: 870-672-2089

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. Call Cascade Aircraft Conversions for more details 1-509-635-1212

Cockpit adjustable flow control kit. Manual control or GPS variable rate ready. Integrates into existing hydraulic systems. More info at Kawak Aviation Technologies 541385-5051 www.kawakaviation.com

Thrush S2R STC battery retrofit kit. 300% longer battery service life. 200% faster starts. Battery replacement cost 25% of original. For more information call Kawak Aviation Technologies at 541-385-5051 or visit www. kawakaviation.com

Position Wanted

Experienced older ag pilot looking for a permanent turbine seat. Excellent work ethic, willing to work all day, every day. US and foreign references available. Total time 4700 hrs, 4100 is tailwheel and 3200 hrs turbine ag. Herbicide experience, (no claims) fungicide, pesticide, locust, and mosquito control, as well as fire fighting. Ag types: All Air Tractor variants from AT301P up to AT802 -67F. Other types: Ag Cat turbine, radial as well as Thrush SR2T. SATLOC and AgNav. Preferably a seat allowing yearly corn run to be done, if possible. Mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical experience is excellent. FAA commercial license valid as well as Louisiana and Mississippi pesticide license. Email craighhamman4@ gmail.com

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

Propellers

Hamilton Standard 12D40-Ag100. As removed. $13,500. Call Chad Stuart at Airplane Services, Inc. at 850-3806091

Hartzell 802-67 Propeller w/long blades, 100 hours. $85,000 Call Brent at 662-719-7519

Hamilton Standard 23D40 Propeller with new blades 6511A-9 installed. Completely overhauled with 8130-3 form. For more information, call Chester Roberts Supply Company at 903-4296805

Hamilton Standard 22D40 Hydromatic Propeller 6533 blades overhauled complete with distributor valve and prop, Governor. For more information, call Chester Roberts Supply Company at 903-429-6805

Hamilton Standard Propeller 23D40 with 6511-12S Blades Overhauled Completely. Includes 8130-3 form. For more information, call Chester Roberts Supply Company at 903-429-6805

12D40-6101-12 Propeller, Overhauled with 8130 Form. For more information, call Chester Roberts Supply Company at 903-429-6805

Hamilton Standard 12D-40-6167-12 Propeller. 102” diameter, FAA approved for R-1340. $5,000 also Hamilton Standard 2D-30-6167-12 100” diameter. $4,500 Call 530-345-9919

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......$27,500 AmAg, 870-886-2418/2489F frank.kelley@ag-cat.comHartzell Prop HC-B3T10-3D, Blades T10282N +4, Prop Assy, Buckhead, Spinner, OSTMOH Prop. $28,000 Call Bruce’s Flying Service at 229-725-4150

Seat Wanted

Highly proven and productive 802 driver with the numbers and references to support it. I’ve worked 15 seasons, no crashes, looking for a professional wellmanaged operation to sink my teeth into and earn my living. Feel free to email me at: apotter15@gmail.com

AK Bush Pilot Looking for AG Pilot Slot - 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

Turbine Ag Pilot looking for a long-term seat. I am a productive 602 pilot with a good track record. I have been flying ag for 16 years with no drift claims or accidents. I have herbicide and rice experience. I have been licensed in Missouri, Iowa, Tennessee, Florida, South Dakota, California, and Michigan. I am a hard worker that takes pride in doing a good job. I am a team player that works well with others. I’m looking for a smooth and well-run operation where I am able to be as productive as possible. Call or text 941-737-1609

Seat Wanted: 19,751 Total Time, 18,022 Turbine Time, 1,252 Ag Time. Licensed in GA and IL. For a resume, call Hale Ellis at 678-779-4726

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

International Advertising Index

Ag pilot looking for a long-term position in Northeast Louisiana or Southeast Arkansas. I’m a real team player that gets along with almost anyone. No slouch will do whatever is needed to be done. Experience in liquid and dry application. Herbicide experience but would like to find a seat somewhere that is willing to help out to perfect herbicide work. Total ag time 2,600 every hour has been turbine. The majority of the time being in a 510 Thrush but have 802 experience and other aircraft times. Other info is available on request. colemckee309@ yahoo.com 318-376-6993 Photo added for area of interest including Mississippi. Other areas will be entertained. Thanks for interest.

Looking for wheat work, preferably in North Dakota or South Dakota, but open to anywhere. Must be before the corn run. Call David at 870-866-7636

Service

Jeffries Airworks Dynamic Propeller Balancing with Chadwick Helmuth engine printout equipment. Jeffries Airworks, Dynamic Balancing, Vibration Analysis. Much more than just a balance. Call Jim Jeffries, A&P/ IA, 985-507-9981, Nationwide service on your location.

Training

AG Pilot Minimum Standards at Eagle Vistas. From 0 time or pilots only needing Ag Pilot training. Planes in our Ag Program: Dual Ag Cat GR164A , Dual Cessna 305/L19, & Pawnee PA-25/235 Single for Solo/Dump/ Spray. Private all in Tailwheel, Tailwheel Proficiency, and UpSet/Spin recovery. Commercial Pilot and Instrument rating available. SATLOC Bantam, TracMap, & AgNav GPS. Ag Aviation Consultants for Ag Operation Certificate part 137. See videos at www.eaglevistas.com Eagle Vistas LLC 772-285-5506

Riggin Flight Service, flight school offering private, commercial, instrument, Ag, multi-engine, tailwheel, etc. We tailor our courses to meet your needs. www. RigginFlightService.com (605)2569774.

Vehicles

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

Fertilizer Loader Truck - F350 fertilizer loader truck, steel bin and 10” tube. Cab rusted but dependable $5000 Call Dave at 509-520-8267

Best Classified Buy In The Industry. Read By More Ag Pilots Than Any Other Publication. Classifieds Starting at $19.99 478-987-2250. Fax: 478-352-0025.

Wanted to Buy

Looking for all models of Air Tractor 400, 500 & 600 series aircraft to purchase. The newer, the better but will consider 2006 and newer. Contact Mark@turbineconversions.com

Looking for a secondhand Hatfield Gate 40” for a 402 Air Tractor. Contact Alex McDonald alex@namagri.com. Thanks.

Pratt & Whitney Engine Cores, Engine Parts Inventories, Cylinders, Starters, Fuel Pumps and Boost Pumps. Call Sun Air Parts 661-257-7708, Fax 661-257-7710 or email info@ sunairparts.com

USFS &

Approved ANVIS6 Helmets,

1984 GMC Black Tank Truck, 4 compartment units for fuel in tank with pumps. Formerly Texaco engine 454, five speed transmission, 2 speed axle. $2,700. Buyer pick up item after sale. 979 219-9351

with Dual visors, $1350.00

Carbon/Kevlar HGU-55/E w/ dual visors(or Single) $1,295.00 Category #2 fixed wing aircraft approved.

When it comes to PT6A Service & Support, there’s unmatched strength in the POWER OF ONE.

For more than 50 years, Covington has remained true to the power of one. We are one family. Servicing engines from one manufacturer. With one guiding commitment: To build our company one relationship, and one engine, at a time. And, as the one and only family-owned Pratt & Whitney Canada factory-designated overhaul facility, no one knows the PT6A better, nor delivers more uncompromising support. All with a level of trust and compassion you simply won’t find anywhere else. Call or visit us today. It would be our privilege to put the power of one to work for you.