AgAir Update | February 2023

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Patrick Amundsen, lead instructor for Sharq Aerospace, in Sharq Aerospace’s AT-504.

FROM THE COCKPIT

Bill Lavender bill@agairupdate.com

Magic Formula?

I just finished attending two state shows, Arkansas and Texas, with the Mississippi convention coming late this week. If attendance at Mississippi is anything like Arkansas and Texas shows, it will be a good one. Graham has and will make more state shows than me this year, something that has been coming for the last 35+ years. I kind of regret slowing down, but there is a time for everything.

I had an ag operator ask me this month for advice on selling his business. I’m not sure why he asked me, other than I did “sell” my flying service 37 years ago to my competitor. I clarified to him that maybe I was not the one to be advising on this matter, but I would anyway.

To start, there is no set formula for selling a flying service that I know of. Sure, it’s worth the wholesale value of the hard assets, but how do you calculate any blue sky value? To be brutally honest, blue sky is worth whatever you can get for it. If nothing else, remember what an Arkansas operator told me after he had sold his very successful flying service; “You can’t sell a broke business.”

At the time, I hadn’t thought of selling a business in this context. I had sold mine for the grateful pay off of my loans. Of course, my flying service, by no stretch of the imagination was profitable. It was a great opportunity for my competitor to consolidate my customers into his business. My customers amounted to about half the number of his. He quickly sold off my junk airplane and support equipment, rolled my customer base into his, and gave me a flying seat to work with and everyone was happy. Being happy is a crucial element for both parties and should be strived for in the transaction.

Another element to consider is how long you are willing to stay with the flying service after the sale. Considering all the years you worked to build the business, watching the new owner call the shots can be painful. I advise minimizing the time you hang around after the sale, which brings on another component: will you be financing the deal?

I have only touched the surface of many aspects of selling a flying service. Several factors affect selling a flying service, with the ones above being some of the more critical ones. It would be best if you took a quiet moment to list all the parameters, don’t hesitate to list as many as possible. Some things you list will not matter, but the others will determine the outcome.

In parting, try to ask for blue sky in a reasonable amount, reflected by how the buyer can sustain the debt. If there is any way possible, part ways as soon as possible with what was once your flying service. I know I haven’t imparted a spectacular formula for selling a flying service. It is like I told the operator asking me about it, he has to make a hard evaluation of what he wants with a fair outcome.

Until next time, Keep Turning…

February 6-8, 2023

Southeast Aero Cultural Fair (SEAF)

Double Tree by Hilton 315 4th Ave North Nashville, TN 37219

Ashley Houston aehouston81@gmail.com 270-293-3843

February 12-14, 2023

North Carolina AAA Convention Hilton Greenville Greenville, NC Leslie Craft ncaaa@ncagaviationassoc.com 252-312-5723

February 14-15, 2023

Tri-State Aerial Applicators Convention

The Lodge at Deadwood 100 Pine Crest Lane Deadwood, SD 57732

Andrea Barber Goebel sdaviation@gmail.com 605-690-3477

February 16-18, 2023 NAAA & NAAREF Feb. 2023

Board Meetings

Hilton Old Town Alexandria, VA United States

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

February 20-23, 2023

Nebraska ATA Convention Kearney, NE United States Taylor Moore taylor@youraam.com (531) 289-8323

March 7-9, 2023

HAI HELI-EXPO 2023

Georgia World Congress Center 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

agairupdate.com/calendar

March 16-18, 2023

Canadian AAA Conference Regina, SK Canada Shara Tardif ed@canadianaerialapplicators.com (780) 413-0078

April 3-4, 2023

Aerial Fire Fighting 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 Fire Fighting 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 Fire Fighting 2023 Europe TBD Athens, Greece

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

Aerial Application in Saudi Arabia

by Graham Lavender

In October of 2022, AgAir Update, along with Eagle Vistas, traveled to Saudi Arabia after being invited by Sharq Aerospace Industries, the region’s leading provider of aerial application services. The visit was a whirlwind tour of the expansive and developing aerial spraying operations that are the vision of Mansour N. AlSharif, an engineer and accomplished businessman. Mansour holds Master’s Degrees in Engineering, Business Administration and Finance, as well as Graduate Certificates in Aviation Law, Airline Safety Management and Aeronautics. Mansour has an extensive history in aviation management and was the driving force that allowed Sharq Aerospace to establish with the Saudi Arabian Government a strengthened and modernized aerial spraying in the country to achieve longterm sustained efficiency.

Saudi Arabia is well known for having deserts, so the question that came to mind was whether the country needs aerial application operations. A lesser-known fact is that the country has mountain ranges that experience snowfall, wetlands, and a lot of sizeable circular crops. As seen at the Saudi Agriculture Event conducted in Riyadh, the country is driven to improve food security. The world is currently witnessing rapid growth and modernization in the Kingdom. They have large-scale developments under their Vision 2030 programs. Giga Projects are now in place, and the environmental impacts of these advancements are at the forefront. All endeavors are made by the government to safeguard the country’s environment and achieve self-sufficiency.

Sharq Aerospace is a Saudi-registered company with its headquarters and Flight Operations Control center located in

the city of Jeddah, which is adjacent to the Red Sea. Sharq Aerospace is part of the Sharq Group, a private holding company established in 2006. Sharq Aero is the group’s arm for operating and investing in the aviation sector and gained its GACAR Part 133 Aerial Works Operation Certificate in February 2022. The Part 133 Aerial Works Certificate is Saudi Arabia’s version of the FAA Part 137 Operating Certificate. With this license to operate, Sharq Aerospace became a key player in the Kingdom for aerial applications.

Sharq Aerospace currently operates a total of six Air Tractors and one rotorcraft. They currently run the largest modern Air Tractor fleet in the Middle East. Their fleet consists of three AT-504s, two AT-502XPs, one AT-502B and a Bell 505. The Air Tractors are all similarly configured with SATLOC guidance systems and Micronair nozzles for low-volume applications. CP nozzles are used for higher-volume oil disbursement applications. ➤

Sharq Aerospace is one of the only private companies in Saudi Arabia that operates out of dedicated airfields designated to Sharq by MEWA. The company uses two dedicated airports adjacent to the Red Sea, and both are equipped with aircraft hangars, storage, administration buildings and chemical mixing facilities. Al Abdiyah Airfield is in the western part of the country, boasting a 3,000-foot runway and a 15,000 square feet apron. Al Edabi Airfield, located in Sabyah, is east of Jizan and has a 3,000-foot runway with loading facilities. Sharq Aerospace has set up ground support equipment at both airfields to facilitate operations. This includes fuel and water trucks. Logistics are in place to provide its fleet with fuel, water, spare parts and tools 24/7 anywhere in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Sharq Aerospace’s current scope of aerial operations includes an array of services, primarily aerial applications for locusts and mosquitos, with some crop protection. Sharq Aerospace also provides oil spillage treatment response and research/ surveillance with the Bell 505. ➤

One of the two Sharq Aerospace airfields. This one just outside of Jeddah.

L-R: Mansour AlSharif, Beverly Berry, Abdullah Al Sharif and Graham Lavender at the Saudi Agriculture Expo in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Their helicopter is equipped with a SATLOC GPS for future aerial application missions.

Other aerial applications such as fire fighting, cloud seeding, Emergency Medical Services, imaging, mapping and photography are also covered by Sharq Aerospace’s license, and the company plans to be offering those services in the near future.

In 2021, following successful public bidding, Sharq Aerospace entered a five-year contract with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and became its exclusive aerial application operator. For this contract, Sharq Aerospace runs daily flight missions to control mosquitoes in the Holy Makkah area, Gizan and other locations as required by MEWA. Its fleet is on standby to conduct aerial spraying whenever the locust season emerges.

Sharq Aerospace ensures it conducts a high-performance and robust operation through regimented training and adopting best practices published by the National Agricultural Aviation Association. A dramatic increase in the performance and output is seen compared to the previous operation. Since its inception, Sharq Aerospace has increased flying hours five-fold and expanded the range of service areas to over 900 kilometers.

In collaboration with LAMOR, the National Center for Environmental Compliance (NCEC), Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC), and SAIL (marine emergency response services), Sharq Aerospace also conducts aerial oil spillage treatment operations. The combination of a modern fleet and operating out of their private airfields makes Sharq Aerospace’s response time excellent and enables the company to exceed the world benchmark for oil spillage response time. The strategic location of their airports allows for an immediate and effective response to oil spillage control within the Red Sea. ➤

Part of Sharq Aerospace’s core values is supporting Saudi Arabia’s 2030 vision concerning its role in aviation. Part of this vision is the education of the existing pilot pool in the country on aerial application, focusing on the specialized flying skills required for aerial oil spillage treatment, aerial pest control, crop protection and aerial firefighting. Sharq Aerospace is on the ground floor of establishing the Saudi agricultural aviation industry that observes world-class standards of practice.

Sharq Aerospace built a diverse team of experienced AG pilots and instructors from around the world.

They have picked highly qualified and knowledgeable Pilots from Costa Rica, Cyprus, and the USA. This team of pilots is fully capable of executing the existing aerial spraying missions and training young Saudi pilots. In collaboration with Eagle Vistas, Sharq sends Saudi pilots to the USA on company grant scholarships for training using Eagle Vista’s Ag Pilot Minimum Standards Program. Upon program completion in the USA, each pilot will undergo a mentorship training program in Saudi Arabia. The two-seater AT-504 is used for training by experienced US flight instructors to prepare and qualify Saudi pilots to fly solo missions. ➤

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Sharq Aerospace also invested in its own customized Air Tractor 500 series Redbird Flight Simulator. It is currently the only full-motion simulator worldwide made and designed especially for the Air Tractor 500 Series. It is also noteworthy that Sharq Aerospace is committed to continuously building its team with experts in the field of aerial application.

AgAir Update’s guide for the trip was Sharq Aerospace’s Projects director Capt. Abdullah Alsharif. Abdullah is an 18,000-hour pilot and flight instructor with experience in a wide range of airframes, from A320s to Air Tractors and various light and heavy helicopters. Abdullah shares

in the Sharq Aerospace vision to bring aerial applications mainstream in Saudi Arabia. He proved to be a wealth of knowledge and an excellent host to AgAir Update

The excitement and motivation present in Saudi Arabia and Sharq Aerospace about the fledgling aerial application industry in the country are remarkable. The company believes in the industry and can clearly see the benefits of establishing mainstay ag aviation in the regions. During the trip, Sharq Aerospace hosted AgAir Update and Eagle Vistas, providing unbelievable hospitality and a phenomenal educational experience that will surely be discussed for years to come.

Patrick Amundsen in the AT504 over Saudi countryside.

One of Sharq Aerospace’s Air Tractors makes an oil disperal training run in the Red Sea.

Sharq Aerospace utilizes the Bell 505 for survey and future aerial application work.

Good Aircraft Maintenance is Good Business

Courtesy Air Tractor

The importance of aircraft maintenance and inspections cannot be overstated, says Air Tractor President Jim Hirsch. “Practically all machinery requires maintenance to ensure it operates properly,” observes Hirsch. And while they have an excellent reputation of reliability, good maintenance practices are essential for Air Tractor airplanes, too,” he adds. Datadriven maintenance, such as tracking flight hours, helps reduce downtime due to unforeseen failures, reduces risk of safety incidents, increases predictability, and extends the useful lifespan of assets.

For aerial applicators, their ag aircraft is likely their most important business asset. Maintaining accurate records

of flight hours and performing the aircraft’s time-critical maintenance inspections is the key to achieving the highest return on investment. “The operator who inspects his airplane according to its service schedule is spreading his maintenance costs throughout the year. But the operator who delays until the annual inspection could have an expensive 3-week visit to the shop.” Airplanes working in harsh dusty conditions or hauling loads of fertilizer will benefit from frequent air filter inspections and cleaning, for example, helping to assure the engine lasts as long as it should, he adds.

The first Air Tractor AT-301 was delivered to Latin America in 1977. Since that first delivery, increasing numbers of new and used Air Tractor airplanes have entered service in Central and South America.

This

agricultural aircraft fleet places particular focus on

wing fatigue management, Hirsch says. “As we’ve seen from recent events, it is a critical safety element

Agricultural aircraft wings are subjected to many thousands of stress loads every season. Over time, these repetitive stress loads take their toll on the wing spar. Hirsch recalls that from the company’s beginning Air Tractor, Inc. has gone to great lengths to verify the wing spar life of its airplanes. He recalls how Air Tractor founder Leland Snow was conducting full-scale wing strain testing on the company’s first production airplane, the Air Tractor AT-301.

When Leland started Air Tractor, he proved wing fatigue life by analysis using data from a Snow Aeronautical project called the Jamaica Load Spectrum Test. By 1990, he began validating those tests, starting with the collection of wing stress surveys on an AT-301. Following the AT- 301, Air Tractor began collecting strain surveys and load spectrums for its most popular airplane, the AT-502. “We conducted a destructive test program and tested to failure several AT-502 wings with that load spectrum,” Hirsch says. “By the late 1990s, we had load spectrum data on the model AT-802, as well. Full scale tests of the AT-802 wings followed, and we broke at least a pair of AT-802 wings during months of continuous stress loads that were based upon real-world wing strain data collected from a representative sample of ag pilots.” Analysis of these wing tests showed Snow’s calculated wing lifespans were conservative.

In 2000, Air Tractor began a redesign project for new, heavier spar caps which were subsequently recertified. These new wing life tests were based on much more severe pilot load spectrums. The following decade was spent redesigning, recertifying, and collecting additional load spectrums, Hirsch recalls. By the late 2000s, more wings from other Air Tractor aircraft models had been recertified and re-tested with new wing life parameters utilizing the bigger, heavier spar caps.

“By 2010, we had a well-documented understanding of wing safe life for all our aircraft,” notes Hirsch. “In fact,” he adds, “Nobody in the aerial application industry has done more to document and test the integrity of its airframes.” Going beyond this decades-long effort, Air Tractor still remains watchful for concerns reported by Air Tractor dealers, operators, and aircraft mechanics, he says. “Wing fatigue management is an issue that changes because the mission of these airplanes expands and evolves. What’s more, the way pilots fly their airplanes also changes over time. ➤

The airplane may be used in a completely different role that may be more severe from a wing fatigue standpoint.”

More than 4,000 Air Tractor aircraft have now been produced, sold, and resold around the world. And as the fleet ages, new potential safety issues may arise. Hirsch says, “We pay close attention to our dealers, our customers, as well as official and anecdotal reports from the maintenance sector. We are watching for emerging trends that could be of concern.”

After many years and many aircraft working in countries around the world, Hirsch notes that it is difficult to track of the operational status of every Air Tractor airplane, its owner information, and its condition. “That’s why we have made it easy for Air Tractor operators to get the information they need for their airplane maintenance efforts. Owner manuals, parts

manuals, pilot training documents, service letters, reference data, and service information letters are available for Air Tractor owners — at no expense — on our website, AirTractor.com.” When owners register their airplane(s), they not only have immediate access to aircraft information, they will also receive important news and service information from Air Tractor.

Air Tractor has launched a campaign to remind agricultural aviators of the importance of aircraft maintenance. “We encourage Air Tractor owners to register at AirTractor. com to receive helpful information to benefit their aircraft maintenance program. It’s a simple value proposition, Hirsch says. “Timely inspections and proper maintenance is smart business. It saves money in the short and the long term. It mitigates in-flight failures, helps maintain the airplane’s value, protects the business, and supports a positive view of agricultural aviation industry.”

Notes: This first of a two article series will focus on density altitude and aircraft performance. The second will focus on other factors such as rate of climb, angle of climb, and takeoff performance.

How High Are You Flying?

Part One

by Ted Delanghe

I like spontaneity, particularly when it’s wellplanned.

Safe flying often involves knowing what is coming our way, so we don’t have to make

critical last-minute decisions in tight situations. Dodging an unexpected power line. Recovering from a near stall/spin due to violent wind shear. Curling the toes as we make it over a line of trees because a slight tailwind made for an all too exciting moment. Trying to decide if we are too close to susceptible crops to ensure no drift.

As the old saying goes, a superior pilot uses superior judgment to stay out of situations requiring superior skill. Whether it’s aircraft performance or weather or crop stage, it’s good to know factors affecting aircraft performance. Many we can anticipate. After an enjoyable morning at home base flying with cool, dense air providing thrust and lift in spades, the afternoon brings rising temperatures that make for a noticeable decrease in aircraft performance. No surprises there, but if the load size is not adjusted to accommodate a significant temperature change, things can get pretty exciting really quickly.

Or you’ve traveled several hundred miles away from the home strip to a large-scale forestry spraying operation where the legs can be many miles in length and cover territory where there are considerable altitude differences in the various blocks to be sprayed. A hot rod of an aircraft in one block can turn into a dog in a much higher spray block as airspeed dissipates climbing to the higher terrain, but again, it’s something we can easily plan for.

One of the nice things about ag flying is that you can easily adjust the load size to fit the conditions. I had the opportunity to work with an experienced ag operator out of Arizona. His rule of thumb was that at 85 F, he automatically reduced the maximum load size to allow for decreased performance e.g., an AT-401 would change load size from the standard load of 360 g to 320 g.

It’s not just for takeoff and climb, but more to the point, if you are working smaller fields with lots of back-to-back turning, carrying too heavy a load for the conditions makes it feel like you are balancing on top of a beach ball, with mushy controls and a struggle to keep a safe airspeed until the load lightens. It is really uncomfortable flying ‘on the edge’ near stall/spin conditions, as well as being very fatiguing.

It’s easy to remember to match load size to conditions when things are going along well, but when you have a long line of farmers pleading with you to treat their crops now invested with a large-scale insect infestation, there is a tendency to push parameters because of the added urgency.

Many factors have an effect on aircraft performance, and it is the total of these effects that are good to know ahead of time. In fact, the total of these effects can be very significant in terms of decreased aircraft performance in terms of engine power available, propellor thrust available, and the amount of lift available from the wings. Knowing how these dictate safe load size and/or climb performance ensures the only surprises you get are pleasant ones. ➤

Density Altitude – A Quick Review

As the density of the air increases (lower density altitude), aircraft performance increases, and as air density decreases (higher density altitude), aircraft performance decreases. No surprises here, but what is surprising is how much even a small temperature change can affect density altitude.

Using Figure 11-22 (courtesy FAA Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge), start with an airport elevation of 5,883 ft MSL, a temperature of 70 F and an altimeter setting of 30.10 “Hg.

Locate 30.10 under the altimeter heading and read across to the second column, which reads “–165.” Subtract 165 from the airport elevation to give a pressure altitude of 5,718 feet. On the scale along the bottom of the graph, locate 70° and draw a line up to the 5,718 feet pressure altitude line, which is about two-thirds of the way up between the 5,000 and 6,000-foot lines. Draw a line straight across to the far left side of the graph and read the approximate density altitude of 7700 ft.

How High Are You Flying

The significance? The aircraft will perform as though it were at 7700 feet, with quite a performance decrease from the actual altitude of 5718 ft. Now put that into terms an ag pilot can understand. The difference is almost exactly 2000 feet in altitude. That means that given the conditions in the above example, when you’re spraying at ground level, the aircraft has the decreased performance equivalent to an aircraft flying at 2000 feet. It’s really something you need to consider, so no nasty surprises come your way.

Ignoring the perils of a high-density altitude can get both experienced and inexperienced pilots into trouble, particularly true in hot weather and at higher elevations, but even when at your home strip, when the action gets hot and heavy due to a sudden bug infestation, safety may be compromised in the pressure of the moment to get the job done.

To recap, high-density altitude reduces all aircraft performance parameters. This means that the normal horsepower output is reduced, propeller efficiency is reduced and a higher true airspeed is required to sustain the aircraft throughout its operating parameters. It means an increase in runway length for takeoff and landings, a decreased rate of climb, and a distinct challenge in keeping the airspeed from dropping below a comfortable level during aerial applications. It also means giving obstacles a larger-than-normal margin of safety.

Interestingly enough, at airports with elevations of 2,000 feet and higher, control towers and FSSs will broadcast the advisory “Check Density Altitude” when the temperature reaches a predetermined level as a reminder to pilots that high temperatures and high field elevations will cause significant changes in aircraft characteristics.

So, wherever you’re operating, whatever the job at hand, just keep in mind the whole concept of density altitude. You may be flying higher than you think.

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INSIGHTS

National Agricultural Aviation Association

Meet NAAA’s 2023 Leadership Team

The National Agricultural Aviation Association is pleased to announce its 2023 officer team, led by NAAA President Craig Craft. Serving alongside Craft are Vice President Dwayne O’Brien Craft, Secretary Sam Styron and Treasurer Ray Newcomb.

“We are in a public relations war and need to ensure our message gets out there, whether in the broader media or in the trade press.”

President Craig Craft (North Carolina)

Craig Craft is NAAA’s 2023 president. Craft has owned Craft Air Services in Hertford, North Carolina, since 1997 and runs it with his wife, Leslie.

She manages the office and is the primary customer liaison.

Craft Air Services is located in the northeastern part of the state. The operation has its own airport with a 2,600-foot concrete runway and a 2,900-foot grass runway parallel to one another. The company’s fleet includes two 510 Thrushes, a Thrush Model 400 and an Air Tractor AT-502.

Besides Craig, the Crafts have one other fulltime pilot, Dusty Hall. They both fly year-round. Craig flies 500 hours a year in the Thrush 510, while Hall flies 700 hours a year in the AT-502. Together, they treat approximately 200,000 acres each year. their largest crop is soybeans, which consists of about 30% to 40% of their work. The second-largest crop in terms of acres treated is corn. It consists of about 30% of Craft’s work. Winter wheat and cotton applications comprise about 15% apiece of Craft Air Services’ work.

The Crafts also farm 750 acres of corn, soybeans and wheat, which Craig refers to as his hobby.

Craig went through the NAAA/Syngenta Leadership Training Program in 2002 and has put the skills he learned there to good use over the years. First, he became vice president of the North Carolina Agricultural Aviation Association, followed by serving as the NCAAA president from 2005 to 2006. From 2011 to 2014, he served as the NCAAA representative on the NAAA board. Then served as NAAA’s treasurer in 2014 and its immediate past treasurer in 2015.

After a brief hiatus from the NAAA board, he returned as North Carolina’s board representative in 2020-2021. ➤

During his combined NAAA tenure, Craig has served as chairman of the Budget and Finance and Insurance committees. His impressive body of work led to him being selected as NAAA’s vice president in 2022 and as this year’s NAAA president.

Asked what he hopes to achieve during his tenure as NAAA’s 2023 leader, Craft joked, “Well, it’s kind of like what Mercury Seven astronaut Alan B. Shepard, the first American in space, said before his liftoff: ‘Dear Lord, please don’t let me [bleep] up.’”

All kidding aside, Craig wants to keep the association focused on working with the chemical companies and the EPA to ensure the aerial use of pesticides remains on labels and to keep unnecessary and burdensome regulations at bay. He is also concerned about the public’s perceptions of the agricultural aviation industry and wants to keep the focus on external communications — which was so effective with the 2021 centennial of ag aviation campaign — alive. “We need to take action,” Craig said. “We are in a public relations war and need to ensure our message gets out there, whether in the broader media or in the trade press.”

Overall, Craig Craft’s crystal ball about the agricultural aviation industry shows an extremely positive future. “Chemistries have gotten so much better,” he says. “Fungicides are markedly increasing yields, insecticides have become far more targeted on the specific pests they are eradicating, plus the farmers’ reliance on agricultural aviators is going to increase. They are facing a tremendous labor shortage, and they will rely on hiring professionals, such as us as ag aviators, to do their applications and lessen their dependence on labor.”

Vice President Dwayne O’Brien (Louisiana)

After serving as NAAA’s treasurer in 2021, Dwayne O’Brien was elected as NAAA’s new vice president at the association’s December 2022 board meeting. Although he grew up in the industry, before O’Brien officially began ag flying in the mid-1990s, he was in the Army’s special operations forces. O’Brien remained in the Army’s reserve force but left active duty in 1994 to begin flying for O’Brien Flying Service in Iowa, Louisiana, for his father, Zoren O’Brien.

Dwayne took over the business from Zoren in 2004. Today O’Brien Flying Service operates four aircraft—two Air Tractor AT-502B ag planes and two AT-502XPs—and has 12 full-time employees. The crew expands to about 18 employees during its peak from April to June. O’Brien Flying Service’s primary crop is rice, which keeps the crew busy for a roughly 90-day window through June. When the rice applications taper off, the company moves on to some pasture, marsh and sugarcane work. One plane also sprays corn in the Midwest.

As part of his VP duties, O’Brien chairs NAAA’s Membership Committee, which he also chaired last year. NAAA ended 2022 with 573 operator members and 553 pilot members out of a total of 1,826 members. Overall, NAAA estimates there are 1,560 operators in the industry and 2,028 non-operator ag pilots. That means only 31% of the available pool of operators and pilots are members of NAAA. Getting more operators and pilots to join NAAA is an ongoing effort. Yet as much as the association does to ensure the survival and prosperity of aerial application as a profession, NAAA can’t just wave a magic wand and make someone become a member.

“You’re always going to have that group of people that want something for free,” O’Brien said. “As long as they see they can get stuff done for free, they’re going to continue to be that way. But it’s just sad considering the fuel tax exemption that NAAA worked so hard to get for us. It benefits everybody. It’s not just member specific. But if and when that ever falls — and right now the government is looking so hard for revenue — all these people are going to come back whining and hollering at the association. ‘Well, if you’d have been there from day one standing in the door helping us, you may have prevented this.’ I would say there’s a good chance that could possibly happen to us. And that’s a big thing. For my operation, you’re talking probably $5,000 to $7,000 per plane per year in fuel tax savings alone.”

O’Brien serves on NAAA’s board and as an officer to give back to the industry and on NAAA’s board but also because it helps him stay up to date on industry trends and new technologies. “As an operator-owner, I’m also protecting my current and future interests,” O’Brien said. “If you’re in this business and like what you’re doing, you can’t sit behind the wall. Sometimes you’ve got to go outside the wall and see what’s out there. I like the new technology aspects of so many things. Research and technology is great. It’s ever-changing. That’s why I like to be at the forefront and see new technology that’s coming out and sometimes give it a try.” ➤

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.)

Secretary Sam Styron (Missouri)

New NAAA Secretary Sam Styron completed his 30th season as an aerial applicator in 2022. He has been an NAAA member since 1996 and has become increasingly involved at the board level. Styron went through the NAAA/Syngenta Leadership Training Program as part of NAAA’s 2009-2010 class and has served on several NAAA and NAAREF committees in recent years. He is now in his third season as a PAASS Presenter.

Styron owns and operates 1Lowflyer Inc. in Harrisonville, Missouri, and primarily treats corn, soybeans and wheat in Missouri, Iowa and eastern Kansas. It was a singleplane, solo-pilot operation for his first 28 years in business, but Styron has had a second pilot for the past couple of seasons. He mentored Curtis Grimes from the ground up and now has three ag aircraft—a Cessna 188 AG Truck that Grimes started in, a turbine-powered Air Tractor 402 Grimes now flies, and an AT-602, which Styron flies.

Styron readily agreed when he was approached by NAAA’s Nominating Committee about serving as an officer. “It’s an organization I believe in that is important to our industry — and if I can be of service and help out by being secretary, I will,” he said.

Styron appreciates NAAA’s advocacy efforts at the federal level, particularly with the EPA and FAA, on a variety of issues impacting aerial applicators. One issue he is concerned about is drone safety “and how we’re going to interact with them and keep their feet to the fire to be on the same playing field as us as far as regulations go.”

Ensuring aerial applicators have a healthy inventory of products labeled for aerial use is another issue vital to Styron. “I’m real aware of these labels and restrictions and the work that NAAA does to combat or at least get label language that is reasonable and favorable for aerial applications,” he said. “[That’s a testament to NAAA] dealing with the EPA and educating them. It’s the same for the drone issues — trying to keep the FAA aware of the issues and holding their feet to the fire to get regulations that make sense for all of us.”

Styron says the thing he enjoys most about being an NAAA member and serving on its board is the people. Like his fellow officers, he is puzzled by how resistant some operators and pilots are to becoming an NAAA member.

“The guys that aren’t joining, I don’t think they have a leg to stand on,” Styron said. “If they’re going to be in the industry and be a part of it, they need to ante up and participate and understand that their voice and the protection of their way of life is dependent on NAAA fighting the battles.”

Treasurer Ray Newcomb (New Hampshire)

After serving as NAAA’s secretary in 2022, Ray Newcomb was asked to remain on the executive team as NAAA’s treasurer this year. Considering the growth of his company, he is well suited to oversee NAAA’s finances.

Newcomb co-owns JBI Helicopter Services in Pembroke, New Hampshire, with his wife, Donna. In late 1983, Ray joined Joe Brigham as the first employee of Joe Brigham Inc., the registered trade name of JBI Helicopter Services. Newcomb bought Brigham out in 1995. Since then, JBI has expanded on multiple occasions. The Newcombs have 131 employees between JBI Helicopter Services, Craig Avionics, JBI South in Louisiana and their newest acquisition, Air2, a provider of helicopter-assisted utility construction and maintenance services that is being renamed JBI Power.

Between serving as an NAAA officer and JBI Helicopter Services’ growth from roughly 70 to 130 employees with the acquisition of its new helicopter utility services company, Newcomb was a busy man in 2022.

“It’s been very busy,” he agreed. “I’ve submitted quite a few comments to the FAA on different things relating to agriculture, some of the airworthiness directives that have been proposed, a lot of helicopter ADs. There’s a tremendous amount to do with compliance today, and I think it’s only going to get worse.

“If you look at what NAAA has done just to keep chemicals registered so that we can continue to earn a living, it’s phenomenal to me,” Newcomb added. “I never realized how much NAAA did until I got involved. It’s absolutely amazing.” ➤

Newcomb chaired NAAA’s Safety and Federal Aviation Regulations Committee last year and was instrumental in bringing a course on flying in the wire and obstruction environment to the Ag Aviation Expo for the first time in 2022. The supplemental course was a hit with attendees. Newcomb is also excited about NAAA’s launch of C-PAASS, which stands for Certified-Professional Aerial Applicator Safety Steward, as a voluntary safety program this year. “I think it’s a great tool. I really do,” he said. “Not only from a safety assurance standpoint, but it includes everything from mixing, loading and flying — and it will get people thinking of what they need to be talking about.”

In fiscal year 2021-2022, membership dues only accounted for 30.7% of NAAA’s total revenue. As treasurer, Newcomb would like to see that rate grow and will continue to encourage ag pilots and operators to become NAAA members if they aren’t already.

“Everybody I talk to says you need to be a member. Some people will nod their head in a vertical fashion, but they never become a member,” Newcomb said. “It’s really not that much money to belong to a professional organization. It’d be no different than if you were a doctor or a lawyer or anything to keep up with continuing education and learning and promoting ag aviation so that we can all make a living. The more members we have, the better off we’ll be.”

Strength in Numbers: Join NAAA

NAAA is fortunate to have a dedicated group of officers and volunteer leaders serving on its board of directors, but there is also strength in numbers. If you aren’t a member, the single-most effective way you can address the range of critical issues facing your business is by joining NAAA. The payoff far exceeds what you will spend in dues in the form of effective advocacy, national representation, education and safety programs and the personal connections you will make as you participate in association activities.

To join, call (202) 546-5722 or visit AgAviation.org/ membership.

2023 Arkansas Agricultural Aviation Association Convention Shines in Hot Springs

by ArAAA Staff

The Arkansas Agricultural Aviation Association held its 60th Annual Convention on January 6-8, 2023, at the newly expanded Oaklawn Casino Racing Resort in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The new venue was well received and brought approximately 375 operators, pilots, spouses, and exhibitors to the spa city.

Attendees enjoyed a day at the horse races on Friday afternoon, which included a special race, the Arkansas Crop Duster Classic. That evening guests enjoyed drinks and heavy hors d’oeuvres at the welcome reception. Saturday consisted of PAASS Training, Pesticide Recertification training, a session on cyber security by the Department of Homeland Security and the 2023 ARAAA

General Board Meeting. The day was capped off by a fun Frost Flying Reception & Auction, which raised funds for the support member scholarship.

A highlight of the convention was the amount of funds raised for the Charles Stokes Memorial Scholarship at ASU-Mid South’s Aviation Technology program in West Memphis. A portion of the t-shirt sales, monetary donations and two auctioned tote bags raised $14,477. A special thanks to Billy Stanley and Tommy Anderson, who each paid $5,000 for the limited-edition tote bag. The generous donations by all attendees are a true testament to the impact that Charles had during his short career in ag aviation.

2023 ArAAA Highlights

Lubbock Convention a Huge Success

by TAAA Staff

TAAA President Paul Bruton and his wife Patricia welcomed more than 300 Operators, Pilots and Allied Industry members to Lubbock for the 2023 Annual Convention & Exhibition in January 2023. The convention was held in Lubbock for the first time in the association’s history, as far as anyone can remember, and it was a huge success by any measure. Even the weather cooperated!

for the event, and many people are already pushing us to go back to Lubbock and revisit the two offsite venues. Jackie Gholson and team did their usual amazing job cooking hamburgers for the Welcome Reception and steaks for the Awards Banquet. Jackie’s willingness to cook at these events for the past several years has saved the association thousands of dollars, and it would be an understatement to say the food is way better than what we would get in a hotel ballroom.

The Awards Banquet was held at the American Windmill Museum.

The group packed the Overton Hotel, and the Exhibit Hall overflowed into the foyer! The Governmental Affairs luncheon raised nearly $25,000 for Ag Air PAC and was highlighted once again by Sid Miller, the Commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture. Miller has regulated our industry with a fair and steady hand, and we feel he always has an open mind to hear our concerns. Miller was recently re-elected to a third four-year term as Ag Commissioner. He was a big hit with our group, and his words were well-received.

The Welcome Reception and Auction was held offsite at a place called Depot Patio. It was the most fun event of the convention, and many thanks to Jason Wooten, their long-time auctioneer. Thanks to several TAAA members' generosity on the donating and buying end, the auction raised just over $25,000 this year.

The Awards Banquet was held at the American Windmill Museum. The location was perfect

Paul Bruton was re-elected President for a second term at the Annual Business Meeting of the membership. Michael Ranspot was elected to fill a vacant position on our Board of Directors. The membership also voted to adopt several changes and updates to the association bylaws, a step that was long overdue. You can see all these changes in the “Governance” section on the TAAA website.

Special thanks to the Convention Premier Sponsor, Jet A USA; to Corteva for its sponsorship of the Welcome Reception, and to Neal Aircraft for its sponsorship of several events and most of the open bars we had at every event.

Additionally, we want to thank the TAAA staff, Christy Dean, Alli Moff, and Jessie Jarreau who helped make the convention a big success. The 2024 TAAA Convention will be in Corpus Christi next year, January 10 –12th; details will be forthcoming.

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2023 TAAA Convention Highlights

LANE AVIATION, INC. ROSENBERG, TX

CRAYMER’S COUNSEL

Robert Craymer - robertc@covingtonaircraft.com

The Gas Generator

If you have been through any PT6A class, you have heard the engine defined as a free turbine, meaning there is no connecting shaft between the compressor and the prop. You have undoubtedly heard that the PT6A is built on a modular concept. The two modules of the engine are the gas generator and the power section. Let’s review the gas generator module and talk about some troubleshooting.

In past articles, we have talked about the accessory gearbox, inlet case, fuel nozzles and hot section. These are submodules of the gas generator. This modular concept of the engine allows us to do many maintenance tasks to these

sub-modules without having to remove the complete engine from the airframe. The modular design is one of the benefits of the PT6A design.

All the above sub-modules are attached to or inside the gas generator case, along with the compressor. The compressor and bleed valve comprises the cold section and the gas generator assembly. When you look at Ng or N1 in the cockpit, it is the compressor speed that is being monitored. A tach on the accessory gearbox measures this and sends that signal to the gauge. The gas generator case takes all the air from the compressor and delivers it to the engine.

I have also written previously about air utilization. On and in the case, there are multiple tubes and connection points for the distribution of air and oil.

What issues do we associate with gas generator problems, and how do we determine where to start looking for answers?

An increase in Ng is one of the most common indicators of a gas generator issue. When the compressor loses efficiency, it must spin faster to make all the air it needs. You may also see increases in fuel flow and T5 that correspond with these issues. The engine is just working harder to produce what you need. My personal maintenance philosophy is to keep things simple and follow a common-sense approach. With that in mind, the first thing that I look at is the air intake. I’m referring to the filtration and inlet screen. I have “fixed” many engine issues by changing the air filter and ensuring the engine inlet screen is clear. Everyone should have a maintenance plan that includes routine evaluations of the air filter. If your filter is in terrible shape at 300 hours, change or inspect it every 200 hours. I know operators who change air filters every 100 hours. Always remember that clean air and clean fuel make for a happy engine. If you find your filter

and screen clean, look at the bleed valve. The bleed valve removes excess air from the engine until the engine requires it all. If the bleed valve is stuck in the open position or has a leak, the engine will be working harder to recover that air. P3 leaks on the engine can also cause the same indications. Just remember, if the engine doesn’t have enough air, it will work harder to deliver the power you request.

Other occasional cold section problems include compressor stalls, hooting, vibration and humming. I often tell people that if they listen, the engine will tell them something is wrong. Compressor stalls, a loud banging noise from the compressor area, are caused by too much air between the axial and centrifugal stages. Most commonly, the bleed valve is out of calibration (closing too early) or stuck in the closed position. Vibration and noises can also be caused by foreign object damage (FOD). If you hear something, investigate it. These problems are usually easy to handle, but if ignored, they can have terribly expensive consequences.

The gas generator also houses the hot section. Hot section problems usually present us with increased ITT and fuel flow, with Ng either remaining the same or decreasing. Several causes can be found during routine borescope inspections. ➤

Adjust for pattern disturbances as

High compressor turbine blade tip clearance, vane ring distress, and erosion are typical of problems in the engine’s hot section and can all be viewed with a borescope. Other issues, such as air leakage, cannot be addressed without removing the hot section components. All these issues come with symptoms of higher ITT and fuel flow.

I could extend this article and discuss oil system issues and fuel control troubleshooting, but I feel those two subjects require a more in-depth look and will handle each of those subjects independently. You will have to keep watching for those.

One of the critical components of the troubleshooting we do on the PT6A is understanding the relationship between what the engine is supposed to be doing and what the engine is doing. This is why when you call, we will ask for the results of a ground performance run. This is the best tool to start figuring out what the engine is actually doing. As always, I am here to help in any way I can.

Robert Craymer has worked on PT6A engines and PT6A-powered aircraft for the past three decades, including the last 25+ years at Covington Aircraft. As a licensed A&P mechanic, Robert has held every job in an engine overhaul shop and has been an instructor of PT6A Maintenance and Familiarization courses for pilots and mechanics. Robert can be reached at robertc@ covingtonaircraft.com or 662-910-9899. Visit us at covingtonaircraft.com.

2023 Louisiana Agricultural Aviation Association Convention Held in Lake Charles, Kim Brown Appointed New Executive Director

The 2023 Louisiana Agricultural Aviation Association (LAAA) Convention was a success and one of the most attended events the association has held. The convention was at the Golden Nugget Casino in Lake Charles, LA, January 3 – 5, 2023. NAAA gave presentations on the importance of the Association and all the work they are doing for the industry. The PAASS program was held during the convention and was well received by attendees. Presenters from the University of Arkansas and the LSU AgCenter were on hand with topics about drift mitigation, safety, improving applications, pesticide safety, and so much more. The convention was great for pilots, operators, industry, and family members to network and build professionalism. LAAA members work hard and

enjoy spending time with industry folks, colleagues, and friends as part of the convention. One featured event held annually at the convention is the crawfish race. Three “heats” of very excited crawfish race to the outer ring of the custom “LAAA Crawfish Racing” course. Jackie Reed's crawfish took first place.

In 2022, the LAAA brought Kim Brown on board as the executive director of the association. Kim has a background working in pesticide safety and agriculture. She is passionate about the agricultural aviation industry and excited to work with the LAAA. Kim and her family recently relocated to West TN, but she is still working closely with applicators and operators in Louisiana.

2023 LAAA Convention Highlights

NAAA Successful in Seeking Proposal to Transport Limited Quantities of Jet-A Without CDL HazMat Endorsement

NAAA persevered and showed that the similarities between jet fuel (aviation-grade kerosene) and diesel, which has the HazMat exemption for transporting limited quantities, were nearly identical.

After a five-year effort, the Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) granted NAAA’s request to propose a regulation allowing states to exempt commercial drivers from having to get a HazMat endorsement to transport 1,000 gallons or less of jet fuel (aviation-grade kerosene). The next steps to finalize this rule are for the FMCSA to post the proposed rule in the Federal Register allowing for either a 30- or 60-day public comment period, digest the comments, and either finalize or retract the rule pending comments. In conversations with the FMCSA yesterday, a final rule should be issued before year’s end. NAAA will be submitting comments in support of the rule and advocating that membership and others do the same.

Presently, drivers with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) must obtain a HazMat endorsement to transport jet fuel. The FMCSA waived the HazMat endorsement for the transportation of 1,000 gallons or less of diesel fuel. NAAA, due to the need to augment the pool of available commercial drivers to aid aerial application businesses and due to the extremely similar chemical properties of diesel and jet fuel, petitioned for an amendment to 49 CFR 383.3(i) to have this exemption extended to jet fuel as well.

NAAA’s justification for the waiver from the hazardous materials endorsement stems from difficulties finding potential employees to transport commercial motor vehicles for agricultural aircraft operators due to the drivers leaving for year-round work once they receive their CDL and hazardous materials endorsement from a seasonal aerial application business. Another difficulty is finding Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) locations and scheduling testing times to take the

knowledge and skill tests required for a CDL in rural areas, where most aerial application businesses are. The closest DMV could be several hundred miles away. NAAA cited American Trucking Association statistics to the FMCSA that there was a shortage of 80,000 drivers and that the bipartisan infrastructure bill Congress passed in the fall of 2021 takes a step toward allowing 18-year-olds to apply for a CDL, down from the current national age limit of 21—another indication that trucking shortages have significantly affected the agriculture sector.

The path toward the FMCSA granting NAAA’s request to propose a regulation has had its challenges. It had been held up at the Transportation Security Administration. Then it was initially denied, but NAAA persevered and showed that the similarities between jet fuel (aviation-grade kerosene) and diesel, which has the HazMat exemption for transporting limited quantities, were nearly identical. NAAA also provided information to the FMCSA showing that its request for a waiver would not jeopardize safety since aerial application operators with CDLs are driving on rural roads and for shorter distances, mostly less than 20 miles, to go from one satellite strip to another. They also drive when the weather is favorable to make applications, not in foggy, rainy and cold and snowy weather due to aerial applications not typically being made during these times.

NAAA greatly appreciates the work of board member Matt Woolard of Woolard Flying Service Inc. in Arkansas and Katherine Holmstrom, executive director of the Arkansas Agricultural Aviation Association, in seeking this waiver. NAAA will keep members aware of the proposed rule as it moves.

Courtesy NAAA

SPREADING THE FACTS

Michelle Miller - michelle@thefarmbabe.com

Setting the Record Straight: Antibiotic Use in Animal Ag

How do I know my meat and milk are safe? Why do farmers use antibiotics? Is animal ag concerned about antibiotic resistance? There are many questions and misconceptions about antibiotic use in animal agriculture. So, we’ll go break them down and clear them up.

Are My Meat/Milk/Eggs Antibiotic-Free?

All meat, milk, and eggs at the store are free from antibiotics. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) uses sciencebased testing and monitoring programs for animal products to ensure safety. These protocols are routinely evaluated to ensure they can detect trace levels of antibiotics before they reach the market. The product is discarded if a violation is found and never makes its way into the food supply. Violations can be traced back to the farm of origin, and farmers can face penalties, pay fines or lose their contract/ market entirely.

“Antibiotic-Free” labels are misleading since all meat, milk, and eggs are inspected by the USDA to ensure safety and wholesomeness before arriving at the store. It’s illegal to sell products that violate these standards. Imported products are also held to these high standards. Virtually all milk tested negative (99.99%) for antibiotic residue in 2019, and more than 99.5% of meat tested negative in 2018. Any positive products were discarded.

Why Do Farmers Even Use Antibiotics?

Like humans, animals can get sick or injured even when under the best care. We can get ill or injured just by living our lives too. Antibiotics help treat and prevent the spread of illness. They’re only used when necessary as they’re too expensive to waste. Farmers

work closely with veterinarians to make animal health decisions and prevention plans. Farmers care about their animals because it’s the right ethical and moral thing to do. Happy, healthy animals grow better and produce more high-quality products; thus, animal welfare is also paramount economically.

After an animal is given an antibiotic, there’s a necessary withhold time. A meat withhold is how long it takes for the antibiotic to leave the animal’s system before it can be harvested. A milk withhold is how long it takes for the antibiotic to leave the animal’s system before the milk is safe for human consumption and no longer must be discarded. Farmers follow medicine labels and directions from their veterinarian to determine this timeframe. On-farm treatment records are an essential part of this too.

What Regulations Are in Place to Ensure Antibiotic Stewardship?

Farmers follow Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations and veterinary guidance to make sure they’re judiciously using antibiotics while promoting high animal welfare and food safety levels. For over 40 years, the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine has been approving animal medicines and establishing their uses, dosages, withhold times, and safety standards based on scientific research. As of January 2017, veterinary oversight is required for antibiotics deemed necessary for human medicine, and medically important antibiotics in feed and water have been phased out. The use of medically necessary antibiotics in animal agriculture declined by 33% from 2016 to 2017. Starting January 2023, a new regulation is enacted where certain animal medications are changed from over-thecounter status to requiring a veterinary prescription. ➤

What About Antibiotics In Feed?

A Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) is necessary for farmers to feed medicated feeds (feeds with medically necessary antimicrobials) therapeutically. VFDs require an established Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR), which means that the veterinarian has a working knowledge of the farm (client) and their goals and has responsibility for medical judgments for the patients (animals). Credit: Animal Agriculture Alliance

What About Animals “Never Treated with Antibiotics”?

Some animal products, such as organic, may be labeled as “never treated with antibiotics” or “raised without antibiotics.” This means the animal happened never to need antibiotics. People who raise animals for this market can still use antibiotics if necessary, but the treated animal is marketed through a conventional channel after the withhold time has passed. While these animals no longer qualify for the “raised without antibiotics” or “organic” label, they still provide safe, wholesome, nutritious, and antibiotic-free products. These practices are just another option for consumers.

Severely restricting or prohibiting antibiotic use in food animals would make it more difficult for farmers and veterinarians to have the tools to provide high-quality care for their animals. Healthy animals are critical to a healthy, safe, and sustainable food system. Antibiotics are one tool for ensuring animal well-being and health. Biosecurity practices, vaccination, high-quality nutrition, rapid diagnosis, and good welfare practices are all preventative measures. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! But sometimes you need a cure, and sometimes antibiotics are the best tool for the job. Reducing the need for antibiotics through prevention and effective alternative practices rather than simply banning antibiotics balances animal welfare, health, and antibiotic stewardship.

What About Antibiotic-Resistant “Superbugs”?

Antibiotic resistance develops when bacteria continually evolve to better face challenges to their existence, such as other bacteria and microbes, environmental elements, and antibiotics. It’s a public health concern as we need to make sure we have effective antibiotics for treating diseases. The primary cause of antibiotic resistance is overuse and misuse in human medicine, which is an area the CDC is working to address. Most antibiotic-resistant “superbugs” are unrelated to animal agriculture. It’s about a 1 in 1 billion chance that treatment will fail due to resistant bacteria from animal ag. Animal agriculture still takes antibiotic stewardship seriously because we want to ensure antibiotics remain effective for treatment in our animals.

Different classes of antibiotics affect bacteria differently. Certain types kill bacteria in one way, while others kill totally differently. Antibiotics within the same class tend to kill bacteria similarly. So, a particular strain of bacteria may be resistant to one but not to others. Antibiotic stewardship involves choosing the right antibiotic that will be effective against the disease-causing bacteria with the correct dosage to prevent resistance from developing. There is little overlap in the antibiotics used in human medicine and animal agriculture. Only about 0.3% of veterinary antibiotics are of the same class as those used in human medicine, and those are only ever used to treat diseases. The most common antibiotics in animal agriculture are rarely used in human medicine and vice versa. The most used class in animal ag (tetracyclines, 44%) are rarely used in humans (4%) and mostly just in acne cream. The second most commonly used antibiotics in animal ag (ionophores, 30%) are never used in human medicine and are not known to promote resistance to medically important human antibiotics. Credit: Animal Agriculture Alliance

Antibiotics are an essential tool for a safe, healthy, and sustainable food supply. Farmers take antibiotic stewardship seriously while supporting animal well-being and human health. Strict regulations and inspections are in place to safeguard our food system and ensure all meat and milk in the store are antibiotic-free.

Chem-Man Photo Contest

REGINA’S PERSPECTIVE

Regina Farmer regina.farmer@chem-man.com

Welcome Drake Martin!

I sure have enjoyed this year’s conventions so far! I missed a few conventions because of either sickness or something else. I finally have a backup plan!

My team at DataSmart has always told me I need to find a salesman to help me out. I’m excited to announce that Drake

Martin is our new sales and support representative. I asked him for some information about his background, and he sent me this information.

“Having been raised in a Southeastern Arkansas farm family, agriculture has been my way of life. I attended Arkansas

Tech University, earning a degree in Agriculture Business. My wife, Emily, and I recently settled in the Southwest of Missouri. I have spent over 12 years in the agricultural aviation industry. My time in the industry is what led me to discover the benefits and uses of Chem-Man. I am excited to join the team, and I can not wait to serve the operators within the industry and help bring awareness to our excellent product. “

He drove down to our Arkansas convention for his first day at work. Everyone seemed to know him and was happy he had joined our team. He’s already talking to customers who want to learn more about our software and how to use the program better. He loves to travel and said he would put it on his schedule.

I probably won’t retire until I can no longer work, but it sure is nice to have some help and bring in a younger generation. It’s also great to get input from a true user who loves the program.

Our software and company continue to grow, and I’m excited about the future!

A WING AND A PRAYER

Carlin Lawrence carlin@agairupdate.com

Angels Ministering to God’s People

“Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? (Hebrews 1:14). Even though we rarely see them, our lives are surrounded by angels; they are here to guard and protect us and assist us in our times of need, including death (Luke 16:22). God’s angels operate discretely and don’t draw much attention to themselves as they carry out their assignments from God. Throughout the history of mankind there have been many miraculous stories of angelic guardians and protectors helping Christians all over the world. Jesus said, “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 18:10).

Even though Abraham and Sarah were well past the child bearing age, three angels told Abraham that Sarah would have a son. These same angels warned Lot and his family that the Lord was going to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19). From this we know that angels sometime take the form of humans. The angel of God kept the Egyptian army away from the Hebrew people as they left Egypt. God used an angel to guard the Hebrew people while they were on the way to the promise land (Exodus 14:19; 23:20).

The servant of Elisha got up early one morning and saw that an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. He called to Elisha and said, “Oh, my lord, what shall we do?” “Don’t be afraid,” Elisha answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha (2 Kings 6:817). Here we see an angelic force that is invisible to the human eye until the Lord reveals them.

Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, had plans to capture Jerusalem. Hezekiah, the king of Judah prayed, “Now, O Lord our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all kingdoms on earth may know that you alone, O Lord, are God.” (2

Kings 19:19). The angel of the Lord went out and killed a hundred and eighty-five thousand men of the Assyrian army and the next morning there were all the dead bodies (2 Kings 19:35). The power of one angel destroyed the Assyrian army!

When Daniel was thrown into the den of lions, the next morning he told the king, “O king, live forever! My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king” (Daniel 6:21-22). God used an angel to protect Daniel from the lions, and God uses angels to protect us. “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them” (Psalm 34:7).

Daniel wrote, “In my vision I saw myself in the citadel of Susa in the province of Elam; in the vision I was beside the Ulai Canal…and I heard a man’s voice from the Ulai calling, “Gabriel, tell this man the meaning of the vision” (Daniel 8:2; 8:16). In Daniel chapter 9 this same angel revealed to Daniel many things about the future of Israel and the world. From this we know that God reveals the future to some of His angels. This same angel, Gabriel, came to tell Mary that she would have a son and to name her son Jesus (Luke 1).

Two angels were at Jesus’ tomb when the women came to prepare Jesus’ body. But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. As they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’” (Luke 24:1-7).

The high priest and Sadducees had the apostles put in jail. But during the night an angel opened the doors of the jail and brought them out and told them, “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people the full message of this new life” (Acts 5:19-20). Angels are active in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. When Herod had Peter put in jail an angel of the Lord appeared and woke Peter up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists. And he led Peter out of the jail and then the angel disappeared (Acts 12:1-11).

“On a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration to them. And the people kept shouting, ‘The voice of a god and not of a man!’ Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died. But the word of God grew and multiplied” (Acts 12:21-24). An angel told Paul, “Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you” (Acts 27:24).

“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2). We’ve all probably had several experiences with angels and didn’t know it, but if will keep our mind and eyes open we might get to see an angel. Men and women who have put their faith in Jesus Christ will someday rule over these powerful angels (1 Corinthians 6:3). I believe that all Christians have a guardian angel.

LOW & SLOW

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

The Early Days Down South

In the beginning, God created man, man created the airplane, and since that day things have been hectic!

World War I set the stage for the most remarkable era of technical progress in recorded history and aviation was at the forefront in this progression. Hundreds of young pilots returned from France and were determined to continue flying. Many remained in the fledgling, but expanding, Army Air Service and the remainder procured, by hook or by crook, an airplane of sorts and entered into the romantic barnstorming era that dominated the Twenties.

Most flying, however, was still centered around the military and a large Federal Aviation Experimental Station was in operation at McCook Field near Dayton, Ohio. This facility was well manned and its prime purpose was the testing of aircraft, aircraft equipment, and apparently anything else that related in some way to aviation. Records indicate that it was common practice for this facility to conduct tests for manufacturers, private individuals, and agencies that had aviation equipment or theories that lent themselves to study or experimentation.

Armed with this knowledge, entomologist C.R. Neillie of the Ohio Department of Agriculture convinced H.A. Gossard, who was chief of entomology for the Ohio Department of Entomology, that insecticides might be advantageously applied to affected areas by airplane. The Catalpa Sphinx Moth was a serious threat to the catalpa trees which were being grown for posts and poles, the larvae of this moth often completely defoliating the trees and even causing them to die in extreme cases.

Neillie and Gossard easily persuaded the authorities that this was a worthwhile project and the engineering facilities at McCook went to work on the project. A crude, metal hopper with a capacity of roughly 100 pounds was built by a talented employee, Etienne Darmoy, which, when

— Chapter One

completed, was bolted to the side of a Curtiss JN-6H (Jenny) aircraft, alongside the observer's seat.

This hopper had a sliding gate, operated by a handle at the rear, and a small hand crank mounted near the top. The observer was to sit, or stand, in the rear seat of the aircraft and crank the insecticide out over the trees as the pilot flew it across the grove at a low level. The material to be used was powdered lead arsenate, about the only thing available that would kill most pests when ingested.

On August 31, 1921 at 3:00 p.m., with little or no fanfare, the Jenny was loaded. With Lt. John A. Macready at the controls and Darmoy in the rear seat operating the hopper, the aircraft flew the first load in the history of agricultural aviation.

Macready flew the airplane directly over the tops of the catalpa trees and Darmoy cranked the lead arsenate out of the hopper. It was widely distributed by the propeller blast and the wake of the moving aircraft.

The flight was spectacular to say the least, although the actual application time was only 54 seconds! Upon landing, spectators were so enthusiastic that a phone call was made to McCook Field and a team of photographers was sent to record the flight for posterity! Macready and Darmoy obligingly loaded up and duplicated the flight for the photographers.

Lt. Macready, who later retired as a Colonel and resided in Mariposa, California, wrote the following personal letter to Richard Reade of Hayti, Missouri on January 28, 1969 regarding this momentous flight.

Mr. Richard Reade Mid-Continent Aircraft Hayti, Missouri ➤

Rare air shot of original Curtiss Jenny dusting at Tallulah, Louisiana. Note "improved" spreader on aircraft, very similar to the modern 1985 version!

Photo 1923by Dr. B.R. Coad.

Thank you for your letter. I will tell you about my connection with crop dusting. It is interesting to see how things develop.

From about 1919 to 1926, the development of aviation moved fast at McCook Field, Dayton, Ohio. I was Chief of the Flying Section and a test pilot.

There had been some experimenting in regard to scattering military clouds (poisonous gas) from airplanes and the U.S. Department of Agriculture asked McCook Field to see if crops could be sprayed from airplanes with insecticides. The engineering job was turned over to a tough, intelligent little Frenchman named Darmoy. He developed and supervised the construction of the spraying equipment that was built on the airplane. I think that it was a Vought airplane. Darmoy deserves the credit for operating the spraying equipment.

Three men from the Department of Agriculture came to my office in the Flying Section and said that they wanted the crop dusting trial conducted on a catalpa grove near Troy, Ohio, which, if I remember correctly, was about ten miles north of McCook Field. I was told generally what they wanted to accomplish.

With Darmoy in the back seat to operate the dusting equipment, I flew the airplane to an open pasture near the catalpa grove and landed, getting the wind direction and looking over the grove on the way there. General flying conditions to accomplish the job, the best height to fly above the trees, and the wind speed and direction were considered.

We were told to wait a certain length of time at the pasture to permit the Department of Agriculture men to get to the catalpa grove.

Darmoy and I discussed the proper direction to fly over the grove so that the wind would drift the dust where it was wanted and then took off and flew back and forth across the catalpa grove at about 8 or 10 feet above the trees. We could see from the airplane that the dust was spreading in the right place.

We flew back to the pasture, landed and waited and then Darmoy and I left the airplane and walked down the road toward the catalpa grove.

After we had walked a few minutes, we looked ahead down the road and saw three men running toward us. When we got to them, they were so breathless and excited that they could barely talk. It had been a perfect success. What had been a very big thing to them had been a short, easy flying job for us. We had thought of it as being a couple hours of comparatively simple flying.

In test flying, there are long complicated, difficult tests that take months to complete and, in those days of aviation uncertainty, they were very dangerous tests. This was a simple, easy test that was perfectly accomplished and apparently satisfied the Department of Agriculture.

Pictures were taken of this first crop dusting, which were pictured in the “Slipstream,” the publication of McCook Field. The “Slipstream” was edited by Fred F. Marshall, 226 Manchester Drive, Dayton, Ohio, who has since developed several profitable businesses. He might be able to help as I think that almost a complete issue of the “Slipstream” was devoted to the crop dusting experiment.

I hope this is what you want. Yours truly, COL. JOHN A. MACREADY, USAF (Ret.) Continues next month

Dear Mr. Reade:

Air Tractor Celebrates Serial No. 1,000 AT-802

Olney TX — Employee-owners of airplane manufacturer Air Tractor, Inc. and representatives from Pratt & Whitney Canada celebrated the 1,000th model AT-802. Air Tractor dealer Lane Aviation sold serial number 802A-1000 through its Brazil agent Aero Globo Aeronaves. The airplane is painted in the Brazilian flag colors of yellow, green, and blue. It recently departed Olney, Texas for its new home at Grupo Moacir Smaniotto (GMS) Agronegocios. The family- owned farming business is located in Sorriso, Mato Grosso Brazil. In a typical year, GMS farms 44,700 hectares (110,456 acres) planted in soybeans, corn, and cotton. Their new AT-802A joins another Air Tractor 502XP purchased in 2019.

Following a luncheon and comments from Air Tractor President Jim Hirsch, Natanael Vaz and Anthony Rossi of Pratt & Whitney Canada presented Hirsch a plaque

commemorating the milestone. “We’ve come a long way with the 802 series,” remarked Hirsch. “In the early 1990s when the very first 802s were built, our founder Leland Snow looked at the airplane and offhandedly remarked ‘We’ll probably build 10 or 12 of these.’ Well, Leland would be really pleased about its worldwide distribution and success today.”

It was 1989 when Leland Snow began designing a large capacity, single engine airplane specifically for aerial firefighting. He believed it would have a positive impact in that industry. After more than two years of design, modification, certification, and manufacture, the first production single-seat AT-802A air tanker rolled out the doors of Plant 3 in 1993 into the eager hands of Chuck Kemper, owner of Queen Bee Air Specialties in Rigby, Idaho. ➤

Air Tractor employee-owners celebrate serial number 802A-1000.

Sam Kilpatrick, who worked on the prototype and built those early 802s, recalls, “I don’t know that anybody really knew how popular it would become. If we built one 802 in a month or two, we thought we were really doing something, you know? And gosh, now we do it in just a matter of days.”

The AT-502B was the company’s largest and best-selling airplane until the AT-802 project began. And the design and production of the first 802s was a whole new order of scale. Craig Cowan, who helped build those first 802s remembers, “The tail was so tall we weren’t sure if the tail would fit beneath the door of Building Three. That was a concern.” WD Middaugh laughs about it now, “We thought we’d have to put a notch in the door to get it out. The 802 was like a monster compared to what we’d been building.” Roy Jones added, “The canopy was so tall with landing gear on, we had to pick up the tail end of the airplane and then set it back down after it got past the door.”

It wasn’t long before Air Tractor produced the single-seat AT-802A for agricultural aerial spraying. As an 800-gallon (3,028L) ag plane, its popularity soared with aerial applicators. By 2011, 400 AT-802A airplanes had left Olney, Texas for work around the world. In 2019 serial number 802A-800 went to its new home in Roe, Arkansas. And in 2020 serial number 802A-900 joined the fleet of Western Australia’s largest ag operator, Dunn Aviation.

The 802 series is the largest production single engine agricultural airplane in the world. Its power, rugged dependability, size made it quite versatile. Beyond its use in agricultural and firefighting applications, AT-802 series aircraft work in a variety of specialized applications, from oil spill cleanup and fuel hauling in remote areas, to timber seeding and reforestation and coca crop eradication in South America. “Its power and rugged design, low operating costs,

payload capacity has helped make 802s Air Tractor’s most versatile airplane.” notes Hirsch.

“I remember making the stamping first manufacturer’s placard to go on the airplane, recalls David Cowen, who was the AT-802 conformity inspector. “Keith Boyd, Leland’s head engineer at the time looked at me and asked, ‘Do you think we’ll ever build a thousand of these?’ I said

‘Let’s just go ahead and stamp three zeros in front of numeral 1.’ And 30 years later, just look at us now.”

A special paint scheme for a special airplane.

Commemorative plaque from Pratt & Whitney Canada.

NTSB REPORTS Accident Synopses

NTSB Identification: CEN22LA350

Location: Marshall, Missouri

Date: July 31, 2022

Aircraft: ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II

Injuries: None

The pilot reported that, during an aerial application flight in a helicopter, he mistakenly thought a power pole he had observed during an overflight was the termination point of a powerline. He stated that he failed to notice another power pole that was obscured by trees near a small house and impacted the lines between the poles during a spray pass. The helicopter subsequently impacted terrain. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, tail boom and main rotor blades. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions 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 adequately survey a field for obstructions prior to a low-level aerial application pass, which resulted in an impact with a powerline.

NTSB Identification: CEN22LA359

Location: Melville, Louisiana

Date: August 3, 2022

Aircraft: AIR TRACTOR INC AT-502B

Injuries: Minor

The pilot reported that he was applying insecticide to a soybean field when he heard a loud bang. Shortly thereafter, the airplane impacted terrain. The pilot, who momentarily lost consciousness, realized the loud bang was caused when the airplane impacted a tree located in the middle of the field. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage,

wings, and engine mount. 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 improperly monitored the operating environment which resulted in a collision with a tree located in the middle of a field.

NTSB Identification: CEN22LA366

Location: Maynard, Iowa

Date: August 5, 2022

Aircraft: ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II

Injuries: None

The pilot reported that during an aerial application flight in a helicopter, he experienced a gust of wind that caused the nose of the helicopter to dip and lose altitude, which resulted in an impact with a powerline and substantial damage to the tailboom. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies 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: An impact with a powerline as a result of an unexpected wind gust.

NTSB Identification: CEN22LA371

Location: Wyman / Washington, Iowa

Date: July 21, 2022

Aircraft: AYRES CORPORATION S2R-T65

Injuries: None

The pilot reported that while conducting agricultural spraying operations he first circled the field to be sprayed and noted a windmill at the south end of the field. He started to spray

the field and when conducting a spray pass lined up with the windmill, he pulled up to clear the windmill, but encountered a “pocket of dead air” which resulted in the airplane hitting the windmill. The pilot returned to the airport and upon landing the airplane’s left main landing gear collapsed and the airplane went off the side of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to its fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane before the accident.

Probable Cause and Findings — The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be: The pilot not maintaining sufficient altitude to clear an obstruction during the aerial application flight.

NTSB Identification: CEN22LA387

Location: Millville, Minnesota

Date: August 16, 2022

Aircraft: ROBINSON HELICOPTER CO R66

Injuries: None

The pilot reported spraying several different fields throughout the day. During the accident spray pass, the pilot sighted a power line and attempted to avoid it by lowering the collective.

The helicopter struck the power line and subsequently impacted terrain, which resulted in substantial damage to the main rotor blades and vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation and that he should made a more complete reconnaissance of the field.

Probable Cause and Findings — The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be: The pilot’s inadequate inflight planning resulted in impact with a power line.

NTSB Identification: CEN22LA408

Location: Murray, Nebraska

Date: August 25, 2022

Aircraft: AIR TRACTOR INC AT-602

Injuries: None

The pilot reported that there had been light rain in the morning prior to the flight and when he took off from the turf airstrip to conduct an aerial application flight, the turf was wet from the rain. Following applying fertilizer to a nearby cornfield, the pilot returned to the airstrip to land. After the main landing gear and tailwheel touched down and as the pilot applied brakes to steer, the airplane skidded, and the right wing struck cornstalks in the adjacent field. The airplane then ground-looped and rolled over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing and aileron. The pilot reported that there were no other preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would

have precluded normal operation, and that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the brake system.

Probable Cause and Findings — The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be: The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during landing resulting in an impact with crop and a subsequent ground-loop. Contributing was the wet turf airstrip.

NTSB Identification: WPR22LA293

Location: Circle, Montana

Date: August 7, 2022

Aircraft: AIR TRACTOR INC AT-301

Injuries: None

The pilot reported that, following an aerial application on field, he was returning to a private [air]strip, when the engine began to run rough and lost power at an altitude of about 100 ft above ground level. The

pilot initiated a forced landing to a wheat field, however, the airplane impacted terrain about 75 ft short of the field, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot added that carburetor ice “was not even considered at the time of power loss” and that the conditions favorable to carburetor ice were not taken into account. Carburetor heat was not used. Weather conditions reported at the time of the accident were conducive for serious carburetor icing at cruise power.

Probable Cause and Findings — The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be: The loss of engine power due to carburetor ice. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to use carburetor heat.

TWENTY YEARS AGO

The New Weatherly Emerges

by Bill Lavender, Circa February 2003

McCLELLAN PARK, CA — From a huge cloud generated by its smoker, the turboprop Weatherly 620-BTG dramatically emerges from its 360° rotation on the ramp, its TPE331-1 engine whining, as the Argentine pilot taxis forth after an aerial display at a Brazilian ag pilot convention; timeline August 2002. October 2002, serial number 1656, Weatherly 620-B, is delivered to the Banana Fruit Growers of Belize. In January 2003, Weatherly President, Gary Beck, announced Weatherly Aircraft is back in business.

It is almost like a fairy tale coming true. From the first time that venture capitalist Gary Beck, visited Weatherly Aviation in Lincoln, California, in 1998 until today, an uphill struggle has come to fruition. With setbacks that would discourage

any astute businessman, Beck has finally positioned Weatherly Aircraft to become a deciding factor in the new ag-aircraft marketplace. The five-year trek has not been easy, but now the foundation is laid to bring ag-aviation worldwide a viable and affordable ag-aircraft.

The last Weatherly aircraft delivered by Weatherly Aviation was serial number 1655 in December 1999. It was a 620-B sold to Beck. He used it to display at the NAAA show to get feedback about the viability of the aircraft from operators. At that point, the “old” Weatherly Aviation company went into receivership and was no longer able to support the sale of new aircraft and its 200-plus worldwide fleet. Quietly, in steps Gary Beck, who recognizes a company with a viable product in need of professional managing (see side bar, Gary E. Beck). ➤

After a long struggle, it took Beck two years to finally acquire the assets of Weatherly Aviation. He renamed the company Weatherly Aircraft Company, a completely new company with a core of eight longtime Weatherly Aviation employees. The acquisition included the Weatherly brand name, logo, Weatherly FFA Type Certificate, and all the manufacturing jigs and spares. From this, Beck has launched an entirely new company with a new name and new management for a tried and true ag-aircraft built by loyal employees dedicated to the resurrection of the 620 series Weatherly ag plane.

Six months pass while Beck moves the now new Weatherly Aircraft from the Lincoln facility to its new home in McClellan Park, California. Another six months

and 2001 passes during the set up of the factory, making improvements in the production line, listening and paying heed to advice from the core employees. In 2002, the first Weatherly is built and delivered to Belize.

It takes 1900 shop hours to manufacture a Weatherly. Of these, 1100 are spent in fabrication of parts, while the remaining 800 hours are for assembly. In depth analysis of these hours has produced an efficient reduction of shop hours and improvements in the manufacturing process. Beck’s ultimate goal is to outsource much of the 1100 hours to high-tech aerospace companies for sheet metal stamping, further improving the quality and efficiency of the production of the Weatherly aircraft.

Assembly train Gregory Burns (L) on wing spar build up.

Today, with an inventory of 10 aircraft part groups, a Weatherly can be delivered to a customer within 60 days of receipt of a deposit. Already, the first Weatherly Aircraft 620B (s/n 1656) has been delivered (Belize, October 2002). An order for a 620-BTG is being completed that will be delivered to South America before mid-2003. Serial number 1657 is 57% complete and is destined for Mid-Continent Aircraft Corp. Weatherly Aircraft is now actively taking deposits for the delivery of new Weatherly aircraft in time for the 2003 spray season.

The management of the Weatherly Aircraft Company may be new and bold, but the skilled, core tradespeople who have built the aircraft for over 20 years are still in place, virtually guaranteeing the customer the quality the Weatherly name was built upon. Director of Manufacturing is 20+ year veteran Carl Large. Starting with John Weatherly in the beginning years of Weatherly, he is now at the helm overseeing the big picture of building a Weatherly.

Others who persevered and remained loyal to the Weatherly name include the dramatic aircraft painter David Creel, with his intriguing trademark Acry Glo Polyurethane paint schemes, “anything but yellow” (but the customer can have that as well). ➤

Supervisors Fernando Torres (C) for Subassembly and John Yelm (R) for Final Assembly train Gregory Burns (L) on wing spar build up.

Gloria Burns, the “mother hen” of the company, heads up administration, as well as shipping and receiving. David Lasich is responsible for Research and Development, noted for his design of the turboprop version of the Weatherly with its 355-gallon hopper. Venezuelan, Miami-based Pierantonio Galligani is Director of Technical Services, an aeronautical engineer who thrives working on an aircraft engine.

Fernando Torres, Supervisor of Subassembly, and John Yelm, Supervisor of Final Assembly, working together with cosupervisor of Final Assembly, Paul Trammell, crossing areas of expertise and training newcomers.

Many of these names are well-remembered by Weatherly owners, as they are the core personnel of Weatherly. They have a vested stake in the company and its success, as each are owners, i.e. stockholders. Each has made sacrifices for the company in the last few years, working for a common goal, the resurrection of the Weatherly ag-plane.

Where is Weatherly Aircraft Company going in a slow new aircraft marketplace? It is most certainly not a “ship at sea without a chart”. If there is one thing Beck is good at, it is constructing a business plan. The goal of

the new Weatherly Aircraft Company is to capture onethird of the ag-aircraft market worldwide, particularly for low-volume applications, within five years. This may be a lofty assumption, but it won’t fail because there was not a “plan”. Beck has brought into the Weatherly fold key people capable of making this happen. One of those individuals is Ray Bolduc.

Bolduc is not a pilot. He is not agriculturally inclined. But, he understands distribution and setting up international networks for companies. Based in Miami, with an extensive Latin background, Bolduc’s job as Vice President of International Marketing is to build Latin American distribution, along with providing assistance in establishing a network of sales and support for the Weatherly throughout the U.S.

As part of his plan, Beck contracted with a significant “strategic partner”, Tulsa Aircraft Engines. Every new 620-B Weatherly will come standard equipped with a Tulsa R-985 engine, an uncontested premium, overhauled radial engine. However, the customer can provide their own engine, or request a different overhaul facility.

Although the ink is not on the documents, Beck is promoting the concept of strategic partners by aligning Weatherly Aircraft with such notables as SATLOC and Mid-Continent Aircraft Corp. There are other such alliances in the making, providing the Weatherly to the customer in the most favorable manner. Weatherly representatives are already in place in Argentina, Ecuador, Brazil and other countries, with more forthcoming. There are currently four U.S.-authorized service centers and more will be added as the company expands. Weatherly Aircraft Company’s near-term focus is to provide reliable support for its current customer base of 200+ aircraft with FAA-certified parts and exceptional service. Its long-term plan is to sell new ag planes. As the current economical parameters of the ag-aviation industry become more entrenched and the attrition of older aircraft progresses, the sales prospects of a less expensive, highly productive new ag plane improve. In some fashion, a certain number of the no longer built Cessna 188 series, Ag-Cats and Pawnee aircraft become in need of replacement. And, with the expanding Latin agaviation market, Weatherly Aircraft is aggressively positioning itself to be the “go to guys” of ag-aircraft. Beck’s financial plan promises a minimum of one year in the marketplace without any new aircraft sales. However, with each sale that timeline is extended, along with continued sales of

parts and service. The resurrection of Weatherly has arrived. The key is providing the marketplace with an on demand quality product. With new aircraft sales, Weatherly Aircraft Company will be a major player and a viable consideration whenever a new ag plane is sold. For more details about the new Weatherly Aircraft Company, visit their website at: www.weatherlyaircraft.com.

Bill Lavender in 2003 in front of the Weatherly 620B in California.

Zanoni Equipamentos Starts 2023 with Approvals and New Projects for Global Agricultural Aviation

Aerial application technologies from the Zanoni Equipamentos gained great international support in 2022.

The company increased its production capacity, advanced with aeronautical certifications, presented new developments and expanded its network of partners around the globe.

Rotary Atomizers

2022 was marked by the quality recognition of the Zanoni atomizer, following varied application criterias.

The equipment has been approved by a leading mosquito control company in the US, evaluated in an extensive drift protocol using various types of adjuvants, qualified to work on high-speed aircraft (such as the AT502XP, AT602 and AT802), and has been certified for the use on Air Tractors on cotton. In addition, several versions of the brand’s atomizers were examined in all models of ag aircraft in the Brazilian aircraft fleet, generating a database with more than 100 studies carried out over the past three years.

Zanoni atomizer under evaluation on AT602 aircraft.

Firefighting

In addition to atomizers, Zanoni Fire Gates have also gained validation from the global aerial firefighting industry. The work of several Brazilian aerial application companies in firefighting (which use their equipment) was constantly highlighted in Aerial Fire Magazine, AgAir Update’s sister publication, placing the Brazilian model as an international reference for the private sector. Zanoni gates have also gained prominence for their international use, appearing at agricultural aviation events in South Africa and Argentina. The company was also responsible for establishing the first laboratory on aerial firefighting in Latin America. Its equipment was evaluated across the entire line of Air Tractors and approved for combating fire in high-density vegetation, such as forests. The technological novelty in this product line was the integration of the gates to the Agnav system, enabling more precise work in spreading solids (like seeds and fertilizers) and making it the most versatile product on the global market.

Transfer Pumps

In the agrochemical supply line, Zanoni presented new models of transfer pumps, improvements in projects to increase durability, and new models of filters with greater ease of operation. This equipment was highlighted at the main agricultural fairs in Brazil, and the technology started to be used by several manufacturers of chemical inductor tanks (with more than a thousand units manufactured in a year).

Certification with ANAC

After four years in the queue, ANAC moved the Supplementary Type Certification (STC) process for Zanoni spraying systems and gates for Air Tractor 402 and 502 aircraft, as well as the company’s Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA). Although Brazilian legislation does not require that dispersing equipment (including firegates, spray pumps, valves, filters, nozzles, etc.) be certified, the company took the initiative to provide greater legal certainty to operators in Brazil. ➤

Zanoni firegate highlighted during ag aviation event in South Africa.

Zanoni transfer pump in operation to supply agrochemical to agricultural aircraft.

Zanoni spray system during test for STC approval with ANAC.

Productive Capacity

Throughout 2022, Zanoni acquired five large machines, expanded the factory facilities, increased its workforce by 30%, and established new team training and quality control processes. Such developments are part of a large investment cycle carried out by the Brazilian company in the last three years, with the aim of consolidating itself as the main world reference in the ag aviation industry.

Ag Aviation Events

Last year, Zanoni participated in the SINDAG congress, as it has traditionally done since its first event. In addition to the main Brazilian event, the Zanoni team was present at several aircraft clinics around the country, dialoguing with operators and monitoring the performance of their equipment in the field. At the end of the year, the company’s commercial and R&D team participated, for the sixth consecutive year, in the NAAA show, where they always deepen cooperation between the two largest agricultural aviation fleets on the planet.

Current Zanoni Equipamentos team.

Zanoni Team at the NAAA Convention.

Visit of Zanoni’s Central American distributors.

International

In the international area, Zanoni has strengthened its partnership with the Canadian company Ag-Nav, developing new aerial application technology projects for the entire world. The company also expanded its network of international partners, now with direct operations in four countries in Latin America, the USA, South Africa and Australia. Through its network of distributors, Zanoni has been consolidating itself as one of the leaders in the worldwide ag aviation industry.

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Aircraft - Ag Cat

1975 Ag Cat G-164B, N8834H R1340, TT 7266+ SMOH 227+ TT3653+ Super clean beautiful Ag Cat. Fresh annual, SATLOC Bantam IntelliFlow, 114 long range fuel, Kawak Throttle Quadrant, Collins A/C, 330 gal hopper, Smoker Sys, New tires, New Comm radio, bottom fuel and load connections. Right boom shutoff, Raised wing kit, Heavy Gear, Dry Spreader. Everything you would want, ready for work. Proud build from Sky Tractor. You will not find another like it. $155K 580-884-0446

1972 G164A-1340, TTAF 3225, P&W 1340 600hp 475 SMOH Tulsa, 12D40 Hamilton Standard Ag 100 475SPOH, Big gear, wing extensions, Hershey tips, servos on all controls, B-model windshield, air conditioner, bottom load 80-gallon fuel, Ag Nav Gold GPS w/flow control, Lane brake, spreader, stainless booms, CP03 nozzles, AFS check valves. Radio and transponder. No adsb. $95,000 863-634-5441

1977 G164 Ag Cat, 335 gallon -1 A model with every option, tons of time and cycles remaining, Bantam with G4 screen and L7 lightbar in custom panel that lets you see all the way to the gate, super booms with CP11s, Bottom load fuel, Cold Harbor AC, cabin Heater, custom Memory foam seat, B model windshield, Servo’s and goose feet, Breckenridge tail wheel, Oratex Fabric STC, lane fan and Brake, 25-inch Transland gate with spreader, metalized wings, we completely rebuilt this aircraft in 2020 for my father to retire in. now its time for her to move on. $250K Call Jake at 830-423-2169

1986 G164B Ag Cat

Super B- Mills Conversion, Pratt & Whitney PT6-34, Bantam GPS, 400 Gallon Hopper, Bottom Load Fuel, Metalized Wings, Hershey Wing Tips, Goose Feet, Flagger, Smoker, Weath-Aero Fan. Call Steve at 509-595-3520 for more pics, engine, prop, and airframe logbook. Location: Pullman, WA scott@cacaircraft.com

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

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

AgCats in Process: S/N 687B S&R 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

Turbine B Model AgCat, TTAF 11,470.6, TT Since Factory Refurbish(2007 w/ new Fuselage): 4,185.6, Roomy Cockpit - EI instrumentation. Hartzell/Model: HC-B3TN-5M, TT Prop: 4,474.3, TSOH: 1,562.1. Engine: Honeywell TPE331-1 S/N: P-91167, ETSN: 12,976, Time Since CAM Inspection: 0, Porcelain TSB, HSP replaced, & Lots of cycles remaining. Can deliver for expenses. $215K 302-287-9623

1977 Ag Cat G-164B, N6699Q, 64-gallon fuel, R985 engine, Airframe 12,000+ hours, Engine 1,300hrs+, Engine Compression all cylinders 70/80 psi, 25” Swathmaster spreader, Factory spray system, Propeller Hamilton Standard 2D30 / AG100-2, Prop balance in 2021, Satloc GPS, $45,000, Contact Wayne at Lake Air Service 337-7893529

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, 870-8862418/2489F 870-759-1692 Cell frank.kelley@ag-cat.com

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

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

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.

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, 870-759-1692 Cell. frank. kelley@ag-cat.com

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

Order your B Model Ag Cat Pen and Ink Drawing From our DeSpain Collection today for $59.99. plus S&H. Call 478987-2250

Aircraft - Air Tractor

AT-301

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

AT-400

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.

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

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.

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

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-401

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

1995 AT-401B, P&W 1340 400 SMOH, 80056

TTAF, SATLOC with moving map, hopper rinse, smoker, and more. Retiring but still working good clean, well maintained. Annual Jan 23 done. $140,000 Call Guy at 254-597-2406

Get Serious About Selling

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

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

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

1995 AT-401B, N6000Y, WALTHERS 601-11E, TIMES TTSN 7562.0, SMOH 916.5, SPOH 421.8, Wings Rebuilt Last October for time limit SB, BOOMS: Aero Flow System AFS extended life coated booms and Y strainer airfoil with CP nozzles, Bantam G4, Main landing gear 8.00X10 tires, Smoker, Storm wire cutters, Hopper rinse tank, Single point fuel fill, 2” dry brake for loading product, Long range tanks 120 gallons. Price reduced to $350K Call Neal Aircraft at 806-828-5892

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.

1994 AT-401, N9197V, Walthers 601-11E, S/N: 401-944, TTSN 9599.5, SMOH 373.2, SPOH 64.4, Stainless steel booms and Y Strainer airfoil with CP Nozzles, Right boom shut off, Bantam G4, Main landing gear 8.00x10 tires, Smoker, Storm wire cutters, Hopper rinse tank, Single point fuel fill, 2” dry brake for loading product. Price reduced to $350K. Call Neal Aircraft at 806-828-5892

AT-402

AT-502

2008 AT-402B -15AG 2950 TTSN 62SHSI. Big fuel, wire cutters, heat, A/C, single point. $585,000 204-362-0854

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.

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

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

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

1999 AT-502B, N73070, PT6A-34AG, Hartzell Prop, Hot section Inspection 2,259hrs, 200hrs since last inspection, Hobbs: +/- 2,400hrs, Prop IRAN 2,259hrs, Fuel Control repair +/- 600hrs, CP-11 Nozzles, S/S booms, 25” Transland Gate, 25” Swathmaster spreader, Factory heat & air conditioning, SATLOC GPS w/Intelliflow. Make an offer! Contact Wayne at 337-7893529

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 $695,000 Call Neal Aircraft at 806-828-5892

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AT-602

2005 AT-602, N4196K, PTA-60AG, 7920 TT, 0 SHOT, 0 SIRAN on Prop by Stallings, New CT blades by RT Turbines, Inner and outer liners repaired by Turbine Weld, Fresh annual 10/18/22, Wing AD done at factory 10/24/18 at 6340 hrs., Plane repainted April 2019, Bantam with G4 Screen and flow control, CP11’s, Cascade Inlet, Hatfield fuel system, Storm Shield, Storm Cutters, KAWAK quadrant, LED strobes, Custom Air tailwheel, Swathmaster Spreader, Ready to work. Price reduced to $680,000 870-659-2153

2000 AT-802, 5300 TT, 2300 since Factory Reman O SHS PT6A-65 AR, Fresh Annual. Price reduced to $755,000 OBO. Call Bennett McMillian at 870-672-2012

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Aircraft - Cessna

1978 Cessna Ag Truck, 5832 TTAF, 625 TTE, 550 TT on prop, 8.50X10 Clevelands, GPS, field ready. Price reduced to $112,000. Call Chad Stuart, Airplane Services, Inc. Call 850-336-0552

Aircraft - Dromader

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

Aircraft - Piper

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, Hot section at 8000 hours. Clean west Texas plane runs cool with low NG. Good flying plane. Price reduced to $500K Call Travis at 701-361-5695

2009 AT-602, N602MW, 8/2022 Very extensive annual, TTAE 5175.7, No damage history, PT6A-60AG, Time HSI 4427.6 1/10/20, Starter Gen IRAN 8/2022 Fresh, Hartzell HC-B5MP-3 propeller, TS IRAN 8/2022 fresh, T.T. on Landing Gear: 2,205.2, T.T. Since Spar Caps 1,324.3 Hrs. Remaining. The Main Gear & Tail Gear was replaced at Hobbs: 2,970.5 See spec sheet for more details. Mid-Continent Aircraft, Hayti, MO, 800-325-0885 www.midcont.net

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 573-3590500

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

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

New 2023 AT-602, PT6A-65AG, 290 fuel, your specks. Available late May. Call Farm Air Inc at 877-715-8476 for a quote.

AT-802

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

1976 PA 36 SUPER BRAVE 400 HP - 3965 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

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/

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

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-B3TN5M/T 10282N+4 SN:BUA33392, 707

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. 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. For more information, call David Hall at 506-647-8212 or email hall.david@ jdirving.com

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. $150,000 Call Sun Valley Aviation 956-421-4545

Aircraft - Thrush

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&rlkey= 7r7d42t3xgeiaiqrg8wcrm72n $325,000 or OBO. Tim Shamblin - Text or Email me with any questions at 208-431-4795, timshamblin@gmail.com Located at Burley, Idaho (KBYI)

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. For more information, call David Hall at 506-647-8212 or email hall.david@ jdirving.com

Get Serious About Selling

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

Late Feb Early March 2023 710P -65

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

2011 T34 510 Thrush, 3980 TTSNE&AF, G4 IntelliFlow, VG’s, well equipped aircraft. $675,000 Call Chris at 520-251-1577

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. $625K Call 812-877-2587

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 HCB3TN3C 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. 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.

available! Most options can still be installed, call today Standard Equipment, 4730 seamless steel, powder-coated fuselage, Hartzell five-blade propeller, Stainless steel reinforced, fiberglass hopper, Stainless steel belly skins, Single cockpit fire extinguisher kit, Shatter-resistant Storm Shield™, LED navigation lights, MVP-50T glass panel, Garmin G5 attitude indicator, 250-amp starter/generator, Windshield wiper and washer, Cabin air conditioner and heat, Spray system with 47-inch stainless steel gate box, Three-inch side loader, Aluminum booms, Five-blade Weath-Aero cockpit adjustable fan, Dual caliper Cleveland brakes, Turbine

Conversions Single point refuel too! Trades considered! Photos are file photos. ALL specifications and information are subject to verification upon inspection by buyer. ASI JET is a Factory Authorized Thrush Aircraft 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!

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

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 229-9242813

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

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

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Aircraft - Weatherly

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

Aircraft - Other

1998 Citabria - American Champion 7GCAA, 185 Hours Since New!! No damage history, Garmin GNX 375 ADSB Transponder/GPS, Garmin GTR 225 Com. Like new, in and out. Currently in annual inspection. $135,000 Pat: 956-873-2992

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

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

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 SafeTransition Program” Contact ann@ turbineconversions.com for pricing and additional details.

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

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.

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.

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

Complete Engine Package! TPE331-6 Engine, 537 Since Cam, CD Aviation Hartzell Propeller HC-B3TN-5M/ 537 Since New, Starter Generator 23047007, 25 Hours Since Overhaul, Beta Tube Included. $177,000 Call Lynn Johnson at 701-360-5966 or 701352-3700

(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

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

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 Mid-Continent 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

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

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

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

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 409-656-5998

Transland Grip Steps for AT aircraft. Call Billy Maxwell at Transland 940-6871100 or email sales@translandllc.com for more information.

Transland 4” Delrin Hopper Vents. Call Billy Maxwell at Transland 940-6871100 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 204856-9422

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

Equipment - Spreaders

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

Transland spreader 25” 9 vane stainless, slimline, like new. $1,500 USD Call 863-467-4000

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

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.

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.

Get Serious About Selling

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

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 - 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 - SATLOC

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

Well-established Southeast Missouri business looking to hire a full-time 802 pilot. Pilot will be operating a less than 3-year-old AT-802 aircraft with the latest GPS and SATLOC systems, averaging 500-600 hours per year. A variety of crops are flown, including rice, cotton, soybeans, wheat, and corn. 2000+ hours of ag time and 250 hours in 802 are preferred for insurance purposes. Must have a good work ethic and the ability to be a team player. Please send resume to blairaviation802@yahoo.com or call Eric Blair at 573-820-3446

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.

Midwest operation is looking for experienced turbine pilots for the 2023 season and beyond. A partnership is possible for people with leadership qualities. All inquiries much include a resume and references. Email blindads@ agairupdate.com Subject: ID#3919

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

Established and Growing PNW Operation looking to add seasoned pilot(s) to the team. Seat(s) available will be in Garret S2R Thrushes, with the goal of the position(s) being long-term. The ideal candidate(s) will have a minimum of 2,000 Ag hours, with at least 1,000 Turbine Hours...time in type will move you up to the top of the list. For the right candidate, the position will also come with a guarantee and a support staff that are second to none. We function as a team and enjoy working with one another; being able to function in this environment will be critical for success in this role. Please send resumes to blindads@ agairupdate.com Subject: ID#3899

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 1E0Office: 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 701-3210767

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

TracMap, Aviation Sales Manager –Western United States. TracMap 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 Western United States region. For details go to http://classifieds.agairupdate.com/details. php?id=3868 To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to recruitment@ tracmap.com

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 turbinepowered 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

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. Large-studio-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 @ 309-5321720

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.

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

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

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

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. For details 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

Aviation operation looking for an Experienced and “PASSIONATE” A&P/ IA and pilot to fly/maintain/rebuild turbine Thrush and North American AT6 aircraft. Flying season runs from June through August. TPE-331 and sheet metal experience preferred. If you do not love aviation, and enjoy maintaining and flying airplanes, please do not apply. Email resume and references to Luke at luke@ ltenterprisesnd.com

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

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 620-356-4528.

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

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

Established Aerial Application

Business for sale, operating in the Central United States. This modern, clean facility includes a 100’ by 120’ hangar, fully insulated and heated. The office is a 36’ by 45’ wood frame, metal-clad building. The operation is run from a private airport with a concrete runway and load pad. The season runs from February thru November, and the operation services a diversified mixture of crops. This operation is well-established with a great customer base. Available as a turnkey-ready business, or the owner will assist with the start-up. Please email inquiries to blindads@ agairupdate.com Subject: ID#3880

Business in SE Iowa with 2 Thrush 600’s. Lots of ‘stuff. Tanks, trailers, tools, spare parts, and 2 RV’s. Email me, and I will send a list of everything with pictures. Mick cropdustee@yahoo. com Retiring!

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 ownerpilot 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

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 229-3083017 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 +543462-463488 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 530-345-9919

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

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 Questions - ambericandesignsllc@ gmail.com

CNC cut anodized aluminum spray mirrors. $275 with mirror online only. $275 www.ambericandesigns.com Questions - ambericandesignsllc@ 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.

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

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

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. 785-899-2294 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

AgJet TPE331 SB+/SC+/FC+

Conversions - Installed or assembled Kits with Heavy Rings. Allied/AmAg Ag Cat Center 870-886-2418/2489F, 870-759-1692 Cell frank.kelley@ ag-cat.com

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

Three Air Tractor Gen 2 fire gates for sale as removed. Accepting any reasonable offers. 406-622-5682

Air Tractor Gen 1 Fire Gate and Injection System for sale. Call for price. 701361-5695

Two Air Tractor Gen II fire gates for sale, well maintained and available starting mid-October. Please call 970-5710871

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

Transland Pump Mount. Call Billy Maxwell at Transland at 940-687-1100 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 661257-7710 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 541-385-5051 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 Tail Wheel pilot with ATP. Most of my time has been in Turbine and Radial Ag Aircraft. Currently flying corporate and have a flexible schedule. Have time in CL 605 and MD87. 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 23D40 Propeller with new blades 6511A-9 installed. Completely overhauled with 8130-3 form. For more information, call Chester Roberts Supply Company at 903-429-6805

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

Ham Standard 12D40 Ag 100 4S Propeller with yellow tag maintenance release. I also have engine accessories and a 1” landing gear. Call Loren at 719-850-5480

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

Hamilton Standard 12D40 Prop with AG 100 Blades, 0 SMOH $20,000 Call Bruce’s Flying Service at 229-7254150 for more information.

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..........$30,500 23D40-6601A18 OHO..........$29,500 22D40-6533A12 OHO..........$28,500 12D40-AG100-4S 375-SOH..$19,500 12D40-AG100-2 828-SOH....$17,500 2D30-AG100-2 OHC.............$23,500 Call AmAg, 870-886-2418/2489F frank.kelley@ag-cat.com

Hartzell 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

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

Experienced pilot looking ahead for the 2023 season and beyond. I am a 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 well-managed operation to sink my teeth into and earn my living. Feel free to email me at: apotter15@gmail.com

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

I’m 36 years old and looking for mentorship/employment as a first-year pilot and/or loader. I’ve been married for 14 years and have two children. I currently hold a job as a comptroller and IT manager for a distributor and have held that position for the past 12 years. I’m ready to get out from behind the desk and into a seat. I’ve been flying since 2009 and have around 500TT. I recently purchased a 260hp Pawnee, which I put around 120hrs on and have now sold. I’m working on finishing up my commercial and scheduled to do lightbar and turbine transition training. I spent the bulk of the 2022 season driving 60-100 miles to observe at the local ag operation every morning before work at my current job. I’m a dedicated and hard worker. I’m ready to learn and take instruction. Three One Eight - 455One Two Two Three - Jake H.

Looking for wheat work, preferably in North Dakota or South Dakota, but open to anywhere. Must be before the corn run. Call David at 870-8667636

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

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.

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

2004 Freightliner M2 Beltveyor Load Truck, 800 Fuel Tank, engine-driven hydraulic pump, hopper scales, and tarp. $95,000 Call MidContinent for details 573-359-0500

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

Get Serious About Selling

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

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

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 661-2577710 or email info@sunairparts.com