AgAir Update | June 2023

Take care of her on the ground and she’ll keep you in the air.

Keep your Air Tractor at peak performance. Check filters often. Perform all service recommendations and required inspections.

MAINTENANCE MATTERS

With 36 years of experience, we have perfected the art of guidance for aerial application. But that does not mean we won’t keep innovating and improving. The new Ag-Nav Platinum Lite takes our industry leading technology and combines it with our more economical Guia 153 hardware. Paired with our OLED Transparent Lightbar, and Flow Control, you get the most advanced and cost effect guidance system on the market. The Ag-Nav OLED Lightbar displays all the information of our classic lightbars plus new more information, such as, Flow Rate, Aircraft Heading, Individual Booms On Indicators, Tank Level and more!

FEATURE IN EVERY ISSUE

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:

Ted Delanghe - ted.delanghe@gmail.com

Robert Craymer - robertc@covingtonaircraft.com

Regina Farmer - regina.farmer@chem-man.com

Carlin Lawrence - carlin@agairupdate.com

Ryan Mason - ryan@agairupdate.com

Michelle Miller - michelle@thefarmbabe.com

Josh Alameda - josh.alameda@gmail.com

Tracy Thurman - thurmantracyt@gmail.com

LATIN AMERICAN REPS:

Noelia Burgeus - noeliburgues@gmail.com

Ernesto Franzen - ernesto@agairupdate.com

Guillermo Giordana - aravia@aravia.com.ar

Gina Hickmann - gina@agairupdate.com

Pat Kornegay - pat@svatx.com

Ivan Parra - ivan@agairupdate.com

Marcia Specht - marcia.specht@gmail.com

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Passing of Dudley Beek

As time passes by, one begins to realize the impact of aging. Several years ago, when it was not as important as today, I noted that there would be a mad rush to the heavens at some point. I felt it was a mathematical thing. When an industry has an aging population, at some point, the death rate increases significantly.

For instance, if you know of several hundred ag pilots personally and you surmise that within a given number of years, say twenty years, for example, for every hundred ag pilots, a minimum of five must pass each year. In reality, that number is exponentially higher. Note for every hundred, even more annually at some point should you know 500 or more, and I do.

This thinking came home to roost on May 5. A longtime friend of mine passed and in an odd way. Dudley Beek of Jamaica was killed in an Ercoupe of all things. Dudley had over 28,000 hours in 47 years of ag-flying. He flew for the Jamaican military, too. However, when an engine quits, the outcome is not always favorable. That was the case with Dudley. The Ercoupe ended up in the trees, then fell nosefirst to the ground.

At the time, Dudley was teaching a young gentleman how to fly. When the engine failed, Dudley made several attempts to restart it. When the engine would not start, he took over the controls from his friend and made the most of a bad situation. The passenger escaped with only a few bruises. Such was not the case with Dudley.

Dudley helped extract his passenger and started making calls for a rescue. Then, quietly he laid back and closed his eyes for the last time.

I have known Dudley for over 25 years. I visited him in Jamaica three times, and he visited me at least once during those years. The first time my wife and I flew our V-35B Bonanza to his beautiful home in St. Mary in the late 1990s. In the years following Pat Kornegay (Texas), Ret Orsmond (South Africa), Dudley and I made a quasi-illegal trip to Cuba. The last time I visited Dudley, he, Nigel, his son, and I flew his MU2 to St. Lucia and several islands in between, including another stop in Cuba. I have a lot of fond memories of the man.

In Dudley’s passing, he was honored by several aviation entities in Jamaica. These included the Airports Authority of Jamaica, Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority and Aeronautical Telecommunications, LTD. when he was recognized and celebrated for his “54 years of sterling service in the aviation industry.” For this, he was awarded the Aviation Trailblazer Award on the International Civil Aviation Day in December 2019.

Formally known as Major Dudley Beek, Ret’d, we ag-guys knew him simply as “Dud” or Dudley. May you rest in peace, my friend.

Until next month,

Keep Turning…

Track Product as

July 17-20, 2023

Air Tractor Aircraft Maintenance

Familiarization Course

Olney, TX

Brian Hahn bhahn@airtractor.com

July 18-20, 2023

SINDAG 2023

Sertãozinho Cruz das Posses

Sertãozinho - State of São

Paulo

Brazil

August 2-3, 2023

Aerial FireFighting 2023 Asia

Pacific NSW Rural Fire Service State Training Academy

3 Walters Wy, Dubbo NSW 2830, Australia

October 5-7, 2023

NAAA & NAAREF Oct. 2023

Board Meetings

Hotel Ardent & Meeting at Dayton Convention Center Dayton, OH United States

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

October 11, 2023

Michigan AAA Convention St. John’s MI 48859

Tim Swanson flyingfarmertim@hotmail.com

October 16-17, 2023

Aerial FireFighting 2023

Europe

TBD

Athens, Greece

October 23, 2023

Kansas AAA Convention

Drury Broadview Inn Wichita, KS

Rhonda McCurry

kaaa@ksagaviation.org 316-650-6857

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

agairupdate.com/calendar

October 23-25, 2023

CAAA 74th Annual Convention Harvey’s Lake Tahoe South Lake Tahoe, NV

Terry Gage terry.gage@caaa.net 916-645-9747

November 5-7, 2023

Pacific NW AAA Convention

Coeur D’Alene Resort 115 S 2nd St Couer d’Alene, ID

Tara Lee Brown pnwaaa@gmail.com

509-989-9098

November 7-9, 2023

Mid-States Ag Aviation Conference

Isle of Capri Casino Quad Cities Convention Center Bettendorf, IA Quentin Childs qchilds@insmgmtgrp.com

515-967-3761

November 13-16, 2023

Air Tractor Aircraft Maintenance Familiarization Course

Olney, TX

Brian Hahn bhahn@airtractor.com

November 14-16, 2023

Colorado AAA Convention Island Grove Regional Park Greeley, CO

Jessica Freeman jessica@coagav.org

970-217-5293

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

December 11-14, 2023

Air Tractor Aircraft Maintenance

Familiarization Course

Olney, TX

Brian Hahn bhahn@airtractor.com

January 5-7, 2024

Arkansas AAA Convention

Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort

2705 Central Avenue Hot Springs, AR 71901

Katherine Holmstrom katherine@araaa.org

501-503-3310

January 8-10, 2024

Louisiana AAA Conference

TBD

Kim Brown

LAAGAVIATION@outlook.com (225) 436-3199

January 8, 2024

Arizona AAA Meeting & PAASS Program

Custom Farm Service Hangar

Stanfield, AZ

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

January 8-11, 2024

Air Tractor Aircraft Maintenance

Familiarization Course

Olney, TX

Brian Hahn bhahn@airtractor.com

January 10-12, 2024

Texas AAA Convention

Corpus Christi, TX

Chris Shields

cshields@thetexascapitol.com

(512) 658-8161

January 10-12, 2024

Missouri AAA Convention

Cape Girardeau, MO

Eric Blair ericb802@yahoo.com

(573) 283-5590

January 14-16, 2024

Northeast AAA Convention

Wyndham Gettysburg

Gettysburg, PA

Ed Carter

businessoffice@northeastaaa.org

(609) 820-7987

January 15-16, 2024

Oklahoma AAA Convention

Embassy Suites

Norman, OK United States

Sandy Wells sandy@okaaa.org

(405) 431-0381

January 17, 2024

Ohio AAA Meeting

TJ Willey’s

Tiffin, OH

Brian Gibbs gibbsaerospray@gmail.com

(419) 332-1724

January 18-20, 2024

Mississippi AAA Convention

Beau Rivage Resort & Casino

Biloxi, MS

Vicki Morgan vickimorgan@msaaa.com

(662) 299-7836

January 22-23, 2024

Association of Montana Aerial Applicators Convention Heritage Inn

Great Falls, MT

Alyssa Stromberg alyssastromberg16@gmail.com

(406) 480-3965

January 24-26, 2024

New Mexico AAA Convention Inn at the Mountain Gods Resort

Mescalero, NM

United States

Sue Stewart dandsaerial@aol.com

(940) 864-2456

FROST FLYING SERVICE : Continued Growth

Garrett Frost and Frost Flying Service continue tradition of superior service and support for ag aviation, both in the U.S. and abroad.

Ever since a young age, Garrett Frost knew where he was going. Raised around the bustling business of Frost Flying Service in Arkansas, which was started by his father, Jack, Garrett was hopping wings and working various ground crew jobs as soon as he could and continued until he graduated high school in 2008.

After graduating high school, Garrett continued his passion for aviation. He obtained his Commercial, Mulit-Engine and Instrument ratings while attending the University of Arkansas, where he graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor of Finance. Shortly after graduating, Garrett returned to Frost Flying Service in 2012 and began transitioning into a business owner. Jack mentored Garrett through various roles in the company. Over the next year, Garrett worked in virtually every company position, ensuring he had a solid foundation to lead the company and its successes one day. He took over daily operations about a year later as Jack began to relinquish more responsibilities to him, with the end goal of Garrett one day owning the business himself.

Garrett’s dad, Jack Frost, began his career in agricultural aviation in 1973 and started flying Air Tractors in 1978. Over his long-standing career, he became an Air Tractor dealer in 1995, servicing the South-Central United States. This region has a very high concentration of agricultural aircraft, perfectly situating Frost Flying Service to service

the high demand for the aerial applicator. Over the next two decades, Frost Flying became a leading Air Tractor dealer and provided aerial application services to local growers.

Frost Flying sold the aerial application portion of its business in 2018 to focus on the ever-increasing demands of the Air Tractor dealership domestically and in South America. The company also has an insurance division, and during this period, more and more attention was needed to ensure the needs of their customers were met. In 2021, Frost partnered with another agent, Mark Smith, to handle the increased specialized insurance demand of its aerial applicator customer base. In-house financing is another service that Frost Flying has offered its customers since the business’s inception. The financing division of Frost Flying Service is uniquely tailored to the needs of the aerial applicator. Garrett returning from college with a degree in finance has shored this customer-driven tool even further.

In 2021, the business succession was completed, and Garrett was the sole owner of Frost Flying Service. His focus continues to be on sales, service and support as an Air Tractor dealer, emphasizing supporting his many customers in the local area. His future projections are continued growth in the South American market, where Frost has partnered with DP Aviação for sales, service and support of the Air Tractor market, mainly in Brazil. ➤

Operator support with next-level maintenance is a staple at Frost Flying Service.

L-R, Bobby Mathes, Sherri Johnson, Aaron Keahey command the parts department at Frost Flying Service.

Victoria Cole, CPA at Frost Flying Service

Focusing on supporting its customers, Frost Flying has met the heavy demand for aerial application maintenance by constantly training its staff mechanics on new systems, from GPS to spray pumps. In addition to heavy weld repair capabilities, Frost Flying Service’s team has the availability of a leading engine shop on the field for troubleshooting.

Frost Flying’s ability to troubleshoot Air Tractor and Pratt & Whitney Canada issues, combined with warranty support, ensure that the company has the Operator’s best interest at the forefront. Frost Flying has been hiring and training new staff and recently acquired a new borescope as an example of tools and investment in the shop’s capabilities.

Garrett sees the challenges that most in the agricultural aviation industry are experiencing with delivery times

and parts procurement. The parts department at Frost Flying attempts to hedge long parts procurement by constantly keeping a solid inventory of the customer’s needs during the busy spray season. The Parts Department has an intricate knowledge of Air Tractor parts, with a combined 30 years of Air Tractor experience, they can identify needed parts and get them to customers quickly.

Today, Jack Frost can be found enjoying his retirement on his cattle ranch in Tennessee. The transition of Frost Flying Service from Father to Son was smooth, with Jack ensuring Garrett had the tools and the knowledge to continue leading the business just as he had for many years to come.

Garrett Frost leads the team at Frost Flying Service providing Air Tractor sales, service and support.

Micro

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

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

Cessna Models: 188B, A188B, T188C

Dromader : PZL M18, M18A, M18B

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

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

CRAYMER’S COUNSEL

Robert Craymer - robertc@covingtonaircraft.com

IT’s ITT

ITT is Internal Turbine Temperature. This is the system that indicates to the pilot the operating temperature of the engine. So, what is the ITT system?

The PT6 has several stations throughout. Various things are measured at these stations. You may be familiar with P3 air. The interpretation of that is the air pressure at station three. The ITT system is the same way. You may have heard me, or others refer to it as T5. Yes, you guessed it, ITT is measuring the temperature at station five. Station five is located right between the compressor turbine and the power turbine. That is the temperature that we want to measure.

The T5 system consists of either 8 or 10 thermocouples that extend into the airstream between the turbines. The thermocouples are connected in parallel with a bus bar. A wiring harness is connected to the bus bar and then comes to the outside of the engine. Before the signal goes to the gauge, a probe is also attached in parallel, commonly known as the trim stick. The trim stick adjusts the reading in the cockpit a prescribed amount. This amount is determined on the test cell run of the engine, where a formula that includes the temperatures of the inlet and exhaust is used to determine the trim value. The trim stick provides a specific bias to the indication to compensate for sampling errors.

This is critical to ensure that the internal critical component’s temperatures are within the acceptable range. The trim stick cannot be adjusted or changed in the field without consultation from Pratt & Whitney Canada engineering. It can be replaced with the same class if found to be faulty.

The thermocouples consist of alumel and chromel portions. The two metals are joined together and send an electrical signal when they get hot. This is the signal that goes to the gauge the pilot is reading. If you need to identify the difference between the alumel and chromel sides of the wire harness, they are different sizes. The alumel connections are bigger, I always remember them as BIG AL, and now you will too.

Why am I bringing all of this up? I have received some calls recently regarding intermittent or fluctuating ITT readings. There are testing instructions for the whole system in the maintenance manual. You can test it as a complete unit. You can also split the engine at the C-flange and test the individual components. When advising people on the process, I always start with a check of the ITT gauge. Remember to set your test equipment, considering the lead between the engine and the gauge. You can then induce an electrical signal with your tester and compare the reading to the reading in the cockpit.

Once the gauge is determined to be good or replaced, we test the engine components. We test for resistance and

continuity. The issue then becomes, how do we trace an intermittent problem? Most of the time, what I have found is that there is a “disconnect” somewhere in the system. This can be chaffing on the ITT wire harness or a broken leg on the bus bar; I have even found a broken bolt before. Sometimes there is insulation that becomes brittle over time and can allow a short in the system. These can only be thoroughly checked by splitting the engine. Sometimes, you might have to “wiggle” the components to find the issue. Once the issue is located, it can easily be handled by component repair or replacement.

A couple of extras. Humidity can cause erroneous readings. Be sure to follow the manuals when dealing with ITT components, as sometimes it will have you heat them for both checking and removing moisture. Lastly, handle the complete system with care. When reinstalling the power section, ensure the wire harness is tucked away as much as possible. Don’t bang the bus bar as the engine halves go together.

Intermittent problems can be the worst when it comes to troubleshooting. If you take a step-by-step approach with some information and assistance, you can almost always find the problem. As always, reference the manuals and ask for help. We are all in this together.

Robert Craymer has worked on PT6A engines and PT6Apowered aircraft for the past three decades, including the last 25+ years at Covington Aircraft. As a licensed A&P mechanic, Robert has held every job in an engine overhaul shop and has been an instructor of PT6A Maintenance and Familiarization courses for pilots and mechanics. Robert has been elected to the NAAA board as the AlliedPropulsion Board Member. Robert can be reached at robertc@covingtonaircraft.com or 662-910-9899. Visit us at covingtonaircraft.com.

No Surprises Required

by Ted Delanghe

I recall a sales pitch for car polish that said, “Use this product and the only surprises you’ll get are pleasant ones.” That sounds good, but I prefer to have no surprises at all when flying.

This is particularly so during aerial application. A telephone wire suddenly appearing ‘out of nowhere.’ A particularly violent gust of wind on short final. A clogged pitot tube from a bug ingestion that renders your ASI useless. The question becomes how we can eliminate or at least minimize the effect of such ‘surprises’ that can make for a bad day at the office.

It’s often not what we know that gets us into trouble. It’s what we don’t know that can really get our attention. We all have blind spots in our knowledge base, regardless of experience level or familiarity with aerial applications. How can we effectively deal with these blind spots?

One route is reading and studying incident/accident reports readily available from aviation agencies and regulators. Put yourself in the cockpit and imagine what your response would be to the given scenario. Just as important, think of ways that you could adopt to avoid firsthand experience of a particular situation.

Along the same lines, I find that sharing stories and experiences with fellow pilots can be a great help in avoiding potentially dangerous situations. Through my years of flying, I have been very fortunate to have met several seasoned ag pilots who were more than happy to share their knowledge with me. In this spirit of sharing information, the following are a few scenarios I’ve personally experienced that hopefully will be of interest to pilots at all levels. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. ➤

Fatigue

The sinister and dangerous specter of fatigue comes high on my list as a serious contender for first place in causative factors for accidents. One of my first dramatic experiences as an ag pilot was flying a Super Brave in coordination with two other aircraft and pilots during a hectic season. If it wasn’t weeds, it was bugs; if it wasn’t bugs, it was fungi. To boot, it seemed as if Mother Nature was tagging up with the gods of aviation by providing ideal application weather all day long. It set the stage for some very fatigued and tired pilots.

That’s when I got ‘the nods,’ a term very familiar to those who drive long distances. You momentarily fall asleep at the wheel, which is dangerous enough on the ground. In the air, it can be fatal. In my case, I had a very brief excursion into la-la land during the last spray pass on a wheat field. Halfway through the pass, the mains contacted the ground,

and the aircraft responded with a decidedly violent bounce. Luckily the crop was short, and the only effect was to scare the daylights out of me. I reoriented myself, finished the final pass, headed home, shut the aircraft down, and took a good long nap.

Why did I let fatigue get the best of me? It was because we were faced with an onslaught of pests, and no one wanted to be the first to say “enough is enough,” instead depending on gallons of coffee to do the trick. Caffeine might help keep you awake, but alert and responsive is something else.

I discussed what had happened with the ground crew and the other two pilots, all of whom said they had thought of shutting down but didn’t want to be the ‘wimp.’ We all agreed to keep closer tabs on our collective ‘awakeness’ from then on and never ever feel uncomfortable saying “No!”. ➤

For over 30 years, ISOLAIR has been manufacturing industry leading helicopter systems for the firefighting, forestry and aerial application industries. With a broad line of certified and custom helicopter equipment, ISOLAIR has the system to fit your company’s needs From agricultural spray systems and bucket spreaders to firefighting systems, forestry grapples and torches, ISOLAIR can and will do it all!

For over 30 years, ISOLAIR has been manufacturingindustry leadinghelicopter systems for the firefighting, forestry and aerial application industries. With a broad line of certified and custom helicopter equipment, ISOLAIR has the system to fit your company’s needs.Fromagricultural spray systems and bucket spreaders to firefighting systems, forestry grapples and torches, ISOLAIR can and will do

With competitive pricing, quality assurance, easy to install products, and an ongoing commitment to customer service, we welcome you to contact us. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is ready to answer your questions and help you find the ISOLAIR system that will best meet your operational requirements.

Specific Gravity Will Get You Every Time

As we learned in high school physics, specific gravity (SG) relates the weight of a liquid compared to the weight of water. Given that a gallon of water weighs around 8 lbs, a gallon of liquid fertilizer with an SG of 1.285 would weigh 1.285 x 8 lbs = 10.28 pounds.

It doesn’t sound like a big deal until you take a hopper full. The majority of pesticide tank mixes are roughly the same weight as water alone. If you are using 360 gallons as a standard load, it would weigh 360 x 8 = 2,880 lbs. The same volume of liquid fertilizer would weigh 360 x 8 x 1.285 = 3700 lbs., equivalent in weight to 462 gallons of water!

Think of the surprise you’d get trying to take off with that load. It certainly caught my attention as I was doing just that in a 600 HP Thrush S2R. I immediately knew something was wrong due to the lethargic acceleration. Initially, I thought I had lost a cylinder and aborted the takeoff. Once back at the loading area, I had a good look at the label, and sure enough, there it was, a specific gravity of 1.285. Once I got my breath back, we unloaded the hopper to 280 gallons (reducing the weight to 2880 lbs) and used that as the standard load with the product we were using.

Catch You From Behind

Anyone who has dealt with a low-level wind shear knows about this surprise in the sky. When flying downwind at application height and you pull up at the end of a run, your airspeed rapidly unwinds as you climb into an increasing tailwind. The controls feel mushy, you are too close to stall for comfort, and you’re a bit miffed the situation caught you by surprise.

One avoidance tactic is to make it a habit to note branch movement at the tops of trees en route to the field. If they are really active compared to a very light surface wind, give yourself plenty of leeway once you start spraying. Spread the word back at home base and take a moment to examine the situation critically. If it looks too hazardous, it’s time to hang up the spurs for the day.

Many such situations can really invite some surprise moments – the kind that you don’t like. Inversions. Tree rows making powerlines challenging to see. Low into sun visibility. Power loss at low level. There are many challenges, but by staying alert, strictly adhering to safe flight principles, and making it a habit to share ‘surprise’ moments with others, you’ll go a long way to ensure all operations are safe and effective.

Dudley Beek, Jamaican Ag Aviation Pioneer, Passes in Aircraft Accident

The Board of Directors of the Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ), its Management and Staff wish to extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of Major Dudley Beek (Ret'd).

Major Beek was regarded by the AAJ as a foundation stakeholder having established his company, Dust Air Limited in the 1980s, at the former Boscobel Aerodrome, now lan Fleming International Airport in St. Mary. His passion for aviation contributed to Jamaica's economic development through his adoption of agro-aerial practices.

Major Beek was a third-generation aviator, and undeniably contributed to the resuscitation of general aviation in Jamaica.

He was also a decorated pilot while serving in the Jamaica Defence Force.

His passion and experience in aviation was the driving force behind his 2018 appointment to serve as a Director on the Board of the AAJ.

His contribution during his tenure was instructive and memorable.

On December 7, 2019, Major Beek was celebrated and recognized by the Airports Authority of Jamaica, Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority and Aeronautical Telecommunications Ltd. for 54 years of sterling service in the aviation industry.

He received the Aviation Trailblazer Award for his contribution to the sector which was driven by his tenacity and courage.

Passionate, devoted, and dedicated are just some of the expressions that can be used to describe this consummate aviator, who served his country and the sector with pride and distinction.

We will reflect on his life with fond memories. May his family, friends and associates find peace in knowing that he contributed significantly to the development of the local aviation sector, a fact that is not lost on the AAJ.

May his legacy live on, and his soul Rest in Peace.

Pratt & Whitney Canada to Invest $10 Million in Technology Upgrades at Component Repair Facility in Wichita Falls, Texas

WICHITA FALLS, Texas, May 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/

-- Pratt & Whitney Canada, a business unit of Pratt & Whitney, today announced a $10 million investment to expand the capabilities of its Wichita Falls, Texas engine component repair facility, which is expected to create 30 new jobs. As part of the investment, the company will modify its existing coatings line using an innovative application process.

"The Wichita Falls component repair facility joined the Pratt & Whitney Canada family in 1997 and since then we have strengthened our ties with the local community," said Irene Makris, vice president, Customer Service, Pratt & Whitney Canada. "We continue to invest and grow in

Wichita Falls because of the strength of the local workforce, the support of the community, and the enthusiastic 'can do' attitude of our Wichita Falls team and leadership. Our Wichita Falls facility will be the first of our plants to pioneer a new coating process which will significantly improve the durability and performance of our engines."

The facility repairs the "hot" (combustion) sections of a variety of Pratt & Whitney Canada engines. As part of the repair process, certain engine parts, such as turbine blades, are given a special coating that protects against the high temperatures needed for these high-performance engines. The investment is to create a line that uses a newly developed coating technique. ➤

From left: Irene Makris, vice-president, Customer Service, Pratt & Whitney Canada, Stephen Santellana, May of Wichita Falls, and Leo Lane, President of the Wichita Falls Economic Development Corporation.

TURNING DATA INTO ACTION

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

EXPLORE OUR DIGITAL SOLUTIONS AT PRATTWHITNEY.COM/FAST

"The City of Wichita Falls views companies like Pratt & Whitney as integral to the health of the local economy and our ability to foster well-paying jobs for our workforce," said Stephen Santellana, Mayor of Wichita Falls. "The company and its employees here are very much involved in our community and in efforts to strengthen our social and economic infrastructure. We are delighted with Pratt & Whitney Canada's decision to continue to grow in Wichita Falls and we are proud to support this investment in the facility to bring more work and more job opportunities to the City's residents."

Pratt & Whitney Canada designs, builds and maintains engines for a variety of missions and purposes, from general aviation enthusiasts to life-saving air medical and rescue operations. This year, Pratt & Whitney Canada celebrates achieving 1 billion operating hours since it was founded in 1928. Pratt & Whitney Canada has produced more than 110,000 engines, and 66,000 engines are currently in operation throughout the world.

"Since acquiring the current facility in 1997, Pratt & Whitney Canada has worked diligently to expand both the plant's capabilities and grow its workforce," said Leo Lane, Chairman of the Wichita Falls Economic Development Corporation. "It is initiatives like today's announcement that help us grow our aviation and aerospace sector, important for a city that is home to the

Sheppard Airforce Base. We're also mindful that Pratt & Whitney is a major supplier to our military and conducts recruitment programs geared to helping our veterans find their next mission as Pratt & Whitney employees."

Construction will begin before mid-2023 and is expected to be completed by early 2025.

About Pratt & Whitney

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft and helicopter engines, and auxiliary power units. To learn more visit www.prattwhitney.com. To receive press releases and other news directly, please sign up here.

About Raytheon Technologies

Raytheon Technologies (NYSE: RTX) is the world's largest aerospace and defense company. Our global team of 180,000 employees pushes the limits of known science and redefines how we connect and protect our world. We are advancing aviation, building smarter defense systems and creating innovations to take us deeper into space. The company, with 2022 sales of $67 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

Media Contact:

Pratt & Whitney

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How to Restore Attention to Detail in Safety-Critical Businesses

by Dr. Marc Szepan University of Oxford Saïd Business School via FAA Aviation MX Human Factors Quarterly

In aviation and in other safety-critical industries, seemingly small errors can have a disproportionate impact on safety, operational efficiency, and quality perception. Attention to detail matters greatly and, ideally, never becomes a lost practice in the first place. However, at times, even world-class aviation businesses can find themselves in the situation of having to restore attention to detail in parts of their operations. This article discusses how leaders of aviation businesses can go about doing so.

Attention to Detail Matters

A single rag left behind in a fuel tank can cause clogging of fuel filters and ultimately shut-down of an engine in flight. A landing gear safety pin not removed before flight usually results in the airplane having to return to field. A Page 9 few misaligned spacers in areas visible to passengers can create the impression of shoddy workmanship and thereby negate otherwise positive quality perception (see Figure 1). When doing deep dives into such occurrences, there tends to be a broad range of different technical and human factors-related root causes that suggest different specific preventive and corrective measures. Often, aviation incidents and accidents involve insufficient commitment to such basics as attention to detail. Given the potentially disproportionately adverse impact of seemingly small errors, it is incumbent upon leaders of aviation businesses to get basics right and to ensure sufficient attention to detail across their operations.

Beyond Process Improvements

Aviation businesses often attempt to correct attention to detail deficiencies by virtue of beefing up processes, for example by adding additional check and inspection items. Obviously, properly designed processes are sine qua non components of the operating, quality, and safety management systems of any aviation business. However, more often than not, process improvements are a necessary but not a fully sufficient condition for restoring attention to detail. This article suggests four additional action areas –above and beyond an exclusive focus on processes and SOPs – that leaders of aviation businesses ignore at their peril. In the interest of mnemonic convenience, I term this simple guide “CARE Checklist”: Culture, Assessment, Resources, and Environment (see Figure 2).

"C"ulture:

Does your organizational culture truly value attention to detail? – Success in business usually is a function of doing the right things and doing things right. In this spirit, businesses should strive for an organizational culture that values both strategic excellence on the executive floor and operational excellence on the shop floor. Discounting the importance of systematic strategy development would be unwise in any business. However, when facing repeated incidents of lack of attention to operational detail, aviation leaders would be well advised to take an honest look in the (organizational culture) mirror: Does one’s business have an organizational culture that truly values hangar and shop floor excellence? Or one that prioritizes “sexy” PowerPoint jockeying to the detriment of “boring” hangar and shop floor basics? Does one’s company have an organizational culture that values working by the book? In the case of repair stations such documents as Aircraft Maintenance Manuals or Trouble Shooting Manuals. Or does one’s business tolerate, perhaps even inadvertently encourage, taking ethical, financial or operational shortcuts?

"A"ssessment:

Is your performance assessment and reward system consistent with valuing attention to detail? – There is an old adage that what gets measured gets done. ➤

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A company’s system for assessing performance and determining rewards – financial or otherwise – can be conducive or detrimental to translating organizational culture into desired operational reality and team behavior. Ideally, both general performance assessment principles and specific key performance indicators (KPIs) should reinforce and reward attention to detail. As a very minimum, aviation businesses need to ensure that there are no perverse incentives that discourage attention to detail. Aviation leaders would be well advised to reflect critically whether a business’ KPIs truly measure and reward attention to detail across its operations. When push comes to shove, are KPIs aligned with doing things the right way and do they reward attention to detail? Or do KPIs incentivize pursuit of TAT, on-time performance or profitability, possibly at the expense of getting right such basics as workmanship?

“R”esources:

Do you provide sufficient resources consistent with attention to detail? – Setting performance standards without making available sufficient resources for achieving these very performance standards is hardly a winning combination. Even worse, an obvious disconnect between stated ends and given means can easily backfire and result in cynicism among a company’s rank-and-file workforce and in loss of confidence in leadership. Leaders Page 10 of aviation businesses need to ensure that they provide resources consistent with the stated objective of putting attention to detail center stage. These can include state-of-the-art physical tooling and equipment or digital productivity tools and IT systems. More often than not, one of the most critical resources is sufficient time for completing an assigned task in line with established bestin-class practices. However, the time that is realistically needed for completing a given task without attention to detail falling victim to undue haste can be considerably longer than stated in applicable OEM documentation. In this context, leaders of aviation businesses should beware of falling into a “penny wise and pound foolish” trap. After all, the cost of a few additional hours needed to complete a task properly is usually relatively minor compared to the cost of an aircraft becoming AOG right after “completion” of a rushed maintenance check or after premature delivery.

"E"nvironment:

Is the condition of your work environment conducive to attention to detail? – Human behavior and performance in the workplace are subject to a broad range of drivers. These include intrinsic motivation on part of individual aviation professionals, extrinsic motivation driven by

performance assessment and reward systems, the culture of the organization at large, and team internal dynamics. Equally important, human behavior and performance in the workplace often are shaped by the condition of the physical environment of the workplace. Aviation leaders need to ask themselves: Is attention to detail more or less likely to be the norm if one’s team works in brightly lit, well maintained, and squeaky-clean facilities? What about a dark, crummy, and dirty hangar, work shop, warehouse or office? At the risk of belaboring the obvious, it is almost instinctive to pay attention to detail when working in an immaculately clean and spick-and-span environment. Similarly, it is much easier to relax one’s own quality standards and to tolerate shoddy workmanship when working in a dilapidated and run-down environment. This low hanging fruit can usually be fairly easily harvested in pursuit of facilitating attention to detail: A well-lit, well-maintained, squeakyclean, and pleasant (including temperature-controlled) working environment.

In Closing

In aviation, attention to detail is at the heart of safety, efficient operations, quality perception, and indeed regulatory compliance. Ideally, attention to detail never becomes a lost practice. It is worthwhile noting, however, that great companies are not defined by eternal absence of performance challenges. Instead, world-class aviation businesses are characterized by their capability and willingness to identify, acknowledge, and correct such challenges, if ever they occur. The “CARE Checklist” is intended to be a helpful guide for aviation and other safetycritical businesses that care about doing things right and that might find itself in the situation of having to restore attention to detail in their operations.

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Pete Mann, 1957-2023

Pete Mann was born on January 1st, 1957 in Willows to David and Jean Mann. The third of four children, he grew up in Glenn riding motorcycles. At a young age Pete knew he wanted to be a pilot and at 16, he took his first flying lesson with his brother Joel. During High School, after farming a plot of rice with the FFA, he bought his prized 1963 Corvette which he had throughout his life.

In 1981 Pete,with his parents and brother, started Mann & Sons Ag. Aviation. In 1982 he married his wife of over 40 years, Leslie and together they had two children: Pete Jr. and Tasha. Over the course of his 42 year career as a pilot, he enjoyed making many friends and memories. Last year, due to the drought, Pete had a much lighter workload than normal and was able to do many other things he enjoyed. He was able to spend more time at his cabin in Butte Meadows, feeding deer that would come

visit him. He attended the March Meet and the Hot Rod Reunion at Famoso Dragstrip in Bakersfield. While attending the Hot Rod Reunion in October, he was able to go for a jet ride in a L-39 that he had purchased at the Field of Dreams dinner earlier that year. He loved every minute of it and had a smile from ear to ear. However, the thing he enjoyed doing the most was spending time with his family, followed by spending time at the airport. He would visit with traveling pilots, farmers, field men and just about anybody who walked through the door.

When not visiting, he would diligently work on whatever he could find, often on his 1934 Ford, his 1975 Dodge Pickup or his Corvette. When asked, just this year, if he wanted to continue flying another year, he promptly replied, "Yes!" He was predeceased by: his father, David Mann; his sister, Lynda Reynolds and brother-inlaw Bill Reynolds.

He is survived by: his wife Leslie Mann; their children, Pete Mann Jr. and Tasha Mann; his mother, Jean Mann; his sister Dena Schmidt (Dave); his brother, Joel Mann (Carlene) and numerous nieces and nephews. The family asks that donations be sent to the Field of Dreams (P.O. Box 217 Colusa, CA 95932) in memory of Pete.

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TracMap Streamlines Aerial Application with Chem-Man Integration

Melbourne, Florida – May 2, 2023 - TracMap has responded to customer feedback by collaborating with Chem-Man to create a new integration aimed at improving workflow efficiency and accuracy.

The Chem-Man integration offers users fast and easy transfer of application data directly to and from all TML-A devices into Chem-Man via USB transfer and a simple drag-anddrop interface. Jobs requested via Chem-Man are easily uploaded onto the pilot’s TML-A device, and upon completion of the job, all data captured is easily exported to USB and uploaded back into the Chem-Man platform. This integration allows your customers’ data to be easily accessible via one of North America’s industry-leading agricultural software providers.

CEO John Enlow says the relationship with Chem-Man is a natural fit as TracMap continues to expand its presence in North America. “Many of our customers in the USA rely on ChemMan so the decision to work with them to simplify the data transfer process was a no-brainer. Tie-ins like this show our commitment to making job management and administration as easy and efficient as possible in every market we operate in.”

Chem-Man’s chemical application data adds another layer of surety to TracMap’s end-toend GPS guidance and job management solution – a fully integrated system including lightbar, spray controller and real-time job management through TracMap Online.

For more information about TracMap’s integration with Chem-Man, please contact one of our Sales Managers on +1 213 577 1310.

About TracMap

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

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Back Up Plan

What a whirlwind my life has been lately! A disastrous E3 tornado hit my hometown of Wynne, Arkansas, tearing our town apart. Luckily my family and friends are safe. I wanted to thank everyone for all the texts, calls and messages. It meant the world to me.

Our larger office is in Jonesboro, Arkansas. However, I have a two-room office in the local tech center. Our local high school was

completely demolished. There is a small college located in the tech center, and they were happy to help by sharing unused classrooms with the high school students.

People seem to be everywhere, including the hallways. I was happy to help by letting them use one of my offices and wifi. They even needed a place for a news crew to come in, so I let the principal use my office.

As I saw many students in a large room studying on separate tables being taught by teachers, it reminded me of my grandma, who taught 12 grades in a one-room schoolhouse years ago. I had never seen this done before, but it was incredible how people will make it work.

The church I grew up in and still attend was damaged significantly down the road from me. There were over 92 homes that were destroyed and four lives lost. We are still recovering, but it’s amazing how many people from all over the world have been to our town to help, and it shows the true good in people.

One of the points that I wanted to make, especially for people that are business owners, is to have a backup plan. Today is a digital world; most things are backed up on secure servers nightly. However, I see that many people are still using pen and paper or old desktop programs. After 31 years of seeing people that have lost their data due to fires, tornadoes, floods, viruses, computer crashes, and so on, a backup plan is always best.

There are many advantages to using an online program versus an older desktop program. If you have an issue

like the ones that I’ve mentioned, all you have to do is get onto another computer and log on. Your data is still there. If you’ve got an older program, it’s a matter of time before your computer crashes, and it most likely won’t install on a new computer. The older programs are just too outdated.

One of the luxuries of an online program is having many users on the program at once and working remotely. Your applicator can sync with the GPS in his plane while you send him information from your location. You can log on if you need to travel or stay home. These are only a few things I’ve heard from people.

Unfortunately, sometimes it takes something like this to happen to convince people. I hope that’s not the case for any of my AG friends because I hate seeing people in these circumstances.

Try to have a backup plan, even pen and paper, whatever your workflow. If something happens, you’ll feel more at ease, and your employees will too.

Y’all be safe.

FAA Issues Airworthiness Directive for Ag Cats with TPE331 Engines

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Allied Ag Cat Productions, Inc. (Allied Ag Cat) Model G–164A and G–164B airplanes with certain supplemental type certificates (STCs) installed. This AD was prompted by an accident involving an Allied Ag Cat Model G–164B airplane where the airplane's propeller pitch control (PPC) linkage detached from the PPC of the engine and resulted in an accident that significantly damaged the airplane and injured the pilot. This AD requires installing a secondary retention feature (bolt, washer, and safety wire) on the PPC lever and the PPC assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This AD is effective June 21, 2023.

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Allied Ag Cat Model G–164A and G–164B airplanes with certain STCs installed. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on December 28, 2022 (87 FR 79821). The NPRM was prompted by a report of an accident involving an Allied Ag Cat Model G–164 airplane where the airplane's PPC linkage detached from the PPC of the engine. The pilot sustained serious injuries, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The root cause was determined to be a lack of a secondary retention feature for the PPC of the engine. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require installing a secondary retention feature (bolt, washer, and safety wire) on the PPC lever and the PPC assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced control of the airplane.

Aircraft configurations for airplanes with the potential for this condition to exist are as follows:

• Model G–164A airplanes with STC No. SA7769SW, SA7966SW, or SA8720SW installed; and

• Model G–164B airplanes with STC No. SA7546SW, SA7966SW, SA7987SW, or SA8720SW installed.

This AD was prompted by a report of an accident caused by the detachment of the airplane's propeller pitch control (PPC) linkage from the PPC of the engine. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent the PPC linkage from detaching from the PPC of the engine. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced control of the airplane.

Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, install a secondary retention feature (bolt, washer, and safety wire) on the PPC lever and the PPC assembly. If rework of the PPC assembly (specifically, the shouldered shaft within the cam assembly within the PPC assembly) is required to do this installation, do the rework in accordance with the procedures in Section 3.C(3)(d)2 of Honeywell Service Bulletin TPE331–72–2190, Revision 0, dated December 21, 2011. After the rework is completed, reidentify the part number of the PPC assembly, cam assembly, and shouldered shaft, in accordance with Sections 3.C(4), 3.C(5), and 3.C(7), as applicable, of Honeywell Service Bulletin TPE331–72–2190, Revision 0, dated December 21, 2011.

The full text of the AD is here: https://www.regulations.gov/document/FAA2022-1656-0004

The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Tools Remain to Help Aerial Applicators Obtain C-PAASS Certification in 2023 or be in Position for ’24

As readers learned in AgAir Update ’s April cover story, the Certified-Professional Aerial Applicator Safety Steward (C-PAASS) program from NAAA and the National Agricultural Aviation Research and Education Foundation (NAAREF) is up and running. This voluntary program enables aerial applicators who strive to constantly educate themselves on ways to improve their safety and applications to be recognized for their efforts through the C-PAASS certification process. It also allows those aerial applicators to substantively market themselves to their customers, regulators, insurance providers and pesticide manufacturers for going above and beyond professionally.

C-PAASS certification is offered on an annual basis to individual ag pilots and is available to operator and nonoperator ag pilots alike. For the C-PAASS program’s first year, the 2023 requirements are based entirely upon education and professional opportunities already available:

1. Annual PAASS Attendance for three (3) years

• 2020-2021 season, AND

• 2021-2022 season, AND

• 2022-2023 season ➤

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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.

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2. Biennial Operation S.A.F.E. Participation

• 2022 season, AND/OR

• 2023 season

3. Annual Membership in NAAA

• 2023

4. Annual Membership in a State/Regional agricultural aviation association

• 2023

If you haven’t met all of the professional development requirements to become a Certified-Professional Aerial Applicator Safety Steward this year yet, it doesn’t mean a 2023 C-PAASS designation is completely out of reach. If you haven’t participated in the PAASS Program for three straight years or fulfilled the Operation S.A.F.E. pattern-testing requirement, it is still possible to meet all the requirements to achieve C-PAASS certification right now, in 2023—or to position yourself for C-PAASS certification in 2024—thanks to some convenient do-it-yourself options NAAA has come up with to make it easier to fulfill those requirements. The availability of these new DIY options means that every ag pilot can still qualify for C-PAASS in 2023 if they wish.

Makeup PAASS Programs Now Available for 2021, 2022 and 2023

The impact of the PAASS Program on reducing the number of agricultural aviation accidents and drift incidents is proven—the industry has seen 26% reductions in both categories since the program first hit the stage with only a 47% attendance rate. NAAA found that 86% of ag aviation accidents over the past five years have come from ag pilots either that are not attending or not annually attending PAASS. In an effort to present the program’s life-saving curriculum to those who may have missed it, NAAREF has leveraged the NAAA Education Center, NAAA’s new web-based learning management system, to host recorded webinars of the PAASS Program from 2021, 2022 and 2023.

If you want to be C-PAASS-certified for the 2023 season but missed one of the last three PAASS Programs, this is your opportunity to fulfill that requirement and complete your C-PAASS application.

• If you missed the 2023 PAASS Program, it is now available to watch for credit for $850 through June

30. Starting July 1, the fee for the 2023 program will increase to $1,700.

• PAASS’s 2021 and 2022 programs are each now available for credit for $1,700.

NAAA members also have the option to purchase one year of unlimited access to not-for-credit versions of PAASS for $120. The not-for-credit versions of the 2021 and 2022 programs are available now, and the 2023 program will be available sans credit starting July 1. More than just a review for yourself, this is an excellent way to educate your ground crew or other stakeholders on the importance of safety and environmental professionalism in your operation. Again, the $120 option will not give you official credit for PAASS attendance and will not count toward C-PAASS.

To access the archived PAASS Programs and buy the forcredit or not-for-credit version of an on-demand PAASS Program, visit education.agaviation.org/paass-archive.

The best way to experience PAASS is a live program at your state/regional agricultural aviation convention. However, situations occur that may prevent this from happening. By offering these online options to make up PAASS, everyone can benefit from the wealth of information presented and help move the needle in preventing ag aviation accidents.

Has Your Aircraft Been Pattern Tested Yet? These Tools Can Help

Pattern testing is vital to ensuring your aircraft is ready to make effective applications this season. NAAREF recommends having your pattern assessed, at a minimum, every other year or when major changes are made. Accordingly, NAAA has included biennial Operation S.A.F.E. participation as a core component of its C-PAASS professional aerial applicator certification.

If you weren’t able to attend one of the Operation S.A.F.E. fly-in clinics offered in many parts of the U.S. this spring or last year, alternative options exist if you are an NAAA member.

Earlier this year, NAAA announced the release of DropFlight, an iPhone/iPad app that allows extremely fast scanning and analysis of water-sensitive spray cards, all on your Apple mobile devices. This tool, created in part by an aerial applicator, is targeted specifically for aerial applicators to use in assessing spray pattern uniformity, effective swath width and droplet size across the swath. ➤

DropFlight is being offered exclusively to NAAA members for a one-time cost of $799 for unlimited use of the app. That represents a significant value in time savings alone compared to traditional methods of scanning cards for pattern analysis. The DropFlight tool makes obtaining actionable results quick and easy.

The DropFlight app is available to NAAA members for purchase in Apple’s App Store using the NAAA member code “NAAA23.”

Another option for conducting spray pattern testing yourself is to use AccuPatt, the same desktop (Windows/MacOS)

software that Operation S.A.F.E. analysts use. Originally developed to run the string testing systems you may have seen at an Operation S.A.F.E. fly-in, AccuPatt has grown to include spray-card-analysis functionality that can be used independently to perform spray-card-only pattern testing. Now, it is being offered to NAAA members for use in their own operation at no cost. A flatbed scanner is required to digitize the spray cards for analysis.

Download AccuPatt for Windows/MacOS at https://github. com/gill14/AccuPatt/releases. Consult the user manual (available at that same web address) to get up and running on do-it-yourself spray pattern testing. ➤

This tool, created in part by an aerial applicator, is targeted specifically for aerial applicators to use in assessing spray pattern uniformity, effective swath width and droplet size across the swath.

To further reduce friction in getting your spray pattern testing underway, DropFlight is also offering all the needed testing gear at dropflightag.com/collections/ all. Available as a convenient kit or by the piece, DropFlight’s card mounting system makes it simple to lay out cards uniformly and in the correct orientation to the wind. This testing gear will work with DropFlight and AccuPatt and is the fastest and most convenient way to acquire all the equipment you need to conduct your own pattern testing.

By consulting with a NAAREF-recognized Operation S.A.F.E. Analyst about your pattern testing data, they can report it to NAAREF as participation in Operation S.A.F.E. NAAA members will receive an official letter of participation and credit toward C-PAASS certification. To contact a NAAREFrecognized Operation S.A.F.E. Analyst, visit education. agaviation.org/safe-analysts.

Apply for C-PAASS or Learn More

Becoming a Certified-Professional Aerial Applicator Safety Steward is an achievement regulatory officials, your insurers and certainly your customers should know about. Earning a C-PAASS certification demonstrates that you have undergone additional training and development to ensure you can provide the highest-quality service to your customers and the community. To submit a 2023 C-PAASS application or learn more about the certification program, visit education.agaviation.org/cpaass or scan the QR code on this page.

No matter where you are on your path to achieving C-PAASS certification, fly safely this season and take heed of the PAASS motto, “Upon the Performance of Each Rests the Fate of All.”

Top Six Ways to Know if What You’re Reading is Factually Accurate

In the aerial application industry – or modern farming in general – people have questions. Sometimes they have misperceptions. In a world where misinformation swirls the internet, what are the facts and how do we combat the information that’s not true? We all probably have that one friend or relative that seems to always fall for the latest conspiracy or fake news story – here are some ways to know if what we’re reading is correct or not.

1. Look up the author. If you’re reading something that makes you feel skeptical, look up their name and their background. If they’re writing an article about animal agriculture, are they a livestock farmer from a small town or are they a vegan animals rights activist from New York City? Understanding their educational background helps a lot to know if they’re knowledgeable in their field. You can also Google their name with keywords like “organic” “non-GMO” or “vegan” to see if they’re extremists or tied to food corporations or activist groups with an agenda.

2. Google it “debunked.” Let’s say you’re reading an article that’s gone somewhat viral. For example, I was reading one that was talking about how wheat is “drenched” in glyphosate and that it’s Roundup – not gluten – causing all sorts of medical issues. The article seemed suspect, so I googled “roundup wheat debunked” and all sorts of articles showed up debunking this fake news story. The original viral article was written by some Mommy blogger with no credible evidence. The articles out there that debunked this story were written by professionals, like wheat farmers, the wheat board, and so many

others who have firsthand experience growing wheat and who are the real experts on the topic.

3. Is it on the news? Has the FDA covered it, have the products been recalled? Let’s say, for example, there is a legitimate reason to avoid a certain food – like an e.coli outbreak in lettuce. If this is the case, it will be all over the news and reputable expert outlets like the USDA or FDA will make announcements that there is a serious reason to avoid a food product.

4. Are they selling something? “Fear” is the new “sex” when it comes to making a sale. Especially in agriculture, the marketing behind food can sometimes be quite ugly. Some authors may also be selling a book or ideology. Asking for donations? Don’t fall for misinformation as a sales tactic. Is “organic” or “Non-GMO” really that pure or are food corporations creating false health halos to sell a product? Is it really beneficial to give up meat? Likely not, but follow the money trail behind the anti-meat movement for example and you find that animal rights activist groups extremists are usually the ones behind the funding of all of this to solicit donations and push a “go vegan” agenda full of misinformation.

5. Try fact-checking websites. Although it isn’t always perfect, I do recommend checking out www.snopes.com which does a pretty good job fact-checking the hot topics. If you’re reading something that’s gone viral and not sure what to make of it, there’s a good chance that Snopes has already contacted the experts and has done their due diligence to post the real facts. ➤

In a world where misinformation swirls the internet, what are the facts and how do we combat the information that’s not true?

6. Look for peer-reviewed evidence. Fear is easy, science is hard. Sometimes people just need to do a better job reading into topics and not be intellectually lazy. Often times you’ll read or hear a story that says, “studies show,” but where are the studies? Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. Look deeper into the topic, read the actual study, connect with legitimate credible experts on a certain topic and don’t believe everything you read right off the bat. Evidence, evidence, evidence.

At the end of the day, we have to think about who the real experts are and apply critical thinking and common sense. If you have a question about your car,

don’t you talk to your mechanic? If you have a problem with your teeth, you go to the dentist. It’s important that we raise awareness and showcase transparency with the agrochemical industry. We all care about the planet and our health, but if anyone can explain safety, rate, application, training, physics, equipment, weather and so much more, it’s the applicators – professional applicators, farmers and agronomists that have the power to advocate. Improve public perception and have a real positive impact on just how fortunate we are to have such a safe and abundant food supply.

Editors Note: This article originally appeared in the November 2021 issue of AgAir Update

A WING AND A PRAYER

Carlin Lawrence carlin@agairupdate.com

The Spiritual Battle Ground is in Our Mind

“But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them” (2 Corinthians 4:4-5). The wickedness in this world today is not because people are mentally ignorant; it’s because they have willingly rejected God and Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19). The human mind is amazing, it cannot be neutral; the human mind has to worship something. And anyone who has rejected the spiritual light of Jesus Christ has left a spiritual void in their mind for Satan and his demons to come into and blind them so that they cannot see the light of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. The mind that’s blinded by Satan will eventually become dominated by self-indulgence and undisciplined greed, with a continual lust for more.

Isaiah wrote, “All who make idols are nothing, the things they treasure are worthless, those who speak up for them are blind; they are ignorant, to their own shame” (Isaiah 44:9). Then Isaiah tells about people who cut down a tree and burn some of it to keep warm, burn some of it to bake their bread, and burn some of it to roast their meat, and from the rest they make an idol and bow down to it and worship and pray, “Save me; you are my God.” And then Isaiah says, “They know nothing, they understand nothing; their eyes are plastered over so they cannot see, and their minds are closed so they cannot understand. No one stops to think, no one has the knowledge or understanding to say, ‘Half of it I used for fuel; I even baked bread over its coals, I roasted meat and I ate. Shall I make a detestable thing from what is left? Shall I bow down to a block of wood?’”

(Isaiah 44). This same thing is happening in America today, people are worshiping the false god’s of worldly wisdom, materialism and pleasure.

Getting a good education is extremely important in today’s society, but many highly educated people make the mistake of thinking their earthly wisdom has eternal value. Some people have the tendency to be impressed by, or even worship earthly wisdom (intellectual pride). But the Bible says, “The wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight” (1 Corinthians 3:19). Without God’s wisdom, the man with a PHD is just as spiritually ignorant as the man with a grade school education, and a person with an IQ of 200 is no closer to God than the man with an IQ of 40. It’s impossible for human wisdom to know and understand God (1 Corinthians 1:21). “For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength” (1 Corinthians 1:25). The person who trusts in himself is a fool; but he who trusts in God’s wisdom is kept safe (Proverbs 28:26).

The Roman and Greek culture of Paul’s day was corrupt; the idols they worshiped and the immoralities they practiced are to numerous and gross to print them in a newspaper or book. But the immorality, greed, idol worship, arrogance, intellectual pride, selfishness, sectarianism, racial and social injustices on this earth today would make even the Greeks and Romans of Paul’s day blush with shame! The lust for power and worldly things is rampant in American society; greed is idol worship (Colossians 3:5). The sale of pornographic material is a multi-billion dollar business in the US. Over 150,000 people in the US die a premature death every year because of alcohol and drug related issues and accidents. All because people have exchanged the truth

of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator (Romans 1:25).

Most men and women want to provide the good things of this life for their families. They get a good education, work hard, and save their money for the things they need and want. And there’s nothing wrong with that kind of thinking. The apostle Paul tells us to earn our own wages, and if a man doesn’t work he shouldn’t eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12). Honestly earned wealth is a blessing from God (Deuteronomy 8:18). But it is the obsession for riches and the things of this world that God condemns. When a man or woman puts gaining wealth, worldly toys and pleasures, in front of God and their family, it becomes idol worship. Jesus said, “No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Luke 16:13).

Paul tells us not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our mind. Then we will be able to test and approve what God’s good, pleasing and perfect will is (Romans 12:2). If we are to be led by the Holy Spirit we must learn to think like the Holy Spirit thinks, because our actions will always be the result of our thinking. The way we can renew our minds to think like the Holy Spirit is to read, study, and meditate on God’s Word; that takes an act of our will. We have to make up our minds to obey God while we live on this earth; we will not get a second chance after we die. “The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:6). Eternity in God’s heaven, or eternity in the lake of fire with Satan and his demons (Revelation 20:11-15). The decision is in our mind!

The Stallion — A Fletcher with ‘Horsepower’

by Rohan Williams

SCONE, NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA—With the steady increase of operating costs, downward trend in trade, and the aging technology employed by aerial agriculture, the dilemma now faced by our industry world wide is to find a cost effective alternative to the purchase of new aircraft.

The lack of our ability to justify the exorbitant cost of such new aircraft today is reflected by the current position of the major agricultural aircraft manufacturers. Most have slowed their production line to a crawl if still manufacturing at all.

While the downward trend in trade has contributed to the lack of demand for new aircraft, we are still trading nonetheless. We are still working an aging collective fleet of aircraft with many of those falling into the reciprocating piston engine class.

Of course these aircraft will eventually be re-powered with a rejuvenated version of the same piston engine, preceding the same intensive maintenance regime at the expense of the operator.

Stallion Conversions Pty. Ltd. of Scone, New South Wales, Australia, has produced a conversion which has seen the robust FU24-954 Fletcher airframe reach previously unheard of levels of productivity along with a host of other welcome advantages resulting from the conversion. The concept was born of the need for longtime Fletcher operator, “Airpasture” of Scone, to increase the productivity of their existing fleet without losing the advantageous qualities of the Fletcher airframe and without committing to a major capital outlay in the process.

VH-EOW and VH-EUO at the tiedowns, Mount Gambier Airport, South Australia. (Rohan Williams).

The FU24 Fletcher

Designed by John Thorp in the early 1950s, the FU24 Fletcher aircraft was initially produced in the U.S. by Fletcher Aviation until the sales and then manufacturing rights were sold to Air Parts New Zealand Ltd in 1957 and 1964 respectively.

This company, after various mergers and takeovers, is today known as the Pacific Aerospace Corporation and still manufactures replacement components as well as having the ability to produce complete Fletcher Aircraft to order at their facility in Hamilton, New Zealand.

Today’s Fletcher FU24-954 has been developed through stages from a 235 hp Continental power plant in the original FU24, through to a 400 hp Lycoming IO-720 A1A eight-cylinder engine. The airframe is a low-wing, all metal monoplane with the hopper located behind the two-place cockpit, affording the pilot unparalleled visibility for rough, short-field operations. The undercarriage is of a fixed tricycle configuration with heavy-duty oleo suspension. The tail plane features John Thorp’s well-known “stabilator” which has been prominently featured on other Thorp designs such as the Piper Cherokee, P2V Neptune and the sporty Thorpe T18 home built.

The large continuous-chord wing creates an enviable lifting capacity with docile, but stable, handling characteristics offered by the pronounced dihedral on the outer wing section. The airframe performance remains stable right throughout the airspeed spectrum with the stall being well heralded and free from undesirable consequential outcomes.

The FU24 Stallion

The main feature of the Stallion conversion, the first Australian designed turbine conversion of an agricultural aircraft, is its Allied Signal Aerospace (now Honeywell) TPE331-10AV “Garrret” turbine engine. The turbine, while capable of 715 shp, has been flat-rated to 600 shp to allow for extreme operations such as shorter strips and hot/high/overload situations.

A McCauley four-blade propeller with Scimitar-shaped blades was chosen for its thrust, high level of efficiency and quiet operation. The need for reduced operating noise levels has been a major concern in the past with the piston powered Fletcher proving to be a hazard for livestock and an annoyance for people close to the treatment areas. ➤

Revisions of fuel and electrical systems, as well as instrument layout, have also been incorporated into the conversion. David Simons, Technical Director of Auto Avia Design Pty Ltd, said “ This installation has been designed as a simple, no-nonsense conversion to provide safety and reliability in a hard working environment. All performance goals were achieved, climb rates and gradients are particularly impressive. A very comprehensive test and certification programme was conducted to provide data for the award of the STC (Supplementary Type Certificate).”

Auto Avia Design Pty Ltd of Bankstown in Sydney carried out the design and certification of the Stallion conversion. Scone Aircraft Maintenance built the first prototype, VHEUO in 1996 and the conversion was endorsed by the then Allied Signal Aerospace who gave approval for full life engine warranty on any engine sourced through Allied Signal and installed on the Stallion.

The aircraft was test flown by Ken Hazelwood, an experienced Fletcher pilot who also boasts experience with Garret turbines installed in the Ayres Turbo Thrush. Airpasture Chief Pilot, Kevin Towse, then took over to carry out an intense program of development operations that included on-the-job spreading work.

According to the Managing Director of Stallion Conversions, David Reid, “The FU24- Stallion has consistently shown better profitability than the pistonpowered FU24”. “Reliability has been excellent. The

improved power/weight ratio increases safety greatly and hopper loads do not need to be reduced in adverse conditions. The reduced noise level has attracted favorable comment from farmers and the public.” the FU24 Fletcher, David, who is also the Managing Director of Airpasture, stated that the second Stallion conversion to be built, VH-EOW, carries a serial number which makes it identifiable as one of the original U.S.-built Fletchers of the 1950s. Of course many of the original components have been replaced numerous times. However, with the appropriate records, this one airframe could be attributable to an unimaginable amount of return over its many years of service.

As can be expected, the greatest advantage offered by the Stallion conversion is the drastically improved power to weight ratio. With a slightly lower empty weight and at least 50% more horsepower available 100% of the time, The Stallion conversion easily outperforms the conventional Fletcher. With the capacity to operate from shorter, higher, warmer airstrips without reducing the payload, the Stallion repeatedly outclasses its predecessor in terms of productivity.

Apart from the obvious advantages of turbine power over that of the piston engine such as increased reliability, service life and reduced maintenance, the decision to install the TPE331-10AV was a calculated one. There are many aspects to the design of this turbine engine, which lend well to agricultural operations and in particular, operations amongst steep terrain. ➤

Bernie Towse loads high analysis granulated fertiliser into the Stallion flown by Greg Maslin. (Photo - Rohan Williams)

The single shaft engine allows the pilot an instantaneous power response on demand without the lag experienced with dual shaft engines. This is a particular advantage to agricultural operations with spreading aircraft performing up to 100 take-offs and landings each day while operating within the grasp of the mechanical turbulence associated with mountain flying.

Steep, controlled descents may be executed with greater accuracy and safety using the precision of single-lever power manipulation. This, coupled with the advantage of reverse thrust, leads to the ability of the Stallion to land with a greatly reduced landing roll which allows the aircraft to be operated on much shorter airstrips than the piston Fletcher.

The TPE331-10AV uses an effective particle separator system that allows solid particles of gravel or sand to pass through the running engine without causing damage internally. The engine operates without the use of air filters utilizing an efficient straight-through airflow through rugged centrifugal compressors without bleed valves. This configuration makes this an ideal engine for remote bush operations due to a reduced need for service consumables and also allows for a lower cost of operation.

The flat rating of the engine in the Stallion allows for minimized stress and wear on the engine and gearbox components under normal operating conditions. This provides an improved possibility that those components will realize the full term of their published service lives, as well as reducing the operational maintenance costs within that period.

This engine currently has a 5,000-hour published TBO, which is enviable for any piston engine operator and also has a considerably lower fuel consumption rate than its equivalent rival turbine manufacturers’ engines. David Reid was very happy to remark that during an investigation at the 4,000-hour mark VH-EUO’s engine was found to be in excellent condition with ample potential to reach TBO.

The Stallion conversion represents a brilliant combination of a tried and tested airframe and a modern, advanced power unit. The aircraft maintains all of the advantages offered by the Fletcher airframe while affording a much more productive unit being enhanced by the advantages of the turbine conversion. Since the completion of Airpasture’s second conversion it has been found that two Stallions are quite easily covering the work that once took four pistonpowered Fletchers to complete.

At this stage the FU24 Stallion is essentially engaged in agricultural operations with two being operated out of Scone by Airpasture and another, ZK-TPE being utilized by the South Cantebury Co-op of Fairlie near Timaru on the South Island of New Zealand. However the potential for freight and geophysical survey operations has also been further enhanced by the Stallion conversion as well as many other applications such as parachute dropping or even an air ambulance role.

Airpasture have effectively replaced their old piston-engined aircraft with a “new” turbine engine aircraft, which has more than twice the productive capacity and has a service life that will carry the company well into the future; at a fraction of the cost of a new ag-aircraft.

Pilot Greg Maslin gives VH - EOW a thorough once over on a quiet day at the Mount Gambier Airport, South Australia. (Photo - Rohan Williams)

Rugged turbine powered Stallion departs from remote unimproved pasture.

Ag Aircraft Hit by Bullet in Alabama

by Ryan Mason

The morning started off as normal on an aerial application flight on May 20th, 2023 for pilot Marcus Crutchfield who began his flight at 6:30 am. Unbeknown to Crutchfield, an unknown assailant took aim at his aircraft during the flight and fired, striking the 502 in the right wing flap, shown in images posted to Facebook detailing the incident.

The bullet of unknown caliber struck the wing in an upward trajectory, entering the wing flap from underneath, and exiting on the top side, making an accidental discharge of a weapon unlikely.

Crutchfield, who posted his account of the incident on May 22nd, said “To the person who did this or to anyone that thinks this is appropriate, please take into consideration that I have a family at home that I want to come home to,” he stated.

“I’m an individual whose job just happens to be applying chemicals at low levels with an airplane. As ag pilots, we take precautions in every field and in every pass to ensure the safety of people around the fields as well as ourselves. With that being said, we do our absolute best to take care of our local farmers and farmers across the country.”

SPRAY SYSTEMS

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With a standard of excellence for aerial application

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Diamond Aviação: The Importance of Propeller Maintenance

by Ernesto Franzen

"Propeller: Fan that cools the pilot. Turn it off and see how he sweats", is the caption on an oft-repeated cartoon, usually depicting a single-engine airplane with a stopped prop in a descending flight with its pilot covered in sweat beads. Of course, the reason for the stopped prop in the cartoon is an engine failure. But many pilots do not realize that a prop

failure often has far worse consequences than an engine failure. The propeller is the aircraft's component that suffers the highest efforts. While a prop rotates at around 2000 RPM or above, the enormous centrifugal forces imposed on its blades and other parts are constantly forcing the molecules of the metals to spread apart, reducing material resistance and allowing for microscopic cracks to form.

(L-R) Marco Antônio Silva, Mrs. Renata de Souza and Luciano Ribeiro Silva, respectively commercial manager, commercial director and sales manager at Diamond Aviação.

This prop wear and tear gives no external signs. Undetected in time, these weakened materials and cracks may evolve into a broken blade, possibly with such a violent unbalance that not even prompt pilot action reducing power and cutting the engine might avoid catastrophic failures of other airframe components due to the vibration.

Fortunately, proper maintenance according to the prop manufacturer's maintenance manuals will ensure the continued safe operation of the prop. To know about these maintenance procedures, AgAir Update went to a most knowledgeable source: the team of expert technicians at Diamond Aviação in Goiânia, state of Goiás.

Diamond Aviação Is the only Hartzell Service and Support Center in Brazil, besides being an exclusive representative for McCauley props and a maintenance center for MT-Propeller. Diamond was created 25 years ago by Licurgo de Souza, a man with a long history in aviation, who was a pilot, an aircraft maintenance technician and a visionary entrepreneur. He owned and operated airplanes and a maintenance shop until realizing there were no specialized propeller maintenance centers in Brazil back then, but only regular maintenance shops which often had a propeller section. He started Diamond Aviação as a Hartzell representative, aiming

to create an official propeller service center for the Brazilian market. Later, Diamond added McCauley and MT-Propeller to their portfolio. Unfortunately, Licurgo passed away four years after creating Diamond, but not before passing on his vision and values of commitment and responsibility to his three daughters - Valéria, Renata and Geisa de Souza - and his son Licurgo de Souza Filho, who kept their father's dream alive. Today, Diamond Aviação is one of only 25 Hartzell Service Centers worldwide and the only one in Brazil.

When you consider that 60% of all propeller airplanes in the world fly with Hartzell products, you can appreciate how hard it is to obtain this certification. Sales VP Renata de Souza points out the main differences between a typical maintenance shop and a Service and Support Center: the latter must have technicians trained at the factory and maintain necessary approved tools and equipment for the services, all of which must be performed in-house. Also, Hartzell Service and Support Centers must pass a factory onsite audit every two years to maintain their status.

Diamond services Brazilian Air Force AT-29 Super Tucano fiveblade props through an outsourcing contract with Embraer. Diamond can service all Hartzell, McCauley and MT-Propeller props, including those with composite blades. ➤

(L-R) Licurgo de Souza Filho and Marco Antônio Silva, Technical Director and commercial manager of Diamond Aviação, respectively.” Anybody can see it is a prop-carrying pickup.

Diamond Aviação technician performing dimensional inspection of various parts.

Composite props so far have had no application in ag aviation due to their blades being less resistant to minor impacts, like those that happen in unpaved runway operations, and therefore won't be covered here.

Hartzell says that Air Tractor propellers must undergo an overhaul every 3,000 hours or 36 months, whichever comes first. For the Ipanema, these intervals are 2,000 hours or 36 months. General and executive aviation propellers have longer calendar intervals.

Still, in the case of ag aviation, the calendar interval is reduced due to their exposure to chemicals, which can speed up corrosion.

The overhaul starts with the prop being removed from the aircraft. If the customer requires, Diamond can send a technician to remove the prop from the aircraft, but in 90% of the cases, this is provided by the customer, as usually prop inspection is done concurrently with other maintenance. ➤

Propeller set in static balancing process.

Diamond has a fleet of four pickup trucks specially outfitted with trained drivers to carry propellers from where the airplane is located to one of their two facilities, Goiânia or São Paulo - the latter usually for customers in Brazil's south and southeast states.

Upon arrival at Diamond's shop, the prop is completely disassembled and cleaned with a biological compound - Bio-Circle - which has bacteria that eat grease and oil, avoiding using solvents that are so harmful to the environment when discarded.

Next, all the paint on the parts is stripped by plastic media blasting instead of previously used chemical removers. Chemical paint removers are so aggressive that they may affect the metal of the parts and harm the environment when discarded.

Once the paint is removed, all parts are inspected visually and measured, especially the blades. Any part with substandard dimensions is rejected, so this is done before any further steps. Parts that pass the dimensional inspection then go to the non-destructive testing section where they undergo penetrating dye tests, magnaflux or eddy current

inspections, whichever mandated by the manufacturer, looking for any discontinuity - microscopic superficial or subsuperficial cracks that the naked eye cannot see. Diamond sales manager Marco Antônio Silva pointed out that Hartzell requires Service Centers to do non-destructive tests in-house, while most maintenance shops outsource them.

Passing the non-destructive inspection, each blade is refurbished to remove corrosion, nicks and dings and is individually balanced so that all blades in a propeller have the same weight.

Next, the shank of each blade is cold-rolled, a process that uses a steel wheel to apply a pressure of 1,950-2,000 psi to the aluminum shanks to eliminate any cracks and stress on this critical area.

After this, the parts receive a chemical surface protection - either alodine or cadmium - for corrosion protection. Marco Antônio notes that this step is most important for ag aviation props due to their exposure to chemicals, remarking that the surface protection section of the shop is one of the most carefully examined by Hartzell auditors during their biennial audits. ➤

Propeller blade, already unpainted and performing dimensional inspection.

Once the surface protection is done, all parts are painted in a special room where an air filtering system maintains a contaminant-free environment, and the prop is reassembled before the final step: a static balance of the assembled prop. Renata de Souza claims that 90% of the props that undergo this static balance do not need dynamic balancing once reinstalled in the aircraft.

The propeller then is sent back to the customer, ready to return to safe operation until the next TBO - unless some incident, like a prop strike happens, in which case it should be promptly taken again to a knowledgeable shop or Service Center for inspection and repair.

AgAir Update says a special thank you to Ms. Valéria and Renata de Souza and the whole Diamond Aviação technical team, whose assistance made this article possible.

Propeller disassembly section, with the parts cleaning tank with Bio-Circle in the background.

Diamond Aviação also promotes propeller maintenance training throughout Brazil, which generally takes place in maintenance workshops, but is also open to operators and pilots.

The ladies. Valéria (in black) and Renata de Souza (in a white shirt) together with the Diamond Aviação team in Goiânia.

NTSB REPORTS

Accident Synopses

NTSB Identification: WPR22LA140

Location: Merced, California

Date: April 1, 2022

Aircraft: Bell OH-58A

Injuries: Minor

The pilot in the helicopter reported that, he was conducting an agricultural aerial application flight. Before he started the spray operation, he overflew the field to identify obstacles. While approaching the northeast corner of the fields from the south, he overflew one set of wires, “ducked down” into the corner to spray, and pulled up as he approached the edge of the field. As he pulled up, he saw wires he had not seen before and tried to hit them with the wire cutter installed on the helicopter. The helicopter impacted the wires, descended, and impacted the ground. The helicopter sustained substantial to the fuselage. 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 see and avoid wires while conducting an aerial application flight, which resulted in a wire strike and ground impact.

Accident Number: WPR22LA293

Location: Circle, Montana

Date: August 7

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.

Accident Number: ERA22LA341

Location: Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania

Date: July 27, 2022

Aircraft: Garlick OH-58A+

Injuries: None

During an aerial application flight while spraying a corn field, the helicopter’s tail section struck a powerline. The pilot did not see the powerline, which crossed over the middle of the cornfield perpendicular to the spray pass he was performing, but he knew what he had struck as soon as the helicopter came into contact with it. He had already begun to pull up out of the field when the helicopter struck the powerline and was still moving forward at approximately 50 mph. As the helicopter slowed and he reached about 200’ agl, the helicopter began a yaw to the right that developed into an uncontrollable spin in the same direction. As the helicopter began spinning faster and faster, the pilot rolled off throttle to minimize the torque induced rotations. During the

touchdown, the helicopter impacted in an approximately level attitude, and then rolled over on its right side, and was substantially damaged. The pilot noted that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation and that the accident could have been avoided if more “field recon” procedures were done to be certain that powerlines are avoided.

Probable Cause and Findings — The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be: The pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and visual lookout, which resulted in impact with a powerline.

Accident Number: ERA22LA255

Location: Pemberton Township, New Jersey

Date: June 1, 2022

Aircraft: AIR TRACTOR INC AT-400A

Injuries: None

The pilot reported that on final approach, he “started the flare too late,” which resulted in a “high bounce.” He attempted to recover, however the airplane “bounce[d]” again. The pilot initiated a go around, but with the “high angle of attack” of the airplane, he “lost control.” The airplane veered off the side of the runway and impacted a ditch, which sheared off the main landing gear, and resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact 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’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing and a subsequent loss of control.

Accident Number: CEN23LA147

Location: Wade, Oklahoma

Date: March 29, 2023

Aircraft: Bell OH-58A

Injuries: Minor

While maneuvering during an aerial application flight, the engine lost power, and the pilot conducted an autorotation to a field. During the autorotation, the helicopter landed hard, rolled over, and sustained substantial damage.

Postaccident examination of the helicopter revealed a foamy cream-colored liquid in the airframe fuel filter and fuel line. The pilot reported that before the accident flight the helicopter was fueled from the operator’s support truck fuel tank. Initial examination of the tank showed no visible signs of fuel contamination. A subsequent visual examination, several days later, showed the same cream-colored contamination that was identified in the helicopter fuel system.

The pilot reported that the truck’s fuel tank was filled the day before from his on-site fuel storage tank. The reason for the fuel contamination in the operator’s on-site fuel storage or the helicopter fuel system could not be determined. The loss of engine power was attributed to fuel contamination.

Probable Cause and Findings — The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be: The total loss of engine power due to fuel contamination.

Accident Number: 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.

LOW & SLOW

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

The Early Days Down South — Chapter

One continued…

New Flying Techniques

Huff-Daland’s successes in agricultural aviation were directly related to the talent and skill of its pilots and maintenance personnel. Working together, they not only developed entirely new flying techniques, but also upgraded and improved the aircraft and dispensing equipment continuously.

Three extremely important figures during this period were pilots Lieutenant Harold Harris and Henry “Pop” Elliott and master mechanic Douglas Culver. Culver’s excellent background, obtained mostly at McCook Field, was utilized to the fullest. He was apparently the kind of mechanic who was not only innovative, but was a dedicated perfectionist as well. He brought his skill

and expertise to his new job and helped perfect the crude mechanisms of the day into reasonably efficient dispensing equipment. Although not authenticated, it is believed that Culver perfected the first satisfactory hopper agitator driven by a fan and gear box. This became standard equipment on dusters during this period and even today is used in essentially its original form.

Culver also maintained these early aircraft in a remarkably efficient manner and accidents due to improper maintenance were rare. He remained with Huff-Daland Dusters for its entire lifetime and continued in this field into the era when Delta Air Service was formed, becoming Delta’s shop superintendent in the late 1920s.

An early Huff-Daland with Liberty engine applying calcium arsenate on cotton in 1924. Flown by Lt. Harold Harris, vice president of HuffDaland Dusters.

Photo courtesy of Delta Air Lines, Inc.

Henry “Pop” Elliott was a notable figure who is probably entitled to as much credit for developing early agricultural aviation as any one individual. He was an authentic early bird, having flown before 1916, and his career in the Air Service was illustrious. He was a skillful and innovation pilot and also a master mechanic, something highly desirable in those early days of uncertain engine and aircraft performance.

Henry Elliott, Harold Harris, and the other Huff-Daland pilots, particularly Arthur Gray, developed standard flying techniques that are still in use today, particularly in the area of fast tum-arounds that border on the”hammerhead,” a very effective fast tum not without risk. Elliott was a great innovator and experimenter and apparently worked conscientiously and continuously at improving applications techniques, particularly swath width and proper altitude and speed.

During this formative period, most pilots concluded that the “low and slow” concept was most desirable. ➤

Top

Huff-Daland employees in Peru in 1927. Note llama logo on plane in lieu of “Puffer” logo used in the U.S. Photo courtesy of Delta Airlines, Inc.

Bottom

The Huff-Daland “Puffer” logo was famous in early dusting circles. It depicted a giant blowing a cloud of dust on fields below. Photo courtesy of Delta Air Lines, Inc.

Memphis commercial appeal advertisement for demonstration dusting at Clarkedale, Arkansas. August 1926.

This later proved to be somewhat incorrect, although the technique was adhered to tenaciously and cotton growers began insisting that the pilots roll their wheels in the cotton. This became a mark of distinction with these early pilots and it was not learned until after World War II that higher speed and altitude across the field were often more effective. Huff-Daland’s pilots followed the flying trend of the era and early observers have stated that it was impossible to tell one pilot’s performance from another’s.

Henry Elliott, Arthur Gray, Doug Culver, and most of the original Huff-Daland crew members migrated westward with Delta Air Service when it was organized and remained with the company for some years. Much later, Elliott branched out with his own firm, finally settling in Cleveland, Mississippi, where he operated until his death.

The author was a personal friend of Elliot and visited his Cleveland office many times, especially in the late 1940s. He was still using the old Travel Air 4000 aircraft, which he obviously preferred, plus some Stearmans. Hanging on the wall of his office was an autographed photo of Orville Wright inscribed “To my good friend Henry Elliott.”

As the years flew by, Elliott became almost totally deaf, but this never dimmed his flying or maintenance prowess. He overhauled his own J-5 engines and Bill Metcalf, a Clarksdale, Mississippi businessman who worked for Henry as a youngster, tells many tales of the operation, particularly Henry’s passion for perfection and his unique way of checking out a freshly majored engine.

Aircraft - Ag Cat

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

1976 B Model Ag Cat, -1 Garrett Engine, SATLOC M3, 330-gallon hopper, 38-inch gate box, Agrinautics spray system, and Breckenridge spreader. Call Jack for more details at 530-682-6740

1978 C Model Ag Cat, A/C, Super 6 Garrett Engine, SATLOC M3, 500-gallon hopper, Agrinautics spray system, and Breckenridge spreader. Call Jack for more details at 530682-6740

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

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

QueenCat In Progress - S/N 566B Super B+ Mods, ready for Garrett or P&W Turbine, 400-gal, 120-fuel, hi wings, heavy struts & wires, T.S. Tail, Heavy Gear, TL DAF Combo. $290K (YOUR FWF) AmAg, 870-886-2418/2489F 870-7591692 Cell frank.kelley@ag-cat.com

Export Special: G164A+, Fresh AmAg repair w/factory-jigged frameworks, New 335-Hopper, Ext’d/Metal Wings, 80-fuel, 24V w/Strobes, E-Servo, TWL, Hybrid Combo. Ready for 1000 hr. service-run. Your certified R985/R1340 E&P installed. $85K includes CofAW4 Export flyaway, $90K in your container. AgCat Sales & Services since 1971, 870-886-2418/2489 Fax, 870-7591692 Cell. frank.kelley@ag-cat.com

1975 Grumman G164A

Ag Cat, N7496K, 6102.7

TT, Pratt & Whitney

R-985-AN14B 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. $95K. Call or text 337-319-3013

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

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Air Tractor

AT-301

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. $94,000 USD Negotiable. Parkland Aerial Applicators 204-647-2731, Manitoba, Canada.

AT-402

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. $105K Call Neal Aircraft at 806-828-5892

AT-400

1980 AT-400A, N3655B, PT6A-27 TTE 7698.5 HSI

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

AT-502

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 815-7185300

1996 AT-402B-34, TT-4916, Hot section done at 4599.7, G4 SATLOC flow control, RH boom shutoff, Wing Spars are good for 8000hrs, AC/Heat. Clean Northern airplane in very good condition! $475,000 605-222-9633 justinogan@gmail.com

1995 AT-502B, N6097V, Clean Northern Airplane, PT6-34, 9,719 TT, Fresh Hot Section, Airframe 10,430 TT, 6,855.0 left on wings. April 2023 Annual. Complete spray system excluding GPS, flow control, and nozzles. $475K OBO Call Jim at 785-706-1105

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

1998 AT-402B -34AG, 7618hrs TT airframe; 484hrs since hot section, willing to do pending sale. Hartzell 3-bladed prop 784hrs since OH. Brand new spars and fresh annual. SATLOC M3 with booms, pump, and electric brake. $675K Contact Speck or Heath at 979-543-5272 or industinc@ gmail.com. Resellers don’t bother.

1989 AT-502 PT6-34, Hobbs-8790.5 TTIS13594.5 SIRAN- 62.8 SOH- 2900.8 Fresh Annual, Transland spreader, New Agrinautics pump w/Lane brake, Stainless spray booms, New locking tail wheel assembly, 1in center point fuel, M3GPS, Hopper Wingman system, cold A/C, 3 piece window. All AD’s complied. $425K OBO!! Call 409-267-5460

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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

1999 AT-402A -11AG, TTSN:2800, 0 TT Since Hot Section, Commercially Maintained Recent Prop overhaul, Single pt Fuel, Digital hopper gauge DAM Diagnostic system, Tracmap GPS, AgNav flow control. Always Hangared, Asking $450K. Call to Discuss! Peter 204-522-5883 corsairaviation2015@gmail.com

2012 AT-502B -34, 4135 hrs. TT airframe, prop, and engine. 690 SHSI, G4 SATLOC, Reabe top and hopper gauge, Storm cutters and windshield, auto fuel system, VG’s. More options. 605-350-4536

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

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Classifieds Starting at $19.99 Phone / Fax: 478-987-2250.

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. Mid-Continent Aircraft, Hayti, MO, 800-325-0885 www.midcont.net

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. It can come with AgPilotX or SATLOC G4. $659,000 Call Neal Aircraft at 806-828-5892

2009 AT-502B, 4170 TTAF, 5455 TT on-34, 600 hrs since light overhaul Covington, SATLOC G4 w/Intelliflow, CP 09 nozzles, Wingman, Reabe top and hopper gauge, Storm cutters and windshield, Autoload fuel, More options. Call 605-350-4536

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

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AT-602

2007 AT-602, 6,910 TTAF, 6,910 TT -60 engine, 80 SHOT, 1630 SOH Covington, 480 Since Prop OH, 480 on gear, 970 hours on spars, G4, Wingman, Reabe top, auto fuel, and many more options. Call 605-3504536 for details.

1998 AT-602, N5086H, PT6A-60AG, 8800 hours

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

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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. $599K 337-319-3013 or agaviation89@gmail.com

2001 AT-602, TTAE 8329, PT6A65AG with 426 since hot section. Prop 0 since IRAN. Wings and Landing Gear replaced at 6474. Wingman, comm radio, ADSB Transponder, Bottom fuel, O/H starter/generator, new batteries, GPS, and Flow control. Fresh Annual. This is a clean West Texas Airplane with NO corrosion. $575K Call Pete Jones at 662-846-0228 or email Pete@ AirRepairInc.com

2008 AT-602 -60, N602MS, 4310 TTAE, Engine Hot Section done at 3,810 hrs. by Mills, new propeller installed at 3,810 hours, Large fuel 280 gallons, Hatfield fuel, SATLOC w/Flow Control, Radio console, Night lights, No airframe damage, Hangared & mostly owner flown, fresh annual date of sale. Plane detail scheduled for Feb. $700K Call Dow at 573-225-8019

AT-802

2016 AT-802A -67AG, Clean northwest airplane. Available September should have approximately 3,300 hours at that time. Currently 2,900 hours. Always hangared. MVP-50, Stainless cam locks, 308-gallon fuel, smoker. Can be sold with or without SATLOC G4, night lights, dual bottom load valves. No damage history. Video borescope and propeller balance done every annual. $1,500,000 Contact Steve 509-750-9633

Find Us On...

2017 AT-802A, 2600 hours TT airframe, and engine. TracMap GPS, Night lights, PT6A-65AG engine, Kawak throttle quadrant, Lane electric pump brake.

$1,250,000 For more information, call Mike Schoenau at Valley Air Crafts 559-686-7401

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Aircraft - Cessna

1976 Cessna A188B AgTruck, Complete logbooks and history, AD’s Current all up to date, sale includes fresh Annual. Always hangared and well maintained. PropTT: 1802.6 hours w/787.8 since prop overhaul. Excellent Compressions, Engine: IO-550-D | Fuel: 56-gal Fuel Capacity VG kit installed for better STOL capabilities Spray Equipment: SATLOC II, Automatic flagman, Lightbar. $145K 701-5672069

Aircraft - Dromader

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Aircraft - Piper

Order your Clipped J3 Cub Pen and Ink Drawing from our DeSpain Collection today for only $59.99 plus S&H. Call 478-987-2250

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Aircraft - Thrush

2013 AT-802 -65, 4600 TTAF, 8010 Engine TTSN, Covington light overhaul at 5700 hrs., New hot section w/New blades-0 time, Fresh annual completed 2/23, Starter overhaul completed 720 hrs. ago, Prop overhaul completed 720 hrs. ago, new landing gears at 3400 hrs.

TT, Fuel control at 4320 hrs.

High-pressure fuel pump at 4500 hrs., SATLOC w/Flow Control, Hyd. Gate box w/Big spreader & cart, Nite lights, Reabe fuel, Hatfield fuel load system, Mostly owner flown & bought new, one owner. Hangared all its life.

Plane detail scheduled for Feb. Price

Reduced! Call Dow Croom at 573-225-8019

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

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/

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, one year on New Agrinautics Fan & Brake, Garmin SL40 Com, Garmin GMA345 audio panel, Lemo, Helicopter & GA audio plugs, Dyna Nav GPS with Flow Control. $425K Good Clean Northern Airplane! Rodney 701-367-5243

2000 AT-802A-0107, N91357, Extensive annual Completed May 2023. Hangared & meticulously maintained. ENG: PWC

PT6A-65AR Static Engine Test

Results In Files. PROP: Hartzell

HC-85MP-3F, T.S.Iran 905., Fresh Eddy Current Spar Inspection, All AD/ SB completed. Wingmen System, TEC Fast Start, Smoker, Hershey Windshield, Kawak Throttle, Single Point Fuel, 10” Hydraulic Gate, Spare main wheel hub, tail wheel, fast start, spray system parts. Message for full digital logs and more pics. 912-596-5687

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

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

2011 T34 510 Thrush, 4250 TTSNE & AF, G4 IntelliFlow, VG’s, well equipped. $590K Call Chris at 520-251-1577

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

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

1982 Piper Super Cub. Lowest time Piper built Cub on the planet, 650 hours TTSN, 0 SMOH, Stits Fabric, beautiful paint, Com Radio, L3 Lynx transponder with ADSB in-out with touchscreen weather, traffic. $155,000 Call Sun Valley Aviation at 956-421-4545

1974 Rockwell International S-2R Thrush, Walter M601-E11 TS: 742 TT: 2287 TTO: 43 TC: 1685

FC: 2207 PropTT: 4935.9 Spar AD: 2421.3 hrs Left. A/C, Single point fuel, VGs, Fabric tail, SATLOC M3 w/Flow control. The Prop has just balanced & has clean airframe. Annual 6/22. $200K Call Chuck at 701-928-0615

Get Serious About Selling

Classifieds Starting at $19.99 Phone / Fax: 478-987-2250.

1994 Garrett -6 510

Thrush, TTAF 11,437.6, TTESN 15,836, TTSCAM

1974.9, TTSMOGB&HS

1081.7(SEE PIC), Wings have 55 hrs. left on (CKAG41) Will sell as is for $225,000 or I have a set of wings ready to swap with the Avenger stainless steel 40K hr. life wings with only 3300 hours on them leaving 36,000 hours of wing life and no wing AD’s installed for $375,000 Call JERRY FOR MORE INFORMATION!

334-898-7772

1996 Ayres Corporation

S2R-G6, S/N G6-144

N2239V, TT: 6314.6, TTE: 11,990, HSI: 2153, Prop TT: 2332, Factory Spars installed at TT: 5,202, Options include: SATLOC

G4/IntelliFlow, Smoker, AC and heater, VG.s, Winglets, Right boom shut-off, King 96 Comm, Hatfield SPF, Cool Start, SS Booms, CP-11 nozzles, AFS check valves, Agrinautics pump w/ electric brake, Shadin fuel flow, Landing light, Hopper rinse tank, Nav lights with strobes and four new batteries. Aircraft will need an annual inspection. $432K North Star Aviation is the First Lift Aviation Dealer. Call North Star Aviation today at 620-356-4528.

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

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

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

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

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. $160K Call John Lott at Souther Field Aviation at 229-924-2813

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

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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 701-489-3558

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

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Aircraft - Weatherly

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Aircraft - Other

B1-A Callair

Manufacturing Rights. Available now is the type certificate, drawings, jigs, tooling, aircraft parts, and property associated with this 300 gal Pratt and Whitney 985 powered sprayer. Start your own aircraft company or expand your line. Call for details. Airplane Services Inc. 850-6751252, 850-380-7268, 850-3806091.

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 903-4296805

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

R-985 & R-1340 Complete OHC Cylinder Assemblies OHC in stock, all with new pistons installed and all gaskets and seals to install. We also stock new and overhauled magnetos, OHC carbs, starters fuel pumps, etc. Top overhaul tool kits $250 each. Call Sun Air Parts 661-257-7708, Fax 661257-7710 or email info@sunairparts. com

Engine - Turbine

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

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Aircraft - Helicopters

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P&W PT6A-65AG, 11,072.6 TT, 1,006.3 hrs SMOH by Prime Turbines, 1.6 hrs since 300 hr inspection. 5/5/2023 R.T. Turbines, Inc. performed engine split at “C” flange for inspection, visual hot section inspection, all components found to be in serviceable condition. Remated and tested engine. All work performed I/A/W current. $495,000 Call 662-292-7541 or 662-363-1461

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

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

R44 Helipod Spray System. Complete minus pump/motor which can be obtained for the sale if requested. More photos available upon request. Delivery negotiable.

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

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

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

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

Equipment - Nozzles

New 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 without warranty spray equipment for all Air Tractor models, including pumps, booms, and nozzles. Call for pricing and availability. 817456-5450

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 Spreader Thrush and M18 Dromader 41” 8 vanes, Bought brand new, like new condition, used once seeded 100ac clover, no fertilizer. $6000 306-786-3345

Transland Spreader, 25” Slimline in fair condition. $750 Pierre Smith Call 478-494-3757, Louisville, GA 30434

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

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

Transland 10 Vane Spreader for a 602 or 802, #23537. $8,000 Call Brent at 662-719-7519

PRATT & WHITNEY ENGINES

Complete stock of parts, tools and accessories

0-TIME ENGINES IN STOCK

R985/R1340, R1340 GEARED COVINGTON. AERO RECIP & TULSA

R1830-92, -94, -75 R-2000-7M2 • R2800 VINTAGE & ANDERSON

WE BUY PARTS, INVENTORIES, AND USED ENGINES

R985/R1340 TOP OH TOOL KITS $250.00

TIME RITE KITS

R985 NO BLOW GASKETS

ENGINE MOUNTS

TEMPEST SPARK PLUGS

CHAMPION SPARK PLUGS NEW R1340 CAMS, CYLINDERS

NEW/OH MAGNETOS CARBS

STARTERS • GOVERNORS MANUALS • PARTS BOOKS

FUEL PUMPS

COMPLETE OHC

CYLINDER ASSEMBLIES

R985/R1340/R1830/R2800

PH 661-257-7708 • FAX 661-257-7710

CALL FOR BEST OUTRIGHT PRICES

26007 HUNTINGTON LANE · VALENCIA, CA 91355 INFO@SUNAIRPARTS.COM

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, $13,000; Lane Aviation 281-342-5451 or FAX 281-232-5401

Equipment - Support

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

Help Wanted

R44- Looking for an experienced R44 Ag pilot for the Midwest this season that can move into turbine rotor in the future. Also seeking experienced fixed-wing turbine pilots. SATLOC GPS would be helpful. Please provide your resume and references and email them to R44AGFlyer@gmail.com. Pay is determined by the applicant’s experience.

Looking for an operator to help this July with corn run in WI and IL. Please email us at diggerdougsservices@gmail.com.

Cessna 188 pilot needed in WI and IL for the upcoming 2023 corn run and beyond for our family-owned operation. Please email us at diggerdougsservices@gmail.com.

Experienced 802/502 Pilot Needed. Aerial Crop Protection, located in Palm Beach County, Florida, has a full-time year-round pilot position open. We are looking for a full-time permanent pilot that is willing to relocate to South Florida on a permanent basis for yearround employment. We have steady work 12 months out of the year and would also be receptive to sending an 802 out on the corn run with our pilot. Serious inquiries only. If you are not interested in relocating on a permanent basis, please do not respond. We are not looking for a temporary pilot!!! Must be experienced in 802 and 502. Please send résumé and contact info to bart@ aerialcropprotection.com.

Looking for a few good pilots to fly 400-turbine Air Tractors. Willing to help with the turbine transition for the corn run. Perfect opportunity for a piston pilot. Call or text Craig at 815-4994704.

Three 802 Seats Available - Open 802 seat for Illinois corn run. Open 802 pilot seat for Arkansas rice fertilizer run, mainly the month of June. Immediate opening for an 802 timber fertilizer seat open immediately. Contact Al Patrick at 870-510-6882

TracMap, Aviation Business Development Manager – Canada.

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 North America, TracMap is hiring a new Aviation Business Development Manager for the region of Canada. For details go to http:// classifieds.agairupdate.com/details. php?id=4027. 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 turbine-powered airplanes. A commercial pilot certificate with high performance and tail wheel endorsements is required. Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen. Candidates must have the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Desirable skills include Air Tractor approved flight instructor, CFI, experience interfacing with FAA, A&P license, and chemical applicator license. Must be able to work with people well. This is a hands-on pilot job that includes performing various hands-on activities with tools in hand. Duties: Moving airplanes on the ground, initial setup, and rigging of the airplane, making the first flight on planes, and completing the production test flight according to published procedures. correcting discrepancies, coordinating with production planning, sales, production leads, and quality to help synchronize flight test schedules. For more information, email: valperez@ airtractor.com

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

TracMap, Aviation Sales Manager –South Central United StatesTracMap is a GPS-guided proof of application and job management system for the agriculture sector that gives aviation applicators certainty. TracMap allows them to easily orchestrate the work done and to have certainty that jobs have been completed accurately. The system provides guidance and realtime tracking and automatically stores detailed data, which they can refer to any time to prove compliance and drive efficiency and productivity gains. Due to continued growth in the United States, TracMap is hiring a new Regional Aviation Sales Manager for the Southern Central United States region. For details go to http://classifieds.agairupdate. com/details.php?id=3994. To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to recruitment@tracmap.com

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

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

Looking for an experienced pilot in Farmington, New Mexico. The season is from April through September. Herbicide experience is required. All the spraying is on pivots, in that area. Acres range from 70,000 to 80,000 per year. The work is generally scheduled. I will be flying a well-set-up 402 with a -34. Call Greg 605-350-4536 or Wade 605350-4127.

VDCI is seeking aerial pesticide pilots to fill the roll of a full-time Pesticide Applicator. The current vacancy is located in the Monroe, LA area.

To be considered for this position, you must live in or be willing to relocate for the duration of the spray season (typically April- November).

Housing and accommodations can be provided if necessary. Pesticide Licensing will be required for various states in the South East region of the United States. For more information, please see the following job posting. https://careers-rentokil.icims.com/ jobs/35638/aerial-pilot/job?mobile= false&width=920&height=500&bga =true&needsRedirect=false&jan1offs et=-420&jun1offset=-360

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

North Dakota aviation operation looking for an Experienced pilot/ manager to co-manage FBO, Airport, and Aerial spraying operation. 802 and Turbine Thrush. Season runs midJune through September. Potential opportunity to partner/purchase operation in the near future. Start putting your time and efforts into your building your own operation!! FBO and Airport management provide steady income streams to help make it through the slow seasons. Email resume and references to Luke at luke@ltenterprisesnd.com

Versaair is currently seeking a Class A CDL driver. We are willing to negotiate pay dependent on experience. Opportunity for management advancement. Sign on bones and pay can be negotiated. Family run great work environment. If interested please contact Josh Boswell.email: jboswell@versaaire. com Phone: (316)882-1540

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Want to make an impact on the future of aviation? Join our team of instructors & maintainers! Hiring those who have a passion for flying - both in the air and on the ground. Please see our website to apply! https://www.agflight.com/join-ourteam 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.

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

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 228860-2375 to discuss the seat. https:// www.bandsairinc.com/

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

Mix Truck Driver/Helicopter LoaderPLEASE CONTACT CHASE GIBSON DIRECTLY at 228-860-2375 or email resume to chase@bsairinc. com QUALIFICATIONS: Class A or B CDL required with tanker and hazmat endorsements. Experience in related field is helpful; clean driving record, must pass regular drug and alcohol screenings; must be willing to travel and work outside in the elements, and some heavy lifting may be required. Immediate permanent relocation is not necessary. JOB DESCRIPTION: Our company provides silvicultural services for many types of customers throughout the US South and Midwest. This job offers workers a chance to travel and interact with many different types of leaders in the forestry industry. This is a great opportunity to advance with our company or to meet other persons in the industry that may help to further your career. This job will require you to be on the road from March-end of October with off time November-February. Our helicopter crews often work long hours and 7 day work weeks. Duties include: Driving mix truck from one spray location to the next with the help of the crew leader for navigation and filling the helicopter with chemicals. Necessary training will be provided to complete these tasks. Stays at hotel required while working out of town or at company owned apartment when working near our office. Ideal candidate will be willing to work hard with a positive attitude, work long hours and work as a team to help make the crew productive.

Well established company in Ohio looking for a long-term experienced AT402 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

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

LIFT Aviation – Sales / Marketing Assistant Job Opportunity. Lift Aviation is looking for a motivated person to assist with brand marketing and sales initiatives in conjunction with tradeshows, brand building, and sales generation. Previous experience in marketing/sales is preferred. This position requires an excellent work ethic. Candidate will aid in sales, marketing, and tradeshow initiatives. Overall objective – assist in all facets of sales/marketing. For details go to http://classifieds.agairupdate.com/ details.php?id=3641 Email resume and references to Todd Lentz at todd@ liftaviationusa.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 7080K if qualified. Must supply a resume and three references. Send resume and references to blindads@agairupdate. com, Subject: ID#2234

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

Multi aircraft operation looking for an 802 pilot for Midwest corn/soybean season of July and August. The majority of the work will take place in a 5-6 week period. Good stable customer base with consistent work year to year. Excellent earning potential. Email blindads@agairupdate.com Subject: ID#4086, and please include all pertinent information in your inquiry.

AT-802 seat available immediately. MS Delta Region. Please email your resume and references or a list of times and qualifications to blindads@agairupdate. com Subject: ID#4085

Miscellaneous

Clearing Out The Hangar! Package Deal - No Part Out, 2R1340 P&W Norm runout, 1-1340- One blown cylinder, 2R985- P&W Norm runout, Several EX stacks R-985 & 1340, Props 2D30--AG 100 blades, 12D40- 12 blades, Carbonators, Starters, Generators, Alternators, Pumps, Booms, Nozzles, Strainers, Etc., 4 Wing 20” Extension-ready to go, Special Tools—Too many to list, 3G164A Ag Cats, 1 wreckedrepairable, 2 more that have been just sitting, 4 B Model Wings ES burned— repairable. Lots more - Too much to list! SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY! Call 843-454-6206

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

AV-KOR1 Helmets Available Now!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Operations For Sale or Wanted

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

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

Subject: ID#3972

Established aerial application business for sale, operating in NW part of US. This modern, clean facility includes a single hangar 50 x 64 with Schweiss bi-fold door, a good cement pad, with loading bay. Fully insulated and heated office, apartment, bedroom with bath. The season runs from April to September and the operation services a diversified crop mix of dry land, irrigated, and pasture. This operation is well established with great customers and customer base. The operation is run from a paved municipal airport with an excellent opportunity for 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

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

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

LA-K-009 Leaf Spring Conversion Kit

PA25 - CTS 1109.21 - Speed increase, large service life, and minimum maintenance. Kit includes spring, brackets, installation hardware, and certs. Made by Lavia SA, manufacturer of the PA-25 Puelche. Contact Guillermo at aravia@aravia.com.ar call +54-3462463488 or go to our website www. laviasa.com

AT-502 sheet metal. Some new, some used, all airworthy. Mostly fwd. lower fuselage. $500 for all OBO. Will box and ship for materials and labor. Call 530345-9919

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

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, 870-7591692 Cell, frank.kelley@ag-cat.com

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. 785899-2294 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 616-8379428

Parts - Engine

Cleaning Hangar Out - 502 Engine Mount & Air Box $3,500 Call 210-844-4074

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

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

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 940-6871100 or email sales@translandllc. com for more information.

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

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

Complete stock of all P&W R-985 & R-1340 engine parts. Also P&W tools, Top OH tool kits, Time Rite kits, engine mounts, Champion & Tempest spark plugs, parts books, OH and maintenance manuals, Mags, carbs, starters, fuel pumps boost pumps. Also, R-1830, R-200, R-2800 engines and parts. Call Sun Air Parts 661-257-7708, Fax 661-257-7710 or email info@sunairparts.com

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

Get Serious About Selling

Classifieds Starting at $19.99 Phone / Fax: 478-987-2250.

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

2013 AT-502B Firewall forward parts: Engine mount, cowling and Ram Air filter system. All parts with less than 1400 hours total time. Very clean and well maintained AT-502B. Call Cascade Aircraft Conversions for more details 1-509-635-1212

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

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

Position Wanted

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

Experienced Tail Wheel. Most of my time has been in Turbine and Radial Ag Aircraft. Currently flying corporate and have a flexible schedule.Have a clean and safe record. Looking for ferry or contract flying opportunities. Located in Salt Lake City. Call Ty at 801-232-5777

Propellers

Propeller H/S Ag 100 12D-40 hub. It hasn’t been used since IRAN was done in Aug. 2021. This was my spare prop, and I no longer own the airplane. $12,000 254-597-2406 or 254-749-0224

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

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

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

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

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

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

QUALITY Propellers For Sale

33D50-6601A18 OHC........$31,500

23D40-6601A18 OHO........$29,500

22D40-6533A12 OHO........$26,500

12D40-AG100-4S 375SOH...$21,000

12D40-AG100-2 828-SOH....$19,000

HC-B3TN-5M 106” OHC......$27,500 AmAg, 870-886-2418/2489F frank. kelley@ag-cat.com

Seat Wanted

Mature and teachable Ag Pilot, seeking to learn from other professionals. Either as an Ag Pilot or a ground crewman. Extensive farm and aviation maintenance background. Four seasons loading and Ag pilot experience. Flight time is as follows, 1240 TT, 645 Ag, 40 Turbine. Please email AgAir41@ outlook.com Thank You

I’m an experienced turbine helicopter pilot 6000+ hrs with a background in ag, ems and offshore flying looking for a new opportunity. Current Bell206L and 407. Early in my career, I worked as a truck driver loader and later transitioned to flying rice pollination for several years. I am hardworking and I take pride in delivering high-quality results and working well with others. If you’re in need of a reliable and hardworking pilot with a good safety record and a strong work ethic, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can call or text me at 901586-7322 or email Stbrown77@gmail. com. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you. Steve

Experienced ag pilot 40 plus years and a 2020 AT-802 available for subcontracting from May 1st to approximately July 1st. Licensed in TX, Ok, KS, SD, ND, MN, and WY. Contact Scott Schertz at 309-530-7535 or email robertsschertz@gmail.com

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

AK Bush Pilot Looking for AG Pilot Slot - 25 yrs AK bush. Central America Missionary pilot. 7500 TT, 1250 DHC3, 250 DHC3T. Train me so I can spray for you. See resume for details or email Will at whframingconsultant2@gmail.com

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

Turbine ag Pilot looking for a longterm seat. I am a productive 602 pilot with a good track record. I have been flying ag for 16 years with no drift claims or accidents. I have herbicide and rice experience. I have been licensed in Missouri, Iowa, Tennessee, Florida, South Dakota, California, and Michigan. I am a hard worker that takes pride in doing a good job. I am a team player that works well with others. I’m looking for a smooth and well-run operation where I am able to be as productive as possible. Call or text 941-7371609

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

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

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 318-3766993 Photo added for area of interest including Mississippi. Other areas will be entertained. Thanks for interest

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

Service

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

Training

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)256-9774.

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

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:870-6973568 185 Hwy. 42 West, Hickory Ridge, AR

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

Advertising Index

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

Get Serious About Selling

Classifieds Starting at $19.99 Phone / Fax: 478-987-2250.

Wanted to Buy

We are looking for an AG NAV system for a training aircraft. Please email me at sunsteairparts@gmail.com

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

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

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

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

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