From the Cockpit | Bill Lavender

FROM THE COCKPIT

Bill Lavender bill@agairupdate.com

Has Spring Arrived?

During the last week of February, there have been daytime temperatures in the 80s. The forecast for next week is daytime temperatures in the 70s.

I suppose that is a silly question, “Has spring arrived?” It all depends where you are flying this year. It sure seems like it here in Georgia, albeit several weeks early. During the last week of February, there have been daytime temperatures in the 80s. The forecast for next week is daytime temperatures in the 70s. I’m sure there will be days coming in March that will be much cooler, but I think winter is about over in the South, and I’m glad.

This early warm weather (in the South, unlike the freezing in the North) brings on new challenges. Burn down flying with glyphosate will be in full swing beginning the first week of March for many areas. I have spoken with a few operators expecting a good burn down run.

All together, operators told me at the Ag Aviation Expo in Savannah they had a good year and are expecting another one in 2022. This is evident with airplane sales that are pretty much booked for the near term; that’s a good thing and a positive reflection on the industry's health.

Referencing the NAAA convention, Graham and I could only make three state trade shows in January and February. We were able to attend Louisiana, Mississippi and the SEAF. We were scheduled for several more, but due to family covid-related illnesses (somehow I missed having covid) and bad weather, we could not attend. We’ll take another shot at it next trade show season. As you in the northern hemisphere prepare for another season and those in the southern hemisphere start to wind down from hopefully a great season, it does not hurt to pass on some firsthand experience in the form of advice. Taking it for what it is worth, do not skimp on your health. Ag pilots, in particular, are very health-dependent in performing their jobs. Not only do you have to pass a medical at least every two years, you surely need to maintain your health for safety’s sake.

Not-so-good health consequences have a way of sneaking up on a person. Oddly enough, you may think you are in good health and not be. In that case, there’s not much you can do about it since you are already taking healthy measures. However, those of you eating bad foods, carrying too much weight, stressed to the max (although that comes with the job), and generally living a negative lifestyle should seriously consider that situation. When your health fails you, that pretty much puts you out of a flying job. Not many of us can survive financially without an income. And that is not taking into consideration surviving, period!

Until next month, Keep Turning…