EPA Implements Final Pesticide NPDES General Permit

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) posted on its website its final Pesticide NPDES General Permit (PGP) Monday, Oct. 31, consistent with the 6th Circuit Court’s deadline. NAAA has developed a comprehensive overview of the permit detailing the impacts of the new permit on aerial applicators. The Association has also developed a number of documents bulleted below to aid aerial applicators in complying with the permits.

NAAA Releases 2012 Aerial Application Survey

Eight years after NAAA conducted its last survey a new view of the industry has emerged thanks to two landmark new surveys of Part 137 operators and pilots conducting agricultural operations. The results are documented in the 2012 NAAA Aerial Application Industry Surveys of operators and pilots, which are available exclusively to NAAA members. The survey of non-operator ag pilots is the first of its kind. Taken together, the 2012 operator and pilot surveys paint the most comprehensive portrait of the aerial application industry ever.

NAAA Announces New Membership Dues Structure

The National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) has increased its membership dues for the first time since 2008. The new rates take effect July 1, 2012, when NAAA’s new fiscal year begins. The Board of Directors met in Alexandria, Va., Feb. 10‒11 for NAAA’s Spring Board Meeting and voted to increase dues in all categories by approximately 10%. Anyone who has not joined for 2012 can join at the current rates until June 30. All members will be assessed at the new dues rates when renewing for a 2012 membership after June 30 or for the 2013 membership year. 

NAAA 2012 Hotel Registration Information

NAAA is heading back to Savannah, Ga., for its 46th Annual Convention & Exposition! Although the 2012 Convention is several months away, it’s never  too early to book your stay in Savannah. Room blocks are now open at NAAA’s three main hotels: the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa, located on the convention center side of the Savannah River, and the Hyatt Regency Savannah and Marriott Savannah Riverfront, located city side where Savannah’s shops, restaurants and attractions are. If you have a hotel preference, we strongly suggest reserving your room(s) early. NAAA’s host hotels sold out quickly in 2010. A dedicated website has been set up to book your stay at any of NAAA’s hotels.

BASF Continues Support of Operation S.A.F.E.

NAAA is pleased to announce that BASF has renewed its commitment to offer financial incentives to NAAA members who participate in Operation S.A.F.E. Fly-in clinics in 2012. Aerial application operators can earn a $225 incentive to be used to help subsidize either 2012 NAAA operator membership dues or up to $225 of the cost of purchasing new nozzles and/or tips for each aircraft that they pattern test at an Operation S.A.F.E. Fly-In clinic. Participating pilots may be eligible to receive a $170 rebate that would reimburse many pilots for the full cost of their NAAA membership dues.

Mark Hartz of Almyra, Ark., Elected 2012 NAAA President

The National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) is pleased to announce that Mark Hartz of Almyra, Ark., has been elected President of NAAA for 2012. Hartz is the co-owner of Grand Prairie Dusters Inc., a two-airplane operation that has been in business for 23 years. Serving with Hartz on the 2012 NAAA officer team are Vice President Leif Isaacson of Terreton, Idaho, Secretary Gaylon Stamps of Panhandle, Texas, and Treasurer Kyle Scott of Fort Morgan, Colo.

FAA Releases Guidance on Marking MET Towers

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released the long-awaited guidance for marking MET towers less than 200 feet above ground level (AGL) in remote and rural areas. NAAA is very pleased to report that the comments provided by members and the Association have yielded guidance favorable to agricultural aviation. The FAA agrees that marking these structures would enhance the conspicuity of these METs, particularly for low-level agricultural operations.”

Let's Be Fair About Sharing The Air

The airspace aerial applicators work in is becoming increasingly obstructed by transmission lines, wind turbines and hard-to-see meteorological testing towers. That concerns the aerial application industry, not just in terms of safety, but also in terms of accessing farmers’ fields to treat their crops. In response, NAAA has launched a public outreach campaign to raise awareness about the worrisome effects of wind energy development on agriculture and aviation.

Wall Street Journal Examines Booming Aerial Application Business

For a small industry, aerial applicators landed some mighty big press. On Aug. 14, 2009, a front-page article in The Wall Street Journal examined the need for aerial application under the headline, “Flying Low is Flying High as Demand for Crop-Dusters Soars.” The article conveyed not only the need for new ag pilots but the skill it takes to become one.

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