2009-2010 PAASS Information

This year's PAASS program begins with the Ag Airfield Watch security module. With the able assistance of an FBI intelligence analyst whose focus is civil aviation security, the program will lead attendees through the sequence of events set into motion when an agricultural aircraft is reported as missing and possibly stolen. The importance of proper notification to local law enforcement and to the government will be stressed. If you are witness to a suspicious aviation occurrence call the TSA’s Transportation Security Operations Center (TSOC) hotline at 1-866-GA SECURE (866-427-3287). Trained personnel at this number will notify the proper agencies and the proper actions will be taken.

This season’s PAASS aviation safety curriculum will investigate the importance of proper equipment maintenance, whether it is for the aircraft, engine, spray system or ground handling equipment. The program production began with video taping interviews at the 2008 NAAA National Convention in Las Vegas last December. Various manufactures, service centers, retailers and operators were asked to share their thoughts on maintenance problems that they see regularly with equipment they service.

The Spray Drift Mitigation module is titled, “Equipment Setup & Use for Precision Agriculture". The field of agricultural application is becoming increasingly complex. New equipment and methods of application are being developed all the time. This season’s PAASS curriculum helps applicators understand the principles of constant and variable rate application equipment. With a better understanding of thier benefits, participants will be able to determine if either or both fit into their operations’ services.

We’ll also go over GPS technology in a step-by-step manner in this module. Using GPS technology correctly is essential to the precision application of liquid and dry materials. Our presenters will explain precision mapping, illustrate the equipment used for both liquid and dry precision application, and explain how the pieces of equipment all function together. A consideration as to pressure and droplet characteristics created during the changing parameters of variable rate application will also be discussed, as will a thorough understanding of flow controllers’ use even when it is used to provide a constant rate of application through the field and not for variable rate application.

The Hangar Ag Flying module will include an analysis of ag accidents that happened during the 2009 spray year so that we can learn from our peers and improve our safety. A glimpse into the problem caused by use of poor ethics in the daily operation of some ag operations will be introduced for thought in preparation for next year's program. Suggestions will be made to help with the recognition and correction of this problem.

Ag accident analysis indicates that certain loss-of-control accidents continue to happen year after year. This year’s PAASS Program will also present a short preview of the upcoming 2010-2011 module on this subject of stall/spin accidents as illustrated by the “Turn Smart” PAASS video, featuring Wayne Handley, a well-known aerobatic pilot and former ag operator.

There is sure to be something of interest for each attendee at the 2009-2010 PAASS programs. Be sure to mark your calendar and attend at least one of these presentations.

Copyright © 2009 N.A.A.R.E.F. - All Rights Reserved