NAAA's 43rd Annual Convention & Exposition
Dec. 7 - 10, 2009
Reno, Nevada

You don't want to miss NAAA’s 2009 Convention & Exposition. Whether you are a newcomer to the industry or have been attending for years, you need to get to Reno, Nev., for NAAA’s 43rd annual convention Dec. 7–10. The four-day event is loaded with events and exhibitors designed to help your aerial application business and you as an ag pilot.

Between the educational sessions, networking opportunities and exposure to the latest products, research and technological advancements in aerial application, this is a golden opportunity you won’t want to miss.

Captain Dennis Fitch to Address Kickoff Breakfast
NAAA’s 43rd convention promises to get off to a stirring start at its Kickoff Breakfast Dec. 7 when Captain Dennis Fitch Sr. recounts the harrowing ordeal of United Flight 232, which crashed in Sioux City, Iowa, 20 years ago.

The DC-10 instructor pilot was a passenger aboard United Flight 232 on July 19, 1989, when one of the plane’s engines failed, destroying all three of the DC-10’s hydraulic systems. At the flight crew’s request, Fitch took over the controls as they prepared for an emergency landing. The plane broke up on impact, killing more than 100 passengers. However, the death toll would have been even higher had it not been for Fitch. Due to his heroism and the skill of the United crew, 175 passengers and 10 crewmembers survived.

Captain Fitch received a commendation from President George H.W. Bush and a Senate resolution “for his outstanding effort, poise and courage in assisting the crew in attempting a difficult emergency landing” of United Flight 232. Aerial applicators should take away several lessons from Captain Fitch’s experience. You don’t want to miss his inspiring account.

General Session Speakers Tackle Important Issues
As current operators retire, everyone recognizes that a major concern for the aerial application industry is helping new pilots enter the industry and eventually become successful aerial applicators. That’s one of the main reasons why NAAA chose the theme “Cultivating our Future” for the 2009 Convention.

The General Session on Dec. 8 will address problems facing pilots in our industry. The NAAA Insurance Committee has put together a panel to facilitate this discussion from the viewpoints of a new pilot, the operator trying to hire a new pilot and of the insurer. Every aerial applicator should have an interest in this discussion. The aerial application industry needs solutions that will help guarantee a strong future for everyone. Attend NAAA’s General Session to weigh in with your input on this important issue.

An official with EPA's Office of Water has been invited to speak as well. NAAA asked this speaker to discuss the recent decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals, 6th Circuit, and EPA’s involvement in writing a new rule requiring permits for pesticide applications made over or near water. This is one of the most important issues facing agriculture today. A costly and cumbersome system requiring water permits for applications would be detrimental to agriculture. This section of the General Session will focus on EPA’s policy direction and allow our industry to comment to the Agency directly about this direction.

In addition to the General Session, concurrent sessions in a variety of areas will be held each day throughout the convention.

Book Today at NAAA’s Headquarters Hotel
Want to make the most of your time in Reno? Then stay where the action is¬—at the Silver Legacy Resort & Casino. NAAA’s headquarters hotel is the place to see and be seen if you work in the aerial application industry. NAAA and the Silver Legacy have enjoyed a longstanding relationship, so the decision to team up again was easy.

Between its prime location, luxurious rooms, fabulous amenities and enough entertainment options to keep you partying well into the night, the Silver Legacy really does have it all. Guests of NAAA will receive a special welcome package when they arrive. The room rate is $79 per night, but don’t delay. NAAA’s room block is going fast!

To reserve your room, call 1-800-687-8733 or book online at www.silverlegacyreno.com. Use the group code NAAA9 to obtain NAAA’s special group rate.

Make the Most of Your Time in Reno
Click here to explore the dining, shopping and nightlife you'll be able to enjoy during your stay in Reno. Be sure to check out these special coupons and offers while you're at it.

Ag Flight School
Are you a new pilot or feel like you have more to learn about the industry?
Then NAAA’s convention is for you! There are educational sessions to attend, networking events to introduce you to people in the industry and you can earn possible CEUs at several of the sessions. Participate in the session titled Compaass Rose, which is designed to provide professional support and direction for ag pilots who want to learn more about the industry or other aerial application opportunities, such as aerial firefighting.

If you want to know more about aerial application and how it relates to production agriculture; if you wish you had more flying hours; if you want to know more about technologies, such as GPS, Compaass Rose is for you.

Exhibit Space Going Fast
Every company involved in the aerial application industry should consider exhibiting at the NAAA Convention. The NAAA Trade Show gives you 12 “dedicated” hours to interact directly with convention attendees. It’s your opportunity to do business with hundreds of operators and aerial application pilots. Attendees come looking for cutting-edge technology, as well as great products and services for their businesses. Take advantage of this opportunity and showcase your products and services!

If you are interested in exhibiting, contact NAAA as soon as possible. Premium booth spaces go quickly! Contact Peggy Knizner at 202-546-5722 or piknizner@agaviation.org.

Current Convention Exhibitors
Click here for the most up-to-date list of exhibitors.

Sponsorship Opportunities Available
To each of the companies sponsoring an event at the 2009 Convention & Expo, NAAA thanks you.

Platinum Sponsors ($20,000+)
BASF Covnetion Shuttle Service & Kickoff Breakfast

Diamond Sponsors ($10,000+)
Syngenta Auction Reception
Bayer Crop Science Attendee Breakfast Bags and Email Kiosks at Convention Center

Gold Sponsors ($5,000)
Air Tractor Inc. Convention Program Guide
DuPont Crop Protection Farewell Banquet

Silver Sponsors ($2,500)
FMC Attendee Lounge

Bronze Sponsors ($1,000)
Ag-Nav Inc. Lobby Signage
Tulsa Aircraft Engines NAAA Museum Booth

Click here to see a listing of sponsorship opportunities that are still available. The earlier you sponsor, the more advertising you’ll receive! Get your company’s name and logo in front of the attendees’ eyes on signs, banners and in convention materials. Sponsorships are listed in the Convention Program Guide, Jan./Feb. 2010 Agricultural Aviation and on NAAA’s website. For more information, please call the NAAA office at 202-546-5722.

Donations Needed for Live and Silent Auctions
NAAA and WNAAA are holding live and silent auctions at the convention. Support the aerial application industry by donating an item to either or both of these auctions. The live auction and a reception take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Dec. 8. The silent auction ends at 3 p.m. Dec. 9. To donate an item, contact NAAA at 202-546-5722 or information@agaviation.org.

Sampling of Available Auction Items
Ag-Nav Inc. - Two $500 Gift Certificates
Pratt & Whitney Canada - $20,000 Certificate
Thrush Aircraft - Thrush Aircraft Leather Jacket
NAAA Museum Committee - Harold Miller Trophy

NAAA's 2009 Awards
One of the highlights of every convention is NAAA’s awards ceremony. The NAAA Awards Committee is accepting nominations for the 2009 NAAA Awards now. There are 10 categories. If there’s someone you’d like to single out for praise and positive recognition, please inform the Awards Committee. Nominees don’t have to be known nationwide; they can be an outstanding individual in your area.

Nominating a colleague or business is easier than ever now that the Awards Committee no longer requires three letters of recommendation with each nomination. Nominees must be NAAA members (contact NAAA if you are unsure of someone’s membership status).

To make a nomination or view past winners, check out the awards page of NAAA’s website at www.agaviation.org/awards.htm. Fax or email completed entries to NAAA at 202-546-5726 (fax) or information@agaviation.org. NAAA will announce the winners at the Farewell Banquet on Dec. 10.

NAAA Award Categories:

Agrinaut Award: Honors the agricultural aircraft operator or operating organization that has made an outstanding contribution in the field of ag aircraft operations. The recipient for the award must be or have been actively engaged in commercial agricultural application with an agricultural aircraft and the achievement cited should be a “state of the art” contribution for the benefit of the agricultural aircraft industry as a whole. Click here to read more about the awards and download a nomination form!

Allied Industry Individual Award: Recognizes the NAAA members or staff and/or an allied industry individual who has significantly contributed to the allied industry and their exhibit efforts.

Delta Air Lines “Puffer” Award: Recognizes the individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the design of agricultural aircraft and/or related equipment.

John Robert Horne Memorial Award: Honors a pilot with five years or less experience in the agricultural aviation industry that has an exemplary safety record and/or has contributed to safety in ag aviation.

Larsen-Miller Community Service Award: Recognizes outstanding contributions by a member to his community.

Most Active Woman Award: Recognizes an outstanding contribution by a woman who is active in the affairs of the industry or the association.

Opal & Bill Binnion Memorial Award: Acknowledges those who contribute to the WNAAA in their efforts to educate the public about aerial application.

Outstanding Service Award: Awards outstanding service to the commercial agricultural aviation industry or to its association.

Related Industry Award: Recognizes outstanding contributions by an allied industry member and his company.

William O. Marsh Safety Award: Recognizes significant achievements in safety, safety education or an outstanding operational safety program.