NAAREF was formed in 1982, as a non-profit organization to promote and foster research, technology transfer and advanced education among aerial applicators, allied industries, government agencies and academic institutions.

NAAREF is totally supported by charitable donations from individuals and companies wishing to invest in the future of agricultural aviation. In addition, NAAREF seeks grants from government agencies and private foundations on behalf of the aerial application industry’s educational efforts. NAAREF Board of Directors

In 1996, NAAREF instituted the Professional Aerial Applicators Support System (PAASS). PAASS is a program that educates pilots on key safety and drift minimization issues important to flying, modern agriculture and crop protection.

In 2002, NAAREF introduced the Compaass Rose series of round table discussions designed to provide professional support and direction to new-to-the-industry agricultural aviation pilots. The goal is for the participants to enhance their own knowledge, continue to gain agricultural aviation experience, and improve their individual professionalism.

Organizational Structure

The NAAREF Board of Directors sponsors education and training programs, research projects, and symposiums to meet today’s agricultural aviation professional’s continuing educational needs. PAASS, established in 1996, is designed to improve understanding of the ‘human factors’ role in critical Agricultural Aviation Decision-Making skills. The primary PAASS Program goals are to reduce the number of aviation accidents and drift incidents associated with the aerial application of fertilizers and crop protection products.

NAAREF determines PAASS program policy, establishes direction, coordinates activities among committees, appoints all committee members and chairs, develops budgets and recommends fund-raising goals. NAAREF retains primary fiduciary responsibility and is updated on PAASS program progress at each of its board meetings and by periodic correspondence from Committee Chairs and NAAA Staff. NAAREF, formed in 1982 as a non-profit organization funded entirely by donation, is composed of six aerial applicators and three allied industry representatives. The NAAA Board of Directors appoints NAAREF Board members.

The PAASS Program Development Committee, in accordance with NAAREF policy and direction, sets program priorities, develops and recommends program topics to NAAREF and develops program content; members serve as subject matter experts during contracted program development. The Committee is composed of approximately equal numbers of operators/pilots and government/industry representatives. A Technical Advisory Panel augments the Committee.

The PAASS Capital Campaign Committee is composed of NAAA members appointed by the NAAREF President. The Capital Campaign Committee’s purpose is to ensure the financial viability of the PAASS Program. It does this by developing and pursuing various funding campaigns throughout the life of the program.

PAASS Presenters are the face and voice of the program. These NAAA members attend special training and conduct PAASS presentations at the various state and regional agricultural aviation association conventions; they also serve as subject matter experts during program development.

NAAREF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation accepting tax-deductible
contributions, donations, and government grants. All information
and services are open to the general public.