Program Overview

The PAASS Compaass Rose Series is designed to provide professional support and direction for agricultural aviation pilots who want to learn more about the industry. If you want to know more about agricultural aviation and how it relates to production agriculture, if you want more row crop experience, if you wish you had more ag flying hours, if you want to know more about GPS, then the Compaass Rose Series is the place to be.

The goal is for the participants to enhance their own knowledge, continue to gain agricultural aviation experience, and improve their individual professionalism. Agricultural aviation pilots will have an opportunity to discuss ideas and philosophies about the business, make informed decisions about their future, and learn on-the-job with some of the industry’s top operators.

Anyone interested in agricultural aviation as a professional career is invited to participate in the PAASS Compaass Rose Series. Series entry point is normally at the NAAA National Convention or a State/Regional AAA Convention. Full series participation includes a mentoring and apprentice program.

NAAA National Convention

A Compaass Rose is conducted at the NAAA National Convention as a Concurrent Session. This first phase is a ‘round table’ discussion lead by two PAASS Presenters. Questions can be submitted throughout the year to the NAAA Education & Safety Director at the NAAA through this web site. A PAASS Presenter will address these anonymous questions as a starting point for continued discussion. Participants are encouraged to contribute their viewpoints and ask additional questions.

State or Regional AAA Convention

The PAASS Compaass Rose Series includes an alternate/additional opportunity at the State/Regional Convention. A PAASS Presenter, along with one or two local volunteer operators, may conduct a one-hour question-and-answer session in a ‘round table’ format. The Presenter(s) will use questions from the NAAA web site and/or the National Convention’s Concurrent Session to begin the session and continue with participant questions and discussion. Participants are encouraged to contribute their viewpoints and ask additional questions.

How to Participate in a Compaass Rose

• Ask a question through this web site or fax it to the NAAA office at 202-546-5726. Unless we have specific permission to use your name, the question will be presented as anonymous.

• Questions will be given to the PAASS Presenter to use as a round table discussion starting point.

• Show up at the NAAA National Convention’s Concurrent Session in December. You do not have to send in a question to participate.

• Ask your State/Regional AAA Convention Chair about Compaass Rose details at the State or Regional Convention.

• Participant qualifications: Willing to learn.

History of the Compass Rose

The Compass Rose first appeared on ship’s navigational charts around 1300. “Rose” comes from the fact that the design looks like rose petals. The now standard 32-point Compass Rose with the fleur-de-lis indicating north and the cross indicating east [long thought to be the direction to paradise] evolved around the time of Christopher Columbus. The Compass Rose on a map or navigational chart provides directional information. A Compass Rose can be found at many general aviation airports and is often a part of the airport’s ‘Airmarking’ program. An airport Compass Rose is used to calibrate the aircraft magnetic compass. It is also a unique airfield identifier. The NAAREF Compaass Rose Series is designed to help people identify their needs and goals and then navigate agricultural aviation.