2011-2012 Program Summary

The 2011-2012 PAASS Program will deviate somewhat from programs of the recent past. In a twist on its familiar format, the main three modules will be tied together to illustrate the way a problem in one area can affect all activities in the operation. The scenario depicts an operation that encounters a serious and costly drift incident. The following year, as the financial repercussions intensify, safety and security take a back seat to more questionable actions. The operator is observed completing applications with little regard for normal stewardship practices. The end result is a catastrophic accident the company must contend with.

Spray Drift Reduction – “Drift Avoidance through Meteorological Knowledge”
The segment of the scenario addressing drift mitigation and pesticide stewardship will educate operators and pilots on the characteristics of temperature inversion conditions. Last year’s program illustrated common misconceptions about this weather phenomenon which can and do cause problems for aerial applicators. Dan Gudgel, a California ag pilot and retired Senior Meteorologist with the National Weather Service, will lend his years of expertise to help attendees identify and gain a better understanding of temperature inversions and how they can negatively impact chemical application.

Human Factors in Agricultural Aviation – “A Plan for Coping with Tragedy”
A major goal of the ’11-12 program is to urge companies to develop a plan to guide operators and pilots with preparations to ease the burden on responsible individuals and family members if a tragedy occurs. It is far better to identify actions to pursue now instead of coping with them during periods of peak stress after an event occurs. A worksheet will help attendees gain a better sense of tasks that should be addressed in a crisis-response plan.

Agricultural Aviation’s Airfield Watch
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States. The use of aviation as a tool in these events put the entire aviation community in the public spotlight. The security module reminds operators to make security a priority by safeguarding aircraft, equipment and chemicals and maintaining awareness to keep them from falling into the hands of persons who might misuse them for whatever reason.

Hangar AG Flying – “Topics of Interest to Ag Operators”
The Hangar AG Flying module will include an analysis of ag accidents that occurred during the 2011 application year so attendees may learn from other’s experiences and increase pilot safety. The hangar flying module is also the venue for various short subjects that need to be explained to the ag aviation industry in a timely manner as they develop.