NAAREF

The National Agricultural Aviation Research & Education Foundation (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.

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.

Make a Donation to NAAREF

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.

The NAAREF Board of Directors is composed of six NAAA Operator members; three individuals in any NAAA membership category (Except Operator); and the current President of the NAAA. The NAAA Board of Directors appoints NAAREF Board members.The NAAREF Board of Directors 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.

Rod ThomasPresidentHigh Desert Aviation LLCGooding, ID
Ray NewcombVice-PresidentJBI Helicopter ServicesPembroke, NH
Mike RivenbarkSecretaryMoore’s Aerial ApplicatorsClinton, NC
Anthonie YorkTreasurerAir TractorOlney, TX
Matt WoolardNAAA PresidentWoolard Flying ServiceCorning, AR
JT Helms–Old Republic AerospaceKennesaw, GA
Matt Hovdenes–Arthur AviationHarwood, ND
Mark Kimmel–Dixie DustersItta Bena, MS
Darrin Pluhar–Plu’s Flying ServiceEkalaka, MT
John Wright–AssuredPartners AerospaceWichita, KS
Andrew MooreNAAREF Executive DirectorAlexandria, VA
Scott BretthauerNAAREF Staff LiaisonAlexandria, VA
Updated 12-Jan-2026

Bylaws of the National Agricultural Aviation Research and Education Foundation
Revised 7 December 2016

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.

PAASS Capital Campaign Committee
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.

Operation SAFE Committee
Composed of NAAA members appointed by the NAAREF President, the Operation SAFE Committee provides information to the Agricultural Aviation Industry to promote and maintain the most effective application of materials with aircraft by researching, investigating and sharing information about analysis equipment and procedures, application equipment, application methods, equipment modifications, equipment setup and product enhancements.

2025-2026 PAASS Sponsors

Continuous Sponsors, who have sponsored this year’s PAASS Program in addition to the previous 2 years, are listed in bold.

Air Tractor ($17,500)
BASF Corporation ($15,000)
Syngenta Crop Protection ($15,000)
Pratt & Whitney Canada ($10,000)
Thrush Aircraft LLC ($10,000)
United States Aircraft Insurance Group ($7,500)
Corteva Agriscience ($6,000)
Acrisure Aerospace ($5,000)
American International Group ($5,000)
Arkansas Agricultural Aviation Association ($5,000)
Covington Aircraft Engines Inc. ($5,000)
Delta State University ($5,000)
FMC Corporation ($5,000)
Illinois Agricultural Aviation Association ($5,000)
Nebraska Aviation Trades Association ($5,000)
New Mexico Agricultural Aviation Association ($5,000)
Turbine Conversions, Ltd. ($5,000)

NAAREF Donors

01-Jan-2025 — 01-Jan-2026

Donations are at the category level unless otherwise noted.
Continuous Donors, who have donated in each of the past 3 years, are listed in bold.

Spirit of St. Louis – $10,000

Mark McDonald

Sikorsky R-4 Hoverfly – $5,000

Doland Aerial Spraying ($8,200)
Valley Air Crafts ($6,500)
Aerinova Aerial, LLC ($6,200)
Andrew & Ben Moore
UAPASTF

Curtis Jenny – $1,000

JBI Helicopter Services ($4,050)
Air Tractor ($3,700)
Indiana Agricultural Aviation Association ($2,500)
Jones Flying Service ($2,500)
Mississippi Agricultural Aviation Association ($2,500)
Aero Guard Aviation Insurance ($2,000)
Transland ($2,000)
William Allen Whitfield ($1,500)
Minnesota Agricultural Aircraft Association ($1,250)
Agricair Flying Service Inc.
Classic Aero Crop Protection Inc.
Helicopter Applicators Inc.
Jeff Blythe
Joel & Terri Meyer
Lee & Nancy Turnquist
O’Brien Flying Service Inc.
Woolard Flying Service, Inc.

Piper J-3 – $500

Growers Air Service, Inc. ($825)
Plu’s Flying Service Inc. ($750)
Mislav Caric ($535)
Air Cover Crop Solutions
Hendrickson Flying Service Inc.
Matt Crabbe Aviation
Red Baron Ag Service, Inc.
Richter Aviation Inc.
Sarita Custom Farm Service, LLC
Travis McPherson
Tyree Ag Inc.
Wil-Co Flying Service

Graf Zeppelin – $250

North Star Aviation, Inc. ($350)
Clyde Kornegay ($300)
Sue Packer ($285)
Bob Donner
Bryan Hauschild
Chris Flesch
Holloway Air Service, Inc.
Thomas Harkin

Daedalus – $100

Arthur Aviation ($200)
Ben Halstenson ($200)
Blair Air Service ($200)
Jane Barber-Pitlick ($200)
Jensen Aviation LLC. ($200)
Right Way Ag ($200)
Riley Farder ($200)
Sound Trax Studio ($200)
Aero Applicators Inc.
Air Kraft Spraying Inc.
Coen Aerial Spraying
Downstown Aero Crop Service Inc.
Dungan Aerial Service, Inc.
Eagle Vistas
Elizabeth Lind
Evanson Aero
Farmer’s Aviation LLC
Fitch’s Flying Service
Glades Ag Service Inc.
Greg Aldridge
Jim’s Agri-Air
Kenneth Degg
Mary Beth Schwaegel
Nathan Davis
Stove Creek Air, LLC
TLB Air
Tall-Towers Aviation Inc.
Thisius Flying Service

Other Donations under $100

Alexander Ag. Flying Service, Inc.
Bradley Fritz
Charles Travis
Dan Gudgel
Deana & James Kissinger
Garrett Carter
James Page
John Kirsch
Jon Hengeveld
Kaleb Rich
Rainey Aerial Ag Service Inc.
Randy Prellwitz
Rena Scheiber
Skyline Aviation LLC
Thomas Air Service, Inc.
Tri-Air Farms LLC

Memorial Donations

01-Jan-2025 — 01-Jan-2026

In Memory of Adam Parnow

Agricair Flying Service Inc.

In Memory of Bill Lockwood

Jane Barber-Pitlick

In Memory of Cindy Schreiber-Beck

Jane Barber-Pitlick
Kenneth Degg

In Memory of Craig Oleen

Minnesota Agricultural Aircraft Association
Plu’s Flying Service Inc.

In Memory of Dave Harris

Plu’s Flying Service Inc.

In Memory of David Eby

Mary Beth Schwaegel

In Memory of John Goerger

Plu’s Flying Service Inc.

In Memory of Kyle Scott

Plu’s Flying Service Inc.

In Memory of Randy Berry

Eagle Vistas

In Memory of Rich “Skyraider” Hall

Plu’s Flying Service Inc.

In Memory of Robert Dopp

Agricair Flying Service Inc.