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
Matt HovdenesSecretaryRight Way AgHarwood, ND
Eric RojekTreasurerCovington EnginesLeesburg, GA
Mike RivenbarkNAAA PresidentMoore’s Aerial ApplicatorsClinton, NC
Perry Hofer–Doland Aerial SprayingDoland, SD
Mark Kimmel–Dixie DustersItta Bena, MS
Darrin Pluhar–Plu’s Flying ServiceEkalaka, MT
John Wright–AssuredPartners AerospaceWichita, KS
Anthonie York–Air TractorOlney, TX
Andrew MooreNAAREF Executive DirectorAlexandria, VA
Scott BretthauerNAAREF Staff LiaisonAlexandria, VA
Updated 18-Jan-2025

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)
Corteva Agriscience ($6,000)
Acrisure Aerospace ($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

25-Oct-2024 — 25-Oct-2025

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

Doland Aerial Spraying ($14,200)

Sikorsky R-4 Hoverfly – $5,000

JBI Helicopter Services ($7,225)
Transland ($5,125)
Air Tractor
Andrew & Ben Moore
UAPASTF

Curtis Jenny – $1,000

Indiana Agricultural Aviation Association ($2,500)
Jones Flying Service ($2,500)
Mississippi Agricultural Aviation Association ($2,500)
Aero Guard Aviation Insurance ($2,000)
Texas Agricultural Aviation Association ($2,000)
Minnesota Agricultural Aircraft Association ($1,250)
Rick & Becky Reed ($1,200)
Helicopter Applicators Inc.
Joel & Terri Meyer
John Pew
O’Brien Flying Service Inc.
Rick Turner
Woolard Flying Service, Inc.

Piper J-3 – $500

Growers Air Service, Inc. ($825)
Plu’s Flying Service Inc. ($750)
Mislav Caric ($535)
Aerial Solutions of TN
Air Cover Crop Solutions
Classic Aero Crop Protection Inc.
Dennie Stokes
Hendrickson Flying Service Inc.
Jeff Blythe
Lee & Nancy Turnquist
Mike Jurak
Newberg Sky Spray
Richter Aviation Inc.
Sarita Custom Farm Service, LLC
Tyree Ag Inc.
Valley Air Crafts
Wil-Co Flying Service

Graf Zeppelin – $250

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

Daedalus – $100

Ben Halstenson ($200)
Blair Air Service ($200)
Dungan Aerial Service, Inc. ($200)
Jane Barber-Pitlick ($200)
Jensen Aviation LLC. ($200)
Right Way Ag ($200)
Riley Farder ($200)
1Lowflyer Inc.
ASI Aerial Applicators
Air Kraft Spraying Inc.
Cottonwing Air LLC.
Eagle Vistas
Elizabeth Lind
Evanson Aero
Farmer’s Aviation LLC
Fitch’s Flying Service
Glades Ag Service Inc.
Greg Aldridge
Guy Warren
Jim’s Agri-Air
Kenneth Degg
Mary Beth Schwaegel
Nathan Davis
Nor-Wes, Inc.
Parrish Aerial Services LLC
Randy Prellwitz
Russ Stocker
Sound Trax Studio
TLB Air
Tall-Towers Aviation Inc.
Thisius Flying Service

Other Donations under $100

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

Memorial Donations

25-Oct-2024 — 25-Oct-2025

In Memory of Bill Lockwood

Jane Barber-Pitlick

In Memory of Charles Stokes

Dennie Stokes

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 Scott Rainey

Rick Turner