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NAAA Issues Press Release Urging Drone Operators to Prioritize Safety and Yield to Manned Agricultural Aircraft This Growing Season

With another growing season approaching and at a time when aerial application services are expected to be in high demand, NAAA sent a news release today advising uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) operators to be mindful of low-flying manned agricultural aircraft operations. The news release was distributed to trade media outlets covering agriculture, aviation and drones.

NAAA urges crewed and uncrewed aircraft to do everything possible to avoid possible collisions when conducting important low-altitude work, including the following recommendations:

  • Uncrewed/drone aircraft give the right of way to a manned/crewed aircraft. It’s the law.
  • When a crewed aircraft approaches its target field to apply, it should scout the field at altitude each time, even when making reloading returns, so as to provide uncrewed aircraft time to notice and land.
  • Drones should equip with visible strobe lights, highly visible markings and tracking technology, like an ADS-B In system.
  • Monitor aviation radio frequency 122.925 MHz for crewed agricultural aircraft. For uncrewed to transmit, consider obtaining a radio station license by submitting FCC Form 605.
  • All aerial application services must be certified and well-trained in operating an uncrewed aircraft.
  • Contact local agricultural aviation operations before flying by consulting the Find An Aerial Applicator database at AgAviation.org.
  • Uncrewed aircraft should land immediately when a low-flying aircraft is nearby.
  • All aerial application services must carry uncrewed aircraft liability insurance.

Research has proven that small UAS can be virtually invisible to agricultural aviators, air ambulance helicopters, law enforcement and other low-flying manned aircraft operating in the same airspace. For example, in January, a civilian drone collided with a CL-415 firefighting aircraft fighting the Palisades Fire in California, resulting in the specially designed firefighting plane sustaining wing damage and grounding the aircraft.

“With the increasing number of uncrewed aircraft operations over the last few years, their operators must be aware of low-flying, manned agricultural aircraft,” said Andrew Moore, chief executive officer of NAAA. “It is extremely difficult, if not impossible, for manned aircraft to see a drone while conducting aerial applications 10 feet off the ground at speeds of up to 140 mph. UAS are not allowed above 400 feet without a waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), meaning they share the low-altitude airspace with ag aircraft. We encourage professional and hobbyist UAS operators to keep this in mind, equip UAS with detect and avoid technology and give right-of-way to manned or crewed ag aircraft to ensure a safe 2025 growing season.”

This is the ninth consecutive year that NAAA has reached out to the media regarding safe drone operations as the spring growing season approaches.

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NAAA Comments Again on Atrazine – Prior NAAA Comments Saved Aerial Application

Last week NAAA submitted comments on EPA’s updated mitigation proposal for atrazine. NAAA learned in the updated proposal that prior NAAA comments saved aerial applications of atrazine. The concerns over atrazine center around surface water runoff and its impact on aquatic organisms, not drift.

The registration review history of atrazine has been a series of decisions followed by reversals. Much of the back and forth has been around the aquatic level of concern (referred to as LOC or CE-LOC), which is the level of atrazine in water above which there are concerns for aquatic lifeforms. The lower the LOC, the more acres there are that are considered at risk from atrazine and thus subject to additional mitigations. Over the last 10 years the LOC has gone from 10 ppb, down to 3.4 ppb, up to 15 ppb, back to 3.4 again, and is now proposed to be set at 9.7 ppb.

NAAA comments echoed those of other agricultural groups, recommending that EPA use only sound science to determine the appropriate LOC. NAAA agreed with two additional mitigations prohibiting atrazine applications during rain or when soils are saturated. NAAA also agreed with EPA’s proposal to use the list of runoff/erosion mitigations from the herbicide strategy instead of a different list. NAAA did express concern over commercial applicators being responsible verifying grower compliance with runoff/erosion mitigation measures.

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Proceeds for Tylor Johnson Memorial Golf Tournament on June 2, 2025 Go to Aviation Safety Education

The Second Annual Tylor Johnson Memorial Golf Tournament is set to tee off on Monday, June 2, 2025, at the scenic Grand Forks Country Club, in Grand Forks, ND, and all are invited to be part of a special day and an opportunity to support a meaningful cause. Register today or support the tournament with a donation here if you can’t make it in person.

Tylor Johnson lived a life fueled by passion and purpose. As a third-generation aerial applicator, he soared above the landscapes he loved, dedicated to both the craft of flying and the vital role of supporting agriculture.

Tragically, Tylor’s life was cut short in a devastating accident when his plane struck a guy wire during a routine flight. It was a harsh reminder of the dangers faced by aerial applicators every day. In the wake of this tragedy, the Tylor Johnson Legacy Foundation was established to honor Tylor’s memory which advocates for increased safety measures that protect other pilots and continuing his legacy of care and commitment to the industry.

The Annual Tylor Johnson Memorial Golf Tournament honors his legacy by bringing people together for a day that mirrors his love for both the game of golf and the people in his life.

Event Details:

  • Date: Monday, June 2, 2025
  • Location: Grand Forks Country Club, Grand Forks, ND
  • Shotgun Start: 9:00 AM (Registration & Breakfast at 8:00 AM)
  • Format: 4-Person Scramble
  • Entry Fee: $850 per team (includes golf, cart, breakfast, and lunch)

A Legacy of Giving:

Last year, the tournament raised $25,000 to fund the Flying in the Wire and Obstruction Environment Course at the 2024 NAAA Ag Aviation Expo. This essential training, offered free of charge to aerial applicators, is helping create safer skies across the nation. Participating this year directly contributes to continued efforts that save lives and improve safety within the ag aviation industry.

How You Can Help:

Both players and sponsors are encouraged to participate and make this year’s event successful. Whether you’re joining for a round of golf, contributing to the auction, or just coming out to enjoy a day filled with good company, your support will make a real impact. Support the tournament with a donation here if you can’t make it in person.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of something special. Register today to secure your spot in the tournament and help honor Tylor’s legacy while making a difference in the lives of those who depend on safer skies. Together, we can create safer skies and keep Tylor’s spirit alive through golf, fun, and giving back.

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Economist Allan Gray to Speak at 2025 Ag Aviation Expo General Session

NAAA is pleased to announce that economist Allan Gray will deliver a keynote address at the 2025 Ag Aviation Expo General Session. Gray will discuss the status of global agricultural trade, highlighting the changing market dynamics that are reshaping the agricultural landscape. In the face of uncertainties, ranging from tariffs to political tensions, it is important to understand potential shifts ahead and how the industry and your business can manage through different scenarios.

Gray has been a member of the agricultural economics faculty at Purdue University since August 1998, and he currently holds the position of Land O’Lakes Chair in Food and Agribusiness. He works with food and agribusiness managers across the United States and internationally, providing industry insights and strategy facilitations.

Gray serves as the executive director of the Purdue Center for Food and Agricultural Business (CAB). In this capacity, he provides strategic direction for the center, helping to drive both executive education programming and research. The center’s mission is to meet the industry’s needs in professional development in the areas of sales, marketing, finance, strategy, talent management, and leadership.

Gray also serves as the executive director of the Digital Innovation in Agri-food Systems LAB (DIAL). In this capacity, Allan provides strategic direction for market research and new business development. Gray works with the annual cohort of DIAL Fellows to identify industry challenges and create new startup companies to bring digital innovation to the industry that helps improve transparency, traceability, efficiency, resiliency and food safety across the food system.

Gray has won numerous awards, including the American Agricultural Economics Association’s (AAEA) Distinguished Extension/Outreach Program Award, the Purdue University Dean’s Team Award and the U.S. Distance Learning Association’s Excellence in Distance Teaching Award. In 2012, he received the inaugural Early Career Leadership Award from the National Association of Agricultural Economics Administrators. A native Texan, Gray and his wife, Stephanie, have two daughters and a son.

Attendee registration for the Ag Aviation Expo will open in July.

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NTSB Launches New Online Portal for Aircraft Accident Reporting Form 6120.1

The NTSB recently launched a new online portal for submitting NTSB Form 6120.1, the form for pilots and operators to use to submit data in support of aviation accidents and incidents. The website provides a more secure and streamlined process for submitting the form.

The interactive digital form can be filled out using a mobile device or computer, and the pilot or operator can save their progress as they fill out the form. It also allows them to track the status of their submission. The option to use the traditional fillable PDF form that can be emailed to the NTSB investigators remains. For more information and access to both the new online portal and the original fillable PDF for NTSB Form 6120.1, visit the Report an Aircraft Accident to the NTSB webpage.

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AD Issued for AStar/TwinStar Helicopters 

The FAA has issued a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus AS350 (AStar) and AS355 (TwinStar) Helicopters. This AD was prompted by a manufacturer assessment that determined additional actions are necessary to improve particle detection for main gearboxes (MGBs) with certain planet gear bearings installed. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the MGB bevel wheel for the presence of particles, repetitively inspecting the MGB magnetic plug for particles, and prohibits installing an affected MGB unless certain requirements are met. These actions are specified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023-0044. 

AD 2025-06-04 (this AD) is effective May 9, 2025. 

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NAAA Ag Aviation Expo Hotel Room Block Open

The NAAA hotel room block is now open for the 2025 Ag Aviation Expo at the Atlantis in Reno, Nov. 17-19. The Atlantis has undergone extensive renovations in all sleeping rooms and several restaurants in the hotel.

All events will take place at the Atlantis or Reno-Sparks Convention Center, which are connected via a skywalk.

Attendees need to stay in the NAAA room block. We get the best hotel room rates for our attendees, and if the NAAA hotel block is not filled, we cannot offer great rates for future years!

As you plan your Reno trip, please note that two safety sessions will take place on Saturday, Nov. 15. The sessions will be the Flying in the Wire & Obstruction Environment Course and Turning an Ag Airplane Safely Course, taught by Fran de Kock. Additional details and times of each session will be available soon.

Atlantis Hotel Reservations
3800 S. Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada 89502
Hotel Phone: (775) 825-4700

The Atlantis resort fee is waived for attendees and exhibitors who book in the NAAA room block ($40 savings per night).

  • Reservations: Book your room online here or call (800) 723-6500 and identify National Agricultural Aviation Association Convention for the discounted room rate. The Atlantis charges a one-room night fee per room booked to hold the room(s). A refund is provided if the room is cancelled 48 hours or prior to the arrival date.
  • Rate: $139/night
  • Room block deadline: October 30, 2025

NOTE: No one from (or on behalf of) the hotel or NAAA will contact you to book a hotel room. NAAA recommends that you make your own hotel reservations using the information that we provide to you. Do not book a room with any company that calls you directly. You may also receive spam emails to purchase lists from NAAA; this is spam and NAAA does not solicit selling lists of attendees/visitors.

Details for the 2025 Ag Aviation Expo

  • Dates: Nov. 17-19 (Flying in the Wire and Obstruction Environment and Turning an Ag Airplane Safely Courses will take place Nov. 15)
  • NAAA Hotel Room Block: Open
  • Exhibit Booth Sales: Aircraft and large booth space now open. 10×10 and 10×20 booth sales open July 10 at 12 p.m. ET. Contact Lindsay Barber for large booth space.
  • Attendee Registration Open: July
  • Never been to Reno? Learn more here.
  • Flying Into Reno: Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) has eleven airlines providing more than 120 daily departures and arrivals.
  • Flying your own aircraft: Visit www.renoairport.com/general-aviation/. NAAA recommends Stellar Aviation FBO, and we’ll have more details about specials as we approach the expo dates.

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In Case You Missed Last Week’s NAAA eNewsletter

Click here for the April 3, 2025 eNewsletter to read:

  • NTSB Closes Special Investigative Report on Agricultural Aviation Industry based on NAAA Education Efforts
  • County Ordinance Enacted in Minnesota Prohibiting MET Towers and Requiring a Minimum of One-Mile Separation Between Wind Turbines
  • Matt Tarter Fatally Injured in Ag Aviation Accident
  • Recording of Last Week’s Webinar on Inspection and Maintenance Requirements for Large Aircraft Now Available Online
  • NAAA Ag Aviation Expo Hotel Room Block Open
  • FAA’s GA Survey Data Collection for 2024 is Now Underway

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