ber 12, 20

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FAA Seeks to Ensure UAAS Operators Understand Regulatory Obligations 

The FAA has updated their Part 137 uncrewed aerial application systems (UAAS) webpage with a highlighted header which reads: 

“The FAA has become aware of exemption holders conducting commercial agricultural operations in a manner noncompliant with the conditions and limitations of their exemption. Therefore, the FAA is implementing operational validations to ensure that each exemption holder fully understands their obligations to conduct operations in accordance with their exemption, the required Part 137 certificate, their ATO-issued COA, and all pertinent sections of 14 CFR. This includes basic requirements such as obtaining a Remote Pilot Certificate and registering their UAS. 
  
The FAA has begun to send requests for information (RFI) seeking basic operational information. Without this information, the FAA will not move forward with a decision letter and will close your petition request for failure to respond to the RFI.” 

This new requirement for prospective Part 137 UAS operators to submit Basic Operational Information includes the following: 

  1. The applicant’s full legal name and address. (Not a PO Box) 
  1. The Chief Supervisor of Operations. The “Chief Supervisor of Operations” is the point of contact for the petitioner that will be able to answer any potential FAA questions regarding the applicant’s operations in a timely manner. 
  1. What is the contact information for the Chief Supervisor of Operations to include a phone number and an email address? Please provide the Chief Supervisor of Operations’ address if different from the applicant’s address.  (Not a PO Box)  
  1. Who will be the pilot in command (PIC) for the proposed UAS operations? Please provide the name and pilot certificate number for your PIC (for example “1234567”).  
  1. What aircraft do you intend to operate under this exemption? Please provide each aircraft’s make, model, and N-number (for example “N123UA”) as well as the name of the owner of each aircraft you intend to operate under this exemption.  
    * For extension or amendment requests only: 
  1. What is your 137 Certificate number (for any extension requests)? (for example “123A456B”) 

This change, while acknowledging widespread non-compliant UAAS operations, does not seem to address the core issue of a lack of understanding. NAAA has fielded numerous calls and questions regarding UAAS operators who simply do not understand the federal regulations they are subject to, nor the conditions and limitations in their exemption which they must adhere to when conducting operations. 

NAAA appreciates FAA collecting this information, however, more needs to be done to seriously address the issue, including more enforcement . Over the past several years, FAA, due to congressional pressure, has iteratively lowered the bar for entry to UAAS operations. The requirement of a commercial pilot certificate has been removed. The requirement for demonstrating Part 137 Knowledge and Skills has been removed. The requirement for a medical certificate has been removed. The requirement for FSDOs to routinely inspect UAAS operations (as they do crewed Part 137 operations) has been removed. The end result is a certification process which can be easily misused, certifying individuals with little knowledge of, and vested interest in, conducting safe airspace operations. 

More education on this front is sorely needed, and there has been progress. FAASTeam has hosted a series of safety and professionalism webinars for UAAS operators over the past several months, with a focus on improving understanding of exemptions, COAs and general professional operating guidelines. NAAA will continue to support these and other education and outreach efforts regarding Part 137 operations. 

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NAAA Operator Member, Karen Allen, Featured in Season Premiere of YouTube Channel, Field Trips

Karen Allen, NAAA operator member and owner of Alexander Ag Flying Service in Walnut Grove, CA, was featured in the season premiere of Field Trips, a YouTube channel run by a Northern California farmer. The channel highlights the diversity and significance of California agriculture, with new episodes released on the first Sunday of every month. In this episode, Karen discusses the vital role agricultural aviation plays in today’s world. She also shares the poignant story of her late husband, Steve, and how his tragic passing in a fatal ag aircraft accident in 2011 spurred efforts at both the state and federal levels to address a standard of care in the marking of Meteorological Evaluation Towers (METs) in agricultural areas. Watch the episode of Field Trips here.

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Congratulations to Cindy Schreiber-Beck, North Dakota Aviation Hall of Fame’s 50th Inductee

Cindy Schreiber-Beck, Executive Director of the North Dakota Agricultural Aviation Association (NDAAA), has been selected as the 50th inductee to the North Dakota Aviation Hall of Fame. The honor recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to the growth, development, and promotion of aviation in North Dakota.

Cindy was born on December 13th, 1954, and grew up on a farm near Foxhome, Minnesota. After graduating from Campbell High School, she earned a degree in Speech and Language Pathology from Moorhead State University and served students primarily in Minnesota. However, aviation eventually became her focus.

In 1982, Cindy married the late Gerry Beck, and together they operated Tri-State Aviation in Wahpeton, ND, at that time an aerial spraying and fixed based operation. Cindy continued the company after Gerry died in 2007, and in 2017 successfully transitioned the company to new ownership, securing its legacy.

Cindy has volunteered as the Executive Director for the NDAAA for nearly four decades. She has tirelessly advocated for agricultural aviation at the state and national levels, convened with policymakers, organized conferences, and collaborated with neighboring states to establish the Tri-State Agricultural Aviation Convention. Her leadership was pivotal during events such as the September 11, 2001, aviation shutdown. Under her guidance, the NDAAA has maintained financial stability, strong membership, and an influential public presence.

Nationally, Cindy was active in the National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) and Women of the NAAA (WNAAA). She assisted in developing an educational curriculum introducing students to agricultural aviation, earning her the NAAA Most Active Woman Award in 1989.

Beginning in 2015, Cindy was elected to the North Dakota House of Representatives and serves on the Education and Agriculture Committees. Her legislative work supports initiatives tied to aviation, innovation, agriculture, and education. Read more about Cindy here.

The induction banquet ceremony will occur in Fargo, ND, at the annual “Fly North Dakota” Conference on Tuesday, March 4. Congratulations, Cindy!

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FAA Safety Team Webinar Reported on Advanced Flight Operations and Utilizing the Federal Docket


On January 21, 2025, the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) presented a webinar titled ‘Requirements for Advanced Flight Operations and Reading the Federal Docket’. This webinar discussed the conditions and limitations required to follow to legally and safely operate UAS Part 137 advanced operations such as swarming, solo PIC, night operations, BVLOS, and no third-class medical.

The recording of the webinar and all past FAASTeam webinars can be viewed at https://theagdronepodcast.com/.

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Bell 47 Helicopter Featured in the Latest Simple Flying Magazine

The Bell Model 47 Helicopter is featured in the latest Simple Flying magazine. The article highlights the helicopter’s historical significance and role in various sectors, including agricultural spraying. As one of the first helicopters used for crop dusting, it revolutionized farming. The article includes a video showcasing its agricultural applications.

The Bell 47’s origins trace back to Larry Bell, founder of Bell Helicopter in 1935, and Arthur Young, the engineer who developed the Model 47 in 1944. The helicopter made its first flight in December 1945 and was the first to receive civilian FAA certification in 1946, paving the way for widespread civilian helicopter use. Known for its versatility, the Bell 47 has and continues to serve roles such as search and rescue, military operations, and agricultural spraying. Its legacy continues, marking a pivotal moment in both aviation and agriculture.

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Save the Date for the Ag Aviation Expo Taking Place Nov. 17-19, 2025 in Reno, Nevada

Join us in Reno, Nevada the full week before Thanksgiving for the 2025 Ag Aviation Expo! Be sure to mark your calendar now for the annual convention taking place November 17-19 at the Atlantis and Reno-Sparks Convention Center.

Many people think of Reno, and they think of casinos, but there is much more to this fast-growing city. The Midtown District is home to many local bars with live music, offering local artists’ murals and each offers a unique atmosphere. If you’re a fan of live music and theatre shows, there is something for you, too, as Reno has many entertainment venues offering year-round acts. If food is the key to your happiness, the Atlantis (NAAA’s headquarters hotel) has many award-winning dining options, and you won’t need to leave the hotel. Also, the convention center is connected by a beautiful bridgeway. But, if you want to get out and about, there are many fine dining and casual options; some even offer heated patio dining.

The Flying in the Wire and Obstruction Environment course will take place on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Atlantis. The course will be taught by Utilities/Aviation Specialists Inc., providing mission-specific expertise in specialized applications that require skill sets above those found in most routine transport operations. Both fixed-wing and helicopter pilots will benefit from this course. It gives low-altitude aviators the essential skills needed to operate an aircraft in wire and obstruction environments safely. Learn how to identify signs of wires, why ag aviators hit wires they already knew were there, and how to avoid them going forward. This course may very well save your life – don’t miss it. Pricing and registration will be available in July. Learn more about Utilities/Aviation Specialists Inc. at www.helicoptersafety.com.

Ag Aviation Expo details:

  • Dates: Nov. 17-19 (Flying in the Wire and Obstruction Environment Course taking place Nov. 15)
  • NAAA Hotel Room Block: Opens in late February
  • Exhibit Booth Sales: Aircraft and large booth space opens in March (10×30+). 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 1
  • 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/

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February 20-22, 2025, NAAA Committee & Board Meetings in Montreal, Quebec, Canada: Room Block Deadline Today!

NAAA & NAAREF Board & Committee meetings will be held in Canada, Feb. 20-22, 2025.

NAAA & NAAREF are hosting the February 2025 meetings in Montreal at the same time and location as the Canadian AAA Convention. In addition to NAAA meetings, NAAA members are invited to attend the Canadian AAA Conference. Further details are available at https://form.jotform.com/243226110331237.

All meetings are open to NAAA members. If you are not a board or committee member but are interested in attending, please contact Lindsay Barber for more details.

Committee assignments were emailed to board and committee members on January 6. If you do not receive this information, please contact Lindsay Barber. A drafted schedule of events can be seen here.

Hotel:
Hotel Bonaventure Montreal
900 De La Gauchetiere West
Montreal, QC, H5A 1E4, Canada

The hotel deadline is today, January 30. Book online here or call 1-800-267-2575 and refer to NAAA & NAAREF Board Meetings. Contact Lindsay Barber with hotel questions.

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Update Your Information for 2025 Membership Directory

 To guarantee accurate inclusion in the 2025 NAAA Membership Directory, please make any corrections to your membership listing by February 7.

Have you moved or changed employers since you renewed your NAAA membership? Allied companies, have you reviewed your company description lately? Log into your account to ensure your listing in the 2025 NAAA Membership Directory is correct by February 7.

You can provide your information by:

  • Calling the NAAA office at (202) 546-5722.
  • Updating your information online at https://agaviation.org/. Log in your username and password, click My Account, and update your information under My Profile on the left-hand box.
  • Emailing your changes to information@agaviation.org.

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Kickstart 2025 by Renewing Your NAAA Membership

Thank you for your support as a 2024 member of NAAA. We request your continued support by renewing your NAAA membership for 2025 today. While you have been busy aiding farmers to produce a safe, affordable, and abundant supply of food, fiber, and bioenergy, NAAA has been busy making sure low-altitude airspace is safe for your aerial application business to operate, as well as ensuring that you have the pesticide products you need to do your job. Several of NAAA’s accomplishments this year, on your behalf and to ensure your success, include:

  • NAAA is now offering health and life insurance options for members. More details available here.
  • NAAA worked to secure permission from the FAA to use frequency 122.925 for radio communications between agricultural aircraft to operate safely.
  • NAAA lobbied for the FAA Reauthorization Bill to include NAAA language ensuring the safety of manned aircraft from drone activity in BVLOS airspace and language establishing a deadline to the FAA to promulgate tower marking and logging.
  • Since 2017, NAAA has submitted over 300 comments to the EPA to keep aerial applications on pesticide labels with great success enabling you to keep a deep inventory of pesticide tools without unnecessary and burdensome restrictions.
  • NAAA’s 2024 articles appearing in Farm Journal publications, along with the “Aerial Application: Above All Forms of Crop Care” ad campaign and accompanying web search tool identifying member businesses, have been widely circulated to hundreds of thousands of potential aerial application users.
  • NAAA and NAAREF have grown the C-PAASS certification learning center to include online learning for aerial applicators who want to augment their professionalism and be recognized and rewarded by their insurance providers, pesticide manufacturers, regulators, and customers. Learn more at https://education.agaviation.org/
  • New membership database, allowing for automatic renewal and single invoicing of all memberships at your operation or company. Contact information@agaviation.org for further details.

In 2025, you will continue to receive ongoing benefits such as discounts for attending or exhibiting at the Ag Aviation Expo, connect with members through the print and online NAAA Membership Directory and receive Association publications, eNewsletters, social media briefings and substantive web content at AgAviation.org. Log into your account on our website to pay your 2025 NAAA membership invoice. Details at AgAviation.org/membership.

Please make it a priority to renew your NAAA membership—the payoff far exceeds what you will spend in dues in the form of effective advocacy that reduces regulation and taxes affecting your aerial application business and trade association membership dues are tax deductible.

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In Case You Missed Last Week’s NAAA eNewsletter

Click here for the January 23, 2025 eNewsletter to read:

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