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NAAA Press Release Highlights Success of Aerial Fungicide Applications on Late-Season Corn

Earlier this week, NAAA issued a press release to multiple news, agricultural and aviation media sources throughout the U.S. emphasizing the critical role of aerial application in controlling tar spot in late-season corn with fungicide. The press release featured the success of Dairyland Aviation in Waupun, WI, who worked with a grower in late August 2024 to evaluate the effectiveness of fungicide past the typical treatment window.

The yield to the treated corn was 15 to 20 bushels higher than the untreated corn. The aerial application provided effective control of tar spot and protected yield despite being made well past the optimum application window.

The results of this aerial application should leave no doubt for corn growers that when tar spot strikes, they can rely on their local aerial applicator to make a timely, accurate and effective fungicide application to save their corn. The NAAA press release urged growers to remain vigilant in scouting for tar spot and other diseases throughout the growing season. Early detection allows for timely and targeted aerial applications.

Within the first 36 hours of sending the press release, a public relations campaign was sparked amongst national agriculture outlets to share the news with farmers. Yesterday, AgAir Update published the press release as the headliner in their eNewsletter and on their website, which has 9,000 unique visitors per month. The Daily Scoop eNewsletter and website featured an article about the press release. The Daily Scoop eNewsletter has a readership of 27,000 ag retailers, crop consultants and farmers. AgriMarketing, which receives 30,000 monthly visitors, and CropLife Magazine, which receives 59,000 monthly visitors, each featured the press release on their websites and in CropLife Magazine’s eNewsletter.

The press release reminded growers that they can find an ag pilot on the NAAA Find An Aerial Applicator database. To read the full press release and share it with your local growers and media, click here.

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NAAA Urges Department of Commerce to Leave Aircraft Engines and Related Parts Free of Tariffs

NAAA submitted comments this week to the U.S. Department of Commerce supporting a tariff-free environment on the aerospace sector. The comments were related to Commerce’s investigation to determine the effects on the national security of imports of commercial aircraft and jet engines, and parts for commercial aircraft and jet engines. The investigation has been initiated under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended (Section 232).

NAAA’s comments, which can be read by clicking here, respectfully urged Commerce to refrain from imposing new tariffs, to uphold tariff-free commitments in the Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft and fortify them in bilateral agreements, and to work with the aerospace industry to find ways to further expand America’s leading manufacturing export position through workforce investment, certification and regulatory improvements, and other measures. NAAA justified its comments by stating that two of the largest agricultural aviation aircraft manufacturers in the world are Air Tractor in Olney, Texas, and Thrush in Albany, Georgia.  Air Tractor sells more single-engine turboprop aircraft globally than any other general aviation aircraft manufacturer and over 81% of the U.S. agricultural aircraft fleet are propelled by turbine engines, the large majority of those engines and accompanying parts are manufactured by Pratt & Whitney Canada, headquartered in Longueuil, Quebec. NAAA’s comments also stated that the aerial application industry treats nearly 127 million acres of U.S. cropland each season—about 28% of all cropland used for crop production—resulting in a value of roughly $37 billion in additional crop yield for corn, wheat, cotton, soybean, and rice farmers in the U.S. At a time when farmers are already burdened with high production costs and low commodity prices, adding unnecessary tariff duties on ag aircraft engines would add to food producers’ load.

The Department of Commerce notice and related documents and comments may be found by clicking here.

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Second Annual Tylor Johnson Golf Tournament Raises Funds for Pilot Safety

The second annual Tylor Johnson Golf Tournament was held on Monday bringing together the Grand Forks, North Dakota and aerial application communities to honor Tylor Johnson’s legacy and advance the mission of keeping pilots safe. The Johnson family raised money through the golf tournament and a silent auction.

Tylor Johnson was a third-generation aerial applicator whose life was cut short in 2023 after his airplane struck a guy wire. It was a harsh reminder of the dangers aerial applicators face daily. In the wake of this tragedy, the Tylor Johnson Legacy Foundation was established to honor Tylor’s memory, advocate for increased safety measures that protect other pilots, and continue his legacy of care and commitment to the community.

You can help keep Tylor’s legacy alive by donating to the Tylor Johnson Legacy Foundation. When you donate $40 or more, you will receive an exclusive Safer Skies t-shirt as a thank you for your support. All proceeds go directly to initiatives that protect aerial applicators and you can help build safer skies and carry forward a lasting legacy in Tylor Johnson’s name.

Donate $40 or more and receive this Safer Skies t-shirt
Tylor Johnson’s family (l to r): sister Brianne Osowski, dad Lynn Johnson and brother Cole Johnson.

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Ag Aviation Expo Sponsorships Available: Boost Your Company’s Brand!

Join us for the 2025 Ag Aviation Expo in Reno, NV from Nov. 17-19. Sponsorship sales are available for this year’s convention in a variety of price ranges. Promoting your brand at the Ag Aviation Expo puts you directly in front of the agricultural aviation industry’s key players. It’s a unique chance to connect with a targeted and international audience of aerial applicators — the professionals who, in North America alone, handle 28% of all crop protection product applications on U.S. commercial cropland. View sponsorship opportunities here.

Your company name will be seen by 1,500-plus operators, ag pilots and other attendees directly related to the agricultural aviation industry through an Ag Aviation Expo sponsorship. Five reasons why you should be a sponsor at the NAAA Ag Aviation Expo:

  1. A targeted audience will see your company’s name and/or logo.
  2. Sponsorship enhances your company’s credibility and rapport.
  3. You will gain brand awareness and recognition.
  4. You will generate new sales and/or leads and potential business partnerships.
  5. You can drive attendees to your booth and message through your sponsorship.

According to a post-convention survey, 75% of aerial applicators stated that they would be “very likely” to use the products and services of a company that sponsors an event at the Ag Aviation Expo.

By becoming a sponsor, attendees will:

  1. Remember your company’s services and/or products.
  2. See you as a supporter of the ag aviation industry.
  3. Recognize your brand.
  4. See you as a partner and industry visionary.
  5. Hold you above others in purchasing decisions.

For more information, contact Lindsay Barber by email or phone at (202) 546-5722.

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AD Issued for AStar/TwinStar 

The FAA has adopted a new Airworthiness Directive (AD 2025-09-13) for some Airbus Helicopters Models AS350 and AS355. This AD was prompted by a report of a sliding door that was locked in the open position detaching from the helicopter during flight. This AD requires modifying certain upper rail rollers, installing a label on each sliding door, and prohibits installing affected upper rail rollers or a door having an affected upper rail roller. 

This AD follows a European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD (EASA AD 2023-0131), which was issued July 3, 2023. 

You can find the final AD here. 

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2026 NAAA/Syngenta Leadership Training Program Applications Accepted Until July 18, 2025

Since 1995, NAAA, in partnership with Syngenta Crop Protection, has offered the Leadership Training Program (LTP) to develop leaders within the aerial application industry. Over the past 29 classes, more than 365 NAAA members have graduated from the program. Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 program. The deadline to apply is July 18, 2025.

LTP equips participants with the communication and leadership skills needed to effectively represent the aerial application industry to the public, media, and government. It also covers management strategies to support participants in growing their businesses and becoming stronger leaders within NAAA and state or regional agricultural aviation associations.

  • 12 participants will attend the LTP in Washington, D.C., February 10–14, 2026.
  • 2 participants will attend the full Syngenta “Leadership At Its Best” (LAIB) program January 19–23, 2026 (includes participants from other national agricultural organizations).

In total, 14 individuals will be selected to participate. Each state or regional agricultural aviation association, along with the Canadian Aerial Applicators Association, may nominate one candidate. A selection committee appointed by the NAAA President will choose the most qualified applicants.

If you’re interested in being considered for the 2026 Leadership Training Program, contact your state or regional agricultural aviation association’s executive director for the application link. Only one candidate may be nominated per association. The deadline to apply is July 18, 2025.

Candidates must meet the following requirements:

  • Industry Involvement:
    Must work in an agricultural aviation business or an allied industry organization. Eligible roles include:
    • Owners (partial or full) of agricultural aircraft
    • Managing employees, stockholders, or pilots of an ag aviation business
    • Employees of Allied Industry Member companies or state associations
  • Leadership Experience:
    Prior leadership in a state/regional ag aviation association, community service, or professional/school organizations.
  • Commitment to the Industry:
    A demonstrated interest in continued involvement in the aerial application industry.

For more information about the 2026 NAAA/Syngenta Leadership Training Program, contact Amay@agaviation.org.

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In Case You Missed Last Week’s NAAA eNewsletter

Click here for the May 29, 2025 eNewsletter to read:

  • NAAREF Hosts Fifth In-Season Safety Session; A Must Listen for All Ag Pilots—Session Recording Available on NAAA Education Center
  • Make America Healthy Again Commission Releases Childhood Chronic Diseases Assessments with References to Pesticides
  • Bill Lockwood, Longtime Ag Pilot from the Pacific Northwest and Former NAAA Board Member, Passes
  • Attention Exhibitors! Large Booth Sales Open for the 2025 Ag Aviation Expo

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