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- NAAA Promotes Aerial Precision Technologies and Modernizing AGDISP Atmospheric Drift Modeling to Ag Producers and Input Manufacturers at CropLife America Regulatory Summit
- California AAA Hosts Successful Field Day and Operation S.A.F.E. Fly-In Clinic
- FAA Adds Assurance for Continued Access to 100LL at Federally Funded Airports
- In Memory of David Eby, Ag Aviation Enthusiast
- Links Available to Presentations Made at March 2025 Spray Drone User Conference, Including NAAA’s Uncrewed Airspace Safety, Environmental Stewardship Education Presentation
- Superseding AD Proposed for GE Engine M601 Compressor Case
- AD Issued for Bell 505 Wire Harness Inspection
NAAA Promotes Aerial Precision Technologies and Modernizing AGDISP Atmospheric Drift Modeling to Ag Producers and Input Manufacturers at CropLife America Regulatory Summit
NAAA, represented by CEO Andrew Moore, presented at CropLife America’s Regulatory Conference last week on aerial application precision technologies and the efforts the association is making in modernizing the atmospheric drift model, AGDISP. The conference, held annually, is attended by pesticide manufacturer leaders throughout the country and world, in addition to EPA and USDA regulators and agricultural trade group representatives. CropLife America is the trade association representing pesticide manufacturers.
Moore described efforts underway by NAAA and others in the pesticide user community to update the computer coding of the AGDISP model which, once completed, will enable a number of other modeled drift reduction technologies (DRTs) and techniques to be layered over the updated AGDISP code. The output of this layering will ultimately show how these new precision DRTs mitigate drift and can be used by EPA for pesticide applicators to make site specific, real time risk assessments, rather than a one-size fits all label based on worst case scenarios that doesn’t reward those investing in proven environmentally sustainable technologies.
California AAA Hosts Successful Field Day and Operation S.A.F.E. Fly-In Clinic
The California Agricultural Aircraft Association (CAAA) hosted two industry events in April, bringing together more than 160 participants from across the state for hands-on demonstrations, technical insights, and cutting-edge updates in aerial application technology. Field day and Operation S.A.F.E. Fly-In clinics took place on April 7th in Sacramento and April 9th in Tulare.
The events included aerial applicators, pest control advisors (PCAs), staff from California’s Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR), county agricultural commissioners, aspiring ag pilots, and other key stakeholders in agricultural aviation. It provided spray pattern analysis and access to the latest advancements in aerial applications for the attendees.
A highlight of both days was the Operation S.A.F.E. Fly-In, which featured real-time spray pattern analysis. Dr. Dennis Gardisser led software operations for the analysis, while NAAA California board member, Dan Gudgel, coordinated flight line logistics and data collection. Crewed and uncrewed aircraft participated at the Fly-In, allowing attendees to observe and compare performance across technologies.
The field day portion featured an in-depth presentation by Dr. Gardisser on aerial spray dynamics. He addressed critical topics such as the influence of meteorological conditions on spray deposition, the importance of nozzle and boom placement, and how aircraft aerodynamics affect spray pattern distribution.
Events like this serve as vital reminders of the industry’s commitment to safety and precision. Participating in Operation S.A.F.E. Fly-In clinics enhance the safety and effectiveness of aerial application and allows operators and pilots to pursue or maintain their Certified Professional Aerial Applicator Safety Steward (C-PAASS) certification, further reinforcing best practices in the field. Learn more about C-PAASS here.
FAA Adds Assurance for Continued Access to 100LL at Federally Funded Airports
The FAA has implemented modified grant assurances for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). These assurances are essentially obligations which are incorporated in and become part of a sponsor’s grant agreement for Federal financial assistance with airport infrastructure planning and development.
One new assurance requires that an airport owner or operator that made any 100LL available at any time during calendar year 2022 not restrict or prohibit sale of self-fueling with 100LL. This requirement remains until the earlier of December 31, 2030, or the date on which the airport or any retail fuel seller at the airport makes available an unleaded aviation gasoline that has been authorized for use by FAA as a replacement for 100LL for use in nearly all piston-engine aircraft and engine models; and meets either an industry consensus standard or other standard as deemed appropriate by FAA.
In Memory of David Eby, Ag Aviation Enthusiast
NAAA is saddened to announce the passing of former board member and recipient of the 2015 Puffer Award, David Eby of Wakarusa, IN. Eby was the co-founder of AgriFlite & Venture Aviation. He began his career as a flight instructor and in 1973, he founded AgriFlite Services with a single Cessna 188, taking the company’s first swath and laying the foundation for what would become a leading force in agricultural aviation.
Together with his wife Denise and their dedicated team, Dave grew AgriFlite from humble beginnings into a trusted partner for crop and land managers—empowering them with the tools, technology, and aerial solutions needed for efficient, precise, and safe application. In 2023, AgriFlite proudly celebrated 50 years of excellence, continuing to serve with the same commitment that Dave inspired.
David’s entrepreneurial spirit led to industry-changing innovations such as AgSync, a web-based logistics platform, and AeroFlow, a designer and manufacturer of proprietary spray booms and valves. His integrity, curiosity, and commitment to excellence were the cornerstones of his work and relationships.
A devoted family man and mentor, Dave was known for treating everyone with fairness and respect. He uplifted young pilots, supported local farmers, and built a team culture that felt like family. His impact on the agricultural aviation community and beyond will resonate for generations.
Details on David Eby’s Celebration of Life
More Info: www.agriflite.com
Date: Saturday, May 24, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Service at 1:00 PM)
Location: The Hangar, Eby Airfield
Address: 30688 CR 36, Wakarusa, IN 46573
Contact: (574) 862-4392
Links Available to Presentations Made at March 2025 Spray Drone User Conference, Including NAAA’s Uncrewed Airspace Safety, Environmental Stewardship Education Presentation
Links are now available from the multitude of presentations made at the March 2025 Spray Drone User Conference in Mobile, Alabama. These include NAAA’s presentation, delivered by CEO Andrew Moore, emphasizing the importance of spray drone users to safely operate in the presence of crewed ag aircraft by giving them the right-of-way at all times, equipping with ADS-B Out technology, and monitoring radio frequency 122.925 for the presence of crewed ag aircraft. Moore also emphasized the requirement to be licensed as a Part 137 operator and as a commercial pesticide applicator and to notify the authorities if they are aware of operations not following this and other such laws to protect the industry’s reputation from bad actors. He also emphasized that spray drone operators participate annually in the Professional Aerial Application Support System (PAASS) curriculum and spray system calibration and pattern-perfecting offered by NAAA/NAAREF, Operation S.A.F.E. Fly-In clinics. Moreover, he emphasized that spray drone operators belong to and participate as members of NAAA for the crucial services they provide in registering pesticides for aerial use, which includes crewed and uncrewed aircraft, and the critical airspace safety services they offer. The link to all the presentations may be found by clicking here, and clicking Contents. The NAAA presentation may be found by clicking Agenda at 42:36. It concludes at 1:15:03.
Many common national ag retailers, aviation insurance, and pesticide manufacturers attended, participated, and contributed at the conference. According to the American Spray Drone Coalition, which also presented at the conference, 10.3 million acres are treated by uncrewed aerial application systems annually. Click here for the eNewsletter’s initial story on the conference.
Superseding AD Proposed for GE Engine M601 Compressor Case
The FAA has proposed to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2024-06-02 (dated April 11, 2024), which applies to several GE Aviation Czech M601 turboprop engines. Prompted by a report of a crack on the centrifugal compressor case mount pad weld area caused by poor welds, AD 2024-06-02 requires a detailed visual inspection (DVI) and, if necessary, replacement of the compressor case.
Since AD 2024-06-02 was issued, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency has issued EASA AD 2024-0194 (dated October 15, 2024), which adds repetitive DVIs at intervals not to exceed 100 flight-hours, or 300 takeoffs or 6 months, whichever occurs first. If a crack is detected, the compressor case must be replaced.
FAA’s proposed superseding AD would include all requirements from the EASA AD. Comments may be submitted through June 9, 2025.
AD Issued for Bell 505 Wire Harness Inspection
The FAA has issued airworthiness directive (AD) 2025-09-01 for certain serial-numbered Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 505 helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of possible chafing in certain locations between the basic and supplemental helicopter wiring and the structure. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the wire harnesses at certain locations for damage, and if any wire damage is found, repairing the damaged wire/bundles, as specified in Transport Canada AD CF-2024-44, dated December 19, 2024.
In Case You Missed Last Week’s NAAA eNewsletter
Click here for the April 24, 2025 eNewsletter to read:
- Ag Aviation Featured on The Scoop Podcast Focusing on Cutting Edge Technologies for the Industry’s Future
- Arkansas Ag Aviation Association Successful Enacting Legislation Keeping Wind Turbines at Bay
- Ready to Become an Operation SAFE Analyst? Attend Training in June – Starkville, MS
- Support the Tylor Johnson Memorial Golf Tournament on June 2; Proceeds Support Aviation Safety Education
- Exhibitor Details for the 2025 Ag Aviation Expo: Booth Sales for Aircraft & Large Booth Space Now Open