2026 Ag Aviation Expo General Session to Focus on Turning an Ag Plane Safely

Turning an agricultural aircraft safely is a critical skill for every ag pilot. At this year’s Ag Aviation Expo, Fran de Kock of Battlefords Airspray in Canada and Matt Hovdenes of Arthur Aviation in Harwood, ND, will lead the Turning an Ag Airplane Safely Course during the General Session on Tuesday, Nov. 17.

The course will cover the fundamentals of safe ag turns, effective training techniques, turning in varying conditions, and how to recognize and manage the risks that can lead to turning accidents. Designed for pilots of all experience levels, the session offers valuable information for anyone looking to strengthen their flying skills and improve safety.

de Kock began flying in Alberta and Saskatchewan in 1975 and founded Battlefords Airspray with his wife, Patricia, in 1980. He built the company into a respected aerial application operation and pioneered progressive turbine transition training, introducing side-by-side instruction in the Gippsland GA200 in 2001 and the dual-seat Air Tractor 504 in 2012.

His contributions to agricultural aviation safety extend internationally through his work with the Canadian Aerial Applicators Association, NAAA and NAAREF. He has led safety seminars, appeared in training and PAASS videos, and taught topics including wire strike avoidance, emergency procedures and stall recognition. de Kock will be inducted into the National Agricultural Aviation Hall of Fame at this year’s Ag Aviation Expo.

Hovdenes earned bachelor’s degrees in Agricultural Aviation and Plant Industries Management from the University of Minnesota Crookston. After beginning his agricultural aviation career in 2002, he gained experience flying a variety of application aircraft and now flies an AT-400 for Arthur Aviation.

He has served as president of the North Dakota Agricultural Aviation Association, North Dakota representative to the NAAA Board and NAAA vice president. He also serves on the NAAREF Board of Directors and is a PAASS presenter.

The General Session is included with base registration; no additional registration is required. Register for the 2026 Ag Aviation Expo here. Save $100 per registration by signing up by tomorrow’s October 16 deadline. Sponsored by Rotorcraft Repair & Manufacturing LLC , AIG and Gallagher Aerospace.