Hylio, a U.S.-based agricultural uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) manufacturer, was recently granted a landmark exemption to conduct Part 137 swarm operations. Hylio initially petitioned to utilize their AG-230, an 8-gallon capacity octocopter marketed to produce up to a 35 ft swath width and treat up to 50 acres per hour at 1 GPA (if permitted on the label).
As reported last week, NAAA participated in 2nd Annual Spray Drone End User Conference in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The conference was well attended by both national and international uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) manufacturers, UAS 14 CFR Part 137 certificate holders, and pesticide manufacturers—250 were in attendance with another 100 attending virtually. The local Fox News station covered the event and NAAA Allied member Bill Reynolds of Leading Edge Aerial Technologies was interviewed for the newscast.
The FAA has proposed adopting a new AD for all Robinson Model R44 and R44 II helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of a fractured clutch shaft forward yoke (yoke) on the main rotor (M/R) drive due to fatigue cracking.
NAAA has been actively promoting the benefits of aerial application services to farmers, ag retailers, and crop consultants across the United States through various advertising campaigns and articles in Farm Journal publications. This week, two advertisements targeted a potential circulation of 150,000 readers with the “Above All Other Forms of Crop Care,” ad featured in the March 5 edition of AgWeb, marking the beginning of a nine-week email advertising run in one of Farm Journal Media’s major newsletters.
The 2024 Certified-Professional Aerial Applicator Safety Steward (C-PAASS) application is now open! This annual, individual certification for ag pilots, both operator and non-operator, serves to recognize a strong commitment to safety, professionalism and the pursuit of continuous improvement. Use it to positively distinguish yourself to insurers, customers, regulators and others outside the industry — and be a part of the force advancing safety, and changing the narrative, for agricultural aviation on a national level.
If you missed this year’s PAASS Program, you have one more chance. There will be a Zoom PAASS Program on Tuesday, March 12, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. CDT (10 a.m.–2:30 p.m. EDT).
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