July 11, 2024

NAAA Submits Comments to EPA to Protect Aerial Applications for Two Pesticides

Last week NAAA submitted comments to the EPA on amended proposed interim decisions (PID) for the pesticide active ingredients captan and ziram. The amended PID for ziram proposed to ban all conventional uses, keeping only antimicrobials uses. The reason for the proposed ban was human health risks to both bystanders from drift and occupational risks to mixers and loaders and pilots. NAAA’s comments addressed the drift concern by reminding EPA that their current drift model dramatically overestimates the amount of drift from aerial applications.

Read More NAAA Submits Comments to EPA to Protect Aerial Applications for Two Pesticides
UAS “Advanced Operations” Exemptions: The New Normal

In March, FAA granted a precedent-setting exemption to Hylio, a U.S.-based agricultural uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) manufacturer. For any §44807 Approved UAS, this exemption granted relief to operate up to three UAS simultaneously under one operator, during night, and without visual observers (VOs), within visual line of sight (VLOS) of the pilot in command (PIC).

Read More UAS “Advanced Operations” Exemptions: The New Normal
Fatal Ag Training Accident Claims the Life of Alberto Lozano Alvidrez

The members and staff of NAAA extend their sympathies and condolences to the family and friends of Alberto Lozano Alvidrez. He was fatally injured on June 25, 2024, while on an ag aviation training flight. Alberto was born on May 5, 1996, and was 28 years old at the time of his passing.

Read More Fatal Ag Training Accident Claims the Life of Alberto Lozano Alvidrez
Operation S.A.F.E. Analyst Training – October 2024 – Cleveland, MS

Advanced Turbine Training, LLC and Delta State University will be hosting an Operation S.A.F.E. Analyst training course Oct. 1-4, 2024 in Cleveland, MS at the Cleveland Municipal Airport (KRNV). WRK of Arkansas and WRK of Oklahoma will co-conduct the course, which will include two packed days of classroom instruction followed by a student-led pattern testing clinic at KRNV.

Read More Operation S.A.F.E. Analyst Training – October 2024 – Cleveland, MS
NAAA Hires Amy May as Manager of Communications & Meetings

NAAA is excited to announce the hiring of longtime NAAA member Amy May as NAAA’s Manager of Communications & Meetings. Amy brings 20+ years of experience in communications and organization in her years of work as a social work coordinator, office manager and client account manager. In addition, she has served on various NAAA and Support committees for several years.

Read More NAAA Hires Amy May as Manager of Communications & Meetings
AD Proposed for Lycoming Connecting Rod Bushings

The FAA has proposed adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Lycoming engines that have certain connecting rod assemblies installed. This proposed AD was prompted by several reports of connecting rod failures, which resulted in uncontained engine failure and in-flight shutdowns (IFSDs).

Read More AD Proposed for Lycoming Connecting Rod Bushings
AD Proposed for R44 Belt Tension Clutch Actuator Brackets

The FAA has proposed to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Robinson R44 helicopters with serial numbers (S/Ns) up to 2480 inclusive and 30001 through 30022 inclusive, and R44 II helicopters with S/Ns up to 14089 inclusive.

Read More AD Proposed for R44 Belt Tension Clutch Actuator Brackets
FAASTeam Releases Notice to Ag Aviators in Response to High Number of Fatal Ag Accidents

The FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) released a notice to agricultural aircraft operations last week in response to the high number of fatal accidents that occurred in June. The notice contains a list of suggested actions to improve safety for ag aircraft.

Read More FAASTeam Releases Notice to Ag Aviators in Response to High Number of Fatal Ag Accidents
Booth Sales for the 2024 Ag Aviation Expo Begin July 11

Join us for the 2024 Ag Aviation Expo in Fort Worth, Texas, Nov. 18-21. Booth Sales for 10×10 and 10×20 space begin on Thursday, July 11. Exhibiting is a great way to boost your brand visibility and get your company name in front of an expected 1,500+ attendees. Booth sales are already open for 10×30+ large booth space.

Read More Booth Sales for the 2024 Ag Aviation Expo Begin July 11