One of the highlights of each NAAA Ag Aviation Expo is the chance to honor a distinct group of committed individuals and companies for their service to the agricultural aviation industry. The aerial application industry is filled with exceptional people who go above and beyond the call of duty, often with little fanfare. If you attended the 2024 Ag Aviation Expo and thought, “I know someone who deserves an award,” then now is a great time to make that nomination.
The FAA has proposed adopting a new Airworthiness Directive (AD) for Hiller Model UH-12E and UH-12E-L helicopters. The FAA received a report of two cracks in a main rotor (M/R) drive shaft that were found during an inspection involving a Siam Hiller Model UH-12E helicopter. These cracks resulted from hydrogen embrittlement, possibly due to improper baking after the electroplating process, and certain paint strippers exploiting galvanic potential between the steel and cadmium.
Scott Rainey, who was tragically lost in an ag aviation accident on June 25, 2024, was recognized Tuesday night at the Missouri Agricultural Aviation Association’s banquet. Dr. Dennis Gardisser of WRK of Arkansas talked about Scott and presented Scott’s wife and son, Judy and Brycen, with a missing man formation plaque.
Agricultural aviation operators could see both cost savings benefits and a greater supply of drivers due to a new NAAA advocated CDL exemption proposed by the Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The proposed exemption would amend FMCSA safety regulations to allow states to waive the hazardous materials (HM) endorsement requirement for Class A CDL holders of agricultural aviation operators that haul no more than 1,000 gallons of aviation-grade jet fuel.
Virginia Senate bill 911 was introduced earlier this month by Virginia State Senator Bill Stanley that would require aerial applicators to give a five-day notice of an application for Virginia beekeepers. Aerial applicators would be required to provide the location, date and time, total acreage, ingredients and other information regarding the application to beekeepers within a five-mile radius.
On January 21, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. CT, the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) will present a drone webinar for uncrewed aerial application systems’ (UAAS) operations titled Requirements for Advanced Flight Operations and Reading the Federal Docket. The webinar will review legal requirements for UAS Advanced Flight Operation.
As NAAA reported at the end of 2024, EPA has proposed to revoke all tolerances of chlorpyrifos except for the following crops: alfalfa, apple, asparagus, cherry (tart), citrus, cotton, peach, soybean, strawberry, sugar beets and wheat (both spring and winter). This revocation is part of EPA’s compliance with a ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit that overturned EPA’s earlier ban on chlorpyrifos.
To guarantee accurate inclusion in the 2025 NAAA Membership Directory, please make any corrections to your membership listing by February 7. Have you moved or changed employers since you renewed your NAAA membership? Allied companies, have you reviewed your company description lately? Log into your account to ensure your listing in the 2025 NAAA Membership Directory is correct by February 7.
Thank you for your support as a 2024 member of NAAA. We request your continued support by renewing your NAAA membership for 2025 today. While you have been busy aiding farmers to produce a safe, affordable, and abundant supply of food, fiber, and bioenergy, NAAA has been busy making sure low-altitude airspace is safe for your aerial application business to operate, as well as ensuring that you have the pesticide products you need to do your job.
NAAA & NAAREF Board & Committee meetings will be held in Canada, Feb. 20-22, 2025. We remind everyone that a valid United States passport is required for entry.
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