February 6, 2025

FAA Seeks to Ensure UAAS Operators Understand Regulatory Obligations

The FAA has updated their Part 137 uncrewed aerial application systems (UAAS) webpage with a highlighted header which reads: “The FAA has become aware of exemption holders conducting commercial agricultural operations in a manner noncompliant with the conditions and limitations of their exemption. Therefore, the FAA is implementing operational validations to ensure that each exemption holder fully understands their obligations to conduct operations in accordance with their exemption, the required Part 137 certificate, their ATO-issued COA, and all pertinent sections of 14 CFR. This includes basic requirements such as obtaining a Remote Pilot Certificate and registering their UAS.

Read More FAA Seeks to Ensure UAAS Operators Understand Regulatory Obligations
NAAA Comments Opposing UAAS Exemption from Filing NOTAMs

This week, NAAA submitted comments on a petition for exemption from an uncrewed aerial application system (UAAS) operator, seeking relief from the requirement to file Notice to Air Missions (NOTAMs) prior to each operation. The petitioner, in justifying their request, stated that the NOTAM filing requirement will cause them to miss out on spontaneous work and profits. The supporting documentation for the petition was locked and marked confidential, thus providing NAAA and the public no transparency on how they plan to mitigate the increased risk associated with the proposed relief.

Read More NAAA Comments Opposing UAAS Exemption from Filing NOTAMs
NAAA Joins National Aviation Community Mourning Last Week’s Loss of Commercial and Military Crew and Passengers and to Emphasize the Safety of the U.S. Aviation System

NAAA joined commercial airlines, general aviation and other national aviation organizations in issuing a statement to the public mourning the tragic loss of the passengers and crews of Flight 5342, PAT 25 and Med Jets Flight 056 last week in our nation’s capital area. The public statement also expressed the organization’s commitment to further improving aviation safety while emphasizing the quality of the current U.S. aviation system.

Read More NAAA Joins National Aviation Community Mourning Last Week’s Loss of Commercial and Military Crew and Passengers and to Emphasize the Safety of the U.S. Aviation System
Superseding AD Proposed for R44 Flex Plates and Clutch Yokes

The FAA has proposed to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2024-19-11, which applies to all Robinson R44 and R44 II helicopters. NAAA previously reported on AD 2024-19-11 in March 2024. The proposed superseding AD will retain all requirements of the original AD and update the alternative action to repetitively inspect a yoke that has reached the specified threshold instead of replacing it.

Read More Superseding AD Proposed for R44 Flex Plates and Clutch Yokes
Update Your Information for 2025 Membership Directory

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.

Read More Update Your Information for 2025 Membership Directory
Start the Year with a New 2025 NAAA Membership!

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.

Read More Start the Year with a New 2025 NAAA Membership!