June 26, 2025

Clean Water Act NPDES PGP Exemption Legislation Begins Another Trickle Through Congress, Hopefully Towards Enactment

Yesterday, legislation was marked up through the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure that would exempt pesticide applications made over or near water from obtaining unnecessary and burdensome NPDES pesticide general permits under the Clean Water Act. The legislation, H.R. 3824, the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act, introduced by U.S. Representative David Rouzer (R-NC).

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Attention Exhibitors! Booth Sales Begin on July 10

Join us for the 2025 Ag Aviation Expo in Reno, Nov. 17-19. In addition to attending the NAAA Ag Aviation Expo, explore Reno. The city is a fast-growing city that offers numerous dining and libation options. The Midtown District is home to many local bars with live music, offering local artists’ murals and each offers a unique atmosphere

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Barry Martin of Tennessee Aircraft Passes

Barry Martin, president of Tennessee Aircraft, an FAA-approved overhaul facility for turbine engine fuel nozzles, passed away on June 18, 2025. He spent decades working in the aviation and agricultural aviation industries. He was a longtime NAAA Allied member and exhibitor. Barry donated unique antique rifles and guns to the NAAA Live Auction for the past several years.

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AD Proposed for AStar Throttle Twist Grip

The FAA has proposed to supersede Airworthiness Directive AD 2020-24-07, issued December 8, 2020, which applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B3 helicopters (among others), and requires modifying and inspecting the pilot’s and co-pilot’s throttle twist grip for proper operation. Since the FAA issued AD 2020-24-07, Airbus Helicopters developed another modification of the twist grip and additional corrective actions for helicopters already modified.

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AD Issued for Bell 407 Expandable Blade Bolts on Main Rotor

The FAA has issued a new airworthiness directive for Bell Textron Canada Limited (BTCL) Model 407 and 427 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report that certain expandable blade bolts installed on the main rotor blade may not have received the correct heat treatment, which could result in stress corrosion cracking of the expandable blade bolts.

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July is Ag Aviation’s Busiest Month for Hours and Accidents, Brush Up on Your Fly Safe Messages

July is the month with the greatest pest pressure and, consequently, the busiest time of the year for Agriculture’s Air Force to protect U.S. cropland. Unfortunately, it is also the month that accumulates the highest number of ag aviation accidents, including fatal ones. As of June 25, 2025, there have been twelve agricultural aviation accidents reported in 2025, two of which resulted in fatalities.

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