In a recent interview with Rocky Mountain PBS and KUNC News in Colorado, NAAA operator member Neil Wicke shared his insights on the growing role of both airplanes and drones in shaping the future of agricultural aviation. Wicke has owned his company, Crop Air, LLC, in Eaton, CO, since 2018.
The FAA has issued AD 2025-15-02 for certain Hiller 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.
The FAA has proposed to supersede AD 2021-20-16, which applies to certain AS350B3 and AS355 helicopters. AD 2021-20-16 was issued in October 2021 and requires repetitive cleaning and visual and detailed inspections of the right-hand side of the vertical fin spar and vertical fin upper attachments for discrepancies (cracking) with corrective action, if necessary.
The Make America Healthy Again Commission (MAHA), a presidential advisory body focused on childhood chronic diseases in the U.S., released its health strategy report earlier this week lowering the volume about health effects of certain pesticides compared to its health assessment report released in May. The MAHA spring report was an assessment of health conditions and stated that the U.S. needs more government (non-industry funded) pesticide studies and mentioned some chemicals by name, including pesticides such as atrazine and glyphosate.
The aerial application industry is facing an existential crisis with the recent release of the FAA’s Beyond Visual Lind of Site (BVLOS) proposed rule for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The reason for such concern is that the FAA has proposed that certain UAS operating BVLOS within 50 feet of shielded areas (powerlines and substations, railroad tracks, bridges, pipelines, etc.) be exempt from equipping with detect and avoid devices such as ADS-B In; AND would be granted right-of-way over manned ag aircraft.
Thank you for your support as a 2025 member of NAAA. We request your continued support by renewing your NAAA membership for 2026 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.
We look forward to seeing you at the 2025 NAAA Ag Aviation Expo in Reno, Nevada, Nov. 17-19. Attendee registration is now open for the annual convention. NAAA’s registration system will allow you to register and pay for all events at one time.
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