National Agricultural Aviation Association
Member Benefits
Make your Voice Heard
Whether you have worked in the aerial application industry for decades or are exploring a future career as a professional ag pilot, joining NAAA enables you to become part of the voice of the aerial application industry. The unique experiences, regional knowledge and personal expertise you bring to NAAA serves as the driving force affecting change at the national level. Adding your voice to that of others across the country is imperative in ensuring that Federal policymakers and regulators understand and accurately attune the laws and regulations governing the aerial application industry.
NAAA works for you in Washington – Working closely with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Congress, and state and local agencies to stop unnecessary and overly burdensome regulations. Maintaining a presence in Washington, D.C., and on the national stage is vital to the industry. Industry surveys and ongoing contact with members consistently demonstrate that aerial applicators view government regulation as the greatest threat to their businesses. NAAA’s leaders have understood this since the association’s inception, but the legislative and regulatory battles at the federal level are becoming more time-consuming with each passing year. NAAA needs the continued support of all aerial applicators to educate policymakers about the critical role aerial application plays in American agriculture and to fight potentially harmful government policies.
Invest in Your Business
When you join NAAA, you are directly impacting efforts which monetarily benefit your business. NAAA has prevented costly user fees from being charged to ag aircraft by convincing lawmakers to exempt agricultural aircraft from user fees. NAAA successfully lobbied Congress to enact legislation providing more than $4 million in annual federal fuel tax relief for U.S. aerial applicators. Agricultural aviators are saving thousands of dollars a year at a minimum as a result of these efforts—savings that are 10 times greater, on average, than your annual national and state association membership dues combined!
You are also paving the way to a better, more profitable future. NAAA has been successful in lobbying the government for over $13M in federal funding for aerial application research over the last few decades. This funding has been used to develop and test new aerial application technologies designed to mitigate drift and make applications more efficient and cost-effective.
Invest in Yourself
As a member, you will find many avenues for professional growth. Immediately access networking opportunities through the NAAA Member Directory, an invaluable resource throughout your career. You also become eligible for the following:
- Health insurance options
- Scholarships for you and your family
- Leadership Training Program
- Job Board use, which matches operators and pilots
Receive Discounts that Add Up
Demonstrate your commitment to professionalism as an NAAA member by participating in NAAA affiliated safety programs such as the Professional Aerial Applicators’ Support System (PAASS) and Self-Regulating Application and Flight Efficiency (Operation SAFE) to improve your standing in getting better insurance rates.
Enjoy discounted Ag Aviation Expo fees. If you already attend Expo, consider this member discount a direct reduction in your annual dues.
Stay in the Know
You will receive the weekly NAAA eNewsletter to keep you informed of important issues happening in the industry as they unfold. In addition, you will receive both a paper and digital copy of Agricultural Aviation magazine.
You will have at the ready NAAA’s Media Relations Kit, which is a toolbox of talking points, handouts and background information you can use before media interviews, field days or visits by government officials.
Someone to call if you Need Help
If you find yourself in need, NAAA has the resources to help or connect you with help. The unique nature of the aerial application industry can leave many feeling like they are on an island without an advocate in their corner when issues arise with the FAA, State Department of Ag, growers or local authorities. As a member of NAAA, you always have a professional ally and a direct line to assistance.
You also gain access to legal services regarding federal aviation laws and regulations, including federal taxation issues. John L. Wright, PC, out of Broomfield, CO is an attorney with significant experience in the aerial application industry who will provide a one-hour legal consultation to NAAA member Operators or Pilots free of charge.
Ready to Join NAAA?
Become part of the only national organization representing aerial applicators’ interests; make your voice heard and invest in yourself, your business and the future of the industry.