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Guardian Agriculture featured in Time Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2024; NAAA Sends Letter to the Editor Regarding Inaccurate Statements

Congratulations to NAAA member Guardian Agriculture for being featured in Time magazine’s Best Inventions of 2024 online post titled Fully Autonomous Crop Dusting. The post provided readers with a synopsis of Guardian Agriculture’s SC1 uncrewed aircraft system (UAS).

Unfortunately, Time’s post contained several inaccuracies written by author Jared Lindzon about the aerial application industry as a whole. Earlier this week, NAAA sent a letter to the editor of Time pointing out inaccuracies, including the writer’s statement about the performance of crewed agricultural aircraft and that “their less-than-targeted application can destroy landscapes.”

In the letter, NAAA explained that modern agricultural aircraft are equipped with high-tech application systems that control spray droplet size (critical for keeping spray on target), measure weather, and accurately guide the aircraft with sub-inch precision. When working near especially sensitive areas such as endangered species habitat, aerial applicators use these and other technologies to ensure such habitat is protected from the pesticides being applied. The letter also stated that the EPA recently accepted NAAA’s proposal to refine how aerial applications are modeled in EPA’s endangered species risk assessments because of the proven accuracy of modern agricultural aircraft.

NAAA’s letter also pointed out that instead of destroying landscapes, ag aircraft not only help feed the world and protect the environment by stating that “the enhanced yield provided by aerial applications on corn, soybean, wheat, cotton, and rice prevents the need for converting 27.4 million acres of natural areas into cropland – an area the size of Tennessee. The CO2 sequestered every year by cover crops seeded from agricultural aircraft is the equivalent of removing over 400,000 cars from the road.” The letter also stated that farmers do not rent crewed agricultural aircraft to treat their crops, as was stated by the writer; rather, farmers hire commercial agricultural aviators who professionally spray, fertilize, and seed their crops. The post’s statement, “choppers are too big,” doesn’t fit the actual state of the industry. The most common agricultural aircraft in the U.S. is also the largest – the Air Tractor AT-802, which has a 9,249-pound payload capacity and can spray well over 3,000 acres per day.

NAAA has requested a correction to the online article.

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Avoiding Inadvertent IMC – New Course Available!

NAAA/NAAREF has released a new online safety course on avoiding inadvertent instrument meteorological conditions (IIMC) in the NAAA Education Center. This self-paced course is freely available to members. Register for the course here. 

Course Description: 

Instrument meteorological conditions are those weather conditions with low visibility, particularly fog, that require use of cockpit instruments for safe flying. Inadvertently flying into these instrument conditions occurs when a pilot, not rated or equipped to fly with instruments, finds himself flying from clear weather conditions into low/no-visibility conditions requiring instruments. From 2011 to 2020 there were a total of six agricultural aviation IIMC accidents, five of which were fatal. IIMC results in a degraded visual environment followed by spatial disorientation, which likely leads to an accident. The best strategy for IIMC is to avoid flying in such conditions and this course will go over the factors that aerial applicators need to consider before taking off. Of immense value, this course will also present stories from agricultural aviators who survived IIMC encounters, shared so others may learn first-hand from their incidents. 

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Many Auction Items Up for Bid at NAAA Live Auction; Letter of Credit Required for PT6A-34AG Engine

Thank you to the many companies that support ag pilots and their operations, as well as the industry, through donating items for the Live and Silent Auctions at the NAAA Ag Aviation Expo. The money raised from these items supports NAAA programs. To donate an item to the live or silent auction, contact Amy May.

In addition to the generous donation of a brand-new PT6A-34AG turboprop engine from Pratt & Whitney Canada, bid on a custom golf cart donated by Air Tractor, a single point fueling system donated by Turbine Conversions and a custom American flag gun case donated by Transland with a Henry Big Boy Carbine .357 Mag and a Henry Big Boy Revolver Gunfighter Grip 4″ BBL Caliber .357 MAG to benefit NAAREF.

Join us for the Live Auction & Reception on Tuesday, Nov. 19, at 5:30 p.m. at the Fort Worth Convention Center on the NAAA Trade Show floor. All are welcome to enjoy the auction, and food and beverages sponsored by Syngenta. The Silent Auction bidding will be open Tuesday and Wednesday during NAAA Trade Show hours; there is no electronic bidding this year.

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Juror Volunteers Needed for Aerial Drift Mock Trial at NAAA Ag Aviation Expo General Session

The NAAA Ag Aviation Expo General Session will be held Tuesday, Nov. 19 in Fort Worth, TX, and will feature a mock trial presented by the law firm of Anderson & Riddle, LLP. The attorneys at Anderson & Riddle have been representing aerial applicators in all types of matters for over 31 years. Founding partner Geff Anderson handled his first drift claim in 1993. Partner Jim Kiser has represented aerial applicators for several years. The mock trial will present a direct and cross-examination of a pilot and an expert witness in an aerial drift case.

We are looking for 8-10 attendees to act as juror volunteers who will debate and determine the outcome of the mock trial. Please email Lindsay Barber if you’d like to participate. Volunteers must attend the Tuesday, Nov. 19 mock trial in person.

View the full schedule of events and register online.

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Saddle Up for Fun: Join NAAREF’s Bucking for PAASS Fundraiser to Raise Money for NAAREF & PAASS!

Saddle up for an unforgettable experience as NAAREF hosts another entertaining fundraising event for NAAREF and PAASS at the 2024 Ag Aviation Expo in Fort Worth, Texas. Join us for Bucking for PAASS, a rip-roaring good time where participants can ride a mechanical bull to raise money for PAASS. You don’t need to ride the bull to participate!

Test your cowboy or cowgirl skills as you mount the mechanical bull and hold on for dear life! Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a first-timer, this exhilarating activity promises laughter, cheers, and maybe a few falls (but always in good fun!). Winners will be those that stay on the bull the longest and will receive a special prize plus a gift certificate at the Support Booth on the convention floor to purchase NAAA swag.  This is a terrific social event with the added benefit of raising money for NAAREF and PAASS and the lifesaving and environmental stewardship benefits those entities achieve.

Registration: This event is a donation to NAAREF. Register here (once logged in, click 2024 Ag Aviation Expo to register as part of the expo registration). The cost to attend is $110 per person. We recommend enjoying dinner at one of the many excellent local restaurants before the event begins, if you prefer a heartier dinner. Registrants will receive two drink tickets  and pizza will be available.

Thank you to sponsors of the Bucking for PAASS Event: Aero Guard Aviation Insurance, AgAir Update, Air Tractor, AssuredPartners Aerospace, Lane Aviation, Starr Insurance, Thrush Aircraft, Transland, Turbine Conversions

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ADs Issued for Bell 204/205/210 and 212/412 Tail Boom Attachment Components 

The FAA has adopted two new airworthiness directives (ADs) for the tail boom attachment components of certain Bell Textron Inc. helicopter models. 

Bell 204/205/210 – AD 2024-17-02 was prompted by an accident and incidents involving failure of the tail boom attachment structure. This AD requires inspecting the tail boom assembly hardware, replacing tail boom attachment hardware, greasing the bolt shanks, and inspecting torque. This AD also prohibits installing steel alloy nuts on any helicopter. 

Bell 212/412 – AD 2024-16-19 was prompted by reports of cracked tail boom attachment barrel nuts (barrel nuts). This AD requires replacing all steel alloy barrel nuts with nickel alloy barrel nuts, replacing or inspecting other tail boom attachment point hardware, repetitively inspecting torque, and repetitively replacing tail boom attachment bolts (bolts). This AD also prohibits installing steel alloy barrel nuts. 

These ADs are effective November 8, 2024. 

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AD Issued for Lycoming Connecting Rod Bushings 

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Lycoming engines that have a certain connecting rod assemblies installed. This AD was prompted by several reports of connecting rod failures, which resulted in uncontained engine failure and in-flight shutdowns. This AD requires repetitive oil inspections for bronze metal particulates and, if found, additional inspections of the connecting rod bushings for damage, proper fit, movement, and wear, and replacement if necessary. As terminating action to the connecting rod bushing inspections, this AD requires replacement of the connecting rod bushings with parts eligible for installation. 

AD 2024-21-02 is effective December 5, 2024. 

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AD Issued for R22/R44 Governor Controller 

The FAA has received three reports of R22 Beta and R44 II governor controller failures which resulted in underspeed or overspeed events, two of which resulted in hard landings which caused significant damage to the helicopter. Each of these separate incidents occurred after significant rainfall where the helicopter was exposed to those weather conditions. 

Prior to these incidents, several operators notified Robinson of malfunctions of the governor controller. Subsequent investigation and testing determined the root cause for these malfunctions to be water intrusion in the circuit board of the governor controller. 

In 2023, Robinson issued service bulletins directing replacement of an affected governor controller (P/N D270-1 Revision A through E inclusive) with one which provides additional moisture protection (P/N D270-1 Revision F and later). 

Robinson Helicopter R22 Service Bulletin SB-121 (June 28, 2023) 

Robinson Helicopter R44 Service Bulletin SB-114 (June 28, 2023) 

The FAA is adopting an Airworthiness Directive (AD) to direct compliance with the above Service Bulletins, applicable to all Robinson Helicopter Model R22 Beta, R22 Mariner, R44 and R44 II helicopters with affected governor controllers installed. 

AD 2024-20-03 is effective November 29, 2024. 

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SAIB Issued for R44 Belt-Tension Actuator Gearmotor Assembly 

The FAA has received reports of loose P/N D276-1 and D276-3 gearmotors on Robinson Model R44-series helicopters. Investigation has determined the cause to be related to poor dimensional control of certain internal countersunk head screws and the potential absence of thread locking adhesive in a population of gearmotors that left the manufacturer. 

Robinson updated the R44-series maintenance manual in September 2023 to add a gearmotor assembly torque stripe verification to the 100-hour / annual inspection procedures. Additionally, Robinson released R44 Service Bulletin SB-115, dated October 27, 2023; this service bulletin specifies a one-time verification of gearmotor security and application of a torque stripe for future visual inspections. 

Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin SAIB 2024-05 was issued October 29, 2024 by the FAA recommending: 

  1. Inspect the gearmotor assembly for looseness, replace if necessary, and apply the torque stripe for future visual inspections, in accordance with R44 Service Bulletin SB-115. 

At every 100-hour/Annual Inspection, follow the Gear Motor Assembly Torque Stripe inspection procedure within R44 maintenance manual, dated September 2023. 

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2025 NAAA Membership Renewal Now Open

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. Several of NAAA’s accomplishments this year, on your behalf and to ensure your success, include:

  • NAAA will soon be offering health and life insurance options for members. More details will be available this fall.
  • NAAA worked to secure permission from the FAA to use frequency 122.925 for radio communications between agricultural aircraft to operate safely.
  • NAAA lobbied for the FAA Reauthorization Bill to include NAAA language ensuring the safety of manned aircraft from drone activity in BVLOS airspace and language establishing a deadline to the FAA to promulgate tower marking and logging.
  • Since 2017, NAAA has submitted over 300 comments to the EPA to keep aerial applications on pesticide labels with great success enabling you to keep a deep inventory of pesticide tools without unnecessary and burdensome restrictions.
  • NAAA’s 2024 articles appearing in Farm Journal publications, along with the “Aerial Application: Above All Forms of Crop Care” ad campaign and accompanying web search tool identifying member businesses, have been widely circulated to hundreds of thousands of potential aerial application users.
  • NAAA and NAAREF have grown the C-PAASS certification learning center to include online learning for aerial applicators who want to augment their professionalism and be recognized and rewarded by their insurance providers, pesticide manufacturers, regulators, and customers. Learn more at https://education.agaviation.org/.
  • New membership database, allowing for automatic renewal and single invoicing of all memberships at your operation or company. Contact information@agaviation.org for further details.

In 2025, you will continue to receive ongoing benefits such as discounts for attending or exhibiting at the Ag Aviation Expo, connect with members through the print and online NAAA Membership Directory and receive Association publications, eNewsletters, social media briefings and substantive web content at AgAviation.org. Log into your account on our website to pay your 2025 NAAA membership invoice. Details at AgAviation.org/membership.

Please make it a priority to renew your NAAA membership—the payoff far exceeds what you will spend in dues in the form of effective advocacy that reduces regulation and taxes affecting your aerial application business and trade association membership dues are tax deductible.

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In Case You Missed Last Week’s NAAA eNewsletter

Click here for the October 31, 2024 eNewsletter to read:

  • Flying Magazine Spotlights Aerial Application Industry in October 24 Feature
  • Juror Volunteers Needed for Aerial Drift Mock Trial at NAAA Ag Aviation Expo General Session
  • Texas A&M Undergraduate Student Wins Award for Research on Value of Ag Aviation Industry
  • Saddle Up for Fun: Join NAAREF’s Bucking for PAASS Fundraiser to Raise Money for NAAREF & PAASS!
  • NAAA Now Offering Healthcare Options to NAAA Members
  • 2025 NAAA Membership Renewal Now Open

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