January 2024 - 2023 Ag Aviation Expo Shines in Palm Springs
In early December, attendees and exhibitors at NAAA’s 2023 Ag Aviation Expo couldn’t have asked for better weather, scenery, education, networking, and friendship in Palm Springs, California. The expo hosted nearly 1,300 attendees and exhibitors from around the globe eager to network with friends and peers, educate themselves at 26 education sessions and improve their businesses by visiting with exhibitors on the trade show floor. Read about the 2023 Expo in the January 2024 issue.
February 2024 - Eradication in Paraside
The Florida Keys Mosquito Control District (FKMCD) employs advanced aerial strategies to combat mosquitoes across Monroe County. Transitioning from older DC-3 aircraft, the district now uses a fleet of helicopters, including Airbus H125 “A-Star” models, to deliver granular and liquid larvicide efficiently. With an emphasis on environmentally friendly methods, 80% of treatments target mosquito larvae to prevent adult populations, reducing the spread of diseases. The standardization of the fleet has streamlined maintenance and operations, allowing FKMCD to conduct over 260 annual missions. Read more in the February 2024 issue.
March 2024 - The NDN-6 Fieldmaster
The NDN-6 Fieldmaster, designed by Nigel Desmond Norman in the 1970s, was a revolutionary agricultural aircraft ahead of its time. It featured advanced innovations like a titanium 625-gallon hopper, a tricycle landing gear for better visibility, and dual cockpit capabilities. It was tailored for both agricultural spraying and firefighting. Despite its potential and maiden flight in 1981, production never progressed beyond prototypes due to limited funding and market challenges. The Fieldmaster remains a notable yet unrealized milestone in agricultural aviation. Read more in the March 2024 issue.
April 2024 - Our Northern Neighbors
Aaron Trudell, Operations Manager at Zimmer Air Services and President of the Canadian Aerial Applicators Association (CAAA) oversees aerial application programs across Canada, including forestry and agricultural work. He highlights the industry's challenges, such as weather-driven demand and regulatory issues like differing label rates between Canada and the U.S. Trudell stresses the importance of proactive collaboration with regulatory agencies to ensure sustainable, safe practices. His leadership focuses on promoting aerial application as a standard service while maintaining environmental and operational standards. Read more in the April 2024 issue.
May 2024 - Ferreira & Souza Aeroagrícola
Mário Ferreira de Souza and his son João Paulo, united by their love of aviation, run Ferreira & Souza Aeroagrícola in Paraná, Brazil. Mário transitioned from farming to aerial application and co-founded the company after João Paulo embraced piloting over computer science. Together, they operate immaculate aircraft, including Ipanemas and an Air Tractor, while maintaining spotless facilities on their farm. Despite challenges like reduced aerial spraying demand, their resilience and shared passion have kept the operation thriving. Read more in the May 2024 issue.
June 2024 - A Legacy Takes Flight
Air Tractor’s legacy began in 1974 with the delivery of its first aircraft, the AT-300, to Burke Flying Service in Rio Hondo, Texas. Designed by Leland Snow, this revolutionary ag plane featured a powerful radial engine and a large hopper. Despite financial challenges, Snow’s perseverance led to its successful delivery. The aircraft was later upgraded to an AT-301 with a Pratt & Whitney engine, marking the start of Air Tractor’s rise as a leader in agricultural aviation. Read more in the June 2024 issue.
July 2024 - Lime Applications in New Zealand
Aerial lime spreading in New Zealand ensures even distribution across diverse terrains, optimizing soil pH and enhancing nutrient uptake for healthier plant growth. The method is highly efficient, saving farmers significant time and labor, particularly in challenging landscapes. By neutralizing acidic soils, it boosts crop yields and pasture growth while supporting sustainable farming practices. Aerial topdressing provides flexibility during peak seasons, addressing weather and logistical challenges. Pilots like Jimbo Burgess play key roles in advancing this vital agricultural solution. Read more in the July 2024 issue.e
August 2024 - Don't Give Up, Get Up
Guy McClary’s journey from a tobacco farmer to a leading ag aviation operator highlights his perseverance and passion for flying. Starting in a Cessna 188, he overcame setbacks like power line incidents, a devastating hangar fire, and industry challenges. McClary grew Williamsburg Air Service with a fleet of advanced aircraft, including AT-502XPs and mosquito control contracts along the Eastern Seaboard. Guided by the mantra “Don’t give up; get up,” McClary’s determination has defined his success in agriculture and aerial application. Read more in the August 2024 issue.
September 2024 - Ag Aviation in Poland
Agricultural aviation in Poland has a long history, beginning in the 1970s with Mieleckie Zakłady Lotnicze (ZUA), which operated domestically and internationally. Using aircraft like the AN-2, PZL-106 Kruk, and M-18 Dromader, ZUA provided crop spraying, fertilization, and pest control services, notably in Africa and the Middle East. Its efficient fleet and adaptability to remote, rugged conditions ensured decades of success. Ownership changes, technological advancements, and evolving global demands have shaped Polish ag aviation’s enduring legacy. Read more in the September 2024 issue.
October 2024 - The Photo Issue
2024 brought us hundreds of photo submissions, many of which were featured in our AgAv Pics section of AgAir Update, with many others highlighted on our social media channels for the magazine. Take a look at images from our featured photographers in our 2024 photo issue, October.
November 2024 - R&M Flying Service
With over four decades in aerial application, Rick Boardman built his career on resilience, mentorship, and safety. Starting young in his family’s spraying business, Rick expanded operations through the 1990s, later founding R&M Flying Service in 2018 after setbacks like a hangar fire. Focused on customer service, he mentored numerous pilots and prioritized safety shaped by personal loss. His leadership extended to serving as NAAA President, where he championed safety initiatives. Rick’s enduring passion and dedication continue to define his legacy. Read more in the November 2024 issue.
December 2024 - A Record Setting 2024 Ag Aviation Expo
The final issue of 2024 focused on the record-breaking 2024 Ag Aviation Expo in Fort Worth, TX. In our December 2024 issue, you can browse hundreds of photos and videos.
