"My memory is good. It’s just that it’s short."
- Old Time Pilot Adage
It’s that time of the year again (at least in the Northern Hemisphere) when you can put the aircraft in the hangar, hang up your spurs, and take a well-deserved break in the action. But sooner than you think, it will be time to get back in the saddle, and it’s important to ease back into your routine with preparation, safety, and efficiency in mind.
I’ve been very fortunate to work with outstanding operators who pioneered the gradual evolution of aerial application into today’s highly professional industry, where efficiency and safety share top billings. One common factor was their organization and productivity in the off-season. Here are some notes I took along the way.
REASSESS YOUR EQUIPMENT
Looking after the aircraft in the off-season is an obvious requirement to ensure safety and effectiveness. This starts with an annual comprehensive inspection to ensure all components are in good shape. It’s also a good time to review the aircraft's maintenance logs to confirm that all scheduled inspections have been completed and any discrepancies have been addressed.
The off-season is a good time to check with your suppliers to ensure the availability of required parts and to find new suppliers in your area to augment your parts and servicing needs.
Spraying Systems
Spray Systems are one of those ‘obvious’ items that can easily be overlooked. Don’t assume that just because your equipment is in good working order at the end of a season, that will be the case a few months later with the beginning of a new season. Inspect all nozzles and hoses for clogs, leaks, or wear, and replace damaged components. A few minutes now will save you a bunch of time when you’re in a hectic season. Clean the hopper thoroughly to avoid contamination from residual chemicals from previous applications.
Protective Gear
Ensure your PPE, including helmets, gloves, goggles, and respirators, is in good condition and meets safety standards. Replace any worn-out or damaged items, and verify that you have up-to-date first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and any other emergency items you might need.
Refresh Your Knowledge
Refreshing your knowledge and skills is essential to ensure safe and effective operations. This involves meeting regulatory requirements and gaining practical skills.
Regulatory Compliance
This reminds me of the wry observation that you can go flying when the weight of the paperwork equals the weight of the aircraft. Confirm that your pilot’s license and any required certifications (such as pesticide applicator licenses) are current. Review any changes in regulations that may have occurred during the off-season. Reacquaint yourself with safety protocols and best practices for all phases of your operations.
Refresh Your Skills
Anyone who plays sports at any level knows how awkward the first few times out on the baseball diamond, basketball court, or golf course are. Rust tends to set in when there has been a break in the action for any reasonable time. That’s all fine and dandy when you’re just shooting hoops, and poor play is nonconsequential, but not so much when dealing with low-altitude flying and precision turns close to the outer fringes of the flight envelope. When it comes time to hop back in the cockpit go easy on the aircraft and yourself, keeping in mind that successfully coping with the demands of ag flying is a perishable skill.
The off-season is also a good time to attend workshops, seminars, or courses related to agricultural aviation. Look out for presentations on advances in spraying technology, pest management strategies, and environmental considerations.
Plan What You Do. Do What You Plan
Effective planning is crucial for successful operations, regardless of the type of business. When reviewing last season’s work, look for ways, big and small, to improve the operation. That might mean something as small as adding runway markers to a remote strip or reevaluating the type and size of aircraft most suitable for your operations.
These days, there are a bewildering number of crop protection product options to choose from, with new ones coming to the market each year. Spend time evaluating current and future needs to select the best and most appropriate products for the pests or weeds you’re targeting and ensure they’re approved for use on the specific crops you’re treating. Review the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing and applying chemicals and pay attention to recommended application rates and safety precautions.
Communicate with Stakeholders
A significant factor in establishing a successful ag aviation business is developing an effective communication strategy with stakeholders, including landowners, farmers, chemical companies and reps, and regulatory authorities. If landowners and farmers know about your planned operations, they will likely use them when needed. If they are unaware of your operations, you can guess how often they will knock.
Off-season is also a good time to seek feedback from landowners and farmers on any specific concerns or requirements they may have. Adjust your plans accordingly to meet their needs.
Ensure you comply with regulatory reporting requirements. This may include documenting chemical usage, area documentation, and incidents or issues during operations.
Maintain a Focus on Safety
Safety should always be a top priority in aerial application operations. Implementing and adhering to safety protocols is crucial to protecting yourself, others, and the environment. Off-season is a great time to offer refresher courses for your crews, where ‘safety first’ is key.
Ensure everyone will wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling and applying chemicals. This includes gloves, goggles, respirators, and protective clothing. Be prepared for emergencies by knowing the location and status of first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and emergency communication devices.
Professional Development
If you haven’t already done so, join industry associations such as the National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) to stay informed about the latest trends, technologies, and regulations. Network with other agricultural aviators to share experiences, learn from their insights, and collaborate on improving practices.
Innovation and Technology
Stay abreast of technological advancements in agricultural aviation, such as precision agriculture tools, drone integration, and advanced spraying systems. Utilize data analysis tools to assess your operations' effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. This can help you refine your techniques and enhance overall efficiency.
Conclusion
The return to normal operations with a new season isn’t a matter of ‘kick the tire, light the fire and go.’ Today’s complex and expensive equipment requires thorough preparation, careful planning, and a commitment to safety and efficiency. Remember that continual improvements through operational initiatives in the off-season will help you remain effective, competitive and safe when it’s time to get back in the saddle.
