Press Releases

by Bill Lavender From a modest beginning in the 1940s, the North Carolina Forest Service (NCFS) aviation program has grown into a formidable fire management tool. The original force was composed of Piper observation planes and surplus Navy N3Ns, used as water bombers. Today, the agency operates 23 aircraft, including...

Each year the Nebraska Aviation Trades Association presents its most distinguished award, Airman of the Year, to one of its members who has shown outstanding dedication and support to the agricultural aviation industry. Stewart attended Western Nebraska Technical College in Sydney, Nebraska and in 1983 received his degree in aviation...

Certification applies to all new Thrush aircraft – as well Thrush 510P’s built from 2006 forward and modified with new kit coming from the company. (Albany, GA) With the stroke of a pen on an official document, the FAA has certified that the Thrush 510P now joins its sibling, the...

UPDATE 2/18/17: AT-802 Exemption AMENDED! The latest update from the FAA and Air Tractor regarding the changes to the AT-802 type rating exemption are: • The CFI requirement for anyone who delivers the FAA Approved Ground Training Program remains intact. This requirement becomes effective November 30, 2017. • The FAA...

Junge Control began automating agricultural blending systems in 1979. They soon invented the “Junge Weigh” system, an extremely accurate and flexible scale/blend system that changed the standard of measuring precision inputs. Junge Control started as a company specializing in custom built controls, equipment and software. Many of their systems had...

NAAA announced recently that BASF has renewed its commitment to offer financial incentives to 2017 NAAA members who participate in Operation S.A.F.E. Fly-In clinics. Participating aerial applicators can earn up to $225 in rebates reimbursing them for their NAAA membership dues or new spray equipment they purchased. 2017 NAAA operator...

DeWayne O’Brien of O’Brien Flying Service based in Iowa, Louisiana takes delivery of a new Air Tractor 502XP with the new PT6A-140AG engine from Logan and Grant Lane of Lane Aviation in Rosenberg, Texas. O’Brien Flying Service pilot Charlie Bourne is seated in cockpit preparing to fly the 502XP to...

AAAA Hosts Arkansas Ag Secretary On December 9th several members of the AAAA hosted Arkansas Ag Secretary and the Arkansas Department of Aeronautics at Tommy’s Flying Service in Sherrill. Tommy Anderson, Michael Hutchins, Jerald Burns, Derek Hallum, Brian Hawkins, David Strohl, and Dennis Gardisser along with Executive Director, Katherine Holmstrom...

Improved training and minimum age requirements will help protect people and the environment. WASHINGTON--The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing standards for applicators who apply restricted-use pesticides that are not available for purchase by the general public, and require special handling. “We are committed to keeping our communities safe,...

Operators of Cessna 206 aircraft will benefit from the PT6A engine’s greater power to weight, a TBO of 3,600 hours and unparalleled support LONG BEACH, California – (December 9, 2016) – Turbine Conversions, Ltd. and Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) have signed a long-term contract for the sale of PT6A-21...