United States

Harold James Hardcastle, 93, passed away on Wednesday April 9, 2025, in Crowell, Texas. Memorial services will be held Monday April 14, 2025, at 2:00pm at the First Methodist Church of Vernon, with Rev. Anthony Inman and Mr. Matt Homeyer officiating under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.  Harold James...

PERRY, GA — Two ag-plane evaluation flights back-to-back, what a lucky pilot I am! Earlier this year, in January, I flew the Thrush 550 powered by a PT6A-60 engine. It had plenty of get up and go, quite a machine. The Thrush 550 is an evolution of the older version...

by Dr. Susan Northrup, FAA Federal Air Surgeon On January 1, the FAA changed color vision testing for pilot medical certificates. This primarily impacts first-time applicants for an FAA medical certificate. If you already have a medical certificate, the change doesn’t affect you. However, you might be wondering, "Why the...

Agriculture is one of the most misunderstood industries out there. While farmers and ranchers work hard to feed the world, misinformation spreads like wildfire thanks to sensational headlines, clickbait documentaries, and—of course—celebrities who wouldn’t know a soybean from a lima bean preaching to millions about “ethical” food choices. It’s time...

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him” (John 3:16-17). Have...

NAAA, with the support of several Allied members, is offering three scholarship programs in 2025, totaling $34,000 in scholarship funds. Whether you’re a student, an aspiring ag pilot or an ag pilot interested in turbine training, we have scholarship funds for you! Please contact NAAA at information@agaviation.org or (202) 546-5722...

Today’s aerial applicator operators are true entrepreneurs doing their best to help feed a hungry world. However, as one owner told me during a hectic time, sometimes the workload is so onerous that it feels impossible to complete. Many unfamiliar with ag aviation usually marvel at the ‘aerobatics’ and ‘daredevil’...

As a producer of the Chem-Man software product, I've always loved the idea of streamlining the process for applicators, billers, operators, etc.Another priority is safety. The fewer things a pilot has to worry about, the better. Fewer distractions mean a safer environment. I'll never forget talking to a customer that...

Gentry Smith’s story is one of hard work, determination, and a deep-rooted passion for agricultural aviation. Born into a cotton farming family in Selma, Alabama, Gentry's journey into aviation was anything but conventional. While attending Auburn University, Gentry found an opportunity that would change his career trajectory. Lloyd Henderson, a...

Last month, I wrote about leadership and mentorship — how both are vital to bringing in the next generation of agricultural pilots, operators, ground crews, and even those in allied support roles. While all the points raised in that article remain valid, they hinge on one critical factor: people. That...