United States

I have been monitoring the continued push by drone-affiliated companies to enter the ag aviation marketplace. Having been in ag aviation for over 50 years, I feel there are some of them that are trying to break into the industry the right way and some that are living in an...

Deadlines Aug. 31, 2024 and Sept. 15, 2024 The National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA), with the support of several Allied members, is offering three scholarship programs in 2024, totaling $29,000 in scholarship funds. Whether you’re a student, an aspiring ag pilot or an ag pilot interested in turbine training, we...

Most of the articles I have presented are focused on best practices. I can share the information, but it is up to each engine owner to do what they want with it. All I can do is lay out a path for success. When things start to go in the...

Aerial applicator James E. Kent, 84, of LaSalle, Colorado, passed away at home on March 17, 2024. James was born at home in Windsor, Colorado, to Orrin and Martha Kent (Schaefer) on July 6, 1939. As a child, his family farmed near Kersey. James earned his pilot's license before receiving...

One of the largest obstacles our industry faces is the number of available pilots and qualified people interested in learning what it takes to become an ag pilot. This past fall and winter, while at various state ag conventions, the number of operators looking to hire pilots was astonishing. It...

Jake Hillsman is the latest graduate of the Plane Cents Aviation Ag Aviation program held in Miller, Missouri, graduating the program on February 21st, 2024. Jake's goals include wanting to feed America through aviation and to be a good pilot. Jake wants to carry on the art of aerial application...

By Josh Rittenberry A wise writer once said, “Precision is, after all, not only a form of responsibility and a kind of pleasure, but an instrument of compassion.  To be precise requires care, time, and attention.” Ever since Keenan Carlisle’s father, Kenny “Big Daddy” Carlisle, planted his first crop in 1958...

The Farm Bill is a package of legislation passed roughly every five years that greatly impacts agriculture and nutrition programs. The bill outlines mandatory and discretionary funding for many programs that are important to the everyday lives of people across the country and governs a wide variety of food and...

“Just can’t wait to get on the road again…Goin' places that I've never been…” - Willie Nelson. At the beginning of each season, your ag aviation business undergoes a period of readjustment to get all the kinks out of the operation from receipt of order to finished job. It just...

Okmulgee, OK – This month, Greg Stewart joined the Covington Aircraft Engines sales team as Sales Manager, supporting sales for the company’s highly-regarded PT6A overhaul, maintenance, and repair services. Stewart attended College of the Ozarks, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation Science and an Airframe & Powerplant License. After graduation,...