A jammed five days

A jammed five days

I’m writing this Saturday morning on the return flight home after a hectic five days of travel and work. I left Georgia on Tuesday, headed to Portland, Oregon. I had arrange to visit with Isolair and Simplex, as well as conducting an evaluation flight in the Turbine Husky (powered by a Rolls Royce Allison engine) and a human interest article with Grower’s Ag Service in Woodland, California.

The logistics were incredible. Obviously, I had to arrange to meet with four entities in a three-day period, with one of those visits in California, while another visit was dependent on good weather. The weather forecast for the week was dismal with a good chance of rain showers all three days.

At the last minute, I set up the meetings to be with Isolair and Simplex on Wednesday, slotted all day Thursday for the evaluation flight in the Turbine Husky and Friday to fly the airlines from Portland to Sacramento and back on Friday. As an out for bad weather on Thursday, I was prepared to land in Portland on Friday afternoon and drive the 60 miles to Salem that afternoon and hopefully be able to make the flight before dark.

Why do I put myself in this kind of position, rolling the dice on getting the job done? Maybe it is left over from my 27-year crop duster, mission oriented mentality. To better answer that question, it is difficult to get out of the office and travel cross country through three time zones and return in only a few days, plus the overall expense of doing so. That means I need to tie-in more than one visit to truly be productive with my efforts.

All worked to plan. I was able to visit with Isolair and Simplex on Wednesday. Thursday weather turned out to be great except for a howling wind and the airline flights to Sacramento and back for the visit with Grower’s Ag Service went without a hitch, although I arrived for departure at the Sacramento airport with only minutes to spare.

As the months pass, you’ll read about these visits in AgAir Update’s printed edition. I enjoyed each of them, a fantastics perk that I have as editor and publisher of AgAir Update. The evaluation flight of the Rolls Royce Allison turbine powered Ag Husky was a hoot!


It is a real vote of confidence from an operator when he allows me to fly his production aircraft. The Turbine Husky has logged about 200 revenue generating tach hours and would have been working Thursday except for the wind. Instead, it was thrilling me with its endless reserve of power and eye-opening performance; another flight for the logbook. My sincere thanks to everyone who helped make this week happen. 

"Terry Harchenko of Industrial Aviation gives me a briefing before departure in the Turbine Husky to spray a field marked on the map in hand; McMinnville, Oregon." 

Blue Sky and Tailwinds...
Bill Lavender

New web site, social media; Where’s my newspaper?

After many months of planning and design, at the end of April, AgAir Update launched its all new web site, agairupdate.com. We had been leading up to the launch by strategically positioning ourselves with the introduction of AAU’s FaceBook and Twitter pages, as well as my blog site. A visit to agairupdate.com will intrigue you with its new modern look and superior functionality. The classified section is searchable, completely redesigned to be easier to read and you can upload your classified listings. You can search for previously published articles by key word, author, title, etc. Of course, you can renew or subscribe online. You can even download ag-aviation “wallpaper” for your computer screen. Probably the most exciting new feature is the forum with its five subcategories. There’s even an interactive calendar where you can view dates and information about upcoming events, including where AAU will be in the future. When Graham, my son, came back to work with us, one of the first things he told me was our web sites, eEditions and databases were sick. He insisted they be revamped in the broadest sense of the word. At first glance, one may not think that to be too big of a deal, but I can’t count the months of effort (and money) it took to get where we are today with those projects. I’ll be the first to admit, I didn’t see the business value in social mediums like FaceBook and Twitter. I’ve been proven wrong, again! Graham proved to me last fall the benefits of changing printers for AAU’s new look. I now realize how effective a FaceBook and Twitter page can be in that these pages permit real time notifications. The printed edition of AgAir Update is mailed once a month, while our eEdition email is sent twice a month. Obviously, things occur that the industry needs to know about between those times, not to mention being reminded of events that have been already published in our print and eEditions, but may have been forgotten. With a FaceBook or Twitter page, you can set it to notify you whenever AAU makes a post, or you can just check it at some predetermined interval. FaceBook/Twitter users already know this. I’m writing to those of us, including me, who refuses to participate in social media. Look at it from another viewpoint; it’s not about having friends on FaceBook or following someone on Twitter. It’s about getting a prompt that says the spray clinic is this week, or some icon in the industry has done something of immediate interest. Of course, bad news travels the faster than it ever has through electronic media. Let me assure you, AAU’s printed edition will be the complete standalone publication as it has always been. AAU has intentionally designed its FaceBook/Twitter pages to drive the reader to our web site and in turn from there to anticipate the upcoming printed edition of AAU. I invite you to visit our FaceBook and Twitter pages. You can do this easily by first visiting our new web site at agairupdate.com, then follow links to wherever you desire to go. As the summer passes, AAU will be continually introducing new features to the web site. Some of the features will be account management for your subscription and classified listing, an enhanced photo gallery, an eStore (AAU items) and other features that will keep AgAir Update your industry resource. Bookmark it today, please. In closing, I simply can’t help myself and must say, “Fly safe.” The 2010 spraying season for the northern hemisphere is upon us. Those of you in the southern hemisphere, I know you are looking forward to a well deserved break from flying ag. Whether you are flying or resting in the upcoming months, think long and hard about this month’s cover feature on the Air Tractor AT-504. Ag-aviation is in a situation where it is needing new pilots with experience, an almost impossible requirement and dilemma. The AT-504 resolves the issue in its entirety. This multipurpose ag-plane will allow an operator to safely mentor a new pilot, while being able to pay for itself by working, whether it be dry or liquid applications or border patrol. An AT-504 could be the best way for an operator who is looking to retire to do it in a way that is profitable and practical. Read the article to find out more. Until next month, Blue Sky and Tailwinds...

AgAir Update launches new website!

Today (April 16th) is a significant one at the offices of AgAir Update. We are officially launching our new agairupdate.com web site. After many months of diligent planning and design, much done by my son, Graham, I am sure you will find all the changes to your liking.

Several months ago, AgAir Update refined its eEdition into an electronic medium that is delivered to its readers around the world twice a month. It contains important and timely information, as well as directing AgAir Update readers to agairupdate.com, informing them about upcoming articles in our printed edition of AgAir Update.

A few weeks ago, AgAir Update launched its FaceBook and Twitter pages. Using these social networks lets readers know when something of importance takes place in the industry that can’t wait until the next eEdition, or the monthly printed edition. FaceBook and Twitter offer instant notification that readers elect to receive. AgAir Update’s use of these social media networking tools ultimately directs readers to agairupdate.com.

As the pieces of the puzzle came together, it was evident agairupdate.com would need better functionality together with a new, more modern look. This was not an easy thing to do. Thankfully, Graham is well versed in electronic media. With his expertise, AgAir Update has been able to provide a web site and social media interaction for the ag-aviation industry that rivals any aviation web site.

On the new agairupdate.com, you’ll see a fresh and modern Home page that is designed to bring to the reader the latest information about ag-aviation, as well as being very easy to navigate. The Home page has many new features. Readers see the beginnings of timely articles with links to their entirety. There is a forum with subcategories covering various topics within the industry. Several years ago with the initial launch of agairupdate.com, there was an open forum. Because AgAir Update did not have the technology to properly monitor it, there were posts that were objectionable. Now, those who post will sign in and AgAir Update will have the option to moderate the post for content.

Traveling across the blue navigation bar on the Home page, you’ll find numerous drop down menus that will take you directly to where you want to go on the site. You can click on our supporting advertisers’ ads, visit my collection of blogs, read and post to the forum, use links to our FaceBook and Twitter pages and YouTube channel.

We decided against launching all the new and exciting features of agairupdate.com in one launch. Instead, we will be bringing you new features over a period of time. That has permitted us to make today’s launch sooner. There will continue to be more new and advanced features added that will keep you up-to-date on the latest news and events in ag-aviation.

Take a minute to visit agairupdate.com and see how it can help with your business efforts. Make ag-aviation friends on our FaceBook page and receive instant alerts to events in ag-aviation through our Twitter page. You’ll enjoy viewing our YouTube videos where a visual can bring life to the words in our written articles. It is an exciting electronic, Internet age in which we operate our businesses, that in turn compliments your monthly printed edition of AgAir Update.

Until next time, Blue Sky and Tailwinds...

Brazil Defines Big

I have made many trips to Brazil over the years visiting ag-aviation operations. Actually, AgAir Update's Latin version is printed in Brazil and mailed throughout Latin America. A couple of years ago, one of my travels to Brazil took me to the state of Mato Grosso, where I traveled to the remote farming town of Primavera do Leste. Twenty years or so ago, this bustling farming town was only about 20 houses, a village. Now, there are several implement dealerships and other vendors for the farming community.

I had the pleasure of visiting one of the small farms, about 50,000 acres. It has a compound with an office that would rival any banker's and of all things, its own cotton gin! But, I stated this was a small farm for the Mato Grosso.

Let me give you an idea of what harbors in the Mato Grosso. Recently the world's largest soybean grower was out-farmed by his cousin. The once-world's largest soybean grower farmed a mere 415,000 acres. He was beat out by his cousin who farms 550,000 acres of soybeans. Imagine nearly a million acres of soybeans between taw relatives and I can assure you these two growers farm more than just soybeans.

What is even more remarkable is the cousin is a 51-year old self-starter. He was raised in a poor farm family. In the 70s when his father died, he inherited 100 acres with his seven siblings. From humble beginnings, he is now the world's largest soybean grower. Amazing.

Although this grower never finished high school, he has now nearly 4,000 employees, 300 combines and produced this year in excess of 660,000 metric tons of soybeans, about 1% of the Brazilian crop. Oh yeah, he also farms 185,000 acres of corn and 130,000 acres of cotton. I wonder how much Headline he uses? (Actually, Headline is marketed under another name in Brazil.)

People mistakenly believe growers are chopping down the so-called rainforest (I call it jungle). There is a degree of that in the Amazonia for pastureland, but the Mato Grosso is nowhere near the Amazon. It was brush land before the large farms moved in, expanding and building infrastructure.

What does all this mean? It means that Brazil, and other South American countries, have a tangible product that dominates their GNP. America should take note.

Until next time, Blue Sky and Tailwinds...

New paint and airline runoff

I’ve attended a couple of spray clinics in the past few weeks. It is always good to see old friends and meet new ones. Since the first clinics started over 15 years ago, there has been a notable change with more turbine-powered aircraft and less Ag-Cats, Pawnees and Cessnas on the scene. I suppose this is a sign of the times. Notably at the clinic in Steele, Missouri were the shiny new AT-802s. New paint sure looks good and I hope it is an indication of prosperity.

However, you don’t have to have a new turbine powered aircraft to be a successful and professional flying service. Albeit, who wouldn’t want one? I believe operating a high-end use piece of equipment falls into two categories; either use it until it is completely worn out, or trade it on a frequent schedule, maybe every two or three years while most components are either in warranty or won’t give you a problem.

I know an operator in Mississippi that has been trading his AT-502 every two years for a new one with a great degree of success. He performs one annual that is basically an inspection and rarely has to budget for parts and maintenance during the two years he owns the aircraft. He logs about a 1,000 hours on the aircraft and receives a premium for it on trade.

On the other side of the coin, I have seen operators do very well by keeping their aircraft well maintained and when needed, overhauling major components, such as the engine and prop, keeping up with the ADs, new paint, etc. Their maintenance expenses are considerably higher, but their depreciation and other related costs, like insurance, are less.

Each operator has to decide which avenue is the best for his operation. I do know that during good times, a business needs to upgrade its equipment so that the bad times are easier to navigate.

Changing the subject, I was reading an article not long ago where the U.S. EPA was proposing new rules that would affect the handling of the wastewater for deicing aircraft. Imagine that! I have often wondered how long it would be when deicing runoff concerns would impact the airlines and others.

If an ag operator was to allow any runoff of any kind and it was viewed by the public like when an airliner is hosed with deice fluid, the repercussion would be heard throughout our industry.

What is amazing is the proposed rules would only affect airports with more than 10,000 annual aircraft departures and 1,000 annual jet departures, requiring a re-capture of 60% of the fluid, rather than allowing it to drain off the pavement, where it can end up in nearby water systems.

Gosh, I suppose the other 40% has no affect on the water systems, huh? What about airports that have less than the 10,000/1,000 departures? Is the affect any different for half that many?

I know that in our industry even a one-aircraft loading area is subject to as much scrutiny as a fleet would be. Either the runoff is a problem or it is not. I can’t visualize “part of a runoff” being any less of an issue than all of the runoff. Maybe it’s some kind of dilution-thing calculation.

It just goes to show that the government does not work in an equal and fair manner. But, you already knew that. This only proves it. The airlines are already bankrupt for the most part, no sense in the EPA putting them out of business. That’d be a hardship on the flying population (read voters). I wonder if skyrocketing prices and limited availability of food and fiber would be a consideration for the EPA?

For my two cents worth, I think runoff should be contained, both for our industry and the rest of aviation. For ag-aviation, runoff looks bad, smells and is an all-around detriment to a professional operation. I know it is a problem and rainfall only exacerbates the issue, unless loading under cover. If you are doing any long range budgetary planning, you might need to figure in a covered loading pad, or one that is portable. Actually, covered loading areas are pretty nice. Your loader will love you for it!

Until next month,
Blue Sky and Tailwinds...

Did I forget something?

Did I forget something?

Some of us have shorter memories than others. When I wrote my earlier blog about attending the MoAAA spray clinic, just when I was thanking Charlie Adams for the fried fish, it dawned me that Graham and I had attended the GAAA Operation SAFE spray clinic in Americus, Georgia the week before last. Duh!

Just like in Missouri, we enjoyed great hospitality, visiting with really old friends, ones made long before AgAir Update came along, during my early crop spraying years. And, fried fish was the fare cooked by J.D. Scarborough and company. His secret treat was fried mullet backbones, which are a favorite of mine.

Souther Field Aviation (I don’t care what the politicians want to call it, Americus airport (KACJ) will always be Souther Field for me, where Charles Lindbergh soloed) was a great host. Along with lunch, Graham and I even received a couple of really nice GAAA tee shirts. 

There weren’t as many, if any, new ag-planes at Americus, except for the GE Thrush that Jody Bays flew up from Albany. I love those LED lights on it, not to mention its fantastic GE engine that holds a promise of great things to come for this industry. However, unlike the really early spray clinics in the late 70s and early 80s, there were mostly turbine-powered airplanes in attendance, plus one R44 helicopter. The turbine ag-plane back then was a rarity, but now commonplace. Times do change. 

At this clinic, like the one a year ago, I was able to visit with the gentleman (tongue in cheek) that started me out in 1973 in a Hutch Pawnee, Bob Day of Dawson, Georgia. Thirty-seven years later, we’re still good friends. 

On the other end of my career, that I flew with for the last 15 years was my boss and good friend, Frank Bledsoe. Do the math. I had a flying service in Marshallville, Georgia between 1976 and 1985. Frank and I were competitors during those years. As destiny would have it, I “sold” out to Frank, flew with him until I hung up my moneymaking helmet in 2000.  If I’d been working for the Post Office, or the FAA, probably could have retired twice and be off somewhere fishing today! What a miserable life that would have been. I prefer the course God led me.  

Visit with MoAAA Operation SAFE clinic

Graham and I just returned earlier this week from a whirlwind trip to Steele, Missouri to attend the MoAAA Operation SAFE spray clinic hosted by Earl’s Flying Service (the gracious Mike Lee).

It was one of those trips that help justify the “Bo” (A36 Bonanza). I can’t really save enough actual money traveling to offset the cost to operate an aircraft, unless somehow I factor in the value of time. This trip proved to be one where we departed Perry, Georgia around 7.30a and made the headwind laden 371 nm flight to Steele in just less than three hours. With the crossing into another time zone that put us there around 9.30a, giving us time to do our “business”, eat and get back to the office late afternoon the same day.

Our mission was to take a look at a new, experimental fairing built by Air Tractor and installed behind the gate box of Kevin Carpenter’s new AT-802. The fairing supposedly cleans up the air as it passes over the gate box towards the rear of the aircraft. This is an area of turbulence and negative air pressure, pulling air up into the plumbing and causing a general disruption of airflow.

You’ll read more about this interesting component in the May edition of AgAir Update. From what I have learned so far, it makes me wonder why haven’t this been done sooner and if it works for the AT-802, surely it will work in similar ways with other ag-planes.

If I left with any outstanding thoughts after attending the clinic, it was the smell of new paint. There were several new Air Tractors, a sign of prosperity, I hope. It’s no wonder when the trend with rice work is 200+ pounds for the first application. A big hopper and a fast airspeed make for a good fertilizing aircraft. I overheard a fertilizer supplier ask an operator how much fertilizer can he spread in a day. The answer was over 700,000 pounds! I didn’t hear how many aircraft that took, but I’m thinking one AT-802.

I can’t end this blog without thanking my good friend, Charlie Adams and his son, Eddie and crew for the fantastic fried catfish (along with a sneaked crappie) lunch. Charlie said it was his largest MoAAA feed with 25 pounds of catfish fillets and another 25 pounds of fried potatoes (I still have a thing about “french”) being consumed.

Also, thanks to all the hard workers who managed the string and collectors, as well as Mike Lee’s generous hospitality.