It didn't have to happen

On the morning of January 10, 2011, a 1975 Thrush ag-plane hit a MET (Meteorological Evaluation Tower) in the California Delta. The impact sheared off part of the aircraft’s wing, resulting in a fatal crash. AgAir Update’s sincere condolences go to the pilot’s family.

Ironically, January 5, 2011, the FAA issued a Proposed Revision to Advisory Circular (AC); request for comments. The FAA is considering revising the current AC on Obstruction Marking and Lighting to include marking guidance for METs. Currently, METs fall outside of the regulation of the FAA, even though they present a clear and distinct hazard to ag-flying. They are not marked, nearly impossible to see and often portable.

The FAA is seeking comments on or before February 4, 2011 (click here to read the docket, then click within the docket to comment using docket number 2010-1326). At this point, the FAA does not seem to think the METs warrant regulation. Maybe after January 10’s fatal accident with a MET, the FAA will rethink their position. Your comments could be a deciding factor. METs affect every ag-pilot.

The MET involved in the accident was a portable unit with guy wires and no cement foundation. One observer was quoted as saying the tower was nearly invisible from the ground, and likely much more so from the air. Where is the conscience of the MET people? Is a life not worth the inconvenience to properly mark the MET? Obviously, Renewable Resources Group didn’t think so (listed on the tower Contra Costa Co. application).

Markings and regulations are not enough. METs’ positions should be entered into an accessible database that ag-pilots can monitor. It would be even better if a notification system could be established where ag-pilot subscribers would receive alerts when a tower is installed, with its lat-long position. How hard would that be?

METs are so dangerous to ag-flying, that unless immediate action is taken by the FAA and those who own the METs to address this safety issue, it will happen again. Pilots do not survive crashes involving towers. I can only imagine my liability if I was to erect an unmarked tower where it would affect flight safety. I feel confident the courts would find me negligent.

2010 winds down

It is that time of year, again, when everyone is scurrying around buying those last minute Christmas presents and making plans for the gathering of family and friends. I hope that each of you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. At AgAir Update, we have been bustling to finalize three publications this month, AgAir Update’s English version, AgAir Update Latinoamerica and The Helicopter Newspaper.

When I look back over 2010, as it comes to a close, I am thankful for many things. I realize there are those who are not near as fortunate. I also know nothing stays the same, that every time the sun rises it shines on a different day. Years, or even months, from now, all of us will look back and view things differently.

2011 promises to be another good year for aerial applicators and those associated with them. It will be a time to take stock of how business is conducted, what safety measures will be in place and a renewed appreciation for family and friends. When times are good is the time to for restructuring and preparing for the inevitable downturn that always happens after banner seasons in ag-aviation. Don’t fool yourself into believing the good times will always be here. Prepare for the not so good times.

I wish for each of you, readers of AgAir Update and friends and family alike, to enjoy the holidays and understand the meaning of them. AgAir Update’s offices will be closed from December 24 - January 3. I plan to fully take advantage of this time off and spend it with the ones that mean so much to me. I’ll also probably go by the office a couple of times, just won’t be able to help myself!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year — Bill

More than a press release...

The new 510G Thrush, powered by the GE Aviation H80 engine, received much press coverage this past week. Large publications and associations such as AvWeb and AOPA, along with others, have reported this extraordinary accomplishment that is about to receive FAA certification. However, one important aspect lacking in the press coverage was not one of the news organizations flew the aircraft! Sit tight; I was granted permission to fly the 510G Thrush last Friday at AgAir Update's Open House and Hangar Party. 

Instead of flight hours, many ag pilots think in years when relating to flight experience. I bought a new turbine-powered Thrush in February 1980 and flew turbine Thrushes until I retired from full-time ag flying in 2000. I have more flight time in the Thrush aircraft than all other aircraft combined. Having said that, I do not hesitate to tell you that flying the 510G brought back many good memories. It was a joy to fly. Not only was it quiet and smooth, but very well balanced; it "fit like a glove". 

I shouldn't go into too much detail here with my blog. AgAir Update’s January edition’s cover story will be about the 510G, my flight and just about anything else you will want to know about it, including the MSRP! 

It's been a long but good week, starting with hosting AgAir Update’s Open House and Hangar Party and ending with the NAAA Farewell Reception and Banquet. The convention was one of the best I've attended, which accounts for well over 20. Again, you are going to have to wait until the printing of AgAir Update’s January edition to read more about this fantastic event held in chilly Savannah, Georgia. 

For a visual recap of NAAA's 2010 convention, including HD video, visit agairupdate.com

FireBoss Demo / BASF Scholarship / Thrush flies with GE H80

A busy monday at the National Agricultural Aviation Association's Convention in Savannah, GA. The AT802 FireBoss performed a live demo on the Savannah River in front of a large crowd of spectators. See full photos on AgAir Update's Facebook page, along with HD Video. 

G. Lavender Photo

BASF along with NAAA announced agricultural aviation scholarship awards. Read the full article here.

The Thrush 510G files with GE powered H80 engine. Read the full article here.

G. Lavender Photo

Stay tuned for more updates from The 2010 NAAA Convention and Exposition in Savannah, GA.

AAU's Hangar party is over, time for Savannah; NAAA Convention starts!

AgAir Update's Open House and Hangar party held Friday December 3, was a rousing success. With the first of four new ag-aircraft arriving at noon, the festivities did not come to an end until after 2 a.m. Air Tractor provided a new AT-504, supplied by Farm Air and piloted by JT Capers of Illinois and the AT-602 was flown from the Air Tractor factory by Mike Rhodes. Thrush Aircraft brought its GE Aviation H80-powered 510G and PT6A-powered 510P Thrush aircraft, flown by Jody Bays and Frankie Williams respectfully. I was permitted to conduct an evaluation flight of the 510G and found it to be absolutely awesome, but more about that later...

With over 100 attendees, "Big D's" Smokehouse BBQ provided freshly boiled peanuts for appetizers and served BBQ ribs, chicken and brisket with cole slaw and baked beans. Cooked onsite, Southern-style, the food was outstanding.  More photos on our Facebook page here.

Following AAU's party, five ag-aircraft were landed Sunday morning at an abandoned racetrack adjacent to the host Westin Hotel & Resort and were parked between the hotel and the Savannah International Convention Center for display. A Fire Boss AT-802 is scheduled Monday at noon to make a water scoop on the Savannah River  between the hotel and Savannah River Walk. 

At the annual NAAA board of directors meeting, Sunday afternoon, it was announced this was the largest pre-registration for any previous NAAA convention. The hotel room block reserved by the Association has been exceeded by 28%. Originally, two hotels were reserved and now all have been filled, plus two more added. The convention promises to be a huge success as it officially launches Tuesday at noon with the opening of the exhibit hall. More than 150 exhibitors have registered. 

During the NAAA board meeting, the following members were elected into office: President, Rick Richter of California, Vice-President, Mark Hartz of Arkansas, Secretary, Chip Kemper of Idaho and Treasurer, Perry Hofner of South Dakota. 

Be sure to continue to monitor AgAir Update's Facebook page and web site, www.agairupdate.com for information and videos of the 2010 NAAA Convention and Trade Exhibition.  -Bill Lavender

You can't sell a broke business

The Internet is a very powerful entity. AgAir Update uses it to communicate instantly with its readers, (agairupdate.com) as well as offering information 24/7 to ag-pilots around the world in almost any language. However, the Internet can also be a plethora of lies. 

Occasionally from the Internet, I pick up on a blogger that is spouting off inaccurate information about our industry. I simply can’t help myself when I post a link to their blog through our On the Net feature of agairupdate.com and AgAir Update’s eEdition. On the Net is used primarily to bring ongoing news from the Internet to the industry. 

Last month a blogger inaccurately described our industry. In a simplistic sentence describing her mental state, she did not want to kill anything, not even an insect. I can imagine her home where roaches live in a protective sanctuary.

I posted a link to her blog through On the Net and within a few hours she received 29 comments from our industry. I have no idea what she was told, but I’d be willing to bet she had a better understanding of life afterwards. 

The blogger sent AgAir Update an email, whining about our posting the link to her blog. It just goes to show if you are going to write something and post it on the Internet, you best be prepared to take the heat. The Internet is an open book and the writer becomes fair game. 

I had an unusual inquiry the other day. An operator called and asked my opinion. I was honored that he asked, but I am not sure I was the right person (even though I did have an opinion). The operator has a very successful business using two AT-602s and an AT-502. He is relatively young (47) and obviously had had another banner year. With it being the end of the season, I could tell by the nature of his inquiry he was chronically tired. 

The operator wanted to sell his business and simply fly for the new owner. This is a perfect example of how much ag-pilots love to fly their aircraft. I’ve often stated that when an operation has three or more aircraft, the owner profits better to fly a desk instead of one of the aircraft. This operator was offering an ideal opportunity. If I wasn’t already very satisfied with my station in life, I would have jumped at the chance to buy this successful operation and “run” it. 

I had my opinion on what the operator should do which was to “fish” the sell of the business through a blind classified ad in AgAir Update. This would give him an insight to what was out there in the way of what he wanted to accomplish. With three sophisticated ag-aircraft, a couple of hangars, load equipment, etc., it is going to take a considerable amount of cash to buy the business. Who has access through outright cash or borrowing power to buy his business that isn’t already involved in some sort of other business? Maybe another operator, but not likely a business man looking to change careers.

Even though his situation could be a dream come true for someone and himself, it is going to be difficult, at best, to figure out how to put the deal together. He could easily end up having to repossess the business, or even get fired from flying for what used to be his business! Of course the new owner would want a no-compete agreement and that combined with other factors is what makes this move complicated for the operator.

Are you wondering, why in the world would a successful and relatively young operator want to sell out? I once had Dennie Stokes of Arkansas tell me right after Stokes Flying Service and Mid-Continent Aircraft Sales and Service struck a deal; “You can’t sell a broke business.” Those are words you can take to the bank. 

Until next month, Blue Sky and Tailwinds...

Ron Deck Passes

Today is a sad day. I learned this morning that my longtime friend, Ron Deck of Sky Tractor Supply in Hillsboro, North Dakota, passed away. Ron had been battling cancer for many months. 

I would venture to say that just about everyone in the ag-aviation business knew Ron. If you ever attended a state, NAAA or Canadian trade show, Ron would have been there in full support with his array of supplies and services that Sky Tractor offered. When the exhibit hall doors started to close and the rest of us exhibitors were filing out, Ron would still be patiently talking with a customer, oblivious to the end of the exhibit hall time. 

Ron truly cared about his customers. He wanted them to succeed safely and profitably. He spent many hours explaining the ins and outs of the Hemisphere GPS systems that he knew about and understood in detail, as well as CP Nozzles, helmets, ag-aviation software... and the list goes on.

My friendship with Ron goes back to the early 1990s, maybe even before then. I can distinctly remember when he served as president of the NAAA in 1990.  He carried around a cell phone that was so huge it looked like a military walkie-talkie. I remember times when we would ride in the old blue van from a trade show back to his home for a bowl of homemade bean soup. 

Ron was an adamant Ag-Cat operator. He believed in the aircraft and made many modifications to it that improved its performance. I can remember well his struggle with making the decision to convert from his geared R-1340 radial engines to the Walter turbines. Then, after he had operated them, I remember the big smile he had on his face with satisfaction and enthusiasm about the converted aircraft. He could hardly contain himself, asking me to come fly them, which I did on two different occasions several years apart. 

I always felt that Ron “had it figured out”. He lived in North Dakota. But, about the time the first frost fell in Hillsboro, he was packing the van (in more recent years the motorhome) to hit the road working the trade shows. While his friends were hunkering down for the cold North Dakota winter, Ron and Barb would be enjoying the warm sunshine of the South attending state trade shows. 

If there is any room in heaven, I know that Ron Deck will be there. He was a man of the Bible that not only did he read, but practiced and studied with a burning need to understand. More than once he would sit with me and we would enter into deep discussions about passages unlike any with a preacher or lay person. Ron could easily quote passages from the Bible that related to whatever was going on around him at the time. He had a very good understanding of the Bible and could relate that understanding to whomever he was discussing it with. 

Our industry will mourn the loss of Ron Deck. It’s impossible for me to understand how such a vital, health conscious man could lose to cancer. Ron’s passing only proves we are on this Earth at the will of God. We do not have any rights to be here. What may seem unfair to us in the loss of a loved one, has to be part of a bigger plan.

Ron Deck - September 9, 2010