Current Ag Aviation News

This is not the full article. See the link below to access the complete version written by the NAAA's Agricultural Aviation magazine. 

After a successful term as Secretary in 2024, Joel Meyer is stepping into his new role as NAAA Vice President with momentum and a sense of purpose. During his time as Secretary, Meyer made it a priority to strengthen public relations and promote a positive image of the agricultural aviation industry—while also championing efforts to grow membership. Now, as Vice President, he’s building on that foundation, taking on a wider scope of responsibilities and continuing to advocate for NAAA and the importance of membership to all generations.

Mentorship in the industry is essential, and Meyer has given it a lot of thought, as it’s the backbone of the aerial application industry. "There was a time early in this industry when there weren’t mentors—pilots just learned things as they went," he reflected. "The industry today is so different, and we need the younger generation to understand how important mentorship is—to be in the shadow of a mentor and learn from them. Maybe we can start with having more of our NAAA leadership attend Compaass Rose and other low-time pilot sessions to talk with new pilots."

As vice president, Meyer is focused on strengthening NAAA’s membership and maintaining safety as a top priority. Meyer emphasized inclusion and responsibility amongst all types of aircraft that conduct aerial applications. "There’s a place for all of us operators. Some jobs aren’t feasible for an airplane or helicopter, and that’s where drones may have their role. But those operators should have to go through Operation S.A.F.E. calibration clinics. They shouldn’t be able to just pull a drone out of the box and start spraying without meeting the same standards and criteria that are required of manned aircraft."

"I want to keep NAAA moving forward on key issues while helping blend newer members with our veteran operators and pilots," he said. He also hopes to re-engage past members and foster more connections among current ones. Meyer emphasized, "Don’t just talk to the same people at every meeting; introduce yourself to someone new. Ask them what they fly for fun, learn more about their operation, and build real relationships. The quiet ones need to be sought out."

For Meyer, leadership is about building bridges between the old and the new, between experience and enthusiasm for the industry, and between safety and innovation. His dedication to connection, safety and communication reflects the core values that continue to propel agricultural aviation forward.

Crop Duster Pete, a Children’s Book that Captures Daily Ag Aviation

Crop Duster Pete, written by Peter Schellenberger, takes young readers on an enchanting journey through the skies in a tale filled with the daily routine of agricultural aviation. This delightful 22-page children’s book will surely capture young readers’ imagination and leave them yearning for more.

The story revolves around Pete, a humble crop duster and his day-to-day operations in an agricultural spraying service. From the very beginning of the day, Schellenberger captures children’s imaginations as they load the aircraft, taxi, find the field and apply the product.

The book concludes with the standard end-of-workday chores for any operator and brings the children along to see what a busy day is like in the lives of an ag pilot.

The writing style employed by Peter Schellenberger is simple yet captivating for the child’s mind, making it perfect for young readers. The story flows smoothly, effortlessly drawing readers into Pete’s world. Schellenberger skillfully weaves in descriptive language, painting vivid pictures of the countryside and the exhilarating experience of flying through the air. Accompanying the charming narrative are beautifully illustrated pages that add to the storyline.

Crop Duster Pete is published by Christian Faith Publishing, available in both digital and paperback formats.

Lavender, Graham. Aug.1, 2023. Agairupdate.com/2023/08/01/crop-duster-pete-a-childrens-book-that-captures-daily-ag-aviation/