Larry Lytle of Southern Colorado Ag, based in Alamosa, flies his Air Tractor AT-301 for a swath-check pass at La Junta CoAAA Operation SAFE clinic.

CoAAA operators set example

by Walt Jazun
walt@agairupdate.com

The Colorado Agricultural Aviation Association hosted its annual convention at the Sheraton, Colorado Springs, Colorado November 15th though the 17th.
This year’s attendance was very high, with 140 operators and pilots attending the event. Worth noting is that 100% of the operators and pilots in the state are members of the Colorado association.

Presentations for the first day were made by Sandra McDonald, Colorado State University professor in the Dept. of Biology and Pest Management on Pesticides, Dave Gordon of the Colorado Dept. of Agriculture made a presentation and Scott Bretthauer, University of Illinois, spoke on the use of pesticides.
On November 16th, Trevor Edwards made a presentation on Professional Aviation Insurance Reciprocal. PASS presenters that afternoon were Matt Crabbe and Arlen Olson with an excellent discussion on Applicators Safety, Public Safety and Environmental Protection. Matt’s usual crisp delivery and depth of knowledge on the subjects covered kept the crowd of attendees very interested.

A luncheon and business meeting were conducted the same day, where Randy Hale gave an update of the NAAA and current issues. Ben Sollembarger gave a review of the successful SAFE fly-in at La Junta in September.

Master of Ceremonies Troy Pepper presented awards to Leonard Felix and Jack Tanner for Outstanding Service. Colorado AAA lobbyist Margaret Christiansen gave an update on upcoming changes at the government level.

Kristin Edwards of Air Tractor gave a Power Point presentation about the company. The Athena program held a concurrent session in an adjacent room.
The morning of Friday November 17th, started with a presentation by Merlin Van Derra of Terra Firma Ag Consulting on certified crop advisors. Later that day Ron Meyer, a Kit Carson Colorado Extension agent, addressed weed identification & control in post-emergent wheat, corn, sunflowers and dry beans.
Closing was by Mel Shumway of Van Diest Supply Co., “Mosquito Control by Air—What, where and when to apply.”