Why are we having a fly-in?
To help (your state) ag operators and ag pilots demonstrate their commitment to the safe and proper use of ag chemicals and aircraft.
The main event is a pattern testing clinic designed to flight test and adjust aircraft spray systems. Actual flight test data plots spray patterns on electronically computerized equipment...any spray system adjustments are noted on a computer printout and provided to the pilot of each aircraft.
The procedures are scientific, utilizing the latest test equipment developed at Penn State University. The objective is to provide uniform application which enhances pest control and crop production.
Concern for human health and the environment is also a vital part of the Fly-in...both technical and regulatory discussions are provided.
Why aerial application?:
More than 15% of the nation’s annual $150 billion of food and natural fiber production is attributed directly to ag aviation.
Each American farmer provides food for 128 people at home and abroad...and farmers comprise less than 2% of the U.S. population today (in 1920 it was 30%, and when the Constitution was signed, it was 90%).
More than 65% of all crop protection chemicals commercially applied on U.S. agricultural land are applied with aircraft. Nationwide, there are about 6,500 aircraft dedicated to ag use and helicopters represent approximately 10% of the total fleet.
The U.S. food and fiber industry generates 21 million jobs, about 17% of the work force, or 1 out of every 6 jobs.
Americans spend 13% of after-tax income on food, including food consumed away from home. This compares with 23% spent for food in 1950...it also compares with 18% spent for food today in Japan, 23% in Germany, 30% in the former Soviet Union, 35% in Ecuador and 65% in China.
Who are ag pilots?:
Ag pilots are professional aviators who often own and manage their own businesses.
With an average age of 38, 12 years in the business, and over 5,000 hours of total flying time, ag pilots are well trained in all aspects of their profession.
Ag pilots are highly regulated. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires a commercial pilot’s license before a pilot can apply for a license under Federal Aviation Regulation Part 137, which was created spec-ifically to govern agricultural aviation. The state requires a commercial pesticide applicator’s license and all pesticide applications are regulat-ed by the (your state) Board of Pesticides Control.
As a business owner, the ag pilot manages weather monitoring, work scheduling, product mixing, aircraft maintenance, refueling, book-keeping, advertising and customer relations.
All ag pilots have a common goal...to keep aerial application an effective, safe, and available economic tool for the farmer and the consumer.
Why pesticides are not scary... :
Without the use of pesticides the world food supply would be reduced by 40-50% and the cost of food would increase by 50-75%. Shortage and lower quality food and fiber would be common.
Pesticides rank equal to pharmaceuticals in saving and extending life.
Crop production technology has made our quality of life the envy of the world. Our food supply is safe, wholesome, and nutritious, and our life span has nearly doubled in the last 40 years.
People are afraid of the unknown...farm pesticides are unknown, but household pesticides are not. No one is afraid of the shower cleaner....they just don’t know it is a fungicide. Are we going to be afraid of the toilet bowl cleaner when we find out it is an EPA registered pesticide? Of course not...clean toilets are healthy!!
Pesticides, both farm and household, are safe if used properly, read the directions and follow the label.
Reprint permission given by AgAir Update, P.O. Box 850, Perry, GA 31069 - an international agricultural aviation publication.
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