As publisher of AgAir Update and Universal Helicopter newspapers, I would like to welcome you to the premier edition of AirFire & Forestry. It being a somewhat unusual in the print world, I've decided to publish AirFire & Forestry within the pages of the well-established AgAir Update. There are several reasons for this approach.
Aerial wildland and forestry management is not new. However, the transition of ag-pilots to this important industry is growing in significant numbers. It would seem to be a natural expansion within the pages of AgAir Update for a section addressing this industry.
Then, there are the economic reasons. It is much more practical for AF&F to grow with the help of AAU. In time, it may evolve into a monthly section in AAU, or it may even become a standalone publication, depending on the interest and input that I receive from our readers and advertisers.
AF&F's mission is to provide a forum for industry pilots, whether they fly helicopters, agricultural air tanker aircraft, bird dog/spotter aircraft or large air tankers. Within this forum, issues related to aerial firefighting, forest fertilizing and insect control spraying, hydro mulching and other specialized methods of aerial application to the world's wildlands and forests will be addressed.
I was an ag-pilot for over 25 years. I am still an active pilot with many opportunities to fly an assortment of ag-aircraft. However, I recognize my limits in providing realistic and appropriate information to my readers from the aerial wildland and forest management sector. To address this issue, I have recruited an active aerial wildland and forest management pilot to act as editor, guiding me in selecting editorial content as well as providing articles and editorial comments. Marc Mullis is a "retired" ag-pilot of 30 years, formerly owning and operating a flying service in Arkansas. His father was an ag-pilot. A few years ago Marc sold his flying service, took some time off from flying, then returned to fly Air Tractors fertilizing pine forest. Recently, Marc attended the Single Engine Air Tanker school in Boise, Idaho. Since then he has worked as a SEAT pilot and has also flown contracts involving hydro mulching. These various flying jobs have given Marc a well-rounded view of this industry.
But, Marc is like I am with AAU, only an editor. We will depend in a large part on input from our readers. I am requesting from you to contact AF&F with interesting stories, photos, tips that can save money and lives, as well as your experiences with new and/or established equipment that you feel needs to be passed on to the industry.
How often will you see AF&F within the pages of AAU? That is a good question; six times a year, every other month. However, if you respond favorably with good information and feedback, and advertisers recognize the advantages of this section in AAU, AF&F could easily be published every month. Who knows, within a very short period of time, AF&F may be its own publication.
I look forward to hearing from you very soon. bill@agairupdate.com