Aerial Ag

The Scholarship is perpetuating the values and memory of a man who contributed so much to Australian aviation and who touched so many with his down to earth approach and his commitment to his family and the industry he loved. Col was always keen to encourage new pilots into the aerial application industry. The Scholarship is generously supported by the Pay Family who provide the winner with $10,000 worth of flying training towards their agricultural rating.

The selection panel, the Board of AAAA and the Pay Family were all very impressed by the quality of all of the candidates and by the level of interest in the scholarship.

Candidates were assessed on criteria including a good attitude and strong work ethic, an aptitude for the industry including a commitment to professionalism, safety and airmanship and a long-term commitment to the industry. The selection process was detailed and utilised written applications, referees’ reports and phone interviews for the finalists.

As the inaugural Col Pay Scholarship winner, Iain has set a very high standard, but it was a standard that a number of other candidates also approached. It was a pleasure to see the high quality of people interested in playing an active and professional part in the aerial application industry. AAAA and the Pay family look forward to meeting more young people with a great future in aviation.

Applications for the next Col Pay Scholarship will open later in the year, will close on the 31st of April 2010 and the winner will again be announced at the AAAA Annual Convention.

AAAA Convention 2009

The Annual AAAA Convention was another success with over 200 delegates hearing about the future of their industry and gaining new skills.

The theme of the Convention – Evolve – was highlighted in the welcoming remarks from AAAA President Ashley Miller in his call to all aerial applicators to pursue continual improvement and a more aggressive approach to getting the best out of their business across a range of criteria, including environmental, financial and social performance. His message resonated with the audience who have seen incredible change in agronomy practices, demands from regulators and needs of clients over the last decade alone.

The ‘Evolve’ theme was also appropriate as delegates heard from the ‘new’ CEO of CASA John McCormick on his vision for improving the safety performance of the industry while attending to the ongoing renewal of CASA.

The presentation by Dr Jennifer Marohasy, providing a very different look at science, climate change, pesticides and other environmental issues and the way they are presented in the media, ensured plenty of discussion throughout the Convention

The Convention also heard from regulators, with some welcome news from John Kassebaum of PIRSA that progress was being made with an improved national licencing system for aerial ag businesses and all governments working towards nationally consistent chemical control-of use regulations.

Dr Dave Loschke, Principal Scientist with the Commonwealth APVMA, outlined their approach to setting large buffer zones for some chemicals and the implications for aerial application – all of which will undoubtedly be challenging for the industry. Dr Loschke commended AAAA for its role in developing a nozzle calculator and other work in ensuring the industry had the best chance of adapting to the changes.

Members were enthusiastic in hearing about the Aerial Application Management System being developed by AAAA that will provide easier proof of compliance with the daunting range of regulations confronting the industry. The system is hoped to be ready for roll-out later this year with associated training, manuals and procedures currently under development. A range of regulators and stakeholders have already expressed support for the concept.

Delegates were also able to see a wide range of trade exhibits selling everything from aircraft and engines to swath guidance GPS, overhaul and maintenance and aircraft tracking systems. Flight Helmets Australia took out the best trade booth award.

The Ray Mackay Award, the top honour in the industry for a long-term commitment to professionalism and the advancement of aerial application, fittingly went to Ray’s son Peter Mackay. Peter was a Board member of AAAA for many years and is still very active in supporting the Association and working on behalf of all aerial applicators.

Thanks to Convention sponsors Air Tractor, CASA, Field Air, Hemisphere GPS, Kenny Aikin Aircraft Insurance Brokers, Pratt and Whitney Canada and QBE Aviation.