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Courses: Agricultural Airman Guidelines
The Agricultural Airman Guidelines (AAG) offer suggestions that the applicant have pertaining to the knowledge, ability to manage risks, and skills that are part of acting as pilot-in-command (PIC) during aerial applications under 14 CFR Part 137. It consists of Areas of Operation arranged in a logical sequence, beginning with Preflight Preparation and ending with Postflight Procedures. Each Area of Operation includes Tasks appropriate to that Area of Operation.
137.I - Regulatory Knowledge
This Area of Operation Consists of the following tasks: (A) Regulatory Environment, (B) Congested Area Operations, (C) National Airspace System
137.II - Preflight Planning
This Area of Operation Consists of the following tasks: (A) Application site and/or adjacent property, (B) Product to be sprayed, (C) Weather forecast, (D) Aircraft airworthiness, (E) Fuel management, (F) Weight and balance, (G) Flight characteristics, (H) Aircraft performance, (I) Aircraft and spray equipment preflight inspection, (J) Spray system calibration, characterization, and measurement, (K) Spray pattern changes in response to airspeed, (L) Pilot
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A platform-agnostic primer in droplet size terminology and industry standards.
A spray application (platform-agnostic) primer in droplet size terminology and industry standards. Topics covered include droplet size statistics, droplet spectrum categories, coverage and drift potential. As the first course in a same-titled series, it lays the foundations for more in-depth courses centered around optimizing aerial spray applications.
Duration: 30 minutes
Course ID: 24-EP-01This course's content falls within the following sections of the Agricultural Airman's Guidelines (AAG):
137.II - Preflight Planning
-- B - Product to be Sprayed
-- J - Spray System Calibration, Characterization and MeasurementThis course's content falls within the following sections of the National Aerial Applicator's Manual (AAM):
Chapter 3 - Preventing Pesticide Drift
-- 3.1 - Factors that Contribute to DriftBrad Fritz, PhD
Research Leader
USDA-ARS Aerial Application Technology Research Unit
Dr. Brad Fritz is an agricultural engineer and serves as the Research Leader of the USDA ARS Aerial Application Technology Unit in College Station, Texas. His areas of research include spray drift measurement and methods of mitigation, understanding the role spray nozzles and formulations play in the droplet size being applied and optimizing aerial application technologies and methods to enhance on target deposition and reduce off-target impacts. He is an active member of a number of professional organizations including the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, the American Society of Testing and Materials, the American Mosquito Control Association, and the National Agricultural Aviation Association.
137.III - Mixing/Loading/Fueling
This Area of Operation Consists of the following tasks: (A) Ground crew briefing, (B) Personal Protective Equipment, (C) Training and documentation
137.IV - Takeoff
This Area of Operation Consists of the following tasks: (A) Weather Conditions, (B) Runway surface conditions, (C) Normal takeoff and climb, (D) Soft-field takeoff and climb, (E) Short-field takeoff and maximum climb, (F) Other takeoff techniques, (G) Takeoff emergency response plan, (H) External Load Operations [Rotorcraft], (I) Platform, truck and confined area loading and takeoff [Rotorcraft]
137.V - Ferry and Approach to the Working Area
This Area of Operation Consists of the following tasks: (A) In-flight hazards for ferrying, (B) Current weather en-route and at target site, (C) Working area assessment, (D) Geography, (E) Sensitive sites near or in the Field
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The basics of vision science and why wires need to be treated as an invisible hazard. Learn how to use support structures and hardware to determine the location of wires and ways to respond correctly. Classroom and dual cockpit instruction video provide supplementary training on how to scout for wires and apply safely around them.
The basics of vision science and why wires need to be treated as an invisible hazard. Learn how to use support structures and hardware to determine the location of wires and ways to respond correctly. Classroom and dual cockpit instruction video provide supplementary training on how to scout for wires and apply safely around them. This course is based on the 2022-2023 PAASS Program's Human Factors module.
Duration: 2 hours
Course ID: 24-EP-01Note: If you have taken the Utilities / Aviation Specialists Flying in the Wire and Obstruction Environment course in-person within the last 12 months (at Expo, a state meeting, etc.) you can receive credit in place of this course by submitting a copy of your certificate from that course to Matt Gill (mgill@agaviation.org)
This course's content falls within the following sections of the Agricultural Airman's Guidelines (AAG):
137.V - Ferry and Approach to the Working Area
-- C - Working Area Assessment137.VII - Application
-- A - Determination of Flight Pattern
-- H - Obstructions
-- I - Trim Passes137.XII - Special Emphasis Areas
-- A - Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT)This course's content falls within the following sections of the National Aerial Applicator's Manual (AAM):
Chapter 2 - Operation and Application Safety
-- 2.3 - Application Safety
Chapter 6 - Making an Aerial Pesticide Application
-- 6.2 - Checking the Application SiteDamon Reabe
Dairyland Aviation Inc. / Reabe Spraying Service Inc.
Damon is a third-generation aerial applicator from Wisconsin who grew up on the family airport and farm. He was taught to fly by his grandfather Roy Reabe who started the family business in 1945. Damon left the family farm and business after high school and graduated from Mankato State University with a BS in Aviation and Marketing. At the end of his colligate studies Damon launched a 15-year career as corporate pilot flying jet aircraft throughout the world. As a corporate pilot, Damon worked his way from line pilot to being one of only three flight standards pilots of the largest corporate aircraft management company of the time. He was responsible for developing, implementing and ensuring compliance of company safety procedures.
Damon got his start as an aerial applicator in 1997 under the tutelage of his father, Tom Reabe, and began helping out as a part time pilot. In 2009, Damon resigned his position as a flight standards pilot and took his father’s place as President of Reabe Spraying Service, a Wisconsin aerial application company. Over the past twenty seasons Damon has been actively spraying in Piper Pawnees, AT-400’s, AT-502’s, S2R-660, Bell 206 and an AT-802. Damon served the Wisconsin Agricultural Aviation Association as President from 2010 until 2016 and currently serves on the NAAA Board of Directors as the Wisconsin representative. He is currently serving as chairman of the Government Relations Committee.
During the winter of 2016-2017, the family executed a succession plan allowing Tyler Reabe and Curt Meister to become part owners in Reabe Spraying Service and forming Dairyland Aviation which operates out of Waupun, WI. Damon is the President of both Dairyland Aviation and Reabe Spraying Service.
Damon is fortunate to have met and married his wife of 13 years, Mary Reabe, who does the book keeping for both companies. They are raising their two children, Caroline and Max in Ripon, WI. Damon says, “I have been very lucky to have a spouse that not only puts up with the demands of this job and industry, but supports participation in safety programs such as PAASS.”Dominique Youakim
Aerinova Aerial Inc.
Dominique Youakim of Charleston, Ill., is the owner and operator of Aerinova Aerial LLC, an aerial application business located in Mattoon, Ill. He also owns a helicopter tour business in St. Louis and Branson, Mo., and is an authorized Robinson helicopter dealer. He has two children, a son and daughter, Aiden and Aubrey.
Before finding his niche as an aerial applicator, Dominique worked in corporate America as a vice president of operations for a manufacturing plant. He worked for the manufacturer from 1995 to 2005. During that same period, he earned his commercial pilot certificate. Ready for a less travel-intensive career, Dominique gave up his corporate job for the opportunity to become an agricultural pilot in 2005. His mentor, Rick Reed of Reed’s Fly-on Farming, hired him as a full-time pilot that year. In 2013, Dominique purchased Reed’s Mattoon-based operation, which now operates under the name Aerinova Aerial LLC.
In 2006, Dominique completed the NAAA/Syngenta Leadership Training Program, which develops new leaders and advocates for the agricultural aviation industry. He served as secretary/treasurer of the Illinois Agricultural Aviation Association in 2007–2008. He joined NAAA’s board of directors as the Illinois AAA’s state representative in 2009. From 2012 to 2016, Dominique chaired NAAA’s bylaws committee. In 2016, he served as the association’s vice president and was elected president for 2017.
137.VI - Emergency Procedure Considerations
This Area of Operation Consists of the following tasks: (A) Jettison a Load, (B) Landing with a Load, (C) Evaluating Damage in Flight, (D) AFM/POH Emergency Procedures Specific to the Aircraft Being Flown, (E) Selecting Emergency Landing Sites Nearby the Work Area
137.VII - Application
This Area of Operation Consists of the following tasks: (A) Determination of Flight Pattern, (B) Making Safe Turnarounds, (C) Swath Alignment, (D) Turnaround Techniques, (E) Rapid Deceleration / Quick Stops, (F) Appropriate Working Altitudes, (G) Flare-Out, Turn On, Turn Off and Pull-Up, (H) Obstructions, (I) Trim Passes (Cleanup, Headland, Dress Passes), (J) Rinseout/Cleanout (Spray System Decontamination/Neutralization)
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The basics of vision science and why wires need to be treated as an invisible hazard. Learn how to use support structures and hardware to determine the location of wires and ways to respond correctly. Classroom and dual cockpit instruction video provide supplementary training on how to scout for wires and apply safely around them.
The basics of vision science and why wires need to be treated as an invisible hazard. Learn how to use support structures and hardware to determine the location of wires and ways to respond correctly. Classroom and dual cockpit instruction video provide supplementary training on how to scout for wires and apply safely around them. This course is based on the 2022-2023 PAASS Program's Human Factors module.
Duration: 2 hours
Course ID: 24-EP-01Note: If you have taken the Utilities / Aviation Specialists Flying in the Wire and Obstruction Environment course in-person within the last 12 months (at Expo, a state meeting, etc.) you can receive credit in place of this course by submitting a copy of your certificate from that course to Matt Gill (mgill@agaviation.org)
This course's content falls within the following sections of the Agricultural Airman's Guidelines (AAG):
137.V - Ferry and Approach to the Working Area
-- C - Working Area Assessment137.VII - Application
-- A - Determination of Flight Pattern
-- H - Obstructions
-- I - Trim Passes137.XII - Special Emphasis Areas
-- A - Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT)This course's content falls within the following sections of the National Aerial Applicator's Manual (AAM):
Chapter 2 - Operation and Application Safety
-- 2.3 - Application Safety
Chapter 6 - Making an Aerial Pesticide Application
-- 6.2 - Checking the Application SiteDamon Reabe
Dairyland Aviation Inc. / Reabe Spraying Service Inc.
Damon is a third-generation aerial applicator from Wisconsin who grew up on the family airport and farm. He was taught to fly by his grandfather Roy Reabe who started the family business in 1945. Damon left the family farm and business after high school and graduated from Mankato State University with a BS in Aviation and Marketing. At the end of his colligate studies Damon launched a 15-year career as corporate pilot flying jet aircraft throughout the world. As a corporate pilot, Damon worked his way from line pilot to being one of only three flight standards pilots of the largest corporate aircraft management company of the time. He was responsible for developing, implementing and ensuring compliance of company safety procedures.
Damon got his start as an aerial applicator in 1997 under the tutelage of his father, Tom Reabe, and began helping out as a part time pilot. In 2009, Damon resigned his position as a flight standards pilot and took his father’s place as President of Reabe Spraying Service, a Wisconsin aerial application company. Over the past twenty seasons Damon has been actively spraying in Piper Pawnees, AT-400’s, AT-502’s, S2R-660, Bell 206 and an AT-802. Damon served the Wisconsin Agricultural Aviation Association as President from 2010 until 2016 and currently serves on the NAAA Board of Directors as the Wisconsin representative. He is currently serving as chairman of the Government Relations Committee.
During the winter of 2016-2017, the family executed a succession plan allowing Tyler Reabe and Curt Meister to become part owners in Reabe Spraying Service and forming Dairyland Aviation which operates out of Waupun, WI. Damon is the President of both Dairyland Aviation and Reabe Spraying Service.
Damon is fortunate to have met and married his wife of 13 years, Mary Reabe, who does the book keeping for both companies. They are raising their two children, Caroline and Max in Ripon, WI. Damon says, “I have been very lucky to have a spouse that not only puts up with the demands of this job and industry, but supports participation in safety programs such as PAASS.”Dominique Youakim
Aerinova Aerial Inc.
Dominique Youakim of Charleston, Ill., is the owner and operator of Aerinova Aerial LLC, an aerial application business located in Mattoon, Ill. He also owns a helicopter tour business in St. Louis and Branson, Mo., and is an authorized Robinson helicopter dealer. He has two children, a son and daughter, Aiden and Aubrey.
Before finding his niche as an aerial applicator, Dominique worked in corporate America as a vice president of operations for a manufacturing plant. He worked for the manufacturer from 1995 to 2005. During that same period, he earned his commercial pilot certificate. Ready for a less travel-intensive career, Dominique gave up his corporate job for the opportunity to become an agricultural pilot in 2005. His mentor, Rick Reed of Reed’s Fly-on Farming, hired him as a full-time pilot that year. In 2013, Dominique purchased Reed’s Mattoon-based operation, which now operates under the name Aerinova Aerial LLC.
In 2006, Dominique completed the NAAA/Syngenta Leadership Training Program, which develops new leaders and advocates for the agricultural aviation industry. He served as secretary/treasurer of the Illinois Agricultural Aviation Association in 2007–2008. He joined NAAA’s board of directors as the Illinois AAA’s state representative in 2009. From 2012 to 2016, Dominique chaired NAAA’s bylaws committee. In 2016, he served as the association’s vice president and was elected president for 2017.
137.VIII - Approach to the Airstrip Environment
This Area of Operation Consists of the following tasks: (A) Current Weather, (B) Radio Use, (C) See and Avoid, (D) Traffic Pattern
137.IX - Landing
This Area of Operation Consists of the following tasks: (A) Weather Considerations, (B) Runway Considerations, (C) Go-Around and/or Rejected Landing, (D) Normal Approach and Landing, (E) Platform (Truck) and Confined Space Landing, (F) Soft-Field Approach and Landing, (G) Short-Field Approach and Landing
137.X - Post Application
This Area of Operation Consists of the following tasks: (A) Grower Notification, (B) Aircraft Postflight Inspection, (C) Disposition and Disposal of Application Residues and Containers, (D) Application Records
137.XI - Emergency Response
This Area of Operation Consists of the following tasks: (A) Emergency Response Plan, (B) Chemical Exposure and Heat Exhaustion
137.XII - Special Emphasis Areas
This Area of Operation Consists of the following tasks: (A) Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT), (B) Stall/Spin Awareness and Avoidance, (C) Pilot and Crew Fatigue, (D) Visual Scan and Traffic Deconfliction, (E) Settling with Power, (F) Ground Resonance Effects, (G) Dynamic Rollover
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The basics of vision science and why wires need to be treated as an invisible hazard. Learn how to use support structures and hardware to determine the location of wires and ways to respond correctly. Classroom and dual cockpit instruction video provide supplementary training on how to scout for wires and apply safely around them.
The basics of vision science and why wires need to be treated as an invisible hazard. Learn how to use support structures and hardware to determine the location of wires and ways to respond correctly. Classroom and dual cockpit instruction video provide supplementary training on how to scout for wires and apply safely around them. This course is based on the 2022-2023 PAASS Program's Human Factors module.
Duration: 2 hours
Course ID: 24-EP-01Note: If you have taken the Utilities / Aviation Specialists Flying in the Wire and Obstruction Environment course in-person within the last 12 months (at Expo, a state meeting, etc.) you can receive credit in place of this course by submitting a copy of your certificate from that course to Matt Gill (mgill@agaviation.org)
This course's content falls within the following sections of the Agricultural Airman's Guidelines (AAG):
137.V - Ferry and Approach to the Working Area
-- C - Working Area Assessment137.VII - Application
-- A - Determination of Flight Pattern
-- H - Obstructions
-- I - Trim Passes137.XII - Special Emphasis Areas
-- A - Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT)This course's content falls within the following sections of the National Aerial Applicator's Manual (AAM):
Chapter 2 - Operation and Application Safety
-- 2.3 - Application Safety
Chapter 6 - Making an Aerial Pesticide Application
-- 6.2 - Checking the Application SiteDamon Reabe
Dairyland Aviation Inc. / Reabe Spraying Service Inc.
Damon is a third-generation aerial applicator from Wisconsin who grew up on the family airport and farm. He was taught to fly by his grandfather Roy Reabe who started the family business in 1945. Damon left the family farm and business after high school and graduated from Mankato State University with a BS in Aviation and Marketing. At the end of his colligate studies Damon launched a 15-year career as corporate pilot flying jet aircraft throughout the world. As a corporate pilot, Damon worked his way from line pilot to being one of only three flight standards pilots of the largest corporate aircraft management company of the time. He was responsible for developing, implementing and ensuring compliance of company safety procedures.
Damon got his start as an aerial applicator in 1997 under the tutelage of his father, Tom Reabe, and began helping out as a part time pilot. In 2009, Damon resigned his position as a flight standards pilot and took his father’s place as President of Reabe Spraying Service, a Wisconsin aerial application company. Over the past twenty seasons Damon has been actively spraying in Piper Pawnees, AT-400’s, AT-502’s, S2R-660, Bell 206 and an AT-802. Damon served the Wisconsin Agricultural Aviation Association as President from 2010 until 2016 and currently serves on the NAAA Board of Directors as the Wisconsin representative. He is currently serving as chairman of the Government Relations Committee.
During the winter of 2016-2017, the family executed a succession plan allowing Tyler Reabe and Curt Meister to become part owners in Reabe Spraying Service and forming Dairyland Aviation which operates out of Waupun, WI. Damon is the President of both Dairyland Aviation and Reabe Spraying Service.
Damon is fortunate to have met and married his wife of 13 years, Mary Reabe, who does the book keeping for both companies. They are raising their two children, Caroline and Max in Ripon, WI. Damon says, “I have been very lucky to have a spouse that not only puts up with the demands of this job and industry, but supports participation in safety programs such as PAASS.”Dominique Youakim
Aerinova Aerial Inc.
Dominique Youakim of Charleston, Ill., is the owner and operator of Aerinova Aerial LLC, an aerial application business located in Mattoon, Ill. He also owns a helicopter tour business in St. Louis and Branson, Mo., and is an authorized Robinson helicopter dealer. He has two children, a son and daughter, Aiden and Aubrey.
Before finding his niche as an aerial applicator, Dominique worked in corporate America as a vice president of operations for a manufacturing plant. He worked for the manufacturer from 1995 to 2005. During that same period, he earned his commercial pilot certificate. Ready for a less travel-intensive career, Dominique gave up his corporate job for the opportunity to become an agricultural pilot in 2005. His mentor, Rick Reed of Reed’s Fly-on Farming, hired him as a full-time pilot that year. In 2013, Dominique purchased Reed’s Mattoon-based operation, which now operates under the name Aerinova Aerial LLC.
In 2006, Dominique completed the NAAA/Syngenta Leadership Training Program, which develops new leaders and advocates for the agricultural aviation industry. He served as secretary/treasurer of the Illinois Agricultural Aviation Association in 2007–2008. He joined NAAA’s board of directors as the Illinois AAA’s state representative in 2009. From 2012 to 2016, Dominique chaired NAAA’s bylaws committee. In 2016, he served as the association’s vice president and was elected president for 2017.
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