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

There are no products which match your search criteria.

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

  • Avoiding Inadvertent Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IIMC)

    Instrument meteorological conditions are those weather conditions with low visibility, particularly fog, that require use of cockpit instruments for safe flying. Inadvertently flying into these instrument conditions occurs when a pilot, not rated or equipped to fly with instruments, finds himself flying from clear weather conditions into low/no-visibility conditions requiring instruments. From 2011 to 2020 there were a total of six agricultural aviation IIMC accidents, five of which were fatal. IIMC results in a degraded visual environment followed by spatial disorientation, which likely leads to an accident. The best strategy for IIMC is to avoid flying in such conditions and this course will go over the factors that aerial applicators need to consider before taking off. Of immense value, this course will also present stories from agricultural aviators who survived IIMC encounters, shared so others may learn first-hand from their incidents.

    Description: Instrument meteorological conditions are those weather conditions with low visibility, particularly fog, that require use of cockpit instruments for safe flying. Inadvertently flying into these instrument conditions occurs when a pilot, not rated or equipped to fly with instruments, finds himself flying from clear weather conditions into low/no-visibility conditions requiring instruments. From 2011 to 2020 there were a total of six agricultural aviation IIMC accidents, five of which were fatal. IIMC results in a degraded visual environment followed by spatial disorientation, which likely leads to an accident. The best strategy for IIMC is to avoid flying in such conditions and this course will go over the factors that aerial applicators need to consider before taking off. Of immense value, this course will also present stories from agricultural aviators who survived IIMC encounters, shared so others may learn first-hand from their incidents.

    Duration: 2 hours

    Year: 2025

    Course ID: 25-HF-01

    Availability: NAAA Members (Free), Non-Members ($200)

    This course's content falls within the following sections of the Agricultural Airman's Guidelines (AAG):

    137.II - Preflight Planning
    -- C - Weather Forecast

    137.IV - Takeoff
    -- A - Weather Considerations

    137.V - Ferry and Approach to the Working Area
    -- B - Current Weather En-Route and at Target Site

    137.VIII - Approach to the Airstrip Environment
    -- A - Current Weather

    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

  • The Impact of Each Droplet - Part 1

    A platform-agnostic primer in droplet size terminology and industry standards.

    Description: 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

    Year: 2024

    Course ID: 24-EP-01

    Availability: NAAA Members (Free), Non-Members ($50)

    This 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 Measurement

    This 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 Drift

  • The Impact of Each Droplet - Part 2

    A platform-agnostic primer in droplet size terminology and industry standards.

    Description: Building on the fundamentals from Part 1, this course introduces the aerial atomization models and the five key factors in determining droplet size: airspeed, nozzle type, orifice size, deflection and pressure. The models are used to illustrate the impact each factor has on droplet size, cementing the understanding required to effectively utilize the models in configuring a spray system for a target droplet spectrum category.

    Duration: 30 minutes

    Year: 2025

    Course ID: 25-EP-01

    Availability: NAAA Members (Free), Non-Members ($50)

    This 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 Measurement

    This 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 Drift
    -- 3.2 - Minimizing Off-Target Drift

    Chapter 4 - Aerial Pesticide Dispersal Systems
    -- 4.1 - Dispersal System Requirements
    -- 4.2 - Liquid Dispersal System Components

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

There are no products which match your search criteria.

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]

  • Avoiding Inadvertent Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IIMC)

    Instrument meteorological conditions are those weather conditions with low visibility, particularly fog, that require use of cockpit instruments for safe flying. Inadvertently flying into these instrument conditions occurs when a pilot, not rated or equipped to fly with instruments, finds himself flying from clear weather conditions into low/no-visibility conditions requiring instruments. From 2011 to 2020 there were a total of six agricultural aviation IIMC accidents, five of which were fatal. IIMC results in a degraded visual environment followed by spatial disorientation, which likely leads to an accident. The best strategy for IIMC is to avoid flying in such conditions and this course will go over the factors that aerial applicators need to consider before taking off. Of immense value, this course will also present stories from agricultural aviators who survived IIMC encounters, shared so others may learn first-hand from their incidents.

    Description: Instrument meteorological conditions are those weather conditions with low visibility, particularly fog, that require use of cockpit instruments for safe flying. Inadvertently flying into these instrument conditions occurs when a pilot, not rated or equipped to fly with instruments, finds himself flying from clear weather conditions into low/no-visibility conditions requiring instruments. From 2011 to 2020 there were a total of six agricultural aviation IIMC accidents, five of which were fatal. IIMC results in a degraded visual environment followed by spatial disorientation, which likely leads to an accident. The best strategy for IIMC is to avoid flying in such conditions and this course will go over the factors that aerial applicators need to consider before taking off. Of immense value, this course will also present stories from agricultural aviators who survived IIMC encounters, shared so others may learn first-hand from their incidents.

    Duration: 2 hours

    Year: 2025

    Course ID: 25-HF-01

    Availability: NAAA Members (Free), Non-Members ($200)

    This course's content falls within the following sections of the Agricultural Airman's Guidelines (AAG):

    137.II - Preflight Planning
    -- C - Weather Forecast

    137.IV - Takeoff
    -- A - Weather Considerations

    137.V - Ferry and Approach to the Working Area
    -- B - Current Weather En-Route and at Target Site

    137.VIII - Approach to the Airstrip Environment
    -- A - Current Weather

    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

  • Dumping a Load

    Instructional video on emergency dumping procedures and how to safely practice dumping.

    Description: This video from the 2020 NAAREF Safety Session features Fran de Kock of Battlefords Airspray in Canada. He graciously allowed NAAREF to film him instructing his students on emergency dumping procedures. In agricultural aviation the goal of course is to apply the load in the hopper to the intended target area. Situations can change, and it is important the pilots know how to conduct an emergency dump, and just as importantly how to safely practice doing it. Fran was filmed both in his classroom and in a dual-seat AT-504. He covers the topic in depth, including the difference between how dumping is typically practiced versus how it will occur during an actual emergency.

    Duration: 25 min

    Year: 2020

    Availability: NAAA Members (Free)

    This course's content falls within the following sections of the Agricultural Airman's Guidelines (AAG):

    137.IV - Takeoff
    -- F - Other Takeoff Techniques
    -- G - Takeoff Emergency Response Plan

    137.V - Ferry and Approach to Working Area
    -- C - Working Area Assessment

    137.VI - Emergency Procedure Considerations
    -- A - Jettison a Load

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

  • Dumping a Load

    Instructional video on emergency dumping procedures and how to safely practice dumping.

    Description: This video from the 2020 NAAREF Safety Session features Fran de Kock of Battlefords Airspray in Canada. He graciously allowed NAAREF to film him instructing his students on emergency dumping procedures. In agricultural aviation the goal of course is to apply the load in the hopper to the intended target area. Situations can change, and it is important the pilots know how to conduct an emergency dump, and just as importantly how to safely practice doing it. Fran was filmed both in his classroom and in a dual-seat AT-504. He covers the topic in depth, including the difference between how dumping is typically practiced versus how it will occur during an actual emergency.

    Duration: 25 min

    Year: 2020

    Availability: NAAA Members (Free)

    This course's content falls within the following sections of the Agricultural Airman's Guidelines (AAG):

    137.IV - Takeoff
    -- F - Other Takeoff Techniques
    -- G - Takeoff Emergency Response Plan

    137.V - Ferry and Approach to Working Area
    -- C - Working Area Assessment

    137.VI - Emergency Procedure Considerations
    -- A - Jettison a Load

  • Avoiding Inadvertent Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IIMC)

    Instrument meteorological conditions are those weather conditions with low visibility, particularly fog, that require use of cockpit instruments for safe flying. Inadvertently flying into these instrument conditions occurs when a pilot, not rated or equipped to fly with instruments, finds himself flying from clear weather conditions into low/no-visibility conditions requiring instruments. From 2011 to 2020 there were a total of six agricultural aviation IIMC accidents, five of which were fatal. IIMC results in a degraded visual environment followed by spatial disorientation, which likely leads to an accident. The best strategy for IIMC is to avoid flying in such conditions and this course will go over the factors that aerial applicators need to consider before taking off. Of immense value, this course will also present stories from agricultural aviators who survived IIMC encounters, shared so others may learn first-hand from their incidents.

    Description: Instrument meteorological conditions are those weather conditions with low visibility, particularly fog, that require use of cockpit instruments for safe flying. Inadvertently flying into these instrument conditions occurs when a pilot, not rated or equipped to fly with instruments, finds himself flying from clear weather conditions into low/no-visibility conditions requiring instruments. From 2011 to 2020 there were a total of six agricultural aviation IIMC accidents, five of which were fatal. IIMC results in a degraded visual environment followed by spatial disorientation, which likely leads to an accident. The best strategy for IIMC is to avoid flying in such conditions and this course will go over the factors that aerial applicators need to consider before taking off. Of immense value, this course will also present stories from agricultural aviators who survived IIMC encounters, shared so others may learn first-hand from their incidents.

    Duration: 2 hours

    Year: 2025

    Course ID: 25-HF-01

    Availability: NAAA Members (Free), Non-Members ($200)

    This course's content falls within the following sections of the Agricultural Airman's Guidelines (AAG):

    137.II - Preflight Planning
    -- C - Weather Forecast

    137.IV - Takeoff
    -- A - Weather Considerations

    137.V - Ferry and Approach to the Working Area
    -- B - Current Weather En-Route and at Target Site

    137.VIII - Approach to the Airstrip Environment
    -- A - Current Weather

    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

  • Avoiding Wire Strike Accidents

    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.

    Description: 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

    Year: 2024

    Course ID: 24-HF-01

    Availability: NAAA Members (Free), Non-Members ($200)

    Note: If you are seeking C-PAASS credit, note that in-person completion of the Flying in the Wire and Obstruction Environment course (at Expo, a state meeting, etc.) satisfies this requirement and taking this online course is NOT REQUIRED. You will submit a copy of your in-person course completion certificate (provided by Utilities / Aviation Specialists) with your C-PAASS application. 

    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 Assessment

    137.VII - Application
    -- A - Determination of Flight Pattern
    -- H - Obstructions
    -- I - Trim Passes

    137.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 Site

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

  • Landing with a Load

    Instructional video on landing with a fully-loaded ag aircraft and how to safely practice landing loaded.

    Description: This video from the 2020 NAAREF Safety Session features Fran de Kock of Battlefords Airspray in Canada. In this video he describes how to land with a fully loaded aircraft. In agricultural aviation the goal of course is to apply the load in the hopper to the intended target area. Situations can change, and it is important the pilots know how to land with a fully loaded aircraft and just as importantly how to safely practice landing fully loaded. Filmed both in his classroom and in a dual-seat AT-504. Don't miss this chance to improve your knowledge about landing with a load.

    Duration: 20 min

    Year: 2020

    Availability: NAAA Members (Free)

    This course's content falls within the following sections of the Agricultural Airman's Guidelines (AAG):

    137.VI - Emergency Procedure Considerations
    -- B - Landing with a Load

  • Dumping a Load

    Instructional video on emergency dumping procedures and how to safely practice dumping.

    Description: This video from the 2020 NAAREF Safety Session features Fran de Kock of Battlefords Airspray in Canada. He graciously allowed NAAREF to film him instructing his students on emergency dumping procedures. In agricultural aviation the goal of course is to apply the load in the hopper to the intended target area. Situations can change, and it is important the pilots know how to conduct an emergency dump, and just as importantly how to safely practice doing it. Fran was filmed both in his classroom and in a dual-seat AT-504. He covers the topic in depth, including the difference between how dumping is typically practiced versus how it will occur during an actual emergency.

    Duration: 25 min

    Year: 2020

    Availability: NAAA Members (Free)

    This course's content falls within the following sections of the Agricultural Airman's Guidelines (AAG):

    137.IV - Takeoff
    -- F - Other Takeoff Techniques
    -- G - Takeoff Emergency Response Plan

    137.V - Ferry and Approach to Working Area
    -- C - Working Area Assessment

    137.VI - Emergency Procedure Considerations
    -- A - Jettison a Load

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)

  • Avoiding Wire Strike Accidents

    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.

    Description: 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

    Year: 2024

    Course ID: 24-HF-01

    Availability: NAAA Members (Free), Non-Members ($200)

    Note: If you are seeking C-PAASS credit, note that in-person completion of the Flying in the Wire and Obstruction Environment course (at Expo, a state meeting, etc.) satisfies this requirement and taking this online course is NOT REQUIRED. You will submit a copy of your in-person course completion certificate (provided by Utilities / Aviation Specialists) with your C-PAASS application. 

    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 Assessment

    137.VII - Application
    -- A - Determination of Flight Pattern
    -- H - Obstructions
    -- I - Trim Passes

    137.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 Site

  • Turn Smart - Respect the Safety Margin

    Instructional video offering an in-depth look at safe ag aircraft turns, maintaining a margin of safety, and the dangers of Normalization of Deviance in ag aviation.

    Description: This video is a must-watch for any safety-minded ag aviation operator or pilot. Air Tractor’s former Chief Test Pilot Mike Rhodes and AeroShell Aerobatic Team member & veteran ag pilot Steve Gustafson offer an in-depth look at safe ag aircraft turns and maintaining a margin of safety. Also, hear from USAF Colonel Mike Mullane (Ret.), former NASA Space Shuttle astronaut, about the dangers of Normalization of Deviance and how it relates to the ag aviation industry.

    Duration: 40 minutes

    Year: 2023

    Availability: NAAA Members (Free)

    This course's content falls within the following sections of the Agricultural Airman's Guidelines (AAG):

    137.VII - Application
    -- B - Making Safe Turnarounds (Fixed-Wing)

    137.XII - Special Emphasis Areas
    -- B - Stall/Spin Awareness and Avoidance

  • Turn Smart - Wayne Handley

    Instructional video offering timeless advice on safe ag aircraft turns, not pushing an ag aircraft beyond its safety envelope, and how to attempt recovery from a stall.

    Description: This video features Wayne Handley, a 25-year ag pilot and subsequently world-renowned aerobatic instructor pilot. Wayne explains and demonstrates, with an aerobatic plane and an AT-502B, various maneuvers that can result in a stall along with helpful advice on how to recover if you find yourself in this situation. He stresses the importance of not pushing an ag plane beyond its safety envelope, and shows that safe turns do not hinder productivity.

    Duration: 15 minutes

    Year: 1996

    Availability: NAAA Members (Free)

    This course's content falls within the following sections of the Agricultural Airman's Guidelines (AAG):

    137.VII - Application
    -- B - Making Safe Turnarounds (Fixed-Wing)

    137.XII - Special Emphasis Areas
    -- B - Stall/Spin Awareness and Avoidance

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

  • Avoiding Inadvertent Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IIMC)

    Instrument meteorological conditions are those weather conditions with low visibility, particularly fog, that require use of cockpit instruments for safe flying. Inadvertently flying into these instrument conditions occurs when a pilot, not rated or equipped to fly with instruments, finds himself flying from clear weather conditions into low/no-visibility conditions requiring instruments. From 2011 to 2020 there were a total of six agricultural aviation IIMC accidents, five of which were fatal. IIMC results in a degraded visual environment followed by spatial disorientation, which likely leads to an accident. The best strategy for IIMC is to avoid flying in such conditions and this course will go over the factors that aerial applicators need to consider before taking off. Of immense value, this course will also present stories from agricultural aviators who survived IIMC encounters, shared so others may learn first-hand from their incidents.

    Description: Instrument meteorological conditions are those weather conditions with low visibility, particularly fog, that require use of cockpit instruments for safe flying. Inadvertently flying into these instrument conditions occurs when a pilot, not rated or equipped to fly with instruments, finds himself flying from clear weather conditions into low/no-visibility conditions requiring instruments. From 2011 to 2020 there were a total of six agricultural aviation IIMC accidents, five of which were fatal. IIMC results in a degraded visual environment followed by spatial disorientation, which likely leads to an accident. The best strategy for IIMC is to avoid flying in such conditions and this course will go over the factors that aerial applicators need to consider before taking off. Of immense value, this course will also present stories from agricultural aviators who survived IIMC encounters, shared so others may learn first-hand from their incidents.

    Duration: 2 hours

    Year: 2025

    Course ID: 25-HF-01

    Availability: NAAA Members (Free), Non-Members ($200)

    This course's content falls within the following sections of the Agricultural Airman's Guidelines (AAG):

    137.II - Preflight Planning
    -- C - Weather Forecast

    137.IV - Takeoff
    -- A - Weather Considerations

    137.V - Ferry and Approach to the Working Area
    -- B - Current Weather En-Route and at Target Site

    137.VIII - Approach to the Airstrip Environment
    -- A - Current Weather

    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

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

There are no products which match your search criteria.

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

There are no products which match your search criteria.

137.XI - Emergency Response

This Area of Operation Consists of the following tasks: (A) Emergency Response Plan, (B) Chemical Exposure and Heat Exhaustion

There are no products which match your search criteria.

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

  • Avoiding Wire Strike Accidents

    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.

    Description: 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

    Year: 2024

    Course ID: 24-HF-01

    Availability: NAAA Members (Free), Non-Members ($200)

    Note: If you are seeking C-PAASS credit, note that in-person completion of the Flying in the Wire and Obstruction Environment course (at Expo, a state meeting, etc.) satisfies this requirement and taking this online course is NOT REQUIRED. You will submit a copy of your in-person course completion certificate (provided by Utilities / Aviation Specialists) with your C-PAASS application. 

    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 Assessment

    137.VII - Application
    -- A - Determination of Flight Pattern
    -- H - Obstructions
    -- I - Trim Passes

    137.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 Site

  • Turn Smart - Respect the Safety Margin

    Instructional video offering an in-depth look at safe ag aircraft turns, maintaining a margin of safety, and the dangers of Normalization of Deviance in ag aviation.

    Description: This video is a must-watch for any safety-minded ag aviation operator or pilot. Air Tractor’s former Chief Test Pilot Mike Rhodes and AeroShell Aerobatic Team member & veteran ag pilot Steve Gustafson offer an in-depth look at safe ag aircraft turns and maintaining a margin of safety. Also, hear from USAF Colonel Mike Mullane (Ret.), former NASA Space Shuttle astronaut, about the dangers of Normalization of Deviance and how it relates to the ag aviation industry.

    Duration: 40 minutes

    Year: 2023

    Availability: NAAA Members (Free)

    This course's content falls within the following sections of the Agricultural Airman's Guidelines (AAG):

    137.VII - Application
    -- B - Making Safe Turnarounds (Fixed-Wing)

    137.XII - Special Emphasis Areas
    -- B - Stall/Spin Awareness and Avoidance

  • Turn Smart - Wayne Handley

    Instructional video offering timeless advice on safe ag aircraft turns, not pushing an ag aircraft beyond its safety envelope, and how to attempt recovery from a stall.

    Description: This video features Wayne Handley, a 25-year ag pilot and subsequently world-renowned aerobatic instructor pilot. Wayne explains and demonstrates, with an aerobatic plane and an AT-502B, various maneuvers that can result in a stall along with helpful advice on how to recover if you find yourself in this situation. He stresses the importance of not pushing an ag plane beyond its safety envelope, and shows that safe turns do not hinder productivity.

    Duration: 15 minutes

    Year: 1996

    Availability: NAAA Members (Free)

    This course's content falls within the following sections of the Agricultural Airman's Guidelines (AAG):

    137.VII - Application
    -- B - Making Safe Turnarounds (Fixed-Wing)

    137.XII - Special Emphasis Areas
    -- B - Stall/Spin Awareness and Avoidance