Photo courtesy of Peter Busa

Why Have the Operation Safe Fly-In?

To help Michigan aerial operators and pilots demonstrate their commitment to the safe and proper use of agriculture 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. The objective is to provide precise and uniform application which enhances pest control and crop productions.

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 percent of the nation's annual $150 billion of food and natural fiber production is attributed directly to agriculture aviation.

Each American farmer provides food for 128 people at home and abroad . . . and farmers comprise less than 2 percent of the U.S. population today (in 1920 it was 30 percent, and when the Constitution was signed, it was 90 percent).  More than 65 percent 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 agriculture use and helicopters represent approximately 10 percent of the total fleet.

The U.S. food and fiver industry generates 21 million jobs, about 17 percent of the work force, or 1 out of every 6 jobs.  Americans spend 13 percent of after-tax income on food, including food consumed away from home.  This compares with 23 percent spent for food in 1950 . . . it also compares with 18 percent spent for food today in Japan, 23 percent in Germany, 30 percent in the former Soviet Union 35 percent in Ecuador and 65 percent in China.

Who Are Agriculture Pilots?

Agriculture pilots are professional aviators who often own and manager their own businesses.  With an average age of 38, 12 years in the business, and over 5,000 hours of total flying time, agriculture pilots are well trained in all aspects of their profession.

Agriculture 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 specifically to govern agricultural aviation.  The state requires a commercial pesticide applicator's license and all pesticide applications are regulated by the Michigan Department of Agriculture.

As a business owner, the agriculture pilot manages weather monitoring, work scheduling, product mixing, aircraft maintenance, refueling, book-keeping, advertising and customer relations.  All these pilots have a common goal . . . to keep aerial application an effective, safe, and available economic tool for the farmer and the consumer.