Operation S.A.F.E. Fly-In Slated For April At Air Tractor

Air Tractor News, Educational
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Air Tractor and Transland are again hosting the Operation S.A.F.E. Texas Fly-In April 13-14, 2016 at the Air Tractor headquarters located at Olney Municipal Airport (ONY) in Olney Texas. The Texas Fly-In is an opportunity for aerial application operators to have their aircraft professionally analyzed for pattern uniformity and droplet size, with the goal of improving accuracy and mitigating spray drift.

Operation S.A.F.E. (Self-regulating Application & Flight Efficiency), developed in 1981, was designed to clearly demonstrate that ag aviation recognizes its responsibility to minimize the potential for adverse health and environmental effects of agricultural chemical application.

Operators attending the Fly-In will receive one-on-one consultation and hands-on advice for spray equipment setup, along with recommendations for improving application accuracy and mitigating spray drift. NAAA members will receive an emblem for their aircraft, signifying their participation in Operation S.A.F.E. and their dedication to making accurate applications.

Texas Fly-In activities during the two-day event include:

  • Liquid pattern testing, administered by Dr. Dennis Gardisser and certified Operation S.A.F.E. Analyst John Garr of GarrCo Products.
  • Operation S.A.F.E. program certification
  • Air Tractor aircraft factory tours
  • Application Technology program (available for CE credit)

Event sponsors include: Dow AgroSciences, Pratt & Whitney Canada, Lane Aviation, EGE Biodiesel, Roy Neal Insurance, Chem-Man Ag Software, Neal Aircraft, Prime Turbines and Insero Solutions.

The only costs for attendees are transportation to/from the Fly-In and overnight lodging in nearby Wichita Falls. Pattern testing and the CE course, along with lunches both days and dinner Wednesday night, are underwritten by the participating sponsors. Transland will provide Fly-In attendees with transportation between Wichita Falls and Olney.

Air Tractor factory tours for attendees are available, but due to security requirements, Fly-In pre-registration is strongly encouraged.

Discounted rate hotel accommodations are available at the Wichita Falls Homewood Suites. When making hotel reservations, attendees should mention the Texas Fly-In to receive the special rate.

Click here to pre-register for the Operation S.A.F.E. Fly-In.