JANUARY 2010 PRESIDENT’S REPORT by Peter Hansen

Keep in Touch! CAAA E-mail: [email protected] Home Page: www.CanadianAerialApplicators.com Phone: 1-780-413-0078 Fax: 1-780-413-0076

VOL. 15 NO. 4 NATIONAL NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2010 PRESIDENT’S REPORT By Peter Hansen

The Holiday Season has passed and I was lucky in our communications with Government Agencies, enough to be able to enjoy the Season with family, Crop Protection Companies and The General Public. friends and what helps make Christmas special, the Please take the time to fill it out and return to the Grandkids. The last Board meeting of 2009 was held office. in Reno in Early December in conjunction with the NAAA. Winter storms delayed travel for some of the The CAAA office and board members have been board members to Reno but a successful meeting was working hard to finalize the conference in Regina. Come and enjoy the Conference. See what is new still held. in Technology, Government Regulations and new During the fall Provincial Association and Crop Protection Products. Come and see what your CAAA Fall Board meetings the issue of the Flying membership is doing for you and enjoy the fellowship Farmer Exception has taken up considerable time. that comes with it. The Exemption originated in the Fifties to help In closing I’d like to wish you all the best in 2010 supplement the farmer’s income. A list of conditions and hope to see you in Regina. applied to this exemption. Since then there have been many applicators/farmers that have benefited from this. Today this exemption is still being properly used by some of our members but the extreme abuse of the exemption by some operators has forced Transport Inside: Canada to get involved. At our fall board meeting TC Stated their concerns and their intent of possibly • GM crops causing a rise in pesticide use in US removing the exemption. A Transport Subcommittee • The CAAA working with Transport Canada was formed at our fall meeting, to work with Transport • 2010 CAAA Annual Conference & Tradeshow Canada towards a solution and we will have an update • A sneak peak at the CAAA Auction at the CAAA in Regina • Air safety concerns dismissed • NAAA launches YouTube channel You should be receiving The CAAA Business Survey sometime in January. The Information compiled from our Business Survey has been extremely important CAAA NEW HORIZONS JANUARY 2010 1 PROVINCIAL REPORTS ALBERTA Our second credit speaker was former going to the operator. The membership Mark Kinniburgh RCAF/CAF pilot Gordon Welsby whose enthusiastically approved of the concept session focused on human factors in and a committee consisting of Greg, Hello again from bitterly cold Alberta. aviation. Interesting statistics from the Terry Spence, Calvin Murray, and Clark Drumheller’s temperature, -41 with session: For every million departures Oberholtzer was formed to guide the wind chill, has inspired me to devise a .37% result in accidents. Pilot error program in 2010. When I last spoke with solution for Calgary’s perennial snow among commercial pilots accounts for Greg in November, 16 aircraft had been removal problem. Rather than arresting 65% of accidents and 90% of aviation committed to participate next season. If Parliament Hill scaling climate change fatalities! The primary cause of pilot you’re interested in learning more and/or protestors a more fitting punishment error is NOT GIVING YOURSELF participating please contact a committee would be bussing them to Alberta where, ENOUGH TIME. Another salient point member. Other topics raised included shovel in hand , they could assist in was people must complete a new task SMS, (unless the Mayans were correct clearing residential streets. The Calgary seven times for it to go into long term 2012 is the start date of the GAP analysis economy would benefit and the major- memory and become a conditioned re- process). The continued pilot shortage, ity of protestors would likely become sponse. Unfortunately, after 28 days we (the board formed a committee consisting climate change skeptics! forget 70% of conditioned responses if of Shaun Kinniburgh, Jason Lazenby, they aren’t refreshed. and Ben Loree to explore methods of The 4A’s 39th A.G.M. was held in Red promoting our industry to new pilots). Deer on Nov.9th-10th with 2 sessions, Excellent motivation for periodically As expected, Transports plan to eliminate worth 4 credits, offered. Our first speaker reviewing emergency procedures and the Flying Farmer exemption generated was Jock McIntosh of Alberta Environ- spending several hours each Spring, the most debate. Transport has offered ment with a regulatory update. Jock spraying water, dumping loads, and the CAAA board the opportunity to reiterated that lawn care weed & feed reviewing our G.P.S. before the rush provide input on behalf of members and products would be banned on Jan.1st, begins. The most eye opening (pun in- we have excellent Alberta representation 2010. 2-4D has been detected in 90% tended) section of the session concerned on the CAAA Transport Canada Com- of water samples downstream of urban circadian rhythms, sleep, and fatigue. mittee. I expect details of their dialogue centers, ten times the concentrations Most people experience four complete with Transport will be forthcoming at detected in rural locations! NON REM/ REM cycles during the Regina. Elections introduced one new night with REM sleep serving a similar Although the usual concerns of over- board member; Welcome Ben Loree. function for the brain as defragging pro- zealous acreage owners, (low-flying, Many Thanks to our departing board vides a computer. The most beneficial odors, lack of notification), were reported member Brent Lange. Thank You Clark (REM) sleep occurs as body temperature in 2009, the vast majority of complaints Oberholtzer for once again MCing in reaches its lowest point, which happens involved industrial operators and high your inimitable style. Thank You Jill, Joy, to coincide with the start of an ag-pilots clearance sprayers. Jock concluded his Shauna and the rest of the Managewise day (4-6 AM)! One more reason to find session by revealing Alberta has the team for planning our A.G.M. and operat- a quiet dark spot, far from the telephone, dubious distinction of the dirtiest used ing the office efficiently and effectively for an afternoon power nap. pesticide containers in the country. 1.13 throughout the year. Congratulations to million Containers were removed in The review of Financial Statements Peter Hanson for being the 2009 recipient 2009 which constituted 1000 tons of during the 4A A.G.M. revealed that due of the Long Term Applicator Recogni- plastic recycled and 9000 square meters to the fee increase approved last year, as tion. Twenty five years engaged in any of saved landfill space. Although I doubt well as, a donation from the Wild Rose occupation is admirable, remaining in aerial applicators are part of the problem, Fund, the 4A’s finished 2008 solidly in one as consistently challenging as aerial (we’re too cognizant of the value of pest the black and are poised to post a modest application is truly commendable! control products), it’s imperative that all surplus in 2009. Greg Scott presented a Although attendance was down, users triple rinse in order to prevent used novel method to boost Association rev- exhibitor numbers and sponsorship sup- pesticide containers from being labeled enue through aircraft advertising. Income port increased from last year and our hazardous waste. from this initiative would be split 2/3rds silent auction generated above average to the 4A’s with the remaining 1/3rd

2 CAAA NEW HORIZONS JANUARY 2010 revenue. Thank You to all who attended that has to be done for SMS Back to this side of the border, I and contributed! I look forward to seeing encourage everyone to attend the CAAA • Operating certificates. everyone in Regina. Merry Christmas convention in Regina. The CAAA is an and Happy New Year to you and yours! It is going to be a busy year. I hope invaluable tool for our industry, without everything goes well for you. Have a safe it we would probably not be here today. SASKATCHEWAN and profitable year! So come out and learn what’s new in our David Bouchard Sask Trivia – Did you know that industry, connect with some old friends, meet some new ones, have some fun, and Hello from Saskatchewan! Merry Albert Einstein played goal for the support our industry! Christmas and Happy New Year! It seems Canwood Canucks in Saskatchewan for that it was just last week that we were one Winter while working on his theory Be safe, stay warm, and may you and combining and doing field work. We of relativity. (From the Saskatchewan yours have a wonderful holiday season. Book of Everything by Kelly-Anne barely have the machinery put away and ECC now we have snow on the ground and are Riess) Paul Zimmer preparing for Christmas. MANITOBA It has been another different year – cold Steve Kiansky In Central Canada we have enjoyed late Spring, cool Summer and Fall with a pretty good November weather wise, above average temperatures in November Seasons Greetings from Manitoba. allowing all but a few growers to get the that helped save our crops. Abnormal is Winter is here once again, Snow on the rest of their late maturing crops off the becoming normal. In our area we have ground, everyone huddled by the fire fields and into the bins. A grower meeting actually seen some pretty good yields. (a minus forty degree wind chill has I attended last week confirmed better than Everyone is wondering where all the that affect); we finally have a chance to expected yields, pleasantly surprising grain came from considering the weather reflect on the year past. Like most of us some farmers. Beyond that, as an Aerial over the year. Now comes the challenge operators, I find myself thinking ahead to Applicator in Ontario there is very little of marketing this crop and preparing for next season. What could we have done new news, good or bad to report on. I must next year. better, do we need to make any changes, say I do not think I will ever get used to or maybe we should leave well enough the day, and it appears to happen like a tap For me, as new President of the alone and hope for the best. Remember being turned off, when the phone stops SAAA, the Fall board meeting in Ottawa no matter how long the winter feels, the ringing for our aerial application services. was quite upsetting. Transport Canada days till seeding are counting down, it’s announced at the meeting that they Instead of leaving it at that I would never too late to plan ahead. plan on eliminating the Flying Farmer like to take a couple minutes of your time Exemption. This would cause great We are reminded of this when we and hopefully provoke some thought and hardship to any flying farmer and could attend our conventions, whether it is dialogue on the state of our industry in my actually bankrupt some, including me. I the NAAA or the CAAA, we continue neighbourhood if not nationally. plan on doing whatever I can to prevent to learn about new technologies, crop I began writing this submission as I sat this. At the Board Meeting in Reno it was protection products, and advances in at the gate on a US Airway flight to Reno pointed out that up until this point we equipment. Every year there is something waiting for maintenance to come on board have nothing in writing from Transport new and exciting out there that may help and repair an unspecified snag before we Canada so we may be overreacting. Some us be safer and more productive. The could depart on a visibly worn A320. I of the other issues that are still to be dealt NAAA was well attended by its members had just finished reading an article about with are: in Reno. The informational sessions and the 470M loss British Airways reported trade show were excellent as always. • Safety Management Systems for the preceding six months resulting in Thrush was there showing off there new another round of job cuts. Here at home, • Water volumes in the U.S and Brazil GE power plant, and yes Air Tractors rumours of another trip into bankruptcy compared to Canada 1002 was on display, quite the machine. protection for Air Canada are not entirely 2010 promises a national convention in • The inability of beginning operators unfounded considering their less than Savanna, Georgia. Like many of us I have and pilots to get mandatory drift and enviable balance sheet. already marked my calendar; bring on the liability insurance warm weather in December! Continued on page 4 • Eliminating some of the paperwork

CAAA NEW HORIZONS JANUARY 2010 3 Continued from page 3 have such a strong emotional tie to the a viable industry of small commercial aviation industry that profitability is not operators a generation from now? I would An article recently forwarded to me the deciding factor keeping us here. At like to hope so but I am not that confident. about the Aerial Applicator Association times we are even willing to subsidize our of New Zealand tells the tale of an I encourage every operator to take addiction to stay involved with aviation. industry in crisis fuelled by unsustainable the time to sit down and calculate your cost cutting and competition. The lack I can’t speak for the west, but here true cost of operation. Don’t go it alone; of profitability within the industry has in the east the only companies that are get some help. Take some business prevented operators from upgrading their renewing their fleets are those that are management courses. There are lots out equipment to newer, safer, more cost and supported by government agencies and there; some geared specifically to aviation. fuel-efficient aircraft. Corners are cut to big industry generating profits outside the Ask yourself the tough questions. Is what reduce costs, which has resulted in an aerial application industry. The rest of us I am doing today going to allow my increase in accidents, an unacceptable are flying 20, 30, 40+ year old equipment. company to grow and flourish a decade level of fatalities, and a decline in the We are not insuring our hulls because from now? Do I need to cut corners and public support and confidence for the insurance is not cheap and we have long bend regulations just to survive? industry. removed the cost of that insurance in our If you are not getting the right answers quotes in an attempt to have the lowest Is ag aviation in Canada really that than possibly a more collaborative and winning bid price. different than these large airlines or our approach may be warranted because this friends down under that cut services, Reduced demand for our services “last man standing” attitude sure isn’t reduce operating costs at the expense of combined with reduced revenues limit working. A strong industry willing to work safety, pay our employees less, yet hope what we are able to pay our pilots and in unison may even be a more profitable to prosper? Even the retired CEO of support personnel. This in turn limits recourse. Doing less and making more American Airlines whose name escapes our ability to provide any meaningful “NET PROFIT” not gross sales; what a me at the moment admitted in a recent employment but to the old guard concept! interview that aviation is a great industry encroaching on retirement age that don’t I am not saying we have to abandon to work in with lots of great people, but a need pay checks competitive with other competition. Let’s just raise the bar. lousy place to invest. industries to live, or the inexperienced Our customers know we can’t operate willing to work for entry level salaries. On a personal level, would I be in at pricing from the 80’s. Why don’t we? Unfortunately these inexperienced low this business if I were not born into it? time pilots are most prone to potential Finally I would say to those reading Probably not. The excessive regulation, the accidents/incidents enforcing the need this newsletter that are not CAAA mem- daily paper burden, constantly defending for adequate hull and liability coverage. bers or ECC members, please consider our industry against the self proclaimed When an accident does occur, there is no joining your national and provincial as- environmentalists that believe that no money to repair the aircraft or an insurance sociations. If you want to have a say in pesticide use is the only course of action, settlement to invest in a new one. shaping the direction of your industry and the possibly of an error in judgment you need to support these organizations. that may be the difference between profit When I exit this business I have no Progress in the face of government or loss, potential injury, or even loss of family that will replace me, nor does bureaucracy may be slow, but we are life are all compelling reasons to pick a it appear that any of my employees respected by government and regulators, second career. will contemplate buying the business. and our mandate is moving forward. We Based on return of investment and future Yet after 34 years in this business I are however not willing to do all the financial projections, no banks would be don’t dream of winning the lottery next heavy lifting for you. Consider it not an willing to loan the money to purchase Saturday evening so I can retire; instead expense as much as it is an investment the equipment, let alone pay for any I muse of what new aircraft, equipment in your own business future. goodwill generated over the last 34 years, or technology I would invest in to better even if there was a desire by someone to Have a great Christmas and Holiday secure my long term viability in this purchase it. Season! challenging industry. You might say that aviation has an addictive quality we Not to over emphasis, but is our cannot escape. Perhaps that is part of industry following the same failed model the problem. Collectively I believe we as that of New Zealand? Will there be

4 CAAA NEW HORIZONS JANUARY 2010 GM crops causing a rise in pesticide use in US Reprinted from the Ecologist 17th November, 2009

Early falls in pesticide use on GM crops in the United States have been replaced by rapid increases according to study Pesticide-use in the US has increased significantly since the introduction of genetically modified (GM) crops, according to a new report. GM crop varieties have quickly come to dominate production of maize, soybean and cotton in the US with more than 1.3 bil- lion acres planted between 1996-2008. Research from an alliance of environmental groups has found that the switch to GM crops has led to an extra 318 million pounds of pesticides being used by farmers. The report, ‘Impacts of Genetically Engineered Crops on Pesticide Use: The First Thirteen Years’ was commissioned by The Organic Center and the Centre for Food Safety.

Herbicide-use rising It found that the adoption of GM BT corn and cotton had led to a reduction in insecticide use, compared to what is likely to have been applied to conventional crops, of 64 million pounds between 1996-2008. But the uptake of other GM crops resistant to herbicides in the same period led to an increase in herbicide use of 382 million pounds. That left an overall figure of 318 pounds of additional pesticides being used. The rate of increase in pesticide use is rising too. After falling in the early years (1996-1998) by between 1 and 2 per cent, it increased by 20 per cent in 2007 and 27 per cent in 2008. The report puts this down to the emergence of weeds resistant to the pesticides.

Weed resistence ‘A rise in herbicide use is not news to farmers, but it is to the public which still harbors the illusion, fed by misleading industry claims and advertising, that biotechnology crops are reducing pesticide use,’ says the report. ‘Such a claim was valid for the first few years of commercial use of GM corn, soybeans, and cotton. But, as this report shows, it is no longer.’ The report goes on to criticise biotech firms for not addressing the issue of herbicide-resistant weeds. ‘There is no serious dispute that RR [Monsanta’s RoundUp Ready crops that can withstand being sprayed with the company’s Roundup herbicide] crops have been popular...but they have fostered unprecedented reliance on glyphosate for weed control, and over-reliance has spawned a growing epidemic of glyphosate-tolerant and resistant weeds. ‘A large portion of industry R&D investments are going into the development of crops that will either withstand higher rates of glyphosate applications, or tolerate applications of additional herbicides, or both. ‘In short, the industry’s response is more of the same,’ concludes the report.

CAAA NEW HORIZONS JANUARY 2010 5 TThe CAAA Working with Transport Canada

The Canadian Aerial Applicators Association (CAAA) has standard would include fewer regulations and offer members been meeting annually in Ottawa since 1997with Transport direct input into framing the new operating rules for the indus- Canada. The meetings are held during the CAAA fall board try. The CAAA membership was polled to obtain membership meeting and have provided both Transport Canada and the input. This input was provided to Transport Canada in addition CAAA an opportunity to discuss issues and concerns relating to to all the safety and educational programs provided by the the aerial application industry. Issues discussed during the years CAAA. The CAAA remained in contact with Transport Canada have included; overweight exemptions, operations manuals, throughout the summer, to monitor their progress on the project. maintenance manuals, flight duty times, regional inconsisten- In October 2007, at the Ottawa fall board meeting , Transport cies with regulations in different regions, wire strikes, SMS, Canada stated they were working on the new aerial applica- flying farmer exemption enforcement issues, ,, and self regulation draft regulation and hoped to present it at the February tion. These meetings have provided the CAAA a platform on 2008CAAA AGM. Their goals for the new regulation was to behalf of the membership with the industry regulators. have both private and commercial operators meet the same In October 2006, Merlin Preuss, Director General, Civil safety requirements and to reduce the administrative burden Aviation; Don Sherritt, Director of Standards Branch & Mike on commercial operators. Wayne Chapin of Transport Canada Bohemier, Inspector, Civil Aviation, attended the CAAA fall agreed to inquire about a possible startup date and long-term board meeting to discuss regulatory changes. Merlin Preuss funding. encouraged the CAAA to consider self-regulation, similar to In February 2008, the CAAA received the first draft of the the Canadian Business Aviation Association (CBAA). This new aerial application regulation. Unfortunately, the draft did would provide the CAAA the flexibility to regulate the industry not address the industry issues raised by the CAAA and in and appeared to be a viable answer to some of the on-going the opinion of the CAAA Transport Canada Committee ap- issues within the industry. It would also offer the CAAA the peared to shift the administration and liability to the CAAA opportunity to decrease the commercial operator’s regulatory while enforcement stayed with Transport Canada. In addition, burden and provide a more level playing field for all aerial ap- following repeated requests, the CAAA was informed there plicators. The CAAA formed a Transport Canada Committee would be no Transport Canada funding forthcoming, for either to work with the government on this issue. The Committee start up or long term, to enable the association to provide these was established with representation from all sectors of aerial services. The CAAA Transport Canada Committee and the application. The Committee members included Dave Davies, CAAA Board of Directors expressed their disappointment in forestry; Matt Bestland, CAAA President; Lorin Rubbert, Fly- the draft regulation. The CAAA advised Transport Canada ing Farmer; Fran de Kock, commercial operator and educator. that without substantial long term funding, the draft was un- Jill Lane attended on behalf of the CAAA office. acceptable. Transport Canada then agreed to further revise the In January 2007, the CAAA Transport Canada Committee draft regulation. They suggested they would look at moving travelled to Ottawa to meet with Transport Canada representa- aerial applicators out of the 702 regulation and developing a tives to discuss and design new aerial application regulations. new regulation specifically for aerial application designed to The Committee spent three full days meeting with Transport coincide with the USA regulation 137. Canada and reviewing all regulations relating to the industry. In October 2008, Transport Canada provided the CAAA Following the meeting, Transport Canada indicated it would with the current Flying Farmer Regulation to clarify any ques- draft a new regulation to better meet the needs of the aerial tions the CAAA Board or members might have regarding the application industry. requirements. Transport Canada reported that in the summer of In February 2007, at the CAAA AGM in Regina, President 2008 they received numerous complaints regarding applicators Matt Bestland reported to the membership on the Transport working under the flying farmer exemption, but not adhering to Canada meetings. He stated a letter had been sent to Transport the regulation. Transport Canada stated they had several flying Canada objecting to the SMS and expressing concern on behalf farmer exemption violations under investigation and the cost of the members about the onerous regulations for commercial to the government was substantial. Clark Oberholtzer agreed operators. The CAAA requested Transport Canada present a to be the new flying farmer representative on the Transport self-regulation standard that will be the same for everyone. This Canada Committee.

6 CAAA NEW HORIZONS JANUARY 2010 Following the fall board meeting the flying farmer exemption aviation industry regarding the SMS, implementation of the regulations provided by Transport Canada were circulated to program would be delayed while Transport Canada reviewed the membership. In addition, a letter was sent to Merlin Preuss, the regulation and implementation process. In addition they Transport Canada, outlining the CAAA support for the spirit announced they would be discontinuing the Flying Farmer of a SMS program as demonstrated by our proactive approach Exemption due to the inability of the government to regulate to safety in our industry. However, the CAAA Board felt the the exemption as written and the number of issues it had caused SMS currently required under CARS 702, is not workable for throughout the industry. They stated they would accept feed- the aerial application industry. The CAAA Board stated they back from the CAAA regarding their proposed discontinuation. would prefer to work directly with Transport Canada to develop The CAAA polled all members November 2, 2009, requesting a mutually acceptable SMS, designed for our industry, so it their input on the issue. The deadline for input was November could be embraced by our members and enhance our collective 30, 2009. On December 3rd the CAAA Transport Canada safety standards. In addition, the CAAA Board requested the Committee held a conference call to discuss the member input separation of the development of the new regulation from the received. Following considerable discussion, a letter was sent issues the industry has with the flying farmer regulation. The to Transport Canada requesting they provide in writing to the main issue with the flying farmer regulation is not the content, CAAA, their intention to discontinue the exemption and to but the enforcement of the standard. If the current regulations provide the CAAA with the number of privately registered were enforced by Transport Canada, the industry issues sur- agricultural aircraft in Canada. Their answer is anticipated rounding this regulation would be dramatically reduced. early in 2010. The CAAA is committed to continue to work with Transport Canada on regulatory issues that impact the In February 2009, Fran de Kock reported to the CAAA industry and will attempt to determine the best possible solu- membership work was ongoing with Transport Canada but was tions. Member input on this or any topic is always welcome taking much longer than anyone anticipated. by contacting the CAAA office at 780-413-0078 or email at In October 2009, Transport Canada attended the CAAA fall [email protected]. board meeting and announced due to concerns within the small

Photos courtesy of Fran de Kock

Seaplane Flying Endorsement purchased by Jared Lazenby at the CAAA Auction in Kananaskis. Thanksgiving 2009 Jared Lazenby arrived in Lac La Ronge to complete his Float Rating at Iskwatikan Lake Lodge. The flying was completed in a Piper Supercub in the Lac La Ronge and Churchhill River area. This area of Northern Saskatchewan is a float pilots paradise with an abundance of lakes from large lakes like Lac La Ronge to small lakes that utilize the Supercub’s STOL abilities. The weather was unseasonably cool for October but the days of no wind and blue sky made up for the temperatures. It did not take long for Jared to develop an appreciation for the performance of a Supercub on floats. On more than one occasion Jared’s description of float flying in this beautiful area of trees and lakes was “ SWEET ”. I think that meant he was enjoying the experience. We also managed to mix in some fishing and evening information sessions at the lodge. – Submitted by Fran de Kock

CAAA NEW HORIZONS JANUARY 2010 7 2010 CAAA Annual Conference & Tradeshow

The Delta Regina February 18-20, 2010 Delta Regina, Regina, SK Named after the Latin word for “Queen,” this oasis on the prairies enjoys the shade of 350,000 trees hand-planted throughout the city. Home since 1882 to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s Thursday, February 18, 2010 only training facility, Regina, the capital city of Saskatchewan, Opening Luncheon with Guest Speaker, Joan McCusker is more than meets the eye. CAIR Safety Session (2 credits in Human Health & One of North America’s largest urban parks, Wascana Centre, Pesticide Safety/Risk & Attitude) provides 2,300 acres to explore in the heart of the city; the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, Mackenzie Art Gallery and the Saskatch- Exhibits Open ewan Legislative Building are all located within the park. See how Icebreaker & Entertainment at RCMP Heritage Centre real cowboys play at the Canadian Professional Rodeo, the largest professional rodeo in Saskatchewan. Or learn a few new steps in Hospitality Suite one of the dance workshops at the Mid-Winter Celtic Festival. Friday, February 19, 2010 Stay in the heart of downtown at Delta Regina, the leading hotel in the city. Connected by skywalk to Casino Regina and Breakfast more than 100 shops in the Cornwall Centre. Only ten minutes CAAA Annual General Meeting from Regina Airport and minutes away from the local galleries and museums, Delta Regina is the hub of the city, whether it’s Awards Luncheon for civic, social or business activities. Spouse Program at Lajord Hutterite Colony Special rates were negotiated for delegates at $139 per night. Online reservations can be made at: www.deltaregina.com/ Hosted Reception cca021410 or calling 1-800-209-3555. Special rates are offered Banquet & Auction for reservations made before January 15, 2010. Hospitality Suite Regina Saturday, February 20, 2010 Regina is the capital of Saskatchewan and the 16th largest Breakfast & CAIR AGM city in Canada with a population of 194,971 (Source: Statistics Canada, 2006.) Coffee Break Latitude: 50 degrees 26 ft north Credit Session: Sol & Dennis Taboada of DTI Training Longitude: 104 degrees 40 ft west Consortium Inc. present Taking the Mystery out of Quality Elevation: 577 m above sea level Assurance (2 credits in Regulation) Regina is located in the south central area of the Lunch & Pre-seed, pre-emerge and in crop Roundup Ready province. The city covers an area of 118.4 sq km. It is in Crops Presentation by Monsanto Canada (required training the middle of the Prairie Provinces with Alberta to the for aerial application of the product) - Presented by Tom Wolfe of Agriculture and AgriFood Canada Saskatoon. west, and Manitoba to the east. It borders the American states of Montana and North Dakota. Mark your calendars now to attend the 2010 CAAA Climate Convention Regina is the sunniest capital city in Canada. Summer February 18-20, 2010 temperatures average 23 degrees Celsius or 73 degrees The Delta Regina Fahrenheit. Winter temperatures average -11 degrees Celsius or 12 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter weather lasts Special rates were negotiated for delegates at $139 from about mid-November to early March. per night. Online reservations can be made at: www. Resources deltaregina.com/cca021410 or calling 1-800-209-3555. Regina’s resource based economy is fuelled by Special rates are offered for reservations made before January 15, 2010. agriculture, oil and gas production and development, as well as telecommunications.

8 CAAA NEW HORIZONS JANUARY 2010 2010 CAAA Annual Conference & Tradeshow

ICEBREAKER The Icebreaker at the 2010 CAAA AGM & Conference in Regina this February will be held at the RCMP Heritage Centre. The Heritage Centre is a interactive facility that is located at the RCMP Academy. Our guest Entertainer for the evening will be Anders Magic. Anders comes to the CAAA with a strong recommendation from one of our members. The combination of the RCMP Heritage Center and Anders Magic is sure to make a great kick off to a successful conference in Regina!

SPECIAL GUESTS Sports, graduated from the University of Tom Wolf Saskatchewan in 1987 with a Bachelor of Agriculture and AgriFood Kevin Lackey, Canada Saskatoon Lackey Auction Services Education. She was an elementary school Auctioneer teacher until 1998 when she decided to Areas of Expertise: focus her time and energy on being a mom, • ecological crop protection a curler, and a motivational speaker. Joan and her husband, Brian live in Regina with • application technology their three children, Rory (17), Christina Current Projects: (13) and Shae (9). Joan’s presentations focus on the impact of a person’s attitude • Atomization and deposition char- on their lives, and how ordinary people acteristics of new aerial atomizers can do extraordinary things. • Characterization of shelterbelt im- Larry Schneider pacts on spray drift movement to Master of Ceremonies Lackey auctions sell anything and re- wetlands cent sales have included: farm machinery, Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, he was • Develop and evaluate microbial farm equipment, antique vehicles, antique mayor of Regina from 1979 until 1988. In agents for biological control of furniture, antique tractors, antique and the 1988 federal election, he was elected weeds collectibles, residential real estate auc- as a Progressive Conservative candidate • Developing cultural and alternative tions, R.V.’s, livestock, haying equipment, in the riding of Regina—Wascana. Under tools to manage ascochyta blight in sprayers, tillage, combines, trucks, cars, Kim Campbell’s government, from June chickpea campers, tools, appliances, cattle horses, 25, 1993 until November 3, 1993, he was construction equipment, lawn and garden Minister of Western Economic Divers- • Development of Spray Quality equipment, air seeders, farmland, china, ification. He was president of the Prairie Index for Experimental Flat Fan silver, coins and much more! Implement Manufacturers’ Association Nozzles of Pre-orifice Design Joan McCusker and is currently the Chair of the Regina Airport Authority. • Interaction of water volume and 1998 Olympic Gold Medalist droplet size for performance of Dennis & Sol Taboada DTI Training Institute grassy herbicides (Group 1 and 2 modes of action) • Optimizing application of organic herbicides (acetic acid, pelargonic acid, pine extract) • Optimizing crop yield through timeliness of weed removal with low drift sprays • Sprayer tank decontamination of Joan McCusker has won numerous Group 2 herbicides awards as a member of the Sandra Sch- mirler Curling Team, including three With over 40 years combined quality • Study of Airborne Inputs from Canadian and World Women’s Curling assurance experience the Taboada broth- Agriculture to Water Resources Championships, an Olympic Gold medal ers have taught over 700 quality assurance at the 1998 Nagano Games, and four All- seminars and are the contract facilitators to Star Team Second honours at the Canadian the U.S. Department of Defense, NASA, Curling Championships. Joan, who is US Veterans Administration and Transport now a Curling Commentatorfor CBC Canada. CAAA NEW HORIZONS JANUARY 2010 9 2010 CAAA Annual Conference & Tradeshow

CAAA 2010 Auction - Sneak Peak! Auction Items are pouring in for the upcoming CAAA Conference in Regina. Below is a small sample of items that will be available at the Auction on February 19, 2010. 2010 Auction Items: Donated by: 32” Bravia TV Yorkton Aircraft Amsafe Airbag Air Tractor Handler IV Focus Industries Single Point Fuelling System Turbine Conversions Ltd. Intella Flow System Hemisphere Systems Snowboard Queen Bee Air Specialties Lane Electric Pump Brake Lane Aviation 50-CP-06 Swivels C.P. Products Fixed wing certificate (3 hrs) SAS Air Inc. Seaplane Endorsement Battlefords Airspray 50 CP-IITT Nozzles C.P. Products Helicopter certificate (2 hrs) Canadian Helicopter FORZA Cheminova HEADLINE BASF ASSAIL Du Pont FOLICUR Bayer CropScience PROLINE Bayer CropScience QUILT Syngenta Crop Protection EXPRESS PRO Du Pont HYDROPHOS Univar If you have an item you would like to donate please contact Joy at the CAAA office. Joy can be reached at 780-413-0078 or by email at [email protected].

2010 SPOUSE PROGRAM

Guided Tour of the Lajord Hutterite Colony - In conjunction with the CAAA AGM and Conference Spouses are invited to experience a guided tour of the Lajord Hutterite Colony in beautiful White City, Saskatchewan (approximately 27 km outside Regina) on the afternoon of Friday, February 19th. Guests will be treated to a tour of the colony facilities. Guests will also enjoy fresh homemade pie and tea. Conference Organizers are looking for a few volunteers to put together a possible Kids Program for the 2010 Conference in Regina. For more information please contact Joy at 780-413-0078 or [email protected].

10 CAAA NEW HORIZONS JANUARY 2010 Airline-safety system put on hold Transport Canada concerned about regulatory process

Reprinted from the Edmonton Journal (November 30, 2009) Written by Sarah Schmidt, Canwest News Service, Ottawa

Transport Canada is delaying the introduction of a controversial safety-inspection system for smaller commercial airlines after being inun- dated with concerns from its own staff about problems with the oversight regime, according to an internal memorandum. The approach, called safety management systems (SMS), puts more onus on carriers by requiring them to develop and oversee an in-house system of safety checks tailored to their operations. This regulatory system is a shift away from traditional oversight where government inspectors had a much more hands-on role in monitoring the safety operations. SMS has already been fully phased in at Canada’s large commercial carriers, and was supposed to be in place at smaller operations within months. These include commuter planes carrying fewer than 50 passengers, regional airlines serving smaller communities and air ambulances. Now, Transport Canada’s civil aviation division has decided to postpone the system’s implementation at these smaller operations until at least 2011 after departmental experts expressed “common concerns.” “Although I am only partway through my program of meeting staff in the regions and headquarters, it soon became clear that there were some common concerns coming up in the discussions,” Martin Eley, Transport Canada’s director general of civil aviation, wrote to staff on Nov. 13, 2009. “The management team has to make adjustments to the safety management systems regulatory roll-out schedule and refine the project plan accordingly. More time for industry This will allow more time for the industry to prepare for SMS implementation, and for Civil Aviation to refine oversight tools and provide more training for front-line employees. “For air taxi and commuter operations, that means that the regulation ill come into effect, at the earliest, in January 2011,” Eley advised staff.

Air safety concerns dismissed Inspection system for small carriers delayed

Reprinted from the Edmonton Journal (December 1, 2009) Written by Sarah Schmidt, Canwest News Service, Ottawa

The head of aviation safety at Transport Canada insisted Monday air travel in Canada is safe even as the department moves to delay the implementation of the safety-inspection system at smaller carriers. The move comes in the face of a flurry of concerns from its own staff about problems with the safety regime already in place at large airlines. Testifying at parliamentary hearings probing the government’s implementation of safety management systems for the aviation industry, Marc Gregoire, assistant deputy minister of the safety group, said the overwhelming majority of passengers are flying on large carriers with strong SMS programs in place. “I think the public can be totally reassured,” Gregoire told MPs on the House of Commons transport committee. “The system in place is safe. I feel far safer in an airplane than in a car, I guarantee you.” SMS puts more onus on carriers by requiring them to develop and oversee an in-house system of safety checks tailored to their operations. This regulatory system is a shift away from traditional oversight where government inspectors had a much more hands-on role in monitoring safety. Although Gregoire called this system an “additional layer” of oversight, he conceded Transport Canada has not used these traditional tools in the past year because inspectors have been assessing the SMS plans in place at large carriers. This has allowed the department to go “deeper” and “farther” to assess the safety culture at each carrier, Gregoire testified. SMS has already been fully phased in at Canada’s large commercial carriers since 2005, and was supposed to be fully in place at smaller operations within months. These include commuter planes carrying fewer passengers, regional airlines serving smaller communities and air ambulances. Gregoire confirmed Monday the delay at these smaller operations until at least 2011, but emphasized safety has never been compromised. Transport Canada’s testimony was immediately challenged by Daniel Slunder, who testified on behalf of the hundreds of pilots working at Transport Canada as the national chairman of the Canadian Federal Pilots Association. “Transport Canada aviation inspectors spend more time pushing paper than inspecting airplanes,” he said.

CAAA NEW HORIZONS JANUARY 2010 11 CAAA Members Services

CAAA Bulletin Business Survey The CAAA email bulletin is circulated to The Business Survey provides valuable industry Corporate, Individual and Allied members specific information to assist participants with to keep members current regarding time- on-going management decisions. sensitive and urgent material. Self-Audit CAAA New Horizons Newsletter The Self-Audit program provides operators Distributed quarterly, the newsletter contains with a checklist of regulatory requirements informative articles, industry perspectives, and is designed to assist with spring start up. reminders, plus classified advertising. Classified Advertising CAAA Annual Membership Directory Available to all members in the New Horizons The CAAA Directory is produced annually newsletter and on the CAAA website. in the spring and contains key contact and company information. Pilot Registry Program Assists operators to locate a pilot and pilots CAAA Annual Wall Planner to find viable permanent and temporary The CAAA Wall Planner, (year at a glance), employment. contains the important dates to remember. Mentorship Program CAAA Website The Mentorship Program provides a The CAAA website is an excellent tool to confidential source of advice and mentoring provide information to assist current and to all new applicators. potential members. Check it out at www. CanadianAerialApplicators.com. CAIR & Misapplication Insurance CAAA membership provides applicators CAAA Annual Conference & Tradeshow an opportunity to apply for both CAIR Hull The CAAA Annual Conference & Tradeshow Insurance and CAAA Misapplication Insurance is an educational forum providing members through provincial drift insurance programs. with information on safety, new product developments, research, governmental Educational Presentation Kits regulations, and industry trends. License re-certification credits are also available for Designed for producer groups, manufacturers attendees. and the general public. For information regarding any of the above CAAA CAP Clinics services, go to www.canadianaerialapplicators. com. The CAAA provides association supported CAP Clinics at numerous locations across the prairies.

12 CAAA NEW HORIZONS JANUARY 2010 CAAA Mentorship Program The CAAA’s Mentorship Program provides a confidential source of advice and mentoring to all new applicators. The CAAA has gathered names of mentors who have agreed to confidentially dialogue with applicators throughout the season. Below is a list of applicators who have agreed to participate in the program, with their contact information. They are available to speak with any new applicator on a totally confidential basis. Contact anyone one of them if you have questions or need advice during the season: Jon Bagley Bus: 204-763-8998 Cell: 204-729-7723 Matt Bestland Bus: 204-736-2476 Cell: 204-771-1980 Allan Denesowych Bus: 306-786-7007 Fran de Kock Bus: 306-445-3099 Cell: 306-441-0547 Bruce Gair Bus: 780-352-7833 Cell: 780-352-1278 Brent Lange Bus: 780-352-7833 Cell: 780-361-8831 Clarion Seib Bus: 306-786-6072 Cell: 306-621-7171 Wayne Silzer Bus: 306-598-2033 Cell: 306-231-7109

Get the confidential advice you need to help you make the safest decisions.

2010 CAP Clinics PILOT The 2010 CAAA CAP Clinics will be held May 17-31 at one REGISTRY location in each prairie province. The clinics will provide a unique opportunity for the CAAA members with Dennis Gardisser re- PROGRAM. turning as the certified SAFE Analyst. The dates and locations of specific clinics are still under review. Watch the CAAA website and If you are a CAAA pilot looking for your email for further details. full-time, part-time, or temporary work, you are eligible to register for the Pilot Registry Program.

The purpose of the Pilot Registry Program is to assist pilots in finding Membership viable permanent and temporary employment. Renewal

If you are interested in having Don’t forget to renew your 2010 CAAA your name added to the registry, Membership. Renew by February 28, 2010 for please contact the CAAA office inclusion in the Membership Directory. at 780-413-0078 or download the form off the CAAA website at www.canadianaerialapplicators.com.

CAAA NEW HORIZONS JANUARY 2010 13 NAAA Launches YouTube Channel to Promote Aerial Application CAIR Industry Contact Information “Aerial Application’s Growing Role,” NAAA’s educational video, is now available for the world to watch on YouTube. This is significant for several reasons. First, YouTube is an excellent educational and recruiting platform because now anyone with a computer and an Internet connection can watch scenes from Keep this information in your CAIR file to assist you “Aerial Application’s Growing Role.” Second, this is NAAA’s during the season. CAIR inquires should be directed initial venture into social media. Third, NAAA’s YouTube as follows: Channel should drive traffic to its Web site as visitors seek more information about agricultural aviation. For questions regarding CAIR safety seminar, The beauty of social media is it goes way beyond two-way CAIR videos, meeting information or general communication and offers an opportunity for the Association and inquires contact: NAAA members to spread the word far and wide about aerial application quickly, easily and freely. In the case of YouTube, CAIR you can post comments about the video or aerial application in P.O. Box 21106 general and share the video with others by e-mailing web links Edmonton, AB T6R 2V4 or posting it to your Facebook page. The video is divided into Phone: 780-413-0016 eight YouTube segments: Fax: 780-413-0076 Email: [email protected] 1. “Aerial Application’s Growing Role” introduction, 01:21 2. Yesterday’s Industry, 01:54 The CAIR safety seminar 2009 is now available to order! Please contact the office at 780-413-0078 to 3. Today’s Industry, 06:05 order your copy. 4. Getting Ready To Spray, 04:49 For questions regarding insurance coverage, 5. Precision Application for Ag Aviation, 04:48 applications and claims contact: 6. Environmental and Homeland Security, 04:33 7. Owning an Aerial Application Business, 01:28 George Esau 8. Calling a New Generation of Ag Pilots Skyward, 02:24 Oldfield Kirby Esau, Inc. P.O. Box 699 This is just the beginning of NAAA’s social media strategy. Winnipeg, MB R3C 2L2 Social media will be a topic of discussion going forward as NAAA Phone: 204-943-1441 and its leaders identify new ways to promote aerial application Fax: 204-957-5561 to the public and recruit new pilots into the industry. Email: [email protected] Please take a moment to view NAAA’s YouTube Channel, For questions regarding financial statements, watch scenes from “Aerial Application’s Growing Role” and taxes and payments contact: share them with friends and customers.

http://www.youtube.com/user/AgAviationNAAA#play/us Jim Peters er/891DA9561224DAB1/0/4DUvjpmKrLU. 1002 Warsaw Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3M 1E4 Phone: 204-477-4770 Fax: 204-477-4770 Email [email protected]

14 CAAA NEW HORIZONS JANUARY 2010 Platinum BASF Canada, Inc. Bayer CropScience Canada Co. Gold Dow AgroSciences Canada Inc. Silver Air Tractor, Inc. DuPont Canada Inc. Monsanto Canada, Inc. Queen Bee Air Specialties Inc. Syngenta Crop Protection Canada, Inc. Univar Canada Ltd. Bronze Bronze Bronze 4-AV-FUELS.COM DynaNav Systems, Inc. Nufarm Agriculture AAAA Engage Agro Oldfield Kirby Esau, Inc. Aerial Spray & Charter Ltd. Executive Flight Centre Omex Agriculture Aero-Recip (Canada) Ltd. Farm Credit Canada Perkins Technologies Ag Air Update Flight Fuels, Inc. Portage Aircraft Maintenance Ltd. AG-NAV Inc. Forest Protection Ltd. Pratt & Whitney Canada Inc. AgResource Greening Aviation Claims PropWorks Propeller Systems, Inc. Air Support Alberta Hemisphere Air RBC Securities Atlantic Avionics Inc. Hope Aero Propeller & Components Sky Tractor Supply Battlefords Airspray Jeffries Airworks Co. Inc. Specialized Spray Systems Brandon Flying Club Keller Equipment Supply Ltd. Thabet Aeroplus Brandon Petroleum Lancaster Aviation Fuels United Agri Products Canada Inc. C.P. Products Lane Aviation, Inc. Western Aerial Applications Ltd. Canadian Helicopters Ltd. MAAA Westman Aerial Canadian Propeller Ltd. ManageWise, Inc. Yorkton Aircraft Service Ltd Cheminova Canada Inc. Micronair Sales & Service Inc. Conair Group Inc. Murray’s Aircraft Covington Aircraft NEXUS Ag

CAAA NEW HORIZONS JANUARY 2010 15 CLASSIFIED ADS

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Queen Bee Air Specialties, Inc. 136 N. Yellowstone Hwy • Rigby, Idaho 83442 Ph: (208) 745-7654 • Fax: (208) 745-6672 Aircraft Sales & Parts • 800-736-7654 www.queenbeeair.com

16 CAAA NEW HORIZONS OCTOBER 2009