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According to the most recent survey by the National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA), there are approximately 3,500 agricultural pilots and 1,560 aerial application operations throughout
the United States. Though a lesser-known side of aviation, the small businesses and pilots making up the industry play a vital role in helping farmers produce a safe, affordable and abundant supply of food, fiber and biofuel, as well as protect forestry and control health-threatening pests. As it is a predomi- nantly turbine-powered fleet (84 percent), I sought to learn more about the ag aviation world by visiting Heinen Brothers Agra Services in Seneca, Kansas.
August 2020 / TWIN & TURBINE • 11