TAAA 2010 President - Matt Fitch

 Airmen Certification

The paper to plastic NPRM was published January 5, 2007 and the final rule was published February 28, 2008.  The rule was in furtherance of the Drug Enforcement Assistance Act of 1988 in order to address abuses and deficiencies identified in the DEA Act.  Your pilot certificate remains valid, however, after March 31, 2010, you may not exercise privileges until you receive a new security enhanced plastic certificate. 

There are two way to replace an airmen certificate.

1. You can request a replacement certificate on-line. This method requires that you register with On-line Services. The website address is: http://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/certificate_replacement/

2. You can mail Application for Replacement of Lost, Destroyed, or Paper Airmen Certificate (pdf) form to the Federal Aviation Administration. Or you can mail a signed, written request stating your: name, date, place of birth, social security number and/or certificate number and the reason you need a replacement.

Ag Air PAC endorses Gov. Rick Perry

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today received the endorsement of Ag Air PAC, the political action committee of the Texas Agricultural Aviation Association, for re-election in 2010.

“Throughout his tenure as our state’s Agriculture Commissioner, Lt. Governor and now Governor, Rick Perry has been an unwavering advocate for rural Texas,” said Matt Fitch, President of the Texas Agricultural Aviation Association. “He understands and supports the role that our industry plays in producing the food we eat, and has consistently supported our efforts to ensure the safety of consumers as well as pilots who fly spray planes. Ag Air PAC is proud to endorse Gov. Perry for re-election.”

The Texas Agricultural Aviation Association is the state’s leading trade association for pilots and operators of agricultural aircraft operations.

“I’m honored to receive the endorsement of the Ag Air PAC and proud of the work that has been achieved to keep our agriculture industry at the forefront of the nation,” said Gov. Perry. “The agriculture industry is a foundational component of our state’s heritage and economy, and I am particularly proud of recent efforts to pass unprecedented protection for Texas property owners, which was approved by voters through Proposition 11 last year. I remain committed to ensuring stakeholders in this industry have the necessary tools to thrive and provide Texans the food and goods they depend upon every day.”

Ag Air PAC  endorses Todd Staples for re-election as Comm. of Agriculture

New CEU Guidelines

The Texas Department of Agriculture recently revised its CEU requirements for aerial applicators seeking to renew their license. Effective on January 1, 2009, three of the five required CEU’s must be associated with aerial application operations, and must include one hour each in laws and regulations, drift minimization, and pesticide safety activities addressing human factors. (Rule 7.24(t) in the Agriculture section on the Texas Administrative Code). TAAA strongly supports this rule change. We believe that this change will help save lives and reduce property damage from accidents.