1. Changed our public image by cooperating with state agencies such as the Division of Plant Industry, Mississippi State University, etc., to a point where the aerial applicator is now a respected member of the community.
2. In the early 1950's, initiated tax legislation changes that placed agricultural aircraft in the same tax category as tractors, thereby saving the operators thousands of dollars over the years.
3. Very early in its existence, worked with Stoneville, Mississippi State and others in setting up testing procedures of aircraft and dispensing equipment.
4. Virtually rewrote the proposed F.A.A. 137 that governs agricultural aviation and with the help of our Congressmen, brought it into being.
5. Workman's Compensation was virtually unobtainable, with our industry placed in the same category as stunt flying with rates that were impossible to pay. With the aid of Senator Robert Crook and Lt. Governor Evelyn Gandy, met with Workman's Compensation Commission and succeeded in getting the rates down to a very low, reasonable sum that any of us could pay.
6. Promoted and succeeded in having written and passed the Agricultural Aviation Board Act of 1966. This Board, composed of four (4) active Mississippi Operators plus the Head Entomologist for the Division of Plant Industry, govern agricultural aviation in Mississippi and we are the only state to have such a system. When you have problems, they are settled by your own people rather than by a disinterested bureau that knows nothing of your industry.
7. Promoted and succeeded in having FAA Regulations changed so that many of our people using round engines could legally use auto gas instead of more expensive aviation fuel. This has saved many operators great sums of money.
8. Promoted safety from the beginning of 1956 and for the past twelve years, have sponsored and held Safety Seminars and throughout the state so that every operator and pilot in the state could attend. THIS HAS PROVEN HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL, WITH MISSISSIPPI RANKED AS THE "SAFEST AGRICULTURAL FLYING STATE IN THE UNION." Our record is still number one and we have had far less serious accidents than other states engaged in agricultural flying. On many years, we have had no fatalities whatsoever and it is a matter of record that no one that has attended these seminars has been involved in a fatal accident.
9. The association has led every effort to encourage the Southeastern Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation, Inc. to issue the bids timely (did not happen) and use the local operator in the treated blocks whenever possible.
10. In 2002 the MAAA initiated the process of attempting to get he federal tax removed from our fuel and through the NAAA we are working to make this happen.
11. In 2002, the MAAA was able to play an active part in the reorganization of the Agricultural Aviation Board
12. In 2003, the MAAA was able to get legislation passed the exempted tags for loader trucks. This means less paperwork and fees for members of our industry.
13. In 2004 a memorial fund was developed to commemorate the lives of former MAAA members who have passed away. A plaque hangs in the National Agricultural Aviation Museum in Jackson, Mississippi, honoring all members memoralized.
14. A change to use droplet size of 300 microns or larger when applying Roundup was proposed to the Ag Board and adopted.
15. A new policy on behalf of MAAA pertaining to the application of Roundup was adopted. In short, the policy states that if a pilot applies a glyphosate-based product with the wind blowing toward a susceptible crop, that pilot, not the entire industry, should be held solely liable for that application. MAAA believes that this type of activity could be construed as negligent and want to be on record as not supporting misuse of these products.
16. A sign was erected on Highway 49 just north of Flora, Mississippi, advertising the National Ag Aviation Museum in Jackson, Mississippi.
17. Legislation was signed by the Governor to allow MAAA to have their own vanity car/truck tag with logo representing Ag Pilots in Mississippi. The governor also extended the repealer on the Ag Board.
18. MAAA strives to provide meaningful and useful recertification and safety training for members.
19. The association stays abreast of legislation or issues in the agricultural aviation industry and keeps members informed through the bi-monthly newsletter or e-mail distribution.
20. MAAA was instrumental in the passage in July 2011 of Senate Bill No. 2871. This is an act to require the marking of certain anemometer towers and to require other measures for safety of aerial applicators. Specifics of the Bill include the marking of towers over 50 feet in height located outside the boundaries of a municipality with alternating bands of aviation orange and white. In addition, marker balls shall be attached to and evenly spaced on each of the outside guy wires. The area surrounding the point where a guy wire is anchored to the ground shall have a contrasting appearance with any surrounding vegetation. One or more 70 foot sleeves shall be palced at each anchor point. A violation of this section is a misdemeanor.
21. Worked with Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation in area of Bee Stewardship.
22. In 2017 began to offer a scholarship at Delta State University in Cleveland, MS, in the area of Flight Operations.
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