BASF, NAAA Award Aerial Applicator Scholarships
December 8, 2014 Two promising individuals are moving one step closer to their future as agricultural pilots after being awarded scholarships sponsored by BASF and the National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA).
Andreas Geist of Crookston, MN, and Robert Dopp of Beldenville, WI, were awarded NAAA/BASF Agricultural Aviation Scholarships. The two winners were honored during the 48th Annual NAAA Convention and Exposition kickoff breakfast today in Louisville, KY.
Serving as one aspect of a long-established partnership between BASF and NAAA, the scholarships provide aspiring agriculture pilots with the best tools and training to make their dreams come true. Traditionally, only two applicants are chosen out of a large group of qualified individuals.
“It’s always inspiring to see bright individuals passionate about agricultural aviation,” said Gary Fellows, Ph.D., Technical Market Manager, BASF, and member of the National Agricultural Aviation Research & Education Foundation’s Professional Aerial Applicators’ Support System (NAAREF PAASS) Program Development Committee. “At BASF, our aim is to help provide the proper training and education for people to reach their goal of becoming aerial applicators.”
Geist received his private pilot’s license in 2012 and is currently enrolled in the Professional Pilot program at Lake Superior College in Duluth, MN. After completing his work in the Professional Pilot program, Geist will continue his education by attending the University of Minnesota, Crookston, to study agronomy. His ultimate goal is to become a pilot in the aerial application industry.
Dopp will attend Battlefords Airspray in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Canada, to receive his Professional Agriculture Pilot Training in spring 2015. After completing his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and obtaining his commercial pilot’s license, Dopp hopes to continue contributing to the agriculture community that he knows and loves.
“We’re thrilled to hit the five-year milestone of awarding the Agricultural Aviation Scholarship with BASF,” NAAA Executive Director Andrew Moore said. “We appreciate the commitment that BASF has shown to us over the years, and it contributes greatly to our industry.”
To be considered for one of the Agricultural Aviation scholarships, applicants must be sponsored by a current NAAA member operator. Geist was sponsored by Daniel Geist, Owner of Dan’s Flying Service in Crookston, MN, and Dopp was sponsored by Jeffrey Reabe, Co-Owner of Reabe Spraying Service in Plainfield, WI.
Engaging in agricultural aviation
BASF also continued its long-running sponsorship of the NAAA Convention in Louisville by becoming a Diamond-level sponsor. In addition to this sponsorship, BASF continues its year-round work with NAAA and NAAREF with the ultimate goal of increasing pilot safety and contributing to industry advancements. In 2014, BASF continued sponsoring the Operation S.A.F.E. (Self-Regulating Application and Flight Efficiency) Incentive Program, which encourages aerial applicators to participate in Operation S.A.F.E. fly-in clinics offered around the country.
During these fly-ins, applicators work with trained analysts to test equipment, boost performance, increase applicator knowledge and stay up to date with legal requirements and certifications. In 2014 alone, the calibration of 425 aircrafts was checked at 75 fly-in workshops held across the U.S., enabling aerial applicators to increase the safety of their aircraft.
“Working with organizations like NAAA to ensure that applicators are receiving the equipment and training necessary to do their jobs is always a high priority,” said Fellows. “It’s one crucial part of how we try and help growers get the most out of every acre.”
Subscribe Today For
