BASF, NAAA continue support of Operation S.A.F.E.

BASF and the National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) are teaming up for another year in support of Operation S.A.F.E. (Self-regulating Application and Flight Efficiency).

Through this partnership, BASF provides financial support for participating aerial applicators through sponsorship of fly-ins throughout the country. NAAA members also qualify for application equipment rebates as part of Operation S.A.F.E., which provides aerial applicators an opportunity to increase equipment performance, applicator knowledge and help ensure safety.

"We've had more than 1,250 aerial applicators participate in nearly 150 fly-ins throughout the country during the three years our Operation S.A.F.E. incentive program has been in effect," said Tony Goede, Aerial Manager, BASF. "BASF continues this partnership with NAAA to help the aerial application industry continue to be safe, efficient and effective."

Any operator or pilot can participate in an Operation S.A.F.E. fly-in clinic. Those who are NAAA members can take advantage of the BASF Equipment and NAAA Membership Rebate Program. NAAA member participants wishing to collect the rebate are required to partake in a calibration clinic, and subsequently complete the BASF and NAAA Operation S.A.F.E. Incentive Program application form. After completing these steps, the operator or pilot can be reimbursed for some of their 2012 membership dues or submit receipts to receive rebates for nozzles and/or tips purchased for their aircraft.

"BASF is steadfast in its commitment to help grow the ag aviation industry, as demonstrated by their generous support of NAAA once again," said Andrew Moore, Executive Director of NAAA. "We're grateful for their partnership and for making these incentives available to encourage the most effective, targeted application and increased safety."

Operation S.A.F.E. clinics are part of BASF's ongoing stewardship effort in support of aerial applicators and the safe and proper application of its products. BASF is committed to offering reliable, effective products-like Headline AMP™ fungicide for corn and Headline® fungicide for a number of crops, including soybeans and cereals-to the agricultural aviation industry.

Operation S.A.F.E. was developed in 1981 by NAAA and is managed by the National Agricultural Aviation Research & Education Foundation (NAAREF). The program is designed to demonstrate that agricultural aviators recognize their responsibility to ensure precise agricultural chemical applications.

Operation S.A.F.E. clinics give operators and pilots the opportunity to test equipment with a trained analyst to help interpret the information and to recommend changes to improve performance. Held regularly throughout the year, the fly-ins help applicators learn about and comply with all pertinent legal requirements. In addition, participating applicators agree to submit voluntarily to an inspection of their aircraft and recognize the importance of using operating procedures to help ensure:

• Compliance with manufacturers' mixing rates, application recommendations, and label requirements of agricultural chemicals.

• Adequacy of safety procedures in storing and handling agricultural chemicals.

• Compliance with flight safety procedures.

NAAA encourages every operator and pilot to participate annually in an Operation S.A.F.E. clinic.

"Operation S.A.F.E. fly-ins allow applicators to evaluate important factors like spray patterns, droplet size and application precision," Goede said. "BASF continues to support programs like this to help the industry increase safety, efficacy and stewardship."