Ag Aviator Podcast

In this episode we talk with George Parker, Mike Rutledge, and Matt Peed about their opinions and processes for mentoring aspiring Ag pilots in todays industry.  We discuss what operators expect of individuals wanting to break into the industry and also what the aspiring ag pilot should expect of the operator. With the lack of piston airplanes and the poor return on investment of purchasing one, the mentors discuss how they are breaking new pilots into turbine airplanes.  George shares his syllabus for starting a new Ag pilot into a turbine which is a great example of the time and close monitoring both the rookie pilot and operator must invest to produce a professional applicator.  These gentlemen do a great job of articulating the fact that Ag flying is a professional trade that is not learned overnight and it takes someone who is passionate about the job to be successful. Anyone of any experience level can take away information or a new perspective from this episode.  If you're trying to get into the industry you'll hear a few first steps you can take and what to expect.  If you're an operator considering a new pilot there's some great information and maybe new perspectives on your process for breaking them in.  Make sure to let me know your thoughts and opinions on the discussion. Get a hold of me on Instagram or YouTube @valleyagpilot.  Thanks for listening and make sure to check out our sponsor Amberican Designs @ ambericandesigns.com or helchock.com

National and State Ag Aviation Associations.  What purpose do they serve to Ag pilots, operators, and the industry as whole? Are they just conventions or do they work to keep our airplanes moving? I had the pleasure to sit down with NAAA President Jim Perrin and NAAREF President Matt Hovdenes to find out what's going on inside our ag aviation associations.  Jim Perrin is a long time pilot/operator who has been involved with the NAAA and numerous state associations spanning his career.  Matt Hovdenes is a pilot turned operator who was required by his mentor to join their state association at the outset of his career.  Since then he has served with many state associations, the NAAA, and NAAREF.  We discuss what our state and national associations do that from a distance you'll never notice.  A few important actions being being taken I wasn't aware of were, pesticide label registration/registration.  The NAAA is commenting on over 70 product labels a year helping make sure that aerial application stay on the label! The prevention of over regulation from state and federal regulators, and many more. I had a new appreciation for our associations and the people that volunteer to serve in them.  I would encourage everyone to be member of our national and state associations, but don't just be a member, get involved.  If you feel like you're paying for an expensive convention come to a board meeting and see what work is being done for the industry.  It will change your perspective and make you feel like your membership dues are an investment in the future of our industry.  This was recorded last December at the NAAA convention in Savannah.  Thank you Jim and Matt for your time, knowledge, and experience.  If you're interested in joining the NAAA head over to agaviation.org.  I hope to see you all at the convention in Knoxville! Make sure to check out or podcast sponsor ambericandesigns.com thank you Travis! 

I get to talk with Peter Schellenberger an Ag pilot with 4 years in the business who hasn’t just worked in Ag but also timber, and aerial fire fighting. We talk about how and what got him to where he is today. This episode was recorded back on July 1st and at that point in the 2021 season we had seen a large amount of fatalities so we talk (from a young pilots perspective) about what we both do to keep our heads in the game and what distractions can potentially arise during the busy season. We share a few screw up stories and also Peter talks about an engine failure he had his first season. Peter is a great example of where a respectful and humble attitude can take someone in this industry, I appreciated having him on! Big thanks to our sponsor Amberican Designs! Go to the website ambericandesigns.com to see what custom Ag pilot products Travis has to offer!

On this episode I have the privilege of speaking with former Navy SEAL and Special operations helicopter pilot, Michael Rutledge. Mike has been a passionate aviator his whole life and while actively serving in the military, he pursued a career as an Ag Aviator.  After 30 years of service he is now running his own aerial application business.  We discuss his military career and how his experiences there helped in becoming a successful ag pilot. Mentorship is something Mike takes very serious so we dive into what the mentor mentee relationship should be like.  Big thanks to our sponsor Amberican Designs check out Travis's products at ambericandesigns.com .  Make sure to keep up with me on Instagram or Facebook @valleyagpilot  Thanks for tuning into the Ag Aviator Podcast! 

Episode #3! I sit down with our podcast sponsor Travis Amb to talk about the products he's designed and selling on Ambericandesigns.com .  We get to hear about his jouney to becoming and Ag Pilot, than we discuss some screw ups we've both had in hopes someone else doesn't make the same mistake! Check out Travis's products at ambericandesigns.com

Matt Peed is a seasoned ag pilot form Georgia who is not only that but an instructor teaching the next generation of aerial applicators.  We get to know a little bit about Matt and his background than dive into the turbine transition training he does with his duel control -34 Thrush.  He covers why we do turbine transition training, gives an overview of his course, talks about some common mistakes of transitioning pilots, and the mentality one has to have to be a successful turbine pilot.  Coming from rice country, Matt has extensive experience with dry fertilizer spreading and tight herbicide work.  We tap into that experience and try to define what makes a quality application that growers would be proud of.  There's so many aspects of application to talk about we only hit on a few general areas.  Hopefully those getting into the industry find this educational and for those experienced folks this generates some conversation about how you may approach these topics differently.  If you'd like to get a hold of Matt about instruction you can message him on Facebook Matt Peed or find him on Instagram @matt.peed1911 .  Make sure to share this podcast, leave us a review on whatever platform you use.  For updates on the podcast follow @valleyagpilot on instagram or facebook. Thanks to our sponsor Amberican Designs!  

Episode #1! My good friend Chad Peitz, a former Ag pilot who went rogue and now flies a Pilatus, sits down with me to introduce the podcast.  We discuss the purpose and intentions of the Ag Aviator podcast and some things to consider while listening.  We also talk about the aerial application industry in general, what licenses are required to apply by air, the "ag pilot shortage",  and little bit about the Ag pilot lifestyle.  Hope you enjoy!  Help us get the word out about this podcast make sure to share!  Also follow me on Instagram @valleyagpilot to stay up to date on what's going on with the podcast.  Check out Facebook and Youtube as well Valley Ag Pilot.