Selecting the best aerial application operator is the most worthwhile value-add that any farmer or agronomist can make.
To find the best operator for your job, we recommend asking a series of questions.
Are you a AAAA member?
Being a member of AAAA is the strongest signal that an operator takes their professionalism and their industry seriously.
All aspiring AAAA new members are vetted upon application before being approved by the AAAA’s board. With around 90% of active aerial applicators and pilots being AAAA members, the AAAA board has an excellent understanding of the ability and capability of operators, their aircraft and the pilots they employ.
Members have access to a wide range of supporting research, safety, education, training and accreditation programs and ad-hoc support. AAAA runs regular conferences, technical workshops and a National Convention to ensure the latest research and thinking from around the world is brought to Australia, and we share our innovations. The AAAA has links to its sister organisations in New Zealand, Canada and the USA which brings the benefits of an international team.
As AAAA members, a business may also hold additional accreditations providing a useful indication of the systems the company operates.
Professional operators will proudly display the AAAA logo and volunteer information about any accreditations.
To find the best operator for your job, we also recommend asking:
Are you Spraysafe accredited?
AAAA’s Spraysafe is the program that provides aerial application personnel with the competencies and knowledge to safely handle, store and apply chemicals in an aerial application environment. Accreditation comes at business, pilot and loader/mixer level and requires ongoing professional development to be maintained.
For more information, please visit the Spraysafe section of our website.
Is your company AIMS accredited?
The AAAA AIMS program (Aerial Improvement Management System) has membership and Spraysafe as prerequisites. AIMS is AAAA’s advanced level program based on an integrated management system, significant training, the implementation of a range of systems for risk management, spray quality, safety and drift management and independent audit.
For more information, please visit our website section dedicated to AIMS.
Are you appropriately licensed?
The Aerial Application industry is heavily regulated, with licensing required at both operator and individual level, for both commonwealth regulations (flying operations) and state level (chemical distribution/aerial chemical spraying).
| Commonwealth (CASA) | State/Territory (EPA or Agricultural Department) |
Business | Air Operator’s Certificate | Chemical Distribution Operator Licence (WA exempt) |
Individual | Pilot Licence and Aerial Application Rating | Chemical Distribution individual Licence |
Some mutual recognition of chemical distribution licences occurs between the states and territories.
All States/Territories recognise the AAAA Spraysafe Pilot Accreditation as the de facto national competency standard for issuing a pilot chemical distribution licence.
Be aware that there have been instances of operating under expired or fake licences. Both CASA and the state EPA or Agricultural Departments maintain searchable online registers with up-to-date credentials at operator/business level.
State/Territory | Web source |
ACT | |
NSW | |
NT | |
QLD | |
SA | |
TAS | |
VIC | |
WA | |
|
|
CASA |
What Air Operator Certificate do you hold?
A business conducting aerial application operations needs to hold a current Air Operator’s Certificate with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), either a Civil Aviation Safety Regulation (CASR) Part 137 or 138 certificate.
Requirements for the dropping or releasing of any substance overlap for Part 137 and Part 138. Fixed wing (aeroplane) operators may choose whether to conduct aerial application operations under Part 138 or Part 137, however rotary wing (helicopter) operators must use Part 138.
To verify the type and status of an aerial application operator’s certificate, search the online CASA Air Operator’s Certificate holders database.
Some operators might offer both aeroplane and helicopter services for aerial applications. Both options have their pros and cons which the operator will be able to tell you more about.