Aerial Agricultural Association of Australia

The Aerial Agricultural Association of Australia (AAAA) was formed in July 1958 at a meeting jointly convened by the then Department of Civil Aviation and the Bureau of Agricultural Economics at Hawkesbury Agricultural College, Richmond, NSW. The Association's mission is to promote a sustainable aerial agricultural industry based on the professionalism of operators, pilots and staff and the pursuit of industry best practice.

AAAA membership consists of 130 active Australian ag aircraft operators as well as over 100 pilot members. We have about 75% operator membership controlling 90% of aircraft in use, and are therefore representative of and qualified to speak on behalf of the agricultural aircraft industry.

Capital investment in the industry well exceeds $200 million. Agricultural aviation directly employs some 2000 personnel including pilots, field staff, maintenance staff and administrators. A further 2000 people enjoy part time employment. The industry uses more than 300 special purpose aircraft, supporting vehicles and equipment, together with established aircraft maintenance facilities throughout the agricultural areas of the country.

The Association has its National Office based in Canberra and is governed by a Board of Directors with representation from each Australian State and Territory and key sectors. The Board is in constant consultation with the Executive Officer and local agricultural operators and meets formally on a quarterly basis.

The industry has progressed considerably in knowledge, skill and degree of professionalism since the late 1940's when the image of the 'crop duster' was daredevil.

Today's "ag pilot" is highly trained and licensed under both Federal and State legislation. No other applicator of agricultural chemicals has the degree of training of the ag pilot, who is required to have a commercial pilot's licence, an agricultural rating and a chemical distributer's licence. The majority of operators and pilots are accredited under the AAAA "Spraysafe" program.

One of AAAA's key roles is to enhance education and professional development throughout the industry. The Association therefore conducts a comprehensive program of conference and convention activities to keep members up-to-date with legislation, practices and other developments. Meetings include sectoral Air Improvement Meetings (AIMs) for rice, cotton, Far North Queensland and top dressing, State Conferences and the Annual Convention.

For further information on the history of Australian air ag, copies of the book Aerial Agriculture in Australia are available from the Association at a cost of $60 (incl.gst, postage & handling in Australia). Aerial Agriculture in Australia tells the story of the role aircraft have played in agriculture and forestry in Australia over a period of more than 60 years.

Illustrated with 138 black & white and 60 colour photographs, Aerial Agriculture in Australia is the product of twelve years of research throughout Australia by the author, Derrick Rolland.