Ag Handbook

[vmx]

Waaay back in the 80's there used to be something called the Agricultural Pilot's Handbook - published by the DOT (I think). From memory it was in a green binder and contained some great information... and unfortunately I lost mine on one of the many trips around oz looking for helo work.

Does anyone know if something similar exists today?

Also I see that Barry Foster's website is no more, has he finally retired?

Cheers

[Hasselhof]

I bought a copy in 1998 and I think it was then done by CASA. Still have it somewhere.

[185skywagon]

I have one that was issued by CASA copyright 1985.
AAAA have a version out, called the Aerial Application Pilots Manual(version6), which incorporates info from the old CAA/CASA manual.


185.

[thunderbird five]

Try Newe Zealand CAA website for something perhaps ewesful.
I dare CASA to build a website half as good as the kiwi one.

http://www.caa.govt.nz/HSE-CAA/Farm_..._Guideline.pdf

[Mr Milk]

Barry Foster still going. Seems to be less movements down at leongatha though-no more maintenance, and i couldnt get fuel last time i was there in may. More and more ultralights spinning around the place.

[prospector]

Thunderbird five,

" aircraft destroyed after its wheel struck a pothole caused by a rabbit"

" aircraft hit a tree which had grown into the take-off path."

These are pearls of wisdom from NZCAA.

I thought rabbits dug rabbit holes, not pot holes.

How fast does a tree grow?? fast enough to grow into a take off path between loads???

[thunderbird five]

Yes Prospector, but their website is good!
(I've flown at Paraparam also - nice place.)

[vmx]

Thanks for the leads... anyone know if you have to be a member of AAAA to order the Handbook?

[Racetrack]

It depends on what you want the manual/info for.

You would need the AAAA's manual if you intend to become Spraysafe accredited, or if you just want reasonably up to date information.

You would need the CASA manual if you want to get an AG rating on your licence. Passing an AG rating theory exam set by CASA is part of this process. The latest CASA AG manual is 6th edition, 1985. 23 years old. Unfortunately the AG rating theory exam set by CASA is still based on this version. I have this CASA manual as a pdf.

AAAA's produce several manuals, including the one for pilots mentioned by 185. You can probably order them as a non-member, but it will cost you more. A visit to Aerial Agricultural Association of Australia will tell you for sure.

Remember, the Spraysafe exam set by AAAA's is totally separate and will not cover you for the AG rating theory exam set by CASA.

[Slippery Richard]

As far as I'm aware you don't have to be a member, they were however given to members when it was first printed. It is basically the old manual plus a bit of updated stuff applicable to todays ag work.

[185skywagon]

From the AAAA, there is the "Pilots and Operators manual" relating to Spraysafe, and there is the "Aerial Application Pilots Manual(version6)", which is the pilot training manual.
You would be wise to also have the old CASA book if you are thinking of sitting the exam.