Accredited Activity Information

Introduction
Completion of this combined knowledge and flight activity requires the pilot to have passed a knowledge and skill test, for his/her present operator, administered in accordance with 14 CFR part 137, section 137.19(e), and as outlined below. This activity must be observed by a part 137 operator's Supervisor of Agricultural Operations or by an FAA Aviation Safety Inspector. Knowledge and skill tests administered within the previous 12 months may be credited if all requirements outlined below have been met.

The pilot will demonstrate at least three takeoffs and landings in an aircraft of the same category and class as used in agricultural operations. Takeoffs and landings may be observed by a certificated flight instructor, if desired, but only in flight using an aircraft with more than a single seat.

This activity requires completion of three Knowledge activities and three Flight activities at the Basic WINGS Level in the following topic areas, as outlined in the pilot's WINGS Checklist on http://www.faasafety.gov/. Satisfactory completion results in earning a phase of WINGS at the Basic level, thus satisfying the requirement for a Flight Review, in accordance with 14 CFR part 61.56(e).

• 1 credit for Basic Knowledge Topic 1, Aeronautical Decision Making 
• 1 credit for Basic Knowledge Topic 2, Performance and Limitations 
• 1 credit for Basic Knowledge Topic 3, Preflight Planning, Risk Management, and Fuel Management 
• 1 credit for Basic Flight Topic 1, Takeoffs and Landings 
• 1 credit for Basic Flight Topic 2, Positive Aircraft Control 
• 1 credit for Basic Flight Topic 3, Basic Flying Skills

Knowledge Topics
The Knowledge topics can be fulfilled by completing appropriate online courses on FAASafety.gov, or by completion of an expanded Knowledge Test, including the performance and limitations material below. A sample knowledge test can be found at http://faasafety.gov/gslac/ALC/libview_normal.aspx?id=58435

A topic of significant importance for agricultural pilots is that of Performance and Limitations. The pilot must have adequate knowledge of operating limitations for the aircraft to be used in accordance with the applicable requirements contained in part 91, § 91.9. Special emphasis should be placed on weight and balance information. If the pilot conducts operations using helicopters, the pilot should understand that the Height/Velocity diagrams do not provide information for weights above the maximum certificated gross weight. The pilot must especially be familiar with aircraft performance capability. Knowledge about performance shall include such items as:

• Density altitude and its effect on performance;
• Stall speeds at maximum certificated gross weight, straight ahead, power off, flaps up (V_S1);
• Best rate (V_Y) and best angle (V_X) of climb speed;
• Maneuvering speeds; and
• Takeoff distance required to clear a 50-foot obstacle at maximum certificated gross weight with zero wind.

Flight Topics
The pilot is to be briefed and evaluated on piloting skill and operational judgment in the following:

1. Ground crew coordination and loading procedures;
2. Engine start, warm-up, and taxi procedures;
3. Short field and soft field takeoffs (airplanes and gyroplanes only), directional control, lift-off, and climb; including one soft field takeoff and climb, and one short field takeoff and maximum performance climb.
4. Approaches to the working area; Satisfactory aerial survey of area for obstructions, and proper method of beginning operations—normally, starting operation crosswind on downwind side of field.
5. Flareout; Should not touch ground or crop during flareout, and should be consistently at same height and proper position over field on several flare-outs.
6. Swath runs; Consistent altitude (plus or minus 5 feet), Four or more passes demonstrated, Looking behind the aircraft at the spray pattern during swath run is disqualifying, and Flight should be executed so as not to fly through the spray droplets or the dust of previous swath. Successive swath runs spaced so as to place the wing tip into or overlapping the vortices of the previous swath is not disqualifying, and start and stop the spray application within the target area and prevent drift onto adjacent fields.
7. Pull-ups and turnarounds; Consistent height in turnarounds, obstructions permitting, Smooth and coordinated, turn in proper direction relative to wind, obstructions, and field layout, Obstruction clearance before starting turn, and Proper throttle and hopper or tank control.
8. Clean-up swath or trim passes; Recognizes the need for clean-up swath, and adequately covers area to be treated.
9. Jettisoning of remainder of load after swath runs in the event of in-flight emergency;
10. Rapid deceleration or quick stops (helicopter only);
11. Approach, touchdown, and directional control on landing; including one soft field landing, and one short field landing, and adequate precautions used around turning propellers or rotor blades.
12. Taxi, engine shutdown, and securing of aircraft.

Satisfactory completion of the flight activities can be demonstrated by validation of this activity on FAASafety.gov and should be further confirmed by an appropriate pilot logbook entry.

Keyword = AgPilot