For reader that do not know me, I am the incoming President of the Saskatchewan Aerial Applicators Association. A quick background: I was born into this industry, and I started from the ground up mixing at 15 years old and getting into a seat for 8 years becoming our families 2nd generation Ag pilot! I’m one of the last to start small and make my way up starting with flying a Pawnee, Weatherly, AT 401, Thrush S2R, and finally Turbo Thrush. I have been attending industry shows from a very young age and I have first-hand experience on how important our respective Provincial associations including the CAAA are, to not only the advancing Pilots’ and operators’ professional development, but to the ground and office staff and most importantly spouses who attend our educational seminars.
President's Report: Fall 2021
The 2021 season is wrapped up. I’m sure the planes are washed and ready for annuals. Unfortunately, this season was not what we were hoping for. The relentless heat and little to no rain wreaked havoc on our fungicide seasons, some were lucky enough to pick up a few acres of insecticide. Hopefully pre-harvest application was decent for all.
President's Report: July 2021
So far, the summer of 2021 has not been what we had all hoped for. The dry and hot conditions here have been relentless. Unfortunately, rain is the only thing that can help save what is left of this year’s crops. The wildfires in northern Saskatchewan have sent smoke across the prairies and helped block some sun for a few days. The smoke presents its own set of challenges, and it is important that we all remember it’s not a “normal” flying condition. The smoke can roll in and out just like fog. It can catch you off guard at anytime and can hide in coming weather, as well as obstacles.
CAAA New Horizons Digital Bulletin: April 2021
With seemingly increased COVID restrictions being implemented in many provinces, it is hard to see when life will be able to go back to normal. It can't come soon enough for me!
For many reasons, the MAAA has decided to cancel the spring meeting and hopefully be able to hold a 'traditional' in person meeting this fall. We are hopeful that COVID restrictions will have eased up by then.
CAAA New Horizons Digital Bulletin: March 2021
For those who do not know me, I am Chad Vanderbyl. Together with my wife Kendra and our three children Parker, Hudson, and Boedy we own and operate Fly’n Dutchman Ag. Currently, I am going into my thirteenth year of spraying out of Melfort, Saskatchewan. I have been a member of the CAAA board since 2017. It has been such an honour to be selected as President of our association. I plan to work hard to maintain the legacy and the long-standing reputation of the Canadian Aerial Applicators Association.
CAAA 2021 AGM, Conference, & Trade Show Recap
We would like to thank our generous sponsors, exhibitors, presenters, and attendees for making the 2021 CAAA Virtual AGM, Conference & Trade Show a huge success. The virtual platform allowed the CAAA to maintain all elements of an in-person conference from the delivery of education sessions to visiting with exhibitors. We had over 110 attendees over the two days and the program offered 8 educational credits! In the virtual Exhibit Hall attendees were also able to visit with the 12 exhibitors through chat or live stream. The virtual silent auction was also a great success with a few bidding wars on several items. Thank you to all who donated!
President's Message: Spring 2021
For those who don’t know me I am Chad Vanderbyl. Together with my wife Kendra and our three children Parker, Hudson, and Boedy, we own and operate Fly’n Dutchman Ag. Currently, I am going into thirteenth year of spraying out of Melfort, Saskatchewan. I have been a member of the CAAA board since 2017. It has been such an honour to be selected as President of our association. I plan to work hard to maintain the legacy and the long-standing reputation of the Canadian Aerial Applicators Association.