The Nebraska Aviation Trades Association (NATA) is a non-profit state trade association which represents the aerial application industry in Nebraska.

NATA is an organization founded for the purpose of serving the interests of aviation related businesses in Nebraska. Representing almost 200 agricultural aviation operators, NATA also serves members from allied industries supplying ag aircraft owners and operators

NATA'S OBJECTIVES are to create strong communications among its members and to provide educational opportunities and current information on all facets of Nebraska's aviation related industries.

RECEIVING HIGH PRIORITY are NATA's efforts to affect mutually beneficial legislation and to strengthen agricultural aviation's image as a responsible, safety-conscious industry.

NATA PROVIDES tangible benefits to its members. The following list includes some of the benefits NATA offers its membership.

• LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATION - NATA monitors all legislation and reports to the NATA Board of Directors regarding any sponsored legislation that may affect the aerial application industry. A Legislative Committee is responsible for guidance of importance to our industry.
  

• LIAISON WITH REGULATORY AGENCIES - The NATA Board of Directors and administration provide contact with regulatory agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration, Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Nebraska Department of Aeronautics, Cooperative Extension Agencies/UNL, Environmental Protection Agency, The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, the Nebraska Fire Marshal, OSHA, and many others.
  

• COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL STANDARDS - When federal or state standards are set, NATA provides information to help bring members into compliance. NATA represents and protects the interests of aerial applicators in Nebraska by contacting federal and state agencies regarding problems with compliance.
  

• NATA VOICE - The NATA Voice newsletter is published 6 times annually. The newsletter serves as a source of current information for the NATA membership. Articles keep members updated on legal, legislative and industry news. The Safety Corner and Crop Pest Update are regular columns in the NATA Voice and keep members in tune with recent safety issues and infestations across the state of Nebraska.
  

• ANNUAL CONVENTION - NATA holds its Annual Convention and Agricultural Aviation Exposition in mid-February. Educational sessions and fun-filled events are planned throughout the convention. Ag pilots are able to be recertified and tested at the convention. The Trade Show allows members to visit with allied industry representatives and learn about the newest developments and latest technological advances.
  

• TRAINING PROGRAMS - NATA provides direct access to the PAASS (Professional Aerial Applicators Support System) program offered through the National Agricultural Aviation Association. This program shows our industry's commitment to constant improvement for the aerial application business.
  

• MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY - NATA publishes a membership directory each year. The directory contains the name, company name, address and telephone number of all NATA members by membership classification.
  

• PROFESSIONAL IMAGE - NATA gives you, the aerial applicator, the professional image the industry needs when working with regulatory agencies. The image of the aerial applicator in Nebraska should reflect a concern for the environment and the professionalism of our industry. NATA is constantly striving to reinforce this image.
  

• OPERATION SAFE - NATA holds Operation SAFE Fly-In Clinics where aerial applicators are able to test and analyze the spray patterns of their ag planes. The Fly-Ins are also a valuable tool in promoting the safety aspects and environmental concerns of ag pilots. NATA has purchased the new string analysis system for spray pattern analysis. The new system will allow members to set an appointment and test their aircraft spray patterns on an individual basis. Through support of BASF, Operation SAFE has seen a huge increase in participation in this program. Pilots wishing to check out their aircraft can contact NATA's Operation SAFE analyst, Alan Corr, 308-830-3086.
  

• FUNDING RESOURCE - NATA provides directed funding to projects that seek to improve the safety of the aerial application industry in Nebraska and at the National level, with emphasis on safety of aerial application flight operations. As a matter of policy, NATA does not support indirect, or overhead, costs associated with projects that are selected for funding.