National Agricultural Aviation Association
National Agricultural Aviation Association is a 1966-founded U.S. trade association serving ~1,900 aerial application operators, ag pilots, and allied industry members across 46 states through advocacy, safety education (PAASS), and the annual Ag Aviation Expo.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1966
- HeadquartersAlexandria, Virginia, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What National Agricultural Aviation Association does
The National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA), founded in 1966 and headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, is the primary national trade association representing the U.S. agricultural aviation industry. It serves approximately 1,900 members across 46 states — primarily small-business aerial application operators (~1,560 businesses) and professional ag pilots (~3,400 nationally), plus allied industry companies supplying aircraft (Air Tractor, Thrush), engines (Pratt & Whitney Canada), chemicals, insurance, and technology. NAAA delivers advocacy, safety education, professional development, and networking services; its portfolio includes the annual Ag Aviation Expo (world's largest agricultural aviation trade show, 1,500+ attendees), the PAASS safety program reaching ~1,700-2,000 pilots annually in 30+ states, Operation S.A.F.E. fly-in clinics, the CAA professional certification, the Agricultural Aviation Magazine, the NAAA 365 mobile app, and the FRAT flight risk assessment tool. The organization partners with the affiliated NAAREF foundation on research and scholarships, and maintains a federated structure of 33 state/regional associations.
NAAA's revenue model is a hybrid of recurring membership dues (Operator, Allied Industry, and Pilot tiers), annual event fees (Expo registration $215-$1,055 per attendee; exhibitor booths $905-$8,400; sponsorship packages Bronze to Diamond up to $20,000+), and ancillary income from publications, online education, and fundraising. Distribution is primarily direct via the agaviation.org website and account.agaviation.org member portal, with state/regional associations serving as channel partners for program delivery (e.g., PAASS). The organization's moat is anchored in its quasi-monopoly position as the recognized federal advocacy body for Part 137 aviation, NPDES permits, and pesticide drift standards — most visibly demonstrated by EPA's 2024 acceptance of NAAA's recommendation to update the aerial drift model — combined with six decades of institutional brand and a federated grassroots network that would be costly to replicate.
National Agricultural Aviation Association firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- National Agricultural Aviation Association
- Legal name
- National Agricultural Aviation Association
- Website
- https://agaviation.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1966
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- National Agricultural Aviation Association is a 1966-founded U.S. trade association serving ~1,900 aerial application operators, ag pilots, and allied industry members across 46 states through advocacy, safety education (PAASS), and the annual Ag Aviation Expo.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
National Agricultural Aviation Association industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Trade Association Services
- NAICS
- Administration of Environmental Quality Programs (924)
- SIC
- Services-Membership Organizations (8600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- National Governing Bodies (NGBs) (MPAKAFAC)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- UAS Integration, Certification & Compliance Systems (Remote ID, Detect-and-Avoid) (IMABAIAO)
Keywords
Where National Agricultural Aviation Association is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Alexandria, Virginia
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
National Agricultural Aviation Association business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Membership Dues: NAAA generates revenue through annual membership fees from aerial applicators, operators, pilots, and allied industry members. Membership categories include Operator, Allied Industry, and Pilot membership tiers.
- Ag Aviation Expo Registration & Sponsorship: The annual Ag Aviation Expo generates revenue through attendee registration fees (member rates $285 base, non-member $1,055 base, low-time pilot $215) and exhibitor booth sales ($905-$8,400 depending on size and membership tier). Sponsorship packages range from Bronze ($999) to Diamond ($20,000+).
- Publications & Communications: Revenue supports include Agricultural Aviation Magazine publication and NAAA 365 App communications platform.
- Education Programs: PAASS program delivered through state/regional conventions generates educational programming revenue. Additional programs include CAA certification and online courses.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | One-time event fee | NAAA Member Pre-Registration for Ag Aviation Expo 2026 (until Oct 16) |
| Subscription | One-time event fee | Non-Member Registration for Ag Aviation Expo 2026 |
| Subscription | One-time event fee | Low-Time Pilot Discounted Registration |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Day Pass Options |
| Unit Pricing | One-time event fee | Meal Event Add-ons |
| Subscription | One-time event fee | Friends & Family Registration |
| Unit Pricing | One-time event fee | Exhibitor Booth Space (NAAA Member Rates) |
| Unit Pricing | One-time event fee | Exhibitor Booth Space (Non-Member Rate) |
| Unit Pricing | Annual event sponsorship | Ag Aviation Expo Sponsorship Packages |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels9 records
National Agricultural Aviation Association product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) is a national membership-based trade association representing the agricultural aviation industry, including aerial applicator businesses, ag pilots, and allied industry members. The association delivers member services such as government relations advocacy, safety and continuing education programs (PAASS, Operation S.A.F.E., CAA certification), the annual Ag Aviation Expo trade show, industry publications, and professional development resources including the Flight Risk Assessment Tool and Professional Operating Guidelines.
Product overview
The National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) operates as a membership-based industry association serving approximately 1,900 members in 46 states. Rather than offering a unified software platform, NAAA provides a portfolio of services including the NAAA 365 mobile app for event connectivity, the Agricultural Aviation Magazine publication, professional education programs (PAASS, Operation SAFE, CAA certification), the annual Ag Aviation Expo trade show, and membership services including directories and scholarships. The association also publishes Professional Operating Guidelines and offers the Flight Risk Assessment Tool (FRAT) for safety management. These offerings are interconnected components supporting the agricultural aviation industry's professional development, safety standards, and networking needs.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Ag Aviation Expo: The world's largest agricultural aviation exposition and trade show hosted annually by NAAA
- PAASS
- Operation SAFE
Products and services
- Ag Aviation Expo Annual trade show and conference for the agricultural aviation industry featuring 150+ exhibitors, 20+ hours of education sessions, networking events, awards ceremonies, and sponsorships, with expected attendance of 1,500+ aerial applicators and industry professionals.
- PAASS (Professional Aerial Applicator Support System) Annual continuing education program for pilots and operators covering safety, security, and drift mitigation, attended by nearly 2,000 pilots and operators annually across 30+ states.
- CAA (Certified-Aerial Applicator) Certification Professional certification program (formerly C-PAASS) demonstrating aerial applicators' commitment to safety and continuing education standards.
- Operation SAFE (Self-regulating Application & Flight Efficiency) Fly-in clinic program enabling aerial applicators to have aircraft professionally analyzed for spray pattern uniformity and droplet size.
- NAAA Professional Operating Guidelines (POG) Comprehensive operating guidelines designed to assist members in establishing superior crop protection services and promoting safety standards.
- NAAA Agricultural Aviation Flight Risk Assessment Tool (FRAT) Safety assessment tool designed to help aerial applicators evaluate and mitigate flight risks before operations.
- NAAA Membership Membership enrollment for aerial applicator operators, pilots, and allied industry companies, providing access to industry resources, networking, government advocacy, safety programs, publications, and discounted event pricing.
- Agricultural Aviation Magazine Industry publication covering agricultural aviation news, trends, safety updates, and feature stories for member aerial applicators.
- NAAA 365 App Official mobile app for the Ag Aviation Expo and year-round connectivity, keeping attendees informed with latest updates and resources.
- Ag Wings of Tomorrow Scholarship Program Financial assistance program helping aspiring pilots defray costs for flight training and aviation/ag-related vocational programs.
Quantifiable outcome
- 127 million acres of cropland treated annually (28% of U.S. cropland)
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use National Agricultural Aviation Association
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
National Agricultural Aviation Association technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
National Agricultural Aviation Association partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- NAAREF (National Agricultural Aviation Research & Education Foundation)coreNAAA works with its partner organization NAAREF to provide research and educational programs focused on enhancing efficacy, security and safety of aerial application. NAAREF conducts the Operation S.A.F.E. program, manages scholarships, and organizes the Pitching In For PAASS fundraiser at the annual Expo.
- FAA (Federal Aviation Administration)coreNAAA works with FAA on regulatory matters affecting aerial application operations including Part 137 certification, airworthiness standards, and safety guidance. FAA provides regulatory oversight and guidance for the agricultural aviation industry.
- EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)coreNAAA lobbies EPA on pesticide registration, NPDES permits, and drift mitigation standards. EPA updated aerial drift model based on NAAA recommendation in 2024. EPA oversees pesticide safety and registration under FIFRA.
- USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture)coreNAAA collaborates with USDA on agricultural research and pest management. USDA-ARS Aerial Application Technology Group conducts research benefiting the industry. NAAA cites USDA research showing $20 return per dollar invested in agricultural research.
- State Departments of Agriculturecore33 regional and state agricultural aviation associations with board representation. State associations work with state agriculture departments on pesticide applicator licensing and certification requirements.
- Delta Air LinesminorDelta Air Lines (forerunner Huff-Daland Dusters, Inc.) sponsors the Puffer Award presented at NAAA annual awards recognizing outstanding contribution to agricultural aircraft design.
- AOPA (Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association)minorAviation industry association with shared interests in general aviation advocacy and pilot safety. Listed as related entity on NAAA website.
- CropLife AmericaminorAgricultural chemical industry association. NAAA collaborates on pesticide regulations, crop protection research, and provides industry statistics on aerial application benefits.
- National Agricultural Aviation Hall of FameminorNAAA partners with National Agricultural Aviation Hall of Fame for industry recognition and historical preservation. NAAHOF Lunch held at annual Expo.
- Agricultural Aviation MagazinecoreOfficial publication of NAAA covering industry news, safety, technology, member features, and advertising from allied industry. Distributed to members and industry stakeholders.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
National Agricultural Aviation Association competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA): Community-based aviation association with a major annual fly-in (AirVenture) and grassroots advocacy. Shares NAAA's model of membership-driven events, education programs, and government engagement, although focused on sport/recreational aviation rather than commercial operations.
- Helicopter Association International (HAI): International trade association for the helicopter industry. Approximately 16% of NAAA's represented fleet is rotorcraft, and HAI mirrors NAAA's structure (FAA advocacy, Heli-Expo convention, safety programs, membership tiers) but for helicopter operators globally.
- General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA): Trade association for general aviation manufacturers (including Air Tractor and Thrush, which are NAAA allied-industry members). GAMA's manufacturer-side federation model overlaps with NAAA's operator-side model, and many GAMA members exhibit at NAAA's Ag Aviation Expo.
- American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE): Trade association for airport executives and managers. Mirrors NAAA's federation-of-state-associations structure, federal advocacy focus, and annual conference model in the airport operations domain.
- National Business Aviation Association (NBAA): Trade association representing business aviation operators and manufacturers. Mirrors NAAA's federation-style model with government relations, an annual convention, publications, and safety programs — applied to the business jet / corporate flight department segment.
- Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA): The largest general aviation association in the U.S., representing pilots and aircraft owners. Listed by NAAA as a related entity, AOPA shares NAAA's advocacy model (FAA engagement, pilot services, insurance benefits) at a broader GA scale, making it the most structurally comparable trade association.
Others
- CropLife America: Trade association representing the crop protection chemical industry. A documented NAAA strategic partner that collaborates on pesticide regulations, drift mitigation research, and aerial-application statistics — making it a parallel trade body in the same ag-aviation ecosystem but on the chemical-input side.
- Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA): Trade association for agricultural retailers and input suppliers. Adjacent to NAAA's allied-industry membership base (chemical, equipment, and service suppliers that serve ag retailers and aerial applicators alike).
- American Farm Bureau Federation: U.S. general-farm trade association with state-federation structure parallel to NAAA's 33 state/regional associations. While focused on the farmer customer rather than the aerial service provider, Farm Bureau represents the demand side of the same agricultural ecosystem NAAA's members serve.
Broad incumbents
- Aerospace Industries Association (AIA): Major broad-based aerospace and defense trade association representing manufacturers and suppliers. Larger and more established than NAAA, AIA operates at the industry-wide level (rather than ag-aviation niche) and includes overlapping manufacturer members (Pratt & Whitney, etc.).
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
National Agricultural Aviation Association social profiles
Digital presenceNational Agricultural Aviation Association financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
National Agricultural Aviation Association leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
National Agricultural Aviation Association subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
National Agricultural Aviation Association funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
National Agricultural Aviation Association M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about National Agricultural Aviation Association
What does National Agricultural Aviation Association do?
The National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) is a national membership-based trade association representing the agricultural aviation industry, including aerial applicator businesses, ag pilots, and allied industry members. The association delivers member services such as government relations advocacy, safety and continuing education programs (PAASS, Operation S.A.F.E., CAA certification), the annual Ag Aviation Expo trade show, industry publications, and professional development resources including the Flight Risk Assessment Tool and Professional Operating Guidelines.
Is National Agricultural Aviation Association a public or private company?
National Agricultural Aviation Association is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was National Agricultural Aviation Association founded?
National Agricultural Aviation Association was founded in 1966. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is National Agricultural Aviation Association based?
National Agricultural Aviation Association is headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, United States, in the North America region.
How does National Agricultural Aviation Association make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Membership Dues are the primary driver. The others are ag Aviation Expo Registration & Sponsorship, publications & Communications and education Programs.
Who are National Agricultural Aviation Association's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Helicopter Association International (HAI), General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). Others are CropLife America, Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) and American Farm Bureau Federation. Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does National Agricultural Aviation Association have an API?
No public API is recorded for National Agricultural Aviation Association.
What industry is National Agricultural Aviation Association in?
National Agricultural Aviation Association's product category is Trade Association Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAKAFAC, National Governing Bodies (NGBs), with a secondary code of IMABAIAO, UAS Integration, Certification & Compliance Systems (Remote ID, Detect-and-Avoid). Its NAICS code is 924 and its SIC code is 8600.