04/24/2008 - The Helena West Helena Daily World Newspaper

Dennis Gardisser, associate department head and professor of biological and agricultural engineering at the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, was at Riddell Flying Service last week training 50 agricultural pilots in proper application of soluble products.

Gardisser was giving instruction on making sure products dispensed from aircraft are placed as accurately as possible in the field.

Earlier in the week he gave instruction on fertilizer and seed distribution.

On Thursday and Friday, pilots actually sprayed applications with tracers being put in water so they could tell when and how much spray had been applied.

“This is a way to detect how much spray is at each location in the field by measuring all the droplet sizes,” said Gardisser. “This lets us know if there is any drift potential and if it is correct size for controlling the pest.”

This is a voluntary program for the pilots. The beneficiary is the client who hires them to distribute products on the field.

Approximately 50 pilots from Missouri, Mississippi, Hazen, Stuttgart, Forrest City, as well as local pilots attended the training sessions.

“This is an excellent location for the training because of the space at the airport,” said Gardisser. “Riddell has excellent facilities. They also help with supplying water and loading. This is an excellent location for maintenance with parts and advice available if needed,” said Gardisser.

“Pilots land at the airport and if changes are needed they are done right here and then analyzed several times to make sure they are ok,” Gardisser said.