In 1980, Fran and Pat moved from Hardisty, Alberta to North Battleford,
Saskatchewan with three kids three years old and under in tow. This is where
their career in Agricultural Aviation began. Fran started teaching Ag in 1982 and
continued to do so unofficially until 2000. He then opened his Ag School with six
Ag students and a two seater Pawnee. The Pawnee served its purpose but Fran
always said that a side by side configuration is a better teaching platform
because you can see the student’s face and see what they are thinking.
Fran decided to buy a Gippsland GA-200 which proved to be an excellent
training aircraft. As the Ag school grew, Fran invested in two more GA-200s.
The need for turbine transition training became apparent as more and more
operators began to sell pistons and purchase larger Turbine aircraft. There were
two seat turbine aircraft being built but much like the Pawnee Fran had used,
they were not good enough.
Fran went to work on Leland Snow to encourage him to build a two seat version
of the 502 and finally in 2010, the 504 was born. In 2012, Fran purchased a 504
and began his Turbine Transition Training program. He has had students from all
over Canada and the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Mongolia,
South Africa, Belgium, Germany, France and Spain.
Fran also donated his time and aircraft to do safety videos for NAREF- the
National Agricultural Aviation Research and Education Foundation.
Fran has completed 43 years of Ag, fire fighting and Forestry spraying. He has
completed an impressive 23 years of initial Ag training and 11 years of Turbine
transition training. Fran still has the same passion and drive as if it was his first
season.
Safety and immaculately maintained aircraft are the keys to his heart.
Fran is a huge supporter and promoter of the aviation industry. Fran sat on the
CAAA Board for many years and also served as president. He sat on the CAIR
Board and served as the education and safety representative.
Fran has earned numerous awards over the years, including the
CAAA - Canadian Aerial Applicators Association Award of Excellence, Wings of
Agriculture and Jumpseat Award.
The NAAA- National Agricultural Aviation Association- William O. Marsh Safety
Award, the NAAA Falcon Pin and the NAAA Lifetime Membership.
Please join me in congratulating the recipient of the SAAA Distinguished Award
of Performance, Mr. Fran De Kock.