Harold Kosola — National Agricultural Aviation Hall of Fame

Introduction

Harold Kosola stands as a towering figure in the world of agricultural aviation, renowned for his engineering genius, dedication to safety, and decades of innovative contributions to the ag aviation fleet. With a career spanning over 50 years—including more than 35 in ag aviation—Kosola’s work as a designer, inventor, and FAA specialist has left a profound and lasting impact on the safety, reliability, and evolution of ag aircraft worldwide.

Major Achievements and Contributions

Engineering Innovation and Industry Leadership

Master of Structural Modification: Harold has developed and earned over 60 Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) covering aircraft from the Boeing 727 and Lockheed Electra to nearly every major ag model, including the Piper Pawnee, M18 Dromader, Ayres Turbo Thrush, Turbine Brave, and Ag Cat.
Founder of Kosola and Associates: Based in Albany, Georgia, Kosola and Associates is the world’s largest FAA-approved repair station for engine mounts and tubular steel components. Since 1976, the firm has repaired, rebuilt, or manufactured over 33,000 engine mounts for diverse aircraft, particularly ag planes.
Pioneer in Ag Aircraft Safety: Kosola’s permanent Pawnee fuselage modification (wing bolt cluster STC) has been credited with saving countless lives by preventing catastrophic wing separation—his STC is approved in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Sweden, and Argentina.

Notable Aircraft Innovations

Turbine Conversions: Designed and tested engine mounts for the first factory-built Ayres Turbo Thrush, the turbine Dromader and Brave, and the Cessna AgTruck with large engines.
Thrush Enhancements: Engineered the all-metal empennage (tail) for the S2R Thrush and developed the dual-cockpit Thrush trainer with Ayres Corporation. His aluminum tail conversion for early Thrush models is now a sought-after modification for durability and reduced maintenance.
International Reach: Kosola and Associates supplies kits and performs installations domestically and internationally, ensuring ag aircraft safety and reliability on a global scale.
Electra Project: Developed and certified modifications for the Lockheed L-188 Electra, transforming it into a large-capacity aerial spray plane for oil dispersant use—further showcasing his ability to adapt complex, large aircraft for ag or environmental missions.
Yellow Tag Certification: Led in refurbishing hard-to-find or obsolete ag aircraft components, extending the life of legacy fleets and supporting the industry’s infrastructure.

Professional Credentials & Recognition

FAA Designations: Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR) and Designated Engineer Representative (DER)
Education: Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Miami), and Spartan School of Aeronautics (Tulsa)
Decades of Service: Over seven years with Piper Aircraft, structural engineer for Rockwell International’s Aero Commander division, and decades as consultant, innovator, and trainer in ag aviation.
Mentorship and Advocacy: Always available to fellow engineers, operators, and mechanics, Kosola’s guidance has shaped the careers of many within the field.

Legacy and Industry Impact

Harold Kosola’s name is synonymous with reliability, creativity, and technical excellence in ag aviation. Many aircraft and pilots owe their safety and capabilities to his engineering vision. From making turbine-powered ag aircraft viable, to fundamentally improving the structural integrity of classic planes, his work is found in nearly every spray fleet across the country—and far beyond.

Conclusion

Harold Kosola’s induction into the National Agricultural Aviation Hall of Fame is a testament to a career marked by technical brilliance, industry service, and global influence. His lifelong commitment to the safety, innovation, and vitality of agricultural aviation ensures that pilots, operators, and the entire ag community continue to benefit from his remarkable legacy.