AG Aviation Then and Now

I just spoke for the 50th convention of the Kansas Agricultural Aviation Association (KAAA). I used to sell ag aircraft, so it’s always good to get back among the people and to see what’s changed in the industry and what has not. Ag aviation—crop dusting, it is often called—is probably the least understood of all aviation segments. Many people still believe it is done by wild people in barely flyable old biplanes. Tain’t true.   In the first place, ag aviation really is a business—one of the most businesslike segment of aviation. And it is also a part—a vital part—of agriculture. Ag aviation uses special equipment not seen in other segments of aviation. You can’t stop at just any aviation shop or parts’ house and buy a spreader, for example, or a spray nozzle either.   The flying is, of course, different from other aviation fields. The ag pilot may or may not be able to fly an ILS to minimums, but he can do some things the rest of us can’t do. He can take off at max weight on a hot day, fly under a thick, cross-country power line, and spray a field of wheat or cotton while his airplane gets lighter with every pass over the field..   Interesting, I went to their programs early in the day, and learned things about bees, chemicals, certifications, and equipment. That’s the way it was 30 years ago when I was selling to the industry. Then at lunch I listened to ag aviators discuss the trials and tribulations of finding and hiring a new pilot. That’s exactly as it was decades ago.   At the banquet that night I found out that ag aviators are still great audiences. They laughed, roared, and bought books. I had more fun than anyone else in the room.   We’d love to post your comments. Please click the comment tab at the top.