International

Most pilots know that low flying, particularly below 500 feet, is not only dangerous but is in most cases, prohibited. When it comes to understanding the risks, Frank Drinan is about as well versed as they come. A second-generation agricultural pilot, Frank has amassed more than 8,000 hours of flight...

Port Lincoln pilot of 30 years Tony Warren is spending his third winter far from home, helping fight fires in the European summer. The 45-year-old aviator is among a growing cohort of overseas-trained pilots in Europe, including pilots from the United States, Canada, and South American countries with agricultural flying...

The ag aviation industry has lost one of its own; a smart, beautiful lady, Juliana Turchetti. When anyone told her she couldn’t, she did! Juliana joined the AgAir Update team several years ago as a writer. In that position, she always did a fantastic job relating to other ag pilot...

In New Zealand, aerial lime spreading ensures even distribution, particularly over the country’s diverse topography. This method optimizes the surface area contact between lime particles and soil, enhancing the effectiveness of the neutralization process. By improving soil structure and pH, lime application fosters healthier plant growth, enhances nutrient uptake, and...

It seems that every time a new forecast comes out, the weather seems to be taking a long walk down the wrong road. Record-breaking temperatures, rainfall, tornadoes, flooding, massive thunderstorms, and staggering drought—there doesn't appear to be any relief in sight. Coupled with that are new meteorological terms I haven't...

As agriculture evolved and expanded after World War II, a critical need arose for aircraft tailored specifically to the demands of agricultural work. Fred Ernest Weick, an esteemed American aviation engineer, answered this call by embarking on a pioneering endeavor in the late 1940s at the Agricultural and Mechanical College...

By Alan McCracken Yes, Less product on the ground and in the air.* Every hunter knows the importance of the right weapon and the need for suitable ammunition, which differ significantly whether hunting pigeons or wild boar. The same logic applies to achieving the best results with the application of...

Olney, Texas – Even after half a century and more than 4,000 airplanes delivered, each Air Tractor delivery is still a special moment for everyone involved in the manufacturing process. But nothing compares to Air Tractor serial number one, delivered in the early spring of 1974, to Burke Flying Service in...

The New Zealand Agricultural Aviation Association has stopped using the AIRCARE environmental management programme and is endorsing members’ use of two other, independent schemes. NZAAA chair Bruce Peterson said the AIRCARE programme, previously run by the Aviation Industry Association (formerly Aviation NZ), no longer meets the needs of agricultural aircraft...

Don’t Open the Door to Error, Safety Has no Safecuts  I was sitting in the cockpit, waiting for the ground crew to fuel my plane. Right then a pickup truck arrived with a hard stop, dragging its tires. Its driver jumped out and rushed to me. His eyes were bloodshot...