A Brief History of Agricultural Aviation

By Garth Calitz

Anyone who has spent time in central Free State or any other agriculturally active region in South Africa has likely spent time watching low-flying, agile agricultural aircraft in operation. While the concept of agricultural aviation may be familiar, have you considered how the industry originated and evolved over the years?

In 1921, in Troy, Ohio, the first-ever aerial crop dusting from an aircraft took place. It was organised by the Ohio Department of Agriculture, and Lt. John A. Macready, a talented US Army pilot, was at the controls. He flew a tweaked Curtiss JN-6 “Super Jenny” that had a new aerial spraying setup. The plane managed to cover six acres of Catalpa trees with a lead arsenate dust insecticide to tackle a moth larva problem. By the late 1920s, aerial spraying operations were becoming more commonplace, improving productivity for farmers across the world.

By the 1930s and 1940s, advancements in aircraft design and chemical formulations led to finer spraying techniques, enhancing effectiveness in pest control. In 1924, Huff-Daland Dusters Inc., which eventually evolved into Delta Airlines, initiated the first commercial aerial application operations. Over subsequent decades, increasingly sophisticated and effective crop protection products were developed, alongside the design of purpose-built fixed-wing aircraft specifically for agricultural use. Consequently, aerial application emerged as a favoured alternative to ground application, enabling farmers to treat their fields rapidly, efficiently, and economically, while minimising damage to soil and crops.

World War II had a profound impact on agricultural aviation. The war spurred significant advancements in aircraft design and production. After the war, many military planes found new life in agriculture. Farmers began to repurpose surplus military aircraft. These aircraft, often larger and more powerful than their predecessors, could cover more ground and provided a vast increase in aerial spraying capacity. This shift expanded the agricultural aviation industry substantially, with estimates suggesting that around 15,000 crop-dusting planes flew in the U.S. by the late 1940s.

During the 1950s and 1960s, the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides skyrocketed, leading to a higher demand for aerial applications. Farmers increasingly relied on these techniques to tackle pests and manage crops effectively.

The late 20th century saw the integration of advanced navigational technologies such as Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), aerial applicators are now capable of delivering products with exceptional accuracy and precision. This technology significantly reduces the risk of product drift to adjacent areas. Due to their ability to cover more acres quickly, agricultural aircraft are predominantly utilised in large, open fields. Conversely, agricultural helicopters are employed in more sensitive environments, including areas near residential zones or protected wildlife habitats.

Drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) gained popularity, offering cost-effective alternatives for monitoring crops and applying pesticides. These innovations led to reduced operational costs. For example, farmers who adopted UAVs for crop monitoring reported up to a 30% increase in efficiency, enhancing the overall profitability of their operations.

In addition to dispensing insecticides and fungicides, agricultural aircraft are employed for seeding fields, fertilising crops through aerial topdressing, and even providing irrigation to drought-affected areas. In regions susceptible to wildfires, such as California, these aircraft are utilised for aerial firefighting or water bombing. Furthermore, the aerial application industry plays a role in public health initiatives aimed at controlling mosquitoes and other insects that pose health risks.

A career as an agricultural pilot is both thrilling and challenging. In South Africa, professional aerial applicators are required to possess commercial pilot licenses and be certified for aerial application of pesticides by the SACAA, which authorises low-level aviation operations. Additionally, the pilot must be registered as a pest control operator under Act No. 36 of 1947. However, being a professional aerial applicator pilot demands more than exceptional flying abilities; it necessitates comprehensive training in the safe handling of chemicals and a thorough understanding of plant agriculture and crop protection products. Consequently, many agricultural pilots begin their careers by working as product mixers or loaders before advancing to flight operations.

Agricultural aviation has transformed dramatically since its origins. From its early days as a simple pest control method to a sophisticated sector relying on cutting-edge technology, it remains crucial to contemporary agriculture.

The industry is set to evolve further, driven by technical advancements and a strong focus on sustainability. Both farmers and agricultural professionals have a promising future to look forward to, exploring exciting new techniques that will enhance crop management. The path of agricultural aviation highlights human innovation while emphasising the importance of adapting to our world's changing agricultural needs.

Because of the potentially hazardous nature of low-level flying, agricultural aircraft must be highly durable, safe and dependable. Air Tractor, a leading manufacturer of purpose-built aircraft for agricultural, firefighting, and other utility applications, is on the cutting edge of improving pilot safety and aircraft integrity in the agricultural aviation industry. Their aircraft can be found working over farm fields and forests across South Africa and around the globe.