Like returning robins, the turning back to daylight savings time, and consecutive non frost mornings, a sure sign of Spring is the sight of an aero sprayer. Currently tied to the tarmac at the Waterloo Regional Airport is this five bladed crop sprayer, ready to go for the season.
By tracing the identification number on the side of the aircraft this is an Air Tractor AT-602 model which entered service on March 16, 2004. The agricultural flyer zooms up to 198 mph, has 600 mile range and carries 630 gallons of spray (located just ahead of the pilot,) all courtesy of the 1,050 hp turboprop engine. When working a field these sprayers are fun to watch, which may be within the month or so.
Crop dusting, also known as aerial spraying, is used for insect and weed control and is big business in 42N country. To tackle the job you need a versatile machine and pilot. Tied down at the Vinton Veterans Memorial Airpark (42.2186389N, 92.0259167W) three miles north of Vinton, Iowa is this Air Tractor (AT) 300 series agricultural aircraft. From the looks of the fuselage, the aircraft has been in service for several years.
While this model may have been manufactured in the 1980s several electronic advances have emerged to assist the farmer who contracts for aerial spraying. One of these advances is a GPS-based process called precision aerial application which can direct spray to those areas of the field that actually need the treatment. This technique results in less chemical use, reduced cost of operation and improves yield results -- sounds just like one of many ag radio commercials heard in 42N country during football season. Know that.
