Aerial application is used for agriculture, firefighting, pest, animal and weed control and is an essential element of Australia’s agricultural, emergency management and sustainable future.
Aerial Agriculture
Aerial application for agriculture can be an extremely cost effective, safe and biosecurity-aware way of managing disease, weeds and pests, sowing crops and adding value to the yield of a crop. Aerial application means:
Timeliness – faster application saves time and labour
Opportunity – large applications in small windows of ideal operating conditions
Avoids mechanical crop damage
Avoids soil compaction
Avoids disease, weeds, seed transfer between crops
Targeted application in difficult terrain
The science of aerial application is far more intense than just spraying. Decades of research into aircraft turbulence, droplet size, weather, and surfactants means that the modern application can provide accurate, even and penetrating cover in even the densest crops. Aerial application allows:
Uniformity of spray
GPS accuracy, mapped from the plane and managed by the operator
Deep penetration into the crop by the ground effect of the aircraft
Human oversight of the entire field from above while undertaking the application
Aerial Firefighting
Aerial firefighting is a key component of modern bush and grass firefighting. Aerial firefighting provides an opportunity to deliver large volumes of water, foam, gel or retardant quickly and accurately in places that are difficult or impossible for ground crews to reach. In urban areas, aerial firefighting plays a key role in bushfire suppression with aircraft able to quickly get between homes and the fire.
Many of the aircraft used in aerial application are perfect for aerial firefighting, fixed wing and rotary.
Single engine airtankers, or SEATs, can deliver up to 3000 litres of water onto a fire and are used extensively by AAAA members working with the State and Territory firefighting agencies. SEATs carry more water than most rural fire brigade vehicles, and can travel at around 160km/hr to the fireground. SEATs can also be fitted with specialised floats that allow them to scoop up to 3000 litres of water in around 15 seconds and return to the fireground quickly.
Helicopters can deliver water from either slung buckets or dedicated tanks under the helicopter. Helicopters can manoeuvre for highly effective line or single point drops. Carrying over 1000 litres, helicopters are an essential part of the firefighting capability.
Pilots skilled in aerial application often move between agriculture and firefighting over the course of a year. This makes these pilots highly skilled, very well practiced and highly sought after.
Industry Impact
Membership of the AAAA consists primarily of operators of agricultural aircraft. There are currently approximately 130 active operators in Australia of which over 75% are financial members of the Association. AAAA members control over 90% of application aircraft in use.
Capital investment within the industry exceeds $200 million. Agricultural aviation directly employs 2,000 personnel comprising pilots, field staff, maintenance staff and administrators. Part time seasonal positions – principally loader mixers and support staff, number 2,000.
The industry utilises over 300 special purpose aircraft, as well as a wide range of supporting vehicles and equipment, along with established aircraft maintenance facilities throughout the agricultural areas of Australia.
Beyond our direct economic impact through providing aerial agriculture and firefighting services, our industry is a vital contributor to the economic vitality of rural and regional communities nationwide. Aerial application businesses provide employment opportunities for a diverse range of professionals, including pilots, field staff, maintenance technicians, operational and administrative personnel. We actively engage local businesses and suppliers, fostering economic growth and sustainability throughout the country.