Fletcher FU24 airplane flying very low with a ton of fertilizer onboard

This is a Fletcher FU24 agricultural aircraft that was flying from the Tokoroa airfield recently (2010). These planes are incredibly tough and can carry huge payloads. While he was working, the wind picked up a little, until his takeoffs were using the entire runway and his first turn was done at a very low height.

It's no wonder pilots get killed every year doing this kind of work.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• airplane
• plane
• aeroplane
• Fletcher
• FU24
• topdressing
• aerial
• spraying

[mefirstyousecond]

he's constantly flying on the edge of a stall

[NZinauz]

That is one of the better strips around.Misterwillie060 obviously isn't from NZ.With these strips a taildragger is hard work especially in a tailwind!

[johnmc58]

That is Derek Williams flying JAA. He has over 30000 hours. He is starting to get the hang of it.....

[MyApple97]

cool



[kiwidub]

Fairly normal for this pilot i'm sure.I remember loading the 400 till it overflowed with a good wind on the nose and a downhill strip and run to the start of the spread.

Nice video.

[K1W1fly]

Of course its low - there is no point climbing when you have to drop the load at low level. He is also following a valley which is quite a bit lower than the airfield. No dramas, but looks impressive.

[Robbiemack1960]

what a great sound cant beat the ole 400 great flying too

[MisterWillie060]

Why is he flying a tricycle gear airplane when Conventional Gear is obviously superior?

[June062007]

Kiwi Super pilots are probably the best in the world! Being half Kiwi half Aussie I don't mind being a bit biased. These guys earn their money......the one in this video is obviously very exerienced.The growl of the 400 is only outdone by the roar of the 600hp P&W (Ceres, Thrush & Air Tractor)

[weheka]

If thats the pilot I think it is, then he's probably done around 30000 hrs doing that sort of very demanding flying day in day out when the weather is suitable.