Air Tractor AT-502 Spraying at Mead, Nebraska 25 July 2009

While at the Mead RC flying field an Air Tractor AT-502 (I previously miss-identified it as an Ayers Thrush.... Thanks for correcting me CaptRH) flew over and immediately started dusting corn fields 1/4 mile east of us. We stayed out of the air with our aircraft while this was going on.
The Air Tractor was impressive to watch as the strong turbine pulled it easily through the steep turns low over our heads. We were standing up wind of the spraying, so not in danger of the fungicide reaching us. Luckily I had my Canon SX10 to record the manuvering as the AT-502 made passes over the corn.
The aircraft belongs to Mid States which owns a fleet of Thrushes based at Wahoo, Nebraska airport. These pilots are very skilled professionals.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Air
• Tractor
• AT-502
• Mid
• States
• Mead
• Wahoo
• Omaha
• Aircraft
• crop
• dusting
• Nebraska
• RC

[J3Flyah]

Oops, shows you how much I don't know about crop dusters. I thought I had it tagged right. Thanks for correcting me. You have some great videos of the AT-502 posted. Thanks!

[chadsmith85]

Funny im not entirely that far from u zzot2 and the 2 502's we use do jus fine no matter the size of the field. Maybe its jus a piloting difference...

[zzot2]

@chadsmith85 Don't know what I'm doing....I have been fly ag for 20 years and know that AT 502's have to fly high because they are flying 150 mph and do a crappy job on small fields such as this....I also live 8 miles from Mead, NE so I know exactly where this guys is spraying. You need to study up a little bit before shooting your mouth off.

[REDBARON421]

You all need to get Turbian Ag Cats they make better turns, and you turns is where you make your money.

Also come to Riggin Flight Service in Aberdeen SD, We do mechanic work, are here on weekends, sell fuel, have a two large hangers on a 100 by 100, we also give flying lessons including aguculatral, we grill out at the airport and have people come especcically students. we work all day and work till the sun risses and sets, so people can get there flying in and get it done right! LOOK INTO THIS

[tarzanwillie]

Does it really matter what ag plane it is? I will say, however, that we went back to the Thrush after using an Air Tractor turbine. The AT was a perfectly good airplane; however, compared to the Thrush, it felt "flighty." When you drop the nose on the Thrush it seems to find ground effect and settle in. A fun and productive plane to fly. A turbine Ag Cat is also very good. Regards

[chadsmith85]

Obviously zz0t2 dont know much bout bein an ag pilot. Looks like he is doin a great job to me. The corn is tall and he is flyin at a good height above the crop. Next time u wanna judge a professional at his job how bout studyin up a lil first!!!

[zzot2]

I can't believe he is letting product go at telephone pole height. Good way to get in trouble and doing a crappy job for the farmer.

[CaptRH]

Where do you get your info from?This is an Air Tractor AT-502