The use of crop dusters, or as they are commonly referred to today “aerial applicators,” has been a pivotal part of successful agricultural operations since the 1940’s. One of the first aircraft used for this application was the Tiger Moth with the front cockpit removed to make room for the hopper. The Tiger Moths were slowly phased out and replaced by newer and generally safer aircraft such as the PL12 Air Truck and the Cessna 188 Ag Wagon, Ag Truck and Ag Husky. The Piper PA25 Pawnee and the DHC-2 Beaver were also gaining in popularity for the aerial application market. Over the next few decades numerous advances were achieved in the aerial application arena. Turbine Engines such as the Pratt and Whitney PTCA-15 began to become available. Shortly thereafter the first Turboprop engine with ~750 horsepower was introduced by Pratt and Whitney. With the increase in horsepower planes were able to handle larger payloads and operate more safely.

There have also been several helicopter makes and models put into service for aerial applications such as the Bell 47 and 206, Hiller 12E, Hughes 269, and the Robinson R-22 to name a few. These aircraft not only have the ability to apply pesticides but have also been used for firebombing wildfires.

Be it an act of nature or the result of negligent or criminal acts, a raging fire is one of the most dangerous challenges facing civilian aviators. The firebombing technique is one of the best tools in today’s arsenal for confronting these dangerous fires. These operations require highly trained pilots and crews using specially designed and adapted aircraft and equipment to deliver their payload onto the desired target areas.

The Insurance Industry has been striving to meet the continually changing and challenging demands of the aerial applicator marketplace. At Leading Edge, our goal is to understand your situation and stand behind you every step of the way. We are there to help ensure that your operations are covered with individually tailored and cost effective insurance policies. We remain available to re-evaluate and adapt your policy as your needs change. We realize that every penny counts. It is our goal not just to become your insurance agency, but to functionally be a business partner who looks out for your interests. Our mission is to establish a long and mutually beneficial relationship between your operation and ours. Please contact us with any questions or concerns you may have and we will be glad to help.