Crop Spraying

Whilst more commonly associated with fixed-wing aircraft (aeroplanes), crop-spraying is activity that can be done by helicopters with equal, if not better results, for a similar cost. Reasons to use a helicopter for crop-spraying include:

1. Efficiency - with its ability to land almost anywhere the helicopter can land right next to the field or area that requires spraying whenever it needs to uplift more chemicals and or fuel. A fixed-wing aircraft would need to re-position to the nearest suitable runway and then return. This ability of the helicopter allows it to make up for its slightly higher running costs such that cost per hectare is competitive with fixed-wing aircraft.

2. Coverage - the additional down-wash (air movement) generated by a helicopter can be used to get more of the chemical being sprayed onto the crop, particularly on to the underside of leaves, where many pests reside.

3. Maneuverability - helicopters have quicker turnaround times after each run across a field (increasing efficiency) but also have the ability to get into the smaller, tighter areas that are inaccessible to fixed-wing aircraft. Helicopters are also much better suited to crop-spraying over undulating or uneven terrain (for example: many sugar cane fields).

For further information on how Fly Me can help you manage your crop-spraying please contact: request@flyme.co.za