"Geek mode on"
It is worth mentioning that the advancements in agrochemical technology in the past 20 years has also meant that aerial applications of the vast majority of chemicals would be inefficient.
There are many rules affecting the use of agrochem's these days that were not even thought of back in the eighties. LERAPS to name one governs the use of such products in certain proximities to watercourses etc. The accuracy of aerial applications mean that this method of application would just not suffice these days.
Many of todays chemicals require very specific droplet size to hit the leaf and I am doubtful that the distance from the wing mounted boom to the top and bottom of the leaf can be achieved by an Auster overhead at 10 feet!
In recent years, public footpaths have now become the "vein of the Berghaus brigade". The backlash from a Piper Pawnee passing overhead with 200 litres per hectare of well mixed strobilurin, triazole and plant growth regulator doesn't bear thinking about (even though in that level of dilution it is harmless).
Being a BASIS (agronomic qualification) trained farmer with an unhealthy interest in aviation I have often considered (and researched) the potential here. My conclusion has always been that it just 'aint gonna' happen in this country. Added to this, it is unlikely that a succesful new business in any other country would enjoy much longevity with restrictions increasing worldwide at the current rate.
"Geek mode off"
