Capt Wally,
Re maneuverability issues:
1) A fully loaded AG plane has minimal excess power / thrust available - first runs can require the aircraft to be nursed into the air with very gentle turns until some product is sprayed / spread.
2) An 802 IS a turbine and also has "engine response lag"
3) Basic physics / aerodynamics - a 400 ton aircraft generates 80 times the lift of a 5 ton aircraft and 400 times the lift of a 1 ton aircraft. If the controls can generate the same pitch / roll rates (and you don't stall because of a higher wing loading) it will be just as responsive as a lighter aircraft at the same speed.
Pig Dog
- well explained.
W
PS In the old days I remember hearing and seeing numerous regional airliners "joining downwind" on a 4nm final. It is safer now days because at least you know where they are.
PPS I don't fly AG - mind you I'd love to if didn't involve chemicals.