Nothing new in life. I have been used to "dry" the pitch for a couple of clubs in Melbourne, as have other operators here. First I can recall would be Windy Hill (Essendon Footy Club) about the late '80's. MCG drying was for footy, not cricket, IIRC !!
Frost protection is another regular operation, the stone fruit orchards north of Canberra, the vineyards in Victoria, and some tobacco growers, all use helicopters for frost protection. We first put it into practice about 1990, biggest problem hovering around at 50 feet all night is staying awake. Built in CD player is almost essential
We always thoroughly recce the place in daylight, put lights on wires/obstructions, heavy duty spots all round on the helicopter, and carry a few workers to increase the max AUW, thus increasing downwash. Principal is to keep the air circulating, thus preventing frost forming on the crop. Alternative, which some producers use, are huge great fans permanently set up in the orchards, but the cost of helicopters on standby and operating works out less than the lease payments of the fans
