Aussies certify night heli ops
In what was a first for Australian ag aviation and the cotton industry, December 17, 2001 Gwydir Air introduce night aerial spraying for its helicopter operation in time for the 2001\2002 cotton season. The flight test was conducted by helicopter pilot David Goodrich. CASA Flight Operations Inspector Bill Watson completed the approval and was impressed with the purpose and potential for helicopters working at night on cotton.
Gwydir Air of Moree, New South Wales Australia will utilize its re-engineered Bell 206B3 Jet Ranger that has been modified to meet night operational requirements. The spray system comprises of a new triple (3) 450-watt night work light system belly mounted on a detachable bar below the forward cockpit area.
Gwydir Air installed a six-unit Micronair AU5000 rotary atomizer system installed on to the Isolair 500 liter belly tank. Micronairs are utilized extensively for heliothis control in cotton and ideal for both ULV and EC applications. Importantly, the slower flying speed of the Jet Ranger (typically 55 KIAS) means the atomizers produce medium to large droplets compared to the company's Turbo Thrush. The Micronairs can be deployed by the helicopter for sensitive areas without the danger of drift. Efficacy is enhanced through a more consistent droplet spectrum and more compact droplet range. The Micronairs are managed by a Micronair Application Monitor. Satloc Data logging for the application is also provided. Along with flat fan and CP Nozzles, plus the introduction of an Electrostatic Spray System, means the Gwydir Air helicopter service will offer cotton growers a greater choice in crop application and management options.
Gwydir Air's helicopter pilot David Goodrich will introduce this new service capability, utilizing his experience gained spraying orchards in California by night in heavy ex-military UH-1 turbine helicopters.
Up to now, the Jet Ranger was confined to daylight operations. Night rotary ag operations had never been established in Australia. Under the Australian regulations, there was no provision for night ag in helicopters through lack of suitably qualified personnel. However, CASA senior management and flying operations people where excellent in assisting Gwydir Air to achieve the approval.
Graham Barrett of SprayCheck Pty Ltd. evaluated the Jet Ranger's performance during actual night operations to quantify plant coverage, deposition, droplet size generation and efficacy issues as well as general aircraft calibration and equipment set up. The test revealed an excellent pattern with extremely low CV.
The use of the Jet Ranger for night ag spray operations has opened up the work opportunity and extended the application window considerably in Australia. It also enables applications to be completed under more select meteorological conditions. A bonus is that non-ag operations can be completed in daylight hours without competing for access to the aircraft. The quick release externally mounted belly tank facilitates this multi-role set-up.
Reaction for cotton growers has been excellent where they perceive the public acceptance, rotor wash, greater chemical efficacy and new deployment flexibility as an important aspect in managing pests in crops grown in sensitive areas as well as unrestricted cotton production areas.