Air Tractor News
Real-Life Dusty Crophopper Has New Home At Smithsonian
Air Tractor® “Dusty Crophopper” takes its place beside aviation legends. On Aug. 3, the National Agricultural Aviation Association presented to the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum the full-sized, fully flight-capable replica of Dusty...
Founder of BC aerial firefighting company Conair dies
Barry Marsden, one of the founding members and CEO of Conair Group Inc., passed away July 29th. He was an accomplished aviator, fire fighter, innovator and leader.
Propelling the Progress of Ag Aviation
Air Tractor Celebrates the 100th Anniversary of Ag Aviation at EAA AirVenture 2021 Oshkosh, WI — Air Tractor joins the National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, from July 26 - Aug. 1 to mark the 100th anniversary of ag aviation at this...
Air Tractor, Inc. Taps Mathew Ickert As New Director of Production
Company says farewell to Rick Turner OLNEY, Texas — Air Tractor, Inc. President Jim Hirsch announced today the appointment of Mathew Ickert as Director of Production at the company, effective July 2, 2021. This follows the retirement of Vice President of Operations...
Fourth New Air Tractor 802F Fire Boss Arrives in Sweden
Saab’s fourth aerial firefighting aircraft has touched down at Skavsta Airport, its home base, near Nyköping in Sweden. The AT-802F is an aerial firefighter capable of delivering up to 50,000 liters of water per hour.
100th AT-502XP Flies With Saskatchewan Colors
A distinct yellow and green - not blue - Air Tractor is ready to soar above the fields of Saskatchewan, Canada. The airplane, proudly sporting the colors of the province’s flag, is also the 100th AT-502XP built by Air Tractor. Recently delivered to Accumark Airspray...
Air Tractor featured on Straight and Level
Recently, Air Tractor was featured on Straight and Level, a show about airplanes on the AWE cable network. In Straight and Level: Episode 4, "Hand Built and Family Owned," the show explores Air Tractor and takes a special look at the role Air Tractor plays in...
Milestone 4,000th Air Tractor Is A Bird Of A Different Color
Air Tractor President Jim Hirsch has been checking the numbers and anticipating this day’s arrival. The serial number of the 502XP sold to Mike Rivenbark of Morehead City, North Carolina differs only one digit from the previous Air Tractor. Yet another airplane in a...
What does it take to be an aerial firefighting pilot?
Aerial firefighters are elite multitaskers who understand the terrain and the effects of weather in close proximity to the fires, learn to execute low-level flying techniques, and have a firm grasp of fire control strategies and tactics.
Air Tractor VP Finance retires after 31 years
David Ickert's legacy is Air Tractor's world-class financial team. After 31 years of service, Air Tractor Vice President of Finance David Ickert has retired. Ickert's contributions to the agricultural aircraft manufacturer's success range from creating a world-class...
