3/31/13: Just completed our first Ag-Cat turbine conversion 2 weeks ago with a PT6-28, 400 gallon hopper, 120 gal fuel, full glass cockpit (mvp). It’s an awesome airplane, can’t wait to convert 2 more.
Downstown Aero Crop Service,Inc
The conversion cost was about $320,000 with a real good -28. This plane was one of our existing Cats. We are not really looking for any pilots right now, but our requirements are: 1500 TT, 500 Tail-wheel, 200 low level (banners,ag,etc.). As for the Turbines we require either a Sim training course or real time experience.
Mike Terrell over NJ Pine Barrens
Andy Montague–Central Florida Aero Ag
We don’t use Tanker Numbers here in NJ, as Ag Cats can’t be “carded” by the Feds. See the attached PDF as to aircraft call signs and schedule for this springs fire season. We started here in NJ firefighting with the Cats in 1967 and have been the states contractor since then. This year we have on contract 2 Air Tractor 602s, the Turbine Cat, and 2 Radial Cats.The first Cats we used were G-164s with P&W R-985s (450 hp). All our Radial Cats (4) now are P&W R-1340s (600hp), standard Grumman gate with modified venting, same as the Turbine Cat. The AT-602s have the Transland hydraulic computer-controlled gate. They both have PT6A -60s.All aircraft have a full complement of avionics (AM, FM, Transponders & Garmin GPS).
Curt Nixholm (AAF)
Downstown Aero
Vineland, NJ
Pictures by Mike Terrell
I had the distinct pleasure and high honor of flying with Curt and his Dad in 2000 (radial AgCats on contract and checkout in the Dromader).
The “boys” at Vineland were (are) the epitome of a great bunch of guys with traditional outstanding stick-and-rudder hands from the early days of aerial firefighting blended with a steady transition to state-of-the-art equipment and training that are the appropriate Initial Attack tools for their situation.
Thanks for the memories, Curt!