The Best Ag Plane? Thrush vs. Air Tractor

[@finneganfly]

I’m what I guess you would call an old-timer (45 years). Started in Super Cub, then Pawnee, then AgTruck, AgCat, AT401, S2R, 502, 802. Not as many hours as some but 15,000+. I had a couple of thousand hours in the 401 (my first flight in a 401 was a hot day and a full can, so it didn’t really fly until about the 3rd turn) and then went to work for a guy who, at the last minute, told me I’d be flying his S2R rather than his 401. I was a little apprehensive - I’d been told the Thrush was a big strong man’s airplane and I wasn’t particularly big or strong. Turned out that I really liked the old Thrush (more than the 401). It was nearly as fast and had a better lift wing I thought (except for that annoying aileron stall). Fast forward to flying a 502 with -34. This particular job was at higher elevation (around 3000+ ft) and, on a hot day at close to 5000 ft density altitude the 502 dragged its butt around more like a 401 with a full can. When I started into the 802 with the -67, it was a whole new world. Same elevation as the 502 but man, did that airplane pull a load! Best Ag plane I’d ever flown and a good way to end the last 7 years of a long career. Nothing like ferrying back to the ramp at 200 mph. (Up to that point, my favorite had been the 450 super B Cat - much nicer to fly than a 600 A or B, I thought). I never did fly any of the turbine Thrushes but I know some operators that love them. I’ve never flown behind a Garret either, so can’t pass judgement. Nothing to learn from my comment, obviously, but just passing along my experience I guess.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

That's awesome! Love to hear it. And it's always nice to read other people's experiences.

[@Jenufir]

My daddy flew them all. But he loved Thrush. He bought a new one in the early 90s when he owned the business. By the time he retired in 09, he was flying an AT for someone else. Of course I'll always be partial to the Ag cat, but only because that's the one I always flew in with him back in the 80s. I wish he was still here to see this Sky Warden thing happening. I wonder if he would find it as awesome as I do! Thanks for all of the footage. My dad was spraying before I was even born. And even now at 50, it never gets old watching it. Thankful for YT videos from people like you. And for those of you trying hard to make the general public understand how important the job is, and why you guys do what you do. Most people don't compute the actual job with our food. They prefer to believe conspiracies, and think you're all crazy. The crazy part we could talk about, but the rest of it is hogwash.😅

[@AgAviationAdventures]

That's awesome! Thanks for the comment and for watching!

[@roadking52]

I flew a late 60s radial Thrush for 5 seasons. I never noticed how heavy the controls were, except the roll was kinda slow. Always thought of it as a lead sled. But, after spending a couple of seasons in a B Pawnee, I was grinning all the way to the bank. Actually flew the prototype turbine Thrush when the test pilot dropped by. We were only 35 miles from the factory. I crashed the Thrush after an engine failure (think on your head with your helmet buried in the dirt), and we actually took it back to the factory service center for repairs and the installed a wing off the prototype turbine which had been run into a canal in S. Florida. Those were the days of $75,000 Thrushes.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Holy smokes that sounds like quite the wreck! I sure wish those days were still around with aircraft pricing.

[@stuartfeen9236]

Anyone flying very low close to terra firma, maybe under some wires, and fast, deserves great respect and admiration.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Oh thanks!!

[@jamesdehart5039]

I have flown all the AirTractor models,, and everyone of thrush except the 710 ! I love the Garrett engines! When people ask me which one I prefer, I say this, if you wanna be productive you buy the AirTractor!! if you wanna survive a crash and be safer at slower speeds by the thrush if you’re going to fly over the Atlantic ocean you by the Pratt & Whitney if you’re going to spray fields and close to home buy the Garrett, I know that don’t answer too many questions, but that’s just how I feel about it !!! my dream airplane a 602 with a TPE 331 -12! Great video guys. I got to get one those hats and T-shirts.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Those are great points! We'd love to get you some swag. :)

[@jamesdehart5039]

@@AgAviationAdventures how do I get in touch with you on where to order?? Also how can I contact you guys directly we might do some work together one day!👍

[@AgAviationAdventures]

@@jamesdehart5039 Thanks for your support! You can order here: agaviationadventures.com/shop and you can reach us at [e-mail] Hear from you soon!

[@Agwings1960]

You realize that both aircraft were designed by the same man Leland Snow. Leland designed the thrush first, then sold it to Rockwell and immediately went to work designing the Air Tractor. I worked for Mr Snow in the 80's and he always said that the air Tractor was a thrush with the bugs worked out.

[@willjohnson3907]

Yup

[@jonsmith584]

I wouldn't exactly say that a airtractor worked out the bugs.

[@Agwings1960]

@@jonsmith584 I’m just telling everybody what Leland Snow always said

[@danrenner]

Tyson absolutely knows about the lineage, just check out their previous video getting to fly the Snow: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZofHhHV_pcmSh5Isi=YaFWsnbVYj-GxzlN

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Yes I realize that.

[@elner934]

My old man retired as an Ag Pilot of some 30 years. He flew every model of Thrush and Airtractor - said both were great airplanes. He said the airtractor was easier (up to the 502) to fly all day, but the Thrush was more stable on the crop. The AT802 was a bit of a different beast...

[@AgAviationAdventures]

I agree. I haven’t flown all of them but the ones I have flown all have great attributes although different.

[@rossrossier935]

Not a pilot, but a fan of Ag aviation,thanx!!!

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Glad to have you hear!

[@roryhennessey1983]

Cally and you make such a great team! Im so glad i recently found this channel

[@AgAviationAdventures]

I'm glad too! And Cally really does an amazing job to keep me in the air.

[@jken4727]

Air tractor guy myself, flew the 710p alittle bit and just like you say about these, heavy on the controls, definitely feel the drag of the airplane and I just am biased as well I guess haha. I will say my 602 feels like it gets off the short grass strips better than the 710 but the 710 definitely handles gusty crosswinds better.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

I've not flown a 602 but I've heard great things about it with a -65 on it.

[@michaelw2801]

602 is a hot rod and the 710 is a heavy bird. maybe a new 510 with 140 may compare to a 602 but won't beat the 602

[@DialedIn57]

Great explanation of the two aircraft. It’s kind of like some people like Ford’s, Chevy’s or Rams. You two are amazing and love your videos. I wish you both the very best in your new business venture. You both will be successful because you love what you do, you both are passionate about it. You’re honest and hard working. God bless. If I lived near you, I would work for you two for free. Keep the videos coming.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Those are very kind words and we really appreciate that! Thanks for joining us on this journey.

[@lugnutzz75]

I work in ag retail and deliver a lot to flying services. One pilot who flies for a co-op gets a new 802 every other year. His second plane is 502. Here in MS delta I bet we have more tractors than thrushes. We still have ag cat biplanes and Cessna ag wagons flying also.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

I would agree, you probably do have more Air Tractors down there.

[@tgh223]

4 to 1

[@IowaFlyingFarmer]

Great videos! I appreciate how you two are trying to educate others on ag aviation. My wife and I have been trying to do the same. I think that the more that we can do to help educate the public about our profession is better for all of us in the long run! I have had so many people come up to me after watching our videos and say that they had no idea why we do what we do regarding certain topics. Keep up the great videos and I hope that we can meet you two some day in the future. Congratulations on the new business as well! It definitely makes you think differently as on owner versus working for someone else.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

We appreciate you watching! And yes, the more content out there the better.

[@richardlincoln8438]

That was very informative Tyson. Thanks for sharing. Best Wishes.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BWTIII]

Good to see you again! Looks and sounds like all is well. Enjoy your program.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

We've been busy with the operation and have not had a lot of time to post. Hopefully we can get some more content together this fall.

[@joegunia2509]

Keep a eye on those bearings i seen put out a engine fire or 2 in those and it always happens 30 to 50 miles away.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Yeah definitely something to continue watching.

[@XxGhostR3c0nsxX]

Thrush is made about 45 mins. away from me here in South Georgia. (Albany) Great Video

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Nice!! Thanks for watching!

[@fathertorque4504]

great video!! If I'm not mistaken both planes were designed by the same person. Nowadays picking between a 510p and a 502b is probably like picking between a ram and an f150

[@flyingfalcon8999]

They were not.

[@fathertorque4504]

Both were designed by leland snow@@flyingfalcon8999

[@FritzWeinrebe]

His name was Leland Snow and yes he designed both the Air Tractor and the Thrush. Back then Leland was at Ayers and when he left Ayers he sat down for almost 2 years in his own office designing the first Air Tractor AT300. Maybe the one Tyson is flying was derived from the Thrush that Leland designed not sure but the designer is the same person.

[@danrenner]

Check out Tyson getting to fly the Snow S-2 in their previous video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZofHhHV_pcmSh5Isi=YaFWsnbVYj-GxzlN

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Like Fritz has said, they were both designed by Leland. And it's kind of like Ford vs Chevy...

[@braamkruger9088]

Man I love watching you channel. Best of luck with your new venture.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Thanks! We appreciate you being here.

[@davidmorris436]

Good luck you both are amazing people !!!

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Thanks we appreciate you watching!

[@deanwest7623]

When we were in the ag business we had thrushes and are computation flew air tractors and thrushes. We would fly circles around the airtractors

[@AgAviationAdventures]

I can understand that.

[@pcohen85]

Hey Tyson, great assessment of differences between the 502 and S2R. Have you had the opportunity to work an 802?

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Thanks Patrick! I only have about 100 hours in an 802 and it was on fertilizer back in 2018.

[@pcohen85]

@@AgAviationAdventures did you feel like the 802 was a good mix between the Thrush and the smaller AT’s? I’ve always thought the 802 kept the good flight characteristics from both planes and eliminated a lot of the bad ones. My personal opinion is they are the best flying at plane on the market and I’ve flown almost all of them.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

It's hard to say because the only time I have in it is fertilizing Timber but I did enjoy it for that. We'd love to have one someday ;)

[@pcohen85]

Next time you fly one remember I said that. If you get in one after being in that Thrush for a while the 802 will feel like a Thrush on a high dose of T haha

[@colins2]

Very interesting for a non-ag pilot👍

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Awesome, glad you enjoyed it.

[@sixwillwin]

802 only way to go. You ran the 502 “full forward all the time”? Full forward you should overtorque or temp. 1500# is our normal 502 power setting -34

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Boy an 802 would be pretty great. Sorry I didn't mean "full" forward. Just max power setting, usually 1600-1675.

[@randycrump5464]

Air Tractor manufacturing is at a small town of Olney, Texas.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

It sure is! We have visited! Have you seen the video?

[@oneninerniner3427]

interesting! I like the technical stuff. My Pop only had piston engines in his sprayers, but that was decades ago now. His last one was a PA-36 Brave with the problematic Continental Tiara. I sold it to a guy from I think Texas after Dad passed. All I remember was the guy called his operation Endless Turn. The closest I ever got to flying a sprayer was wig wagging them back & forth between the gas pumps and the loading area hanger. lol

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Haha well it sounds like you have some great memories.

[@wth82]

My son flys an 802. Why can’t you add a taller tail wheel to pitch the nose down a little bit while on the ground

[@AgAviationAdventures]

It’s not really that simple. There’s not an STC for a taller TW and I don’t think anyone is making them.

[@jonbroadsword7572]

The USAF and SOCOM are currently purchasing a military version of the Air Tractor (AT-802U Sky Warden) for use in Surveillance, Gound Attack, and Close Air Support -- When you see the way Tyson and other AG pilots fly, you can see why.

[@lugnutzz75]

I have friend that bought one from the military used to spray poppy fields. It was fully armored plated on the bottom of the machine.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

The Sky Warden is quite the machine.

[@its4michael]

AT typically has a bigger swath and a faster application speed. In my experience, the fuel burn per acre is identical. I prefer AT. As you said "we all have an opinion". AT has some great advantages but the airframe and P&W turbine are quite a bit more expensive. The Thrush is a great economical sprayer.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

For sure!!

[@StrandManna]

TPE331 vs PT6 is a whole different conversation that I’d be keen to hear your thoughts on.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

You're right, that could definitely be an entire video.

[@Low_flying_kiwi]

I jumped out of a 2017 502b -34 and into a 1989 510 with a -42. My first few weeks in the 510, I hated it, heavy on the controls, slow to respond and it just felt sluggish and heavy. The cockpit ergonomics in the thrush aren’t anywhere near as good as the air tractor, inside the thrush is loud ( engine and wind noise) and uncomfortable, the stick position sucks and everything seems like it’s in the most illogical place they could put it. I could spend 14hrs in the 502 and yea, I’d be tired, but not worn out. The thrush would grind you down on a long day. But.. the 502 was 750hp, the 510 is 850.. the 502 hauled a full load most of the time, you could drag it out of any short strip, but you’d spend a fair bit of time getting back in front of the drag curve. And it felt like death on a stick while you were doing it. It always felt like it wanted to try kill you.. you had to be way in front of the aircraft. The 510, well it won’t fly until it’s ready, it will still haul a full load off a short strip, and it does it better than the 502, once it’s off the ground it accelerates away and it goes like a rocket. It’s quicker over the crop, quicker in the cruise. If you are prepared to muscle it around it will turn inside the 502 all day every day, and by a huge margin. My thoughts are if you could put a 502 fuselage on a 510 wing you’d have a pretty awesome machine.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

I'd love to fly a Thrush with a bigger motor. I think you hit the nail on the head though and I would completely agree.

[@michaelw2801]

4 bladed with -34 510p is very great machine does the same as that 42 you talked about or atleast mine does.. Mic Mic is a money maker ( if you know her you know her)

[@kevinfrerichs8589]

A freind of mine said with the Garrett convertion and the nose down attitude the fuel gauge was off, it would run out of fuel before it was on empty. He found this out the hard way had to land in a corn field.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Oh no! These fuel gauges are accurate but in general I run off time and not what the gauge is telling me.

[@roadking52]

Never believe a fuel gauge in an ag plane. Seen several run out of gas from doing just that.

[@flightday880]

Hi. Thanks for your open supply of information. I’m 63. Im in excellent health. Been flying for 35 years. Flown commercial towing gliders, amphibious floats, two seasons of ag in a 188. 2000 hrs (1900 on tailwheel) I retired from electrical contracting in 2019. I can’t stop thinking about flying. Thinking of getting back into ag and possibly into fire fighting. (Fire boss stuff). The question is, do you think I’m crazy? ( my family thinks I need therapy 😁)

[@AgAviationAdventures]

The thing about Ag flying is that it's long hard days for busy seasons. If I were your age I'd just get a fun taildragger and enjoy flying for fun, not for work. Ag flying is high-stress, no room for error, lack of sleep, and honestly not that fun when you're in the thick of it. Plus it will be a few years before you're actually making good money and an efficient applicator. It may also be tough to find someone to break you in. It's a big risk/time and money commitment on the operator's part and they usually want to invest in someone that will be around for many many years. Not saying it's not possible, it's just not what I would do at 63. Hope this helps!

[@flightday880]

That’s information I can use. Thank you. I hope you have a fabulous off season. Cheers.

[@flyingfalcon8999]

Please keep in mind your Thrush is different from the ones we currently build. Yes, I build these. No, I do not speak for the company. Please get those servo tabs. They are very worth it.

[@jordanwilliams2357]

Aileron servos are a must and one of the cheapest mods to an early model thrush. Also pulling the interconnects makes a huge difference.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Thanks for watching.

[@johngeorg9491]

If you watch the video you will see that he makes mention several times that these are older planes and no doubt very different from the new ones

[@michaelw2801]

if he were to do this that plane will be the best with that soft tail!@@jordanwilliams2357

[@armandkeller8831]

Thanks, was wondering when you would get to the explaining the difference.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

It's been on our list for quite some time.

[@obamabigears734]

Great video!

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Thank you and glad you enjoyed it.

[@chuckmid]

Somber note. Can you explain what happened to Mr. Johnson yesterday, west of Oslo MN? Prayers and thank you.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

I'm not sure what the details are surrounding the accident. Very sad indeed though.

[@ronniemackinnon3237]

Can u explain a bit more what ur talked about? Thank you

[@chuckmid]

@@ronniemackinnon3237kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnPYfXZthtuGh9E

[@danielmuserosbatalla6863]

Man the Air Tractor 802 with PT6A-67F is the best machine of the world!

[@AgAviationAdventures]

😊😊

[@jackieferrucci207]

Lots of good points... Couple questions. Do you care about direct drive vs the prat's free turbine when adding power? Instant vs lag. Noticeable? Does it even matter? Thanks!

[@AgAviationAdventures]

There is a difference with the amount of lag with the Pratt vs the Garrett. I didn't personally find it a problem after spending so much time in the Pratt but that is something people mention after spending lots of time in the Garrett and then switching to a Pratt.

[@luhanmuller75]

Check you swath. You should get the same swath as an Airtractor. We’re running both 502 and 510 and actually getting a wider swath with die Thrush. Check with Alan Corr

[@AgAviationAdventures]

That's interesting! I ran it across a line and 60' was about right for it. But I know some people are running a bit wider of a boom. These are at 66% of wingspan.

[@markvaughn4098]

@@AgAviationAdventuresif you throw winglets on the thrush technically that’s more wing span…. We kill bugs at 80ft 🫣

[@robstanton9215]

Great to hear from y’all Tyson! I have always liked the Air Tractors. The government has even had AT build a series of recon strike capable airplanes which are Air Tractors with guns, rockets, and cameras. If you’re burning 4-5 gallons less per hour but also dropping a 10’ narrower swath of liquid. It sounds like the fuel burn is a wash. Every 4.3 swaths in the AT would equal 6 in the Thrush on the same field, plus the fuel nozzles 150 hours more frequently and the bearing thing every 150. Of course the price tag on a newer AT is probably quite a bit more than the Thrush. Do what you gotta do each step of the way to survive my friend. It kinda boils down to that. I wish you both success!!! Be safe out there!!!

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Those are great points and I think it is all a wash.

[@robstanton9215]

@@AgAviationAdventures You’re probably right 🤠👍

[@johnmcdonald9428]

Hey Tyson, I really liked your video, lots of good points to consider between a Thrush and an Air Tractor. If you'd like to come out to the Thrush Factory for a tour, let me know and I will see if I can set that up!

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Thanks for the comment, John! We'd enjoy that!

[@bravedriver3755]

You going to the Tri-State convention?!

[@AgAviationAdventures]

I think we're going to try and make the national but not the Tri-State.

[@ronniemackinnon3237]

Excellent bit of video vidiography right there tyson!! Just what us non ag pilots are looking for... One question from a piper pilot and we just did complete interior swap and surveyed all pulleys, wires, linkages and rods. And iam reasonably sure our rudder is not linked to our ailerons or elevator.... God I hope this isn't as stupid as I think It could be. But, is ur rudder linked to ur other controls?? Thanks guys!! Please,, been watching an awful lot of reruns lately....lol

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Thanks for watching Ronnie. In this aircraft when I move the stick to the left or to the right it moves the rudder pedals slights as well.What you end up doing is kind of fighting the rudder in all the turns.

[@ronnieandpatriciamackinnon4958]

​@AgAviationAdventures thank you!! I never knew that.

[@Mr3Charlie]

So for a novice, what should I look for to identify the aircraft type when I see one spraying a field? The wings? Or is that difficult to do given the changes in the planes over the years? Thanks!

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Yeah it can be difficult to tell just trying to watching someone spray.

[@ThatGuysProject]

Out of curiosity what helmets are used for ag and firefighting work? How do you ensure they work with oxygen and respirators?

[@AgAviationAdventures]

There are a handful of helmets on the market such as Gentex (military) and Evolution. Those two work with respirators but there are some others that may not. It would be a question for the manufacturer.

[@stevewright8835]

Tyson I love your hat where can I buy one it would be great to wear one while flying my R/C aircraft at our club field. I want to purchase one if possible.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Thanks! We are out of the camo ones but we have these ones in stock: agaviationadventures.com/shop/p/flahat We appreciate the support!

[@stevewright8835]

@@AgAviationAdventures thank you so much

[@theadmiral5425]

Any way to attach winglets...maybe it will help with fuel economy

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Some people do!

[@jeronimoespinoza4557]

Hola! Saludos, excelente video, considero que eso va a depender de que modelo estes comparando, aca en Costa Rica solo vuelan thrush y air tractor, y e oido pilotos decir que hay thrush que vuelan has mil veces mejor que un air tractor, pero dependiendo del modelo y como lo tengan calibrado. Son dos aviones fenomenales y cada uno tiene sus pro y sus contra

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Yes you are right and that's a great point.

[@markpatterson7070]

Thanks for the video !!!!!!!!!!!

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Thanks for watching!

[@FritzWeinrebe]

Great video Tyson. Tell me the servo you are referring to, is it electrical or hydraulic? It is probably like the power steering in your car.

[@grbockman1310]

These servos are typically mechanically actuated by a push rod connected between the wing and the control surface. As the aileron goes up, the servo tab goes down. As the aileron goes down, the servo tab goes up. An Ag Cat I maintained had a servo tab on the elevator to reduce control stick force for pull up at the end of a spray pass. Generally, faster airspeeds mean higher control stick forces. Servo Tabs can make a huge difference.

[@FritzWeinrebe]

@@grbockman1310 thanks, yes I have seen those. Forgot they are also called servos. I was thinking in line of servo motors. Thanks for the explanation.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

@grbockman1310 gave an excellent explanation.

[@ГеннадийГ-ь4ш]

Спасибо, коллега! Было интересно послушать. Я 40 лет на поршневом Ан-2. Сезон 2-3 месяца. К концу сезона на ладонях мозоли от штурвала, колени тоже болят. Ремень для брюк делается деревянным от пота. Футболка на спине от пота становится белой😂. Я так понимаю, что самолеты, о которых вы говорите, гораздо комфортнее. Интересно, с какими дозировками работаете? У меня основная 50 литров на гектар, изредка 25 литров на гектар. Бывает, что работаем и 100 литров на гектар.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Thanks for watching!

[@samwillacy1644]

What about a cresco 750. Full oleo landing gear better handling

[@samwillacy1644]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJSTfmdmbt-Woq8

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Not common here in the US!

[@Tinytim77758]

Is love to get into the industry. Do you have any suggestions to get a foot in the door for someone located west central IN?

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Take a look through some older videos that are published. I mention the path to take.

[@Timbothruster-fh3cw]

For me, it's the thrush!😁

[@AgAviationAdventures]

A great plane for sure! I'd like to fly a newer one as I'm sure it's a different animal.

[@Timbothruster-fh3cw]

@@AgAviationAdventures Yeah!👍

[@VetOnFire]

Out of curiosity or maybe its none of my business but how are you guys involved with Mosko Moto? Nice video by the way

[@AgAviationAdventures]

We have done some videos for them in the past! We use and love their gear for adventure motoing. 🙂

[@VetOnFire]

@AgAviationAdventures yeah me too, I ran across a few of their videos after I bought the duffle bag for my 1290 SAR. They make awesome products

[@AgAviationAdventures]

We agree!!

[@roryhennessey1983]

Is the other plane going to be Cally's?

[@AgAviationAdventures]

No, the business came with two.

[@carlosmd27]

How much it cost a Thrush? What is the price of a Air Tractor AT502B?

[@AgAviationAdventures]

There are a lot of variables, year, engine, etc. Right now anywhere from $400,000 to $1.25 million

[@Rhalejandt]

Los dos aviónes son muy buenos, aquí en el MNCH en Chinandega, Nicaragua los dos modelos entraron a operar en la fumigación Aérea en los años de 1956, el Thrush en ese tiempo entro en operación Aérea con el nombre Snow Comander, no tenía Flap's y era más pesado, el Air-Tractor tenía Flap's salientes cortos, después se le unieron como compañeros de vuelo el Piper Pawnee de fuselaje de tela, el Cessna AGWagon, el Dromader PZL-18 Polaco, pero el Thrush y el Air-Tractor eran los más eficientes, y lo siguen siendo hasta el día de hoy.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Thanks for watching!!

[@prilep5]

It’s like comparing Freightliner and Peterbuilt

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Sure!

[@dustdevilz4771]

I think the Thrush packs a good load and can handle the rough strips in No Cal rice. But, the AT is so fast and packs a big load it’s hard to beat if you’re trying to make money. I think it flys weird, but I’ve only flown the 802. Can’t take your eyes off that one😂

[@AgAviationAdventures]

For sure!

[@headhunter4488]

Air Tractor is the race car of ag planes. Just my opinion.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

It definitely has it's pros and cons.

[@heathkrug4750]

How about an ag cat

[@pwayne3580]

Go karts don’t belong in F1

[@AgAviationAdventures]

There are plenty of people that still fly Ag Cats but I personally would not want to. They are a slow aircraft.

[@heathkrug4750]

@@AgAviationAdventuresI farm rice in NorCal still a lot of ag cats being used out here

[@AgAviationAdventures]

@@heathkrug4750 You're right, that is a popular place for Cats still. The nice thing with an Ag Cat is they operate well off short strips. If you are within 5-7 miles of your field I think the Ag Cat does well. But if you have to ferry far with it the efficiency is going to drop. I have a buddy outside of Sacramento that flies one and he works off dirt strips all over the place. It shines in that environment with the strips being short but they are very close to the fields.

[@charlesproctor8250]

I fly cats in California. We must be close to our fields due to our volume per acre. We put out 10-15-20 gallons per acre on pretty small cut up fields so remote airstrips are a must and usually are 2000 feet long at best. Thrush and AT are great but in some geographical locations the Cat works better.

[@95fwd]

Dude awesome!

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Thanks for watching!

[@jorgeloureiro4821]

AT 502 XP vs Thrush 510 P2+ 2024 ????? 📈🇧🇷🇺🇸🛩️

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Haha!

[@Mainbusfail]

Take us up for a ride ! 🙃

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Single seats!

[@Mainbusfail]

@@AgAviationAdventures dadnabit!

[@buckbuchanan5849]

Air Tractor just looks better to me! And plenty of operators have them, and wouldn’t be operating if the revenue wasn’t enough to offset cost.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

I like the looks of the AT as well. But a Thrush with the turtle deck has a certain appeal to it.

[@imflyingwi9284]

Wow! Armstrong flying?!!! No need to work out at the gym. Fly by wire would be a monster upgrade and make that plane a bit more enjoyable for sure!

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Now that would be quite the upgrade.

[@its4michael]

Million dollar aircraft with pulleys and cables. Fly by wire...lol...you just added 3 million to the price tag!

[@AgAviationAdventures]

@@its4michael Truth!

[@johnmorrison8351]

It’s sure easier to get spares for an Air Tractor than a Thrush!

[@AgAviationAdventures]

That's what I've heard!

[@timwhite3030]

❤TPE-331❤

[@AgAviationAdventures]

😊

[@charlesdurham6793]

You left a lot of great airplanes out of the discussion. It really depends on the purpose. It is a huge waste of money to use and Thrush or Airtractor to spray stop drop ULV or something similar . Same jobs are it seems smarter to use a lighter plane if you have one around

[@AgAviationAdventures]

That's a great point.

[@dougb27]

I like airtractors better just because they’re made in Olney and I’m from there area.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Fair enough!

[@Pilotc180]

Air Tractor is fine if the wing doesn’t fail as has been the case to often

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Umm no, that is not happening on Air Tractors. It's happening on poorly maintained Ipanemas not in the United States.

[@jimmyoverly3512]

Hi Tyson, pardon my poor English - English is my second language. Which aircraft would be best for dropping colored liquid at a gender reveal party? My cousin is re-doing her gender reveal party and asked me to do a flyover.

[@robstanton9215]

Don’t come in hot and E-dump your whole load at once then pull up hard. You could rip the wings off of any of them.

[@jordanwilliams2357]

A cessna 150

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Yeah, none of them. Why are people still doing this?

[@jimmyoverly3512]

@@AgAviationAdventures Thanks. I will use my C152.

[@FritzWeinrebe]

Piper Pawnee

[@conradbolton9232]

Airtractor every day!

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Thanks for watching!

[@TommieB1]

Dope and fabric is what it’s called. I’m from the old school. How about a 1976 AG Cat😂😂😂

[@AgAviationAdventures]

I only have 3 hours in an Ag Cat. But they may have there place!

[@stevechaffee2360]

Thrush's originally failed the spin test So they added a cable and spring do-dad down buy the rudders, that really makes the controls heavy. I can't tell yeah If anyone has ever removed it or modified it and seen what happened. But I'm not one to judge. Personally I've never cared for servo's or goose feet neither it feel's like power steering they say. My ass!lol plus all that extra drag. I'd like to see how a thrush would dance with fabric ailerons. Like 10 years ago our first thrush had a geared 1340 with a clipped 3 blade albatross prop. and wing extensions 'Fucker Got off quick even on a hot day, but damn it turned like Ms Piggy on roller skates but that was perfect setup for my 70+ yr old dad lol

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Thanks for watching!!

[@tangydiesel1886]

I thought the correct answer was a turbine swapped Grumman AgCat. Jokes aside, in sc kansas, it's mostly air tractor.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Haha!!

[@efrenrodriguez4329]

Who would name a plane after a yeast infection?

[@AgAviationAdventures]

what?

[@timmywade1313]

We farm with old equipment because everything we own including our houses and land is not worth enough money to buy new farm equipment

[@AgAviationAdventures]

I hear you there.

[@timmywade1313]

Pilot who sprays for us , his plane had 1500 hp.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Holy smokes!! That'll get the job done.

[@robertezell1916]

Sell them both and buy two Air Tractor 802’s. Yeah they cost but they also will triple your production.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

We disagree. Our business right now could not support two 802s. We would be millions in debt and unable to afford the insurance and maintenance costs.

[@alfordashley794]

I liike the air tractor, it's faster and i can get more out of it at the end of the day.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

That’s kind of what we assumed would be the case but at the end of the year we were surprised that it was very close to what could get done with an Air tractor in a day.

[@russoley8995]

No more mustache

[@AgAviationAdventures]

It comes and goes....

[@8literbeater]

Versus. The word is versus.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

It's a good thing we're not a grammar channel 🤣 sorry that that was your only take away from this

[@8literbeater]

@@AgAviationAdventures yeah that was my only take away from your entire video. You should probably hire someone for public relations.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Haha

[@rc_farmer4866]

Like the Thrush, don't like the Garrett....needs a -34 up there.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

I think that would be pretty nice.

[@cliffh8486]

red vs green hahaha

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Haha you get it.

[@jonsmith584]

I've spent the majority of my time in a -10 Thrush. I took the time to fly a -34 502 to make a comparison and there isn't one. I feel lightyears safer in my Thrush. Kudos to air tractor pilots, they fly so crappy that you've got to be a bad a** pilot to handle them. My hat is off to y'all!

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Haha

[@pwayne3580]

Considering that “piled up in a cornfield” is the Thrushes natural habitat, I’m going with the Air Tractor.

[@jonsmith584]

What??? Maybe take a look at some real world statistics.... hour to hour Thrush is as safe as they come.

[@pwayne3580]

@@jonsmith584 What? Your moms face is as safe as they come.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

To each their own.

[@johngeorg9491]

Stay classy

[@newyorkstrip]

Was that a Thrush or an Air Tractor that crashed in Mexico for that gender reveal party?

[@flyingfalcon8999]

Piper.

[@golfbravowhiskey8669]

Neither one.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

No that was neither. It was basically a Piper Pawnee.

[@Diego-x2d2m]

Thrush es un plagio de un Air tractor

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Not exactly, actually the same guy built both.

[@olliedellmar7036]

Please, for all professionalism. Don't call this power plant a motor again. Like wise you wouldn't call the prop a fan.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

I guess we're old school.. Motor n. 1. Something, such as a machine or an engine, that produces or imparts motion. 2. A device that converts any form of energy into mechanical energy, especially an internal-combustion engine or an arrangement of coils and magnets that converts electric current into mechanical power. 3. A motor vehicle, especially an automobile: "It was a night of lovers. All along the highway ... motors were parked and dim figures were clasped in revery" (Sinclair Lewis).

[@olliedellmar7036]

@@AgAviationAdventures Yup, and now they define a boy a girl. Soon dogs and cats will interchange in the definition. You can follow the sheep, I'll stand for what is correct. Show me where the word Motor is used in definintion of a internal combustion piston, crankshaft, or valve train component.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Well, you sure are passionate on the matter 😂

[@olliedellmar7036]

@@AgAviationAdventures Just passionate about using English correct, and not Correctly. That is extremely over used.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Wouldn’t it be “using English correctly” ??

[@flyingdutchman2918]

Neither. AG CAT

[@flyingdutchman2918]

And an Air Tractor won't turn without flaps.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

😸

[@austinm3377]

Whatever one has a pt6 on it.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Fair enough!