Today, light aircraft are crucial in various professions and are used for surveying, surveillance, monitoring, and, of course, agriculture. Read on to find out more.
Light aircraft are often used for more than just fun. Although most people fly light aircraft for the experience that they provide, they are also quite useful in a range of scenarios, especially when it comes to agriculture and wildlife monitoring.
Ever since humans harnessed the power of flight, we have been slowly evolving the experience of flying by using various technologies. For example, during the early 1900s, engineers got started on multiple aircraft designs based on the successful Wright Flyer designed by none other than the Wright brothers.
In just under two decades, we had already begun using aircraft for more than just flying. Crop dusting, for example, was introduced in the 1920s and changed how we view aircraft forever. It didn’t take long for people to realise the utility of light aircraft which is why these planes started to show in multiple industries, not related to aviation.
Today, light aircraft are crucial in various professions and are used for surveying, surveillance, monitoring, and, of course, agriculture. In this guide, we will dive deep into the history of light aircraft and how they are being used for agriculture and wildlife monitoring.
The Versatility of Light Aircraft
Light aircraft are the foundation of aviation. Even though modern aviation is known for transportation, light aircraft are still a primary cornerstone of the aviation industry and are one of the reasons why there is a gradual uptick in interest in aviation in the past few years.
Since there are different types of light aircraft, you can use each type for a range of purposes. Fixed-wing aircraft are a classic example. These aircraft share the same design as larger aircraft but instead of being larger, they are compacter and lighter.
Fixed-wing aircraft have rigid wings and a traditional aircraft design. They have a range of onboard instruments too, which makes them a great fit for people who want to fly this type of aircraft in various weather and visibility conditions.
Fixed wings are the default choice for many pilots who want to learn how to fly. The reason for this is that these aircraft are relatively cheaper to train on and they offer a fantastic flying experience.
Fixed-wing aircraft can also be retrofitted and modified in many ways. A great example of this would be crop dusting. Crop dusting was first developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Army Signal Corps' research station.
The first crop duster was a modified fixed-wing light aircraft that had been fitted with a separate tank that could spray over a large area. This significantly increased efficiency in agriculture and helped farmers develop more effective farming techniques.
In the same way, light aircraft can also be used for transporting supplies or goods from one area to another. These aircraft can be essential in emergencies where the only way to access an area is via air. Light aircraft, like helicopters, are crucial in this regard because of their ability to take off and land vertically.
Helicopters are also essential in medical emergencies and even for monitoring wildlife. However, due to the wind displacement of these aircraft and their inherently loud engines, they might not be the best fit for discreetly surveying an area.
This is where flex-wing light aircraft come in. Flex wings are another popular type of light aircraft that are frequently used for professional and leisure purposes. These planes are uniquely designed with a flexible wing system where a combination of fabric and rigid lightweight materials are used to make up the wings. This design enables these aircraft to be even lighter!
Perhaps the best thing about flex-wings is that they offer an unobstructed view of nature, several hundred feet up in the air! That’s right, these aircraft don’t have a traditional fuselage and the pilot and passenger sit in the open.
Flex wings are also relatively quieter than other types of light aircraft. All their benefits make them the ideal flying machines for aerial surveys. Since these aircraft don’t have an enclosed fuselage, you can even take high-definition photos and videos without worrying about the clarity of the photos.
Role of Light Aircraft in Agriculture and Wildlife Monitoring
Now that you know the basics about the types of light aircraft and how they can be used for various purposes, let’s take a look at the many roles of these fantastic aircraft for agriculture and wildlife.
Aerial Monitoring for Crops
Back when aviation was still in its infancy, pilots used to rely on their vision to monitor and determine the health of crops. This method was not accurate but the pilots who flew for this purpose were usually specially trained to look out for key signs that could help agriculturists figure out the best way to treat a certain crop.
However, as technology progressed, agriculture surveying and monitoring methods also changed! Most fixed-wing light aircraft were modified to fit multiple sensors near the belly of the aircraft. For example, multispectral cameras were frequently used for crops.
This array of cameras and sensors could detect the overall health, disease, and water stress in an area. This data could then be sent wirelessly to groundcrew who would receive a live data feed pertaining to a particular crop.
Agriculturists could then use this data to decide the best course of action for the crop. For example, if the data showed that an area lacked fertiliser or was pestered with crop-destroying insects, then the groundcrew would ask the pilot to spray fertiliser or pesticide over the affected area. This precision greatly reduced the need for over-spraying pesticides on crops and it also helped bring down costs associated with the loss of crops every year.
Aerial Seeding
Seeding a large area was once an extremely labour-intensive job that would take days if not weeks to complete. However, thanks to the advent of light aircraft, seeding could be done in a matter of hours, if not minutes.
Just like in the case of spraying pesticide or depositing fertiliser in an area, light aircraft could also be fitted with a cargo of seeds. Light aircraft can quickly breeze through an area and deposit seeds evenly which can help crops grow more efficiently. Seeding can also be used for reforestation. Light aircraft can be particularly useful in this regard thanks to their ability to reach areas that would otherwise be difficult to access on foot.
The best thing about this technique is that farmers can employ several light aircraft to seed a particularly large patch. Once the area has been seeded, light aircraft may likely be used again either to spray or fertilise the area.
Wildlife Population Monitoring
Light aircraft, particularly flex-wings can be used for surveying large patches of land to track or monitor certain animal species. This technique has been used ever since the invention of light aircraft!
The benefit of going with flex-wings is that they offer an unobstructed view which is crucial in survey operations. Flex-wings can usually seat up to one or two people and in this scenario, the passenger is tasked with performing all the survey-related operations.
Another big reason for going with this method is safety. There is virtually no danger up in the air which means that scientists can easily observe and monitor dangerous wild animals from the safety of their aircraft.
Finally, these aircraft don’t disturb the natural habitat of the animals either. For example, helicopters wouldn’t be the right fit for a job that requires discreetness. Helicopters are very loud and if the aircraft is closer to the ground, it can cause animals to flee due to the intense downward draft that the propellors create.
Monitoring Illegal Activities
Light aircraft can be used to monitor animals and illegal human activity, like poaching. Light aircraft play a huge role in preventing the poaching of a particular species in expansive reserves.
When light aircraft patrol the skies, pilots (and passengers) are always on the lookout for illegal activities that could endanger wildlife. Once the pilot identifies an illegal activity, they can quickly inform the groundcrew who can take swift action. The fact is regular patrols significantly help reduce poaching activities and can also instil fear in the hearts of poachers.
In the same way, light aircraft can also be used to monitor the activity of arsonists. If the sky patrol detects smoke or an arson attempt, they can inform the authorities who can then address the issue on the ground.
Monitoring the Environment
Light aircraft are frequently used for surveying not just land but also water bodies and the environment in general. For example, light aircraft can be used to survey the rate of deforestation.
These aircraft are usually fitted with advanced sensors that automatically take in-depth information about an area with each pass. Environmental changes like coastal erosions, pollution, or changes in land can be precisely monitored from the sky. Thanks to the advent of Artificial Intelligence, scientists can use this real-time data in new and interesting ways to determine correlations and new insights into the environment.
This data can also be used to track the impact of human activities on a particular area. If there is significant damage caused by humans in an environment, then this data can be used to push new initiatives that are focused on preservation.
Fire Monitoring and Control
If you think that light aircraft play a passive role in detecting forest fires, then think again! Light aircraft are not only useful for quickly detecting fires but they can also be used to control fires by dumping water over them. These aircraft are specifically built for firefighting purposes and can carry large quantities of water.
Aerial firefighting is crucial for controlling forest fires, particularly ones that restrict human access. By using aerial support, firefighters can strategise the best way to extinguish fires without collateral damage.
Learning to Fly Light Aircraft
Convinced about flying for agriculture or wildlife purposes? Then now is the best time to get into aviation. The first step is to get a private or commercial license. Flight schools, like Sherburn Aero Club, are specifically designed to help candidates with all their aviation needs. Even if you plan to take up aviation as a hobby, you can always expand your skills and training to earn from your hobby.
Many pilots opt for this type of job because it makes them feel that they are doing their part in helping the environment. If you are someone who loves wildlife conservation and the environment in general, then we highly recommend that you start your aviation journey the right way.
Pick a flight school that offers a diverse fleet of light aircraft. Many flight schools only offer gliders or flex-wings but if you want to excel in your training, then you will have to train on a diverse range of light aircraft.
Limited resources will also automatically limit your training and potential. This is why we suggest that you thoroughly research the facilities and offerings of a flight school before enrolling in a flight programme.
The best way to pick the right flight school is to always go with a training facility that caters to your expectations. For example, while many flight schools offer flight training, not everyone will have a diverse range of instructors that are trained in various aviation-related professions.
The best way to learn more about a particular aerial job is to speak with pilots who have experience in the field. This way you can know exactly what to expect when you finally get your license to fly light aircraft on your own. Keep in mind that learning from experienced flight instructors is the best way to get ahead in your training!
WHY CHOOSE SHERBURN AERO CLUB
Sherburn Aero Club, which has been operational since 1964, is the ideal place for most of your training and flying needs. It is one of the largest flying clubs in the North of England and also one of the largest in the country.
For those who wish to experience the thrill of a flight for fun or to help fuel their aviation dreams, Sherburn offers experience flights for the newbie, as well as the veteran in various types of light aircraft.
The flight experience option is also available for people who wish to take to the skies for special occasions, even if they aren’t into aviation in the long run.
If you wish to begin your career in aviation or wish to take to the skies as a hobby, Sherburn’s flight training school offers private and commercial licences, along with pilot medicals to ensure a smooth journey going forward.
With a large fleet of new aircraft and an airfield refurbishment with new runways, hangars, and an extended clubhouse, we cater to brand-new flyers who have just started their journey to the skies, as well as seasoned flyers who have been operating aircraft for decades.
Sherburn offers a dedicated day-long Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence (FRTOL) course for those wishing to get the certification, running the first Sunday of every month.
In addition to that, if you are looking for a hangarage for your own aircraft, need servicing or repairs, want to buy a new aircraft or aviation equipment, or are just looking to enjoy and watch the aircraft, Sherburn Aero Club is the place to be.
Call us at 01977 682 674, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information on light aircraft, training requirements, licencing procedures, as well as experience flights and pilot training at Sherburn.
Photo by Intricate Explorer on Unsplash
