general
What is the Rural Aerial Co-op?
We’re a farmer-owned aerial service based in Pahiatua, servicing the Manawatu, Horowhenua, Central Hawkes Bay, Tararua and Wairarapa Districts, providing topdressing, spraying with a modern fleet. Unlike many operators, when you book with us, you deal directly with the pilot flying your job, no call centres, no middlemen.
Where do you operate?
Our core area is the Lower North Island hill country If you’re unsure whether we can reach you, just call you’ll be speaking directly with a pilot.
We’re a farmer-owned aerial service based in Pahiatua, servicing the Manawatu, Horowhenua, Central Hawkes Bay, Tararua and Wairarapa Districts, providing topdressing, spraying with a modern fleet. Unlike many operators, when you book with us, you deal directly with the pilot flying your job, no call centres, no middlemen.
Where do you operate?
Our core area is the Lower North Island hill country If you’re unsure whether we can reach you, just call you’ll be speaking directly with a pilot.
Aircraft & Technology
What aircraft do you operate?
We fly Air Tractor AT-402B aircraft, that are safe, proven, and purpose-built for aerial application. Each is equipped with TracMap GPS and hydraulic variable rate systems for pinpoint accuracy.
How do you ensure safety and reliability?
Our pilots are highly experienced, our aircraft are maintained to strict standards, and because you talk directly to your pilot, you’ll know exactly who is flying your job and how it will be done.
We fly Air Tractor AT-402B aircraft, that are safe, proven, and purpose-built for aerial application. Each is equipped with TracMap GPS and hydraulic variable rate systems for pinpoint accuracy.
How do you ensure safety and reliability?
Our pilots are highly experienced, our aircraft are maintained to strict standards, and because you talk directly to your pilot, you’ll know exactly who is flying your job and how it will be done.
Services & Operations
What services do you offer?
We provide aerial spreading of fertiliser and lime, aerial spraying of crops and pastures, and seeding services. If you need advice on timing of application, airstrip advice, or any other aspect of our operation, you’ll speak directly with the pilot who will be doing the work.
How do I request a service or quote?
Simply call us or use our website contact form. Your inquiry goes straight to a pilot not an office administrator so you’ll get practical advice and an accurate quote from the person who knows the job best.
When is the best time for aerial application?
That depends on your farm and objectives. The advantage of our Co-op is that your pilot will discuss conditions, timing, and product choice directly with you ahead of time.
We provide aerial spreading of fertiliser and lime, aerial spraying of crops and pastures, and seeding services. If you need advice on timing of application, airstrip advice, or any other aspect of our operation, you’ll speak directly with the pilot who will be doing the work.
How do I request a service or quote?
Simply call us or use our website contact form. Your inquiry goes straight to a pilot not an office administrator so you’ll get practical advice and an accurate quote from the person who knows the job best.
When is the best time for aerial application?
That depends on your farm and objectives. The advantage of our Co-op is that your pilot will discuss conditions, timing, and product choice directly with you ahead of time.
Membership & Co-op Benefit
Why is being a co-op different from hiring a contractor?
As a member you share in ownership, you get competitive rates, and most importantly, you build a working relationship with the pilot. This means consistency, trust, and advice tailored to your land.
Do I have to be a member to use your services?
No non-members can book services, but members enjoy additional benefits like priority scheduling and input into co-op decisions.
As a member you share in ownership, you get competitive rates, and most importantly, you build a working relationship with the pilot. This means consistency, trust, and advice tailored to your land.
Do I have to be a member to use your services?
No non-members can book services, but members enjoy additional benefits like priority scheduling and input into co-op decisions.
Practicalities
What do I need to do before a job?
Ensure gates up to the airstrip are open, bins are accessible and in good condition, stock is removed and fences are in a stock-proof standard, and hazards are marked and/or identified. Your pilot will run through requirements directly with you so nothing is missed.
What if weather causes delays?
Your pilot will keep in touch regularly to advise progress with your and because you’re speaking directly with the pilot, you’ll always know what’s happening.
Ensure gates up to the airstrip are open, bins are accessible and in good condition, stock is removed and fences are in a stock-proof standard, and hazards are marked and/or identified. Your pilot will run through requirements directly with you so nothing is missed.
What if weather causes delays?
Your pilot will keep in touch regularly to advise progress with your and because you’re speaking directly with the pilot, you’ll always know what’s happening.
environment & Compliance
How do you handle spray drift and environmental risks?
Our technology and experience minimise risk, but your pilot will also talk through sensitive areas, buffer zones, and conditions before the job. We comply fully with all regulations.
Our technology and experience minimise risk, but your pilot will also talk through sensitive areas, buffer zones, and conditions before the job. We comply fully with all regulations.