In the Southeast, January through June is generally considered the rainy season. Field drying involves the use of various ground-based agricultural applications via manpower and hardware to effectively dry an area of land following torrential rains.
In more recent years, growers and producers have implemented the use of helicopters in aerial field drying attempts. The result of rotorcraft design allows for a phenomenon to occur when a helicopter hovers at low elevations. When close to the ground, a vertical downwash of air results in a surface wind that can be utilized for rapid drying of sports fields, crops, fruit trees and more.
Sports
The University of Alabama used helicopters to try the football field for the Iron Bowl back in November. Helicopters were donated to Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa to keep the game from being rescheduled. This event was not the first time that helicopters have been used to dry sports fields. Many different sports teams in the past have utilized helicopters for the high winds that they produce.
Agriculture
In the midwest, there are seasons when mother nature does not make pollination very easy. Helicopters are perfect for these hot, windless days. The downwash from the rotor blades stirs up the pollen while it is still viable for pollination.
The west has the opposite issue when it comes to cherry harvesting season. The last few weeks before harvest, cherries are the more likely to be damaged by rain. If water is allowed to sit on the fruit, it can cause the cherries to expand, and eventually split. This standing water can also result in mold and mildew. Helicopters are typically contracted to fly low over the treetops and use downwash to blow water off the fruit.
Planning These Jobs
For many of these jobs, reliability and efficiency are key. With Fairlifts, we can hand-select an aircraft and pilot to best suit the requirements of the job. No matter where in the United States you are, we can bring the services to you at an affordable rate! However, these jobs do typically need advanced planning and specific permissions, we take care of all of this for you, just give us the job details and we will arrange the rest!