Training and Guidance


It takes three years of training to perform this precision aerial work, which means about 100 hours of flight. The first year, the future pilot learns at the side of an experienced pilot. The second year he has dual commands on the helicopter but without the spray trigger, and the last year he takes the double commands and manages the entire process.


Pilots fly approximately two meters above the top of the crops (apricot trees or vines) with a speed of about 50 km/h to maintain a constant flow rate.


The pilot flies along lines. Signs with numbers and different colors are displayed in the plots. The signs have different codifications and show orientation. The pilot knows the direction to take, the line to follow, and which plots are untreated. In addition, the plots


54 Sep/Oct 2023


are all oriented differently so the pilot does not confuse the colors with the backlight.


Revealing papers that react to the spray are positioned on the ground to indicate if the entire target has been covered. Each plot is treated three to seven times during the season to ensure disease prevention and a healthy harvest.


Before beginning a treatment, the Air-Glaciers team goes to each plot to analyze the


situation and have a meeting with the farmers. This quick briefing is important for the pilot as the plots are steep and do not allow for mistakes. They must know if there are new cranes in the field or electric pylons, for example.


The flight time over a plot is also optimized to work as efficiently and safely as possible. Each second matters; each vineyard plot must be sprayed.


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