The pilot also sees that all application reports which include GPS data, weather conditions, Hobbs time, and any problems experienced are submitted for accounting and filing. We have five full-time pilots and one contract pilot with a combined 140 years of spray experience.

The two ground crew members also have important responsibilities. They perform routine maintenance of the helicopter, nurse truck, 4WD pickups and trailers. They ensure proper herbicide mixing, chemical inventory, and completion of all paperwork. They also secure fuel and water. A very comprehensive manual for fuel and water acquisition is provided for each crew. Locations and contacts or any special instructions are all carefully spelled out. Additionally, the ground personnel are in charge of constantly monitoring the weather -- wind direction and speed and for alerting the pilot via radio of any changes which require a shutdown of the application process.

At Provine Helicopters, we take great pride in the quality and types of documentation we maintain.