Student Pilot

That would be 8,000' with a developed spin in a 210, they lose a lot of height very quickly.

1 The ATSB have been known to get it wrong. 2 Yes a 210 will bite but it's hardly the space shuttle. 3 See point one.

It's been reported the instructor involved was known to demonstrate spins in the 210

In most of Asia pilots do what they are told, they do not question the authority of management. Bad enough in the west where whistleblowers are treated badly and even jailed (DoD and tax department). Speaking out about problems and flagrant regulation breaches in GA means you run the risk of being unemployable.

Lower wing loading, shorter span, quicker roll rate (aileron configuration depending). Cabin looks roomy.

Looks a neat design

Air Tractor 802 empty weight 3T, carries a 3 T load and has 1 T of fuel. A lot of AG aircraft can carry their own weight.

The report stated the pilot almost certainly wasn't in the seat.

A 3 hectare load? That's a lot of loads on a 1200 hectare block 😜 Yes the technology is possible to have a high capacity aircraft flying autonomously, even spray. In real life it's just not going to happen. There are so many variables to try and allow for that it's an immensely complex task. Drones are pushed as an answer where any person can do these involved and complicated jobs. The drone operator will have a wide chemical knowledge, calibration skills, expertise with working gps and programming, weather insight with regard to chemical application and associated drift problems. That's just scratching the surface, obviously an intimate understanding on computer programming and drone aerodynamics would be a pre requisite. How much an hour do you think such a person would be paid? $50? $100? What do you think an agricultural pilot is paid? The technology is here, there are capable machines available. The reality of drones replacing all flying industry tasks is a long way away. Please post where broad acre spraying (commercially viable) is done by drones.

Drones have come a long way in the last few years but still can't compete broad acre application. A lot is claimed of drone productivity with all sorts of grand totals quoted. Most labeled (legal requirement) total volume spray application rates are way heavier than the figures that are quoted in application rates of drones. Normal aerial application rates are 30 to 40 litres total volume per hectare. The chemical is mixed with a carrier of water or oil, chem rates can be as little as ml/ha to 4 or 5 litres to the hectare with the rest of the volume made up of the carrier. A very expensive working drone load would be 40 litres. There are ones that carry more but are very very expensive. Most of the spray figures quoted are below the labelled total volume/hectare.

That book that does the world records has a lot to answer for. There are great feats and records but it has now turned into a farce. The most hats worn at one time has as much relevance as first to fly a Cessna on a Tuesday wearing a purple flight suit.

I liked those big T+B's they had in older aircraft like Tigers. Very sensitive, they used to fly IFR with just airspeed, T+B and an altimeter. Better than me......

Seems the way of the world, looking at close to 100k for overhaul of most 6 cyl aircraft engines now.

Used to use chain saw 2 stroke, upped the rate to 35/40 depending on plug chop from cruise. That's from a long time ago. Used in Robyn 440, Rotax's 447, 503 and 582. Memory could be unreliable 😄

Originally for training, now for hire and reward. Big market in joy flights, something like 5 flying in England?