Leland Snow designed the Air Tractor AT-301 in 1972 and other “ag planes” over the course of 50 years as the aerial application of products became an essential part of farming following World War II. At the request of Disneytoon Studios, owners Rusty and Lea Lindeman repainted their Air Tractor to match the paint scheme of “Dusty Crophopper,” an agricultural plane who longs to become an air racer in the animated film Planes (2013) and a firefighter in the sequel Planes: Fire and Rescue (2014). “Dusty” demonstrates the value of agricultural and fire-fighting utility aircraft.

This Air Tractor acquired 10,140 hours servicing various crops and a boll-weevil pest eradication program, primarily in Texas for Rusty’s Flying Service. Lindeman replaced both wings and the piston engine with a PT6 turbine engine, converting the plane to an AT-400A. Safety features include a high-placed secure cockpit for the pilot and digital technology for situational awareness and precise product delivery.