Today, the use of helicopters for frost control is the most efficient way to protect the most varied and valuable agricultural products that can be damaged as a result of low temperatures.
The magic of frost control is based on the fact that helicopters fly through the lift generated by the main rotor, initiating a movement of air masses or thermal inversion that allows mitigating frost in the fields. The propellers, in short, are transformed into a huge vertical air fan. Air that manages to increase a few degrees the layer above the soil of the crops, enough to raise the temperature in the plantations and thus reduce or eliminate the effects caused by frost.
“The helicopter, thanks to its versatility, can fly at low altitude and low speed over the shoots, replacing the very cold air that is in contact with them with the warmer air resulting from the thermal inversion that exists a few meters above, helped by the heat produced by the helicopter’s turbines,” says Francisco Arriagada, Ecocopter’s commercial manager.
Precisely at this time of the year, during the night, temperatures drop to 0°C or even lower, and it is there where vineyards and various subtropical fruits are “burned” by the intense cold. Damage is often irreparable and losses are total. In fact, the most important Chilean vineyards, which produce wines of international quality, have helicopters to combat this invisible but lethal enemy.
“The helicopters that have already begun air service for frost control in the Metropolitan and Maule regions are the AS350 B3/H125 models, which comply with all the safety measures required for this type of operation. These are the field markings and lighting in strategic areas, in addition, in each overflight, there is constant monitoring of the environmental and geographical conditions on the ground to guarantee success and minimize the risk of the operation,” says Arriagada.
Of course, because from the sky, at low altitude and speed, helicopters execute a route similar to that of a tractor plowing the land. It is a millimetric operation that takes place at night, so it is a flight that requires a high level of concentration from the pilot, field marking and a great deal of logistical support on the ground.
For greater safety in the operation, -during the day-, a reconnaissance is carried out to program the circuits to be flown over, where sensitive or dangerous places are established and demarcated, and the safety altitude is determined, which will be used to move around. This is how, from the sky, different types of crops are monitored and protected so that they finally sprout with the best world-class fruit.
This press release was prepared and distributed by Ecocopter.
