AERIAL APPLICATION OPERATOR + FLIGHT TRAINING SCHOOL
PROFESSIONAL, ACCURATE AND TIMELY APPLICATION
Southern Ag Aero (Pty) Ltd is an aerial application operator/service provider, certified by the South African Civil Aviation Authority and Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Southern Ag Aero (Pty) Ltd is an aviation service provider, based in South Africa.
Our service offerings include aerial application (crop-spraying), aerial firefighting, flight training, and aviation systems, infrastructure, management consulting.
We know our way around the complex, and compliance rich aviation industry.
Our team of aviation subject matter experts know what it takes to deliver.
We offer full service, turn-key aviation services, done correctly, on time, on target!
Our marketing objective is to provide very high quality, professional agricultural aerial application services to the commercial farming community.
We provide emergency aerial fire-fighting services when needed (aircraft water-bombing), and are capable of providing short notice search-and-track, as well as airborne command-and-control capabilities when required.
Please feel free to contact us to discuss your requirements, ask questions or even to stop by and assess our operational base and training centres.
Southern Ag Aero (Pty) Ltd looks forward to being of service!
SERVICES
MEET THE TEAM
Richard Smit
Director | CEO
Richard is responsible for the management of the operational and commercial aspects of the company, and holds the following ratings/certifications:
- ATPL (Highest level professional civilian pilot licence)
- Flight Instructor Rating: Gr II
- Agricultural Pilot Rating
- Test Pilot: Class 2
- MBA (Rushmore University, 2005).
- Certified Lead Auditor (Aviation QA).
- Certified Pest Control Operator (Aerial Application) – South African DAFF.
Richard started his flying career in the SA Air Force in 1988.
While he now concentrates almost exclusively on aerial application operations, his flying career has seen him flying many different aircraft types from vintage bi-planes, military jets, light aircraft, crop sprayers and heavy transport jets.
Happiest when flying an aircraft, Richard has over 18500 flying hours, and looks forward to adding many more to his logbook.
Craig Boswell
Aviation Safety Officer
Craig is responsible for all safety systems, safety culture and direct management of the safety aspects of our operation at Southern Ag Aero (Pty) Ltd.
Craig vast instructional experience makes him ideally suited the position of Chief Ground Instructor, as well as serving as a flight instructor at Southern Ag Aero.
He is certified as both an Aviation Safety Officer, and Aviation Accident Investigator.
He reports directly to the CEO, with direct channels of communication with the SA:CAA by virtue of this role.
Craig has been directly involved in various aspects of professional aviation for 25 years, having also begun as a fighter pilot in the SA Air Force before completing an Aeronautical Science (BSc) degree at the South African Military Academy (a faculty of Stellenbosch University), majoring in aircraft stability & control and thermodynamics.
Following this, Craig continued his military flying career in flight instruction, ‘retiring’ as a Category A1 Instrument Rating Examiner, both in the SAAF and, later, while training military pilots in the Middle East.
Ingrid Smit
Director
Ingrid Smit serves as Director at Ag Aero, where her comprehensive skill set is pivotal in seamlessly integrating administration, social media management, bookkeeping, and project management to ensure the smooth operation of our activities.
Ingrid’s creativity and keen eye for detail bring a unique perspective to her role, shaping both the aesthetic aspects of our brand and innovative problem-solving approaches within the realm of agricultural aviation.
She recognizes the pivotal role of visual communication in today’s digital landscape. Leading our social media efforts, she strategically leverages her design expertise to maintain a strong and engaging online presence for Ag Aero.
Her approach not only fosters brand awareness but also establishes meaningful connections with our audience.
Ingrid contributes invaluable business ownership experience to Ag Aero.
Her navigation of the complexities of entrepreneurship reflects a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in running a successful operation.
Samuel is responsible for our driver-loader training, ground support staff supervision, maintenance planning, and daily upkeep of all support equipment.
Dedicated aerial application aircraft,chemical mixing rigs, dry medium spreaders, fuel and water transport, and sophisticated mission software.
