In 1984, Darrel Mertens bought the business which consisted of 2 Grumman Ag Cats, 2 Piper Pawnees, an airstrip, and a hangar. In 1988 the name of the business was changed to Aero Applicators, Inc.
Original View of the Hangar and Dirt Runway.
The shed to the left of the hangar is where the planes would be loaded
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Aero Applicators, Inc. started as Benson Aviation prior to 1968. Ironically, the phone number was LA2-1941; today it is 522-1941. The first equipment used was a 1956 Super Cub retrofitted for spraying purposes and a load pickup. In 1968 the first true Aerial Applicator plane, a PA-25 Pawnee, was purchased.
Darrel with Russ & Polly Benson
Progressively, an EPA approved load pad, load building, heated chemical building, and a fertilizer shed have been added. In 1995 we became an AgroLiquid Fertilizer Dealer and in 1997 started spraying with Air Tractor Airplanes and shortly thereafter added a ground sprayer to the fleet.
Darrel & a Grumman Ag Cat Spray Plane
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