About Aero Applicators
History of Aero Applicators, Inc.
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. The business incorporated in 1978 as Benson Aviation Incorporated owning 2 Piper Pawnees and working from the municipal airstrip in Sterling, CO.
In 1984, Darrel Mertens bought the business which consisted of 2 Grumman Ag Cats, 2 Piper Pawnees, an airstrip, and a hangar located 6 miles west of Sterling. In 1988 the name of the business was changed to Aero Applicators, Inc. Progressively, an EPA approved load pad, a load building, a heated chemical building, and a fertilizer shed have been added. In 1995 we became an Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizer Dealer. Currently, we use two turbine 402-Airtractors and one 3320 CaseIH Patriot ground sprayer for the application of crop protection products.
In 1984, Darrel Mertens bought the business which consisted of 2 Grumman Ag Cats, 2 Piper Pawnees, an airstrip, and a hangar located 6 miles west of Sterling. In 1988 the name of the business was changed to Aero Applicators, Inc. Progressively, an EPA approved load pad, a load building, a heated chemical building, and a fertilizer shed have been added. In 1995 we became an Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizer Dealer. Currently, we use two turbine 402-Airtractors and one 3320 CaseIH Patriot ground sprayer for the application of crop protection products.