Pacific Aerospace Corporation Fu-24

Single Piston

The Pacific Aerospace FU-24 Fletcher is a rugged single-engine agricultural aircraft that has become synonymous with New Zealand's aerial topdressing industry since the 1950s. Originally designed by the Sargent-Fletcher Company in California as the FU-24, the type was manufactured under license in New Zealand by what is now Pacific Aerospace Corporation, and over 300 were built for the demanding work of spreading fertilizer and seed across the country's steep hill-country farms. The Fletcher's defining characteristic is its ability to operate from short, rough airstrips at high weights. Its rugged fixed landing gear, powerful Lycoming IO-720 engine (400 hp), and large hopper capacity made it ideal for the remote backcountry operations that define New Zealand agriculture. While the FU-24 never achieved widespread international success, it remains a cultural icon in New Zealand aviation, where it transformed farming productivity in the postwar era. The type's low stall speed (52 knots in landing configuration) and docile handling allow pilots to work steep terrain and tight valleys safely, while its 165-knot never-exceed speed provides adequate transit performance between job sites. Most FU-24s have been retired or converted to turbine power (the PAC Cresco variant), but a handful of piston Fletchers remain active in agricultural and utility roles, primarily in New Zealand. SkyMeter has tracked flights across airframes and operators, with distinct routes observed.