#20 Ag Aviation vs Technology: Is Variable Rate Worth It?

More from Pyjama Pilots All episodes →

1. 

   S1 · E22 · 2 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 30 min

   #22 Stick and rudder Bullpaki

   After accidentally turning up to record with absolutely no plan, Jimbo somehow manages to drag Episode 22 into existence with Hoodie and Pedro joining the chaos shortly after. What follows is a proper hangar-style yarn covering everything from firebombing in Perth, topdressing careers, Coast to Coast training, and sky-high fuel prices, through to chemical ratings, old aviation stories, and whether drones will eventually kill ag flying. Along the way, Jimbo reveals his latest business venture — buying a mountain of dead-stock auto parts and storing them in the shed — despite Hoodie repeatedly…

2. 

   S1 · E20 · 4 May 2026 · 1 hr 32 min

   #21 Whoopsie Daisies! Ground Loops, Bird Strikes & Almost Dying in Nepal

   A loose, unfiltered catch-up with the boys covering everything from flying over Christmas with medevac runs and life in the cockpit. What starts as casual chat quickly turns into a string of “whoopsie daisy” moments—ground loops, rough strips, turbulence hits, and the kind of decisions that seem like a good idea… until they aren’t. There’s talk of taildraggers vs nose-draggers, operating into sketchy strips, and how quickly things can unravel when conditions, experience, and instinct don’t quite line up. It’s equal parts storytelling, lessons learned the hard way, and classic pilot banter.…

3. 

   S1 · E19 · 8 Dec 2025 · 1 hr 44 min

   #19 Ag Pilots, Mad Winds & Mesopotamia Mayhem

   In this episode the lads cover everything from the serious to the downright ridiculous. Pedro debriefs the Ag Aviation Conference — mental-health panels, medical reforms, and why pilots still fear losing their medicals — before the crew dives into training pathways, turbines vs pistons, and the future of the industry. Then the gold starts flowing: wild strip operations, tailwinds that make no sense, hybrid-electric ag-planes, and farmers doing farmers things. And topping it all off: the Mesopotamia Station story — two blokes accidentally sprinting 80 km/h down a strip hanging onto a moving…

4. 

   S1 · E18 · 8 Nov 2025 · 1 hr 20 min

   #18 Flaps, Floats, and Poor Life Choices

   The boys are back on the mics and straight into it. Jimbo’s been ping-ponging between NZ and Aussie, Hoodie’s barely alive after Pearl Jam, and Pedro is halfway between a half-marathon and a meltdown. This episode somehow manages to cover: • the “10 accidents in 10 weeks” saga• why pilots aren’t always the problem (management... hello)• flap checks, hopper pops, and learning the hard way• fake IDs, tequila disasters, and legendary hangovers• new composite firebombers that look like something out of Planes • ATPLs no one wants to pay for• floats, survey flying, and CFG headaches• plus the…

5. 

   S1 · E17 · 29 Oct 2025 · 3 hr 41 min

   #17 Richmond "Ditch" Harding - A lifetime in the air

   I sat down with Richmond “Ditch” Harding, one of the most respected ag pilots around, to talk about his decades in the seat - from the early Tiger Moth days right through to the modern era of agricultural aviation. Ditch has a wealth of stories, sharp insights, and that trademark mix of honesty and humour you only get from a bloke who’s seen it all. We got into how he started out, the aircraft he’s flown, the changes he’s watched unfold, and what’s stayed the same through it all - the people, the passion, and the sheer love of flying.

6. 

   S2 · E1 · 2 Nov 2024 · 1 hr 38 min

   #16 Aviation Adventures and Life Lessons

   We're back for another season with the Pyjama Pilots, and it's bloody great to be back! Sharing random babbles from a few good mates who love flying, but love taking the mickey out of each other more. The following description was made by AI. Take from that what you will, and let us know how accurate it was! In this engaging conversation, the hosts discuss various aspects of their lives, including personal challenges, work experiences in aviation, and the importance of community support. They delve into the complexities of flying regulations, share stories from their careers, and reflect on…

7. 

   S2 · E3 · 18 Mar 2024 · 1 hr 58 min

   #15 Royce Hooker - Ag Pilot

   Join us on a remarkable journey through the skies with Royce Hooker, a distinguished 91-year-old (recorded 2023) aviation pioneer whose career spans the golden era of flight. From his early days as an aircraft mechanic in the RNZAF to his adventures topdressing Cessnas to the iconic FU-24 Fletcher, Royce has witnessed and shaped pivotal moments in aviation history. In this podcast, he shares stories from the industry's infancy, offering a rare glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of those who paved the runway for future generations. Tune in to hear the untold tales of dedication, skill,…