Another Aviation Legend Passes

[4583C]

I was visiting my aerial applicator friend yesterday who told me that Leland Snow, the founder of Air Tractor passed away Sunday Feburary 20. The comments following the article provide a touching testament to the character of the man.

http://www.airtractor.com/a-sad-day-at-air-tractor

[170C]

It is sad to see these legends pass on, but that is the way things are supposed to be I guess. I had the opportunity many years ago to meet Leland at one of the small airports in Wichita Falls. I was working in WF's and happened to be at that airport late one afternoon. The owner of the airport routinely delivered Air Tractors to various locations around the world for Leland. Leland brought one that day to be delivered to Egypt as I recall and the airport owner invited me to hang around till Leland arrived and said I would enjoy seeing the plane and meeting Leland. I did so and was impressed with how gracious he was to just another pilot. I had the opportunity on a couple of occasions to tour the Air Tractor plant while my plane was being attended to by Bob Stark at Stark Aviation next door. Quite an operation. Quite a product from quite a man. Leland will be missed by all who knew him.

[oz502man]

All to often these days, the word legend is thrown around and used to describe ordinary people. In Lelands case there is no better word to descibe him. It would be fair to say that he alone has done more for the advancement of aerial agriculture over the years than any other. His vision, drive and determination has led to the development of the safest, most productive ag planes in the world. I have over 5000hrs ag time and about 4500 of that has been in Leland's creations. I have flown in the radial and pt6 thrush, and Air Tractor AT301, AT502, AT602. Over the years as both an ag pilot and engineer I have seen countless accidents and even lost a few friends, I have also seen both thrush and air tractor wreckages so bad that they make you feel sick only to learn the pilot walked away with some bruising and a few scratches. These are truly awesome airplanes. I take off each day knowing that should something go wrong, the odds are in my favour and all because of Leland Snow - thank you Leland.