About Skyfarmers Aviation
Skyfarmers was founded in 1982 by Don Hart and Col Bolger. In 1987, Don consolidated the operation to his Methven farm - which remains our base today.
The company evolved from Fletcher Aircraft to turbine power in 1995 with the purchase of our first Air Tractor (ZK-SAT) - one of the first 402 models in New Zealand to include a seat for the loader driver. That aircraft is still flying.
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In 2002, Duncan Hart took over from his father and has served as CEO and Chief Pilot ever since. A second Air Tractor (the 504 model) joined the fleet in 2012.
Over four decades, many operators have come and gone. Skyfarmers is still here.
Air Tractor 504 - ZK-SKF
Our primary aircraft is the AT-504, configured for both fertiliser spreading and aerial spraying. It carries a payload of 1,900 kg and is powered by a 750hp Pratt & Whitney turbine engine - regarded as one of the world's most reliable aero engines. The aircraft is fitted with dual controls.
Air Tractor 402B - ZK-SAT
Purchased new in 1995, the AT-402B holds the distinction of being the first of its model in New Zealand to feature a rear seat for the loader driver. It carries a payload of 1,470 kg and is also powered by a 750hp Pratt & Whitney turbine engine. Configured for both fertiliser and spraying operations, it remains a core part of our fleet after nearly 30 years of service.
Pacific Aerospace Fletcher - ZK-BII
Serial number 36 off the production line in 1956, this historic piston-engine aircraft (400hp) is now used primarily as a backup aircraft and for spraying our own crops when the turbine aircraft are working elsewhere. A piece of New Zealand agricultural aviation history.
Owner & Chief Pilot
Duncan Hart
Duncan purchased Skyfarmers from his father Don in 2002, but his connection to agricultural aviation goes back much further - he grew up on the farm, drove loaders as a kid, and learned to fly young. With over 25 years of commercial experience across topdressing, spraying, and fire-fighting throughout the South Island, agricultural aviation isn't just his profession - it's in his DNA.
Agricultural Pilot
Ryan Williams
Ryan began his commercial flying career in 2020 and completed his agricultural pilot training under Duncan's instruction in 2024. He brings fresh skills, strong local knowledge of Mid-Canterbury, and a practical work ethic to the team.
Loader Operator & Equipment Manager
John Lamb
John brings more than 30 years of aircraft loading experience across Australia, the United States, and New Zealand. He is responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of Skyfarmers' loading equipment - the kind of deep, behind-the-scenes expertise that keeps an operation running smoothly, safely, and on schedule.
GPS & Mapping
All aircraft use Tabula (formerly Tracmap) GPS mapping - the industry-standard platform for agricultural aviation in New Zealand. This enables real-time proof of placement recording, hazard and exclusion zone management, and integration with agronomy platforms including Hawkeye, MyBallance, and Precision Farming.
Spray Systems
Our aircraft are fitted with CP Flat Fan nozzle systems, which offer three interchangeable orifice sizes. This allows us to adjust droplet size and water application rate to suit different products and conditions - a critical factor in achieving effective results while minimising spray drift.
Spray flow is connected to the GPS system via integrated flow control, automatically adjusting output to maintain consistent application rates regardless of aircraft speed
Who We Are
Privately owned. Locally operated. Flying Mid-Canterbury since 1982.
Skyfarmers Aviation is one of New Zealand's longest-established agricultural aviation companies. We're based at Springfield Estate, just south of Methven, and operate across Canterbury - from high-country foothills to the specialist crops of the plains. Our approach is simple: do the job properly, invest in the right equipment, and look after our clients.