Six Feet Over: Pleasures and Perils of Aerial Crop Spraying

Among many books written by pilots there were previously none covering the indomitable spirit of the low-flying crop sprayer. Peter Charles is one such pilot who, after flying 12,000 hours over thirty years, has now written of his adventures carrying out this often dangerous and always demanding type of flying.

His ambition to work on aircraft was first realised when he joined the Air Transport Auxiliary during the Second World War as a ground engineer. Following this he qualified as a Licensed Aircraft Engineer and worked for several airline and charter companies. However, it was on emigrating to Australia in 1951, 'the best £10 I ever spent', that he learnt to fly and obtained his Commercial Pilot's Licence, then joined a newly formed aerial crop spraying company flying Tiger Moths.

He describes flying in many different countries including Africa, South America and Austria, telling of some very amusing incidents as well as some frustrating situations and difficult clients.

Eventually he is able to start his own crop spraying company in Norfolk with Francois Lesieur, a friend from earlier crop spraying operations, and this is when all his previous engineering and flying knowledge is put into good practice.

ISBN: 9781852000776

Size: 217x140mm 

Binding: hardback 

Length: 240pp 

photos & drawings