Air Tractor AT-802

Overview

The Air Tractor AT-802 is the world’s largest single-engine agricultural aircraft and a dominant force in aerial firefighting. Introduced in 1992, it represents the pinnacle of the Air Tractor line, featuring a massive 800-gallon hopper and the robust Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67AG turboprop engine. While the ‘A’ model is a single-seat workhorse, the standard 802 features a tandem two-seat cockpit, making it versatile for training, observation, or specialized government missions. Its reliability and high-payload capacity have even led to its adoption by military forces (as the AT-802U Sky Warden) for light attack and ISR missions.

Key Features for GA Buyers/Operators

• Unmatched Capacity: With a 16,000 lb MTOW and an 800-gallon hopper, it can perform the work of multiple smaller aircraft in a single sortie.
• Firefighting Versatility: The AT-802F variant is the industry standard for Single Engine Air Tankers (SEAT), often equipped with the computerized Gen II/III fire gate for precision drops.
• Amphibious Options: The “Fire Boss” variant adds Wipaire Wipline 10000 floats, allowing the aircraft to scoop water from lakes or rivers while in motion.
• Extreme Durability: Designed for the high-cycle, high-stress environment of low-level application, featuring a crashworthy cockpit structure and reinforced airframe.

Trade-offs

• Massive Operating Costs: Between the PT6A-67 engine’s fuel burn (approx. 70-80 GPH) and the specialized maintenance requirements of a 16,000 lb airframe, this is a high-overhead machine.
• Operational Complexity: Handling 16,000 lbs on a single engine requires significant pilot skill, particularly in the low-and-slow environment where these aircraft live.
• Restricted Use: Certified in the Restricted Category; while it is the “king of the hill” for utility, it cannot be used for standard civilian passenger transport.