Patchett Ag Air 2015 Ltd is a New Zealand-based fixed-wing topdressing and spraying company. The company commenced operations in the Marlborough region in the early 90s. In 2015 Nigel and Nikki Griffith purchased the company after Nigel was trained by the company founder, Ray (Razor) Patchett. Nigel has been flying since an early age and has always been passionate about agricultural aviation.
Since then, a second pilot Zac Dillon has been trained as an agricultural pilot and is helping keep up with the workload. Zac has worked for Nigel since early 2018 as a loader driver, while at the same time, he has been working through his licences. With our Safety management system certification, Pip Foster has come on board as safety manager. Pip is from a farming family and brings a great new dimension to our team.
The company operates two GA200C Fatman aircraft capable of carrying 1 ton and a Cessna 185 for training purposes. With minimal dual aircraft available for training in NZ, the 185 is a great asset. The Fatman has operated in Marlborough since 1994 and suits the local environment well. Due to the local wind conditions, the available windows for accurate spreading are small, and the economics of the Fatman allow it to be ferried at reasonable costs. The slower speed, as compared to the big turbine ag aircraft, allow for a more even and accurate spread. The aircraft can also be operated lower, ensuring less time for the product to be in the air, potentially drifting off target. Patchett Ag-Air pride itself on accuracy.
About Marlborough Lines Classic Fighters Omaka: The airshow is the main fundraising event for the Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum, located in Blenheim, Marlborough NZ.
