Bringing Planes’
Dusty to life by Graham Lavender What does Disney do when promoting the upcoming release of Planes, an animated movie about a lone ag-plane that has aspirations of entering the air racing world? A film, whose lead character, Dusty, is afraid of heights and speed but full of courage? Planes brings Dusty to life, literally. After Disney approached Air Tractor with their idea of making a real-life Dusty, Air Tractor vetted the film, along with the NAAA, to ensure a positive message for ag-aviation was being delivered. Air Tractor President Jim Hirsch also saw a powerful opportunity to reach a lot of people and educate them about the ag-aviation industry. “We’re really pleased that Disney approached Air Tractor to help with this project. When the Dusty Air Tractor flies past air show spectators, they’ll be entertained and learn how aerial spray planes play a big role in helping feed the world, as well as how we do our job in a professional and responsible way to protect our environment,” commented Hirsch. Once Air Tractor’s extensive research of the movie was complete, they reached out to Rusty Lindeman of Rusty’s Flying Service in
The insignia on Dusty’s nose may resemble a skull and crossbones. However, it is actually the emblem of a badge of honor for Dusty’s mentor in the movie Planes, Skipper Riley, a Navy Corsair. The official name of the insignia is Piston and Cross-Wrenches, which is derived from Jolly Wrenches, a squadron commanded by Skipper Riley.
Rusty and Lea Lindeman in front of Dusty at the Vectren Dayton Airshow in Dayton, Ohio.
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D’Hanis, Texas. Rusty has been in the agricultural aviation industry for over 20 years. His business, apart from spraying, is rebuilding wings and airplanes, including painting them. The initial idea involved using one of Rusty’s aircraft, but since the request came in during the busiest part of the spray season, he proposed to rebuild an AT-301 that was already in his hangar, actually converting it to a AT-400A. Once that plan was in place the biggest challenge lay ahead, time. With the steadfast support of Air Tractor, R.T. Turbines, NorthStar Aviation, PPG Aerospace, International Title and most importantly, his wife Lea, Rusty was able to bring Dusty to life within six weeks. Air Tractor provided a plethora of parts, and their lead mechanics were available around the clock for consultation. R.T. Turbines made the engine work painless. The staff at International Title handled all the paperwork. Rusty worked closely with Disney Planes director, Klay Hall, who even visited Rusty’s operation during the painting of Dusty. The rebuilding process usually takes six months; however working sometimes through the night, Rusty and his team transformed the bare-bones fuselage of the AT-301 into what you see today,