HISTORY OF
GLADES AG SERVICE, INC.



In the beginning (1975) of GLADES AG, there were CESSNA AG TRUCKS and PIPER BRAVES to pick from. I never liked radial engines, so AG CATS and AIR TRACTORS were not considered. Next came price, and the cheaper of the two was the Cessna. But first, I had to learn to fly it!! Coming from a background of Bell helicopters and J3 Cubs, this was a really fast and maneuverable airplane. (For me at the time)

The Cessna A-188 was purchased from Bill Malone, who at the time was at the Indiantown airport. (long, wide grass strip) The first flight consisted of removing the toilet from the seat! (He knew I might need it.) After a week of take offs and landings, I brought the bird home and started working it. No one told me you could not work a Cessna off a dirt road in strong crosswinds, and that's probably why I never tore one up. I didn't know any better!

After three months, another Cessna was purchased and another pilot was hired. One year later we were working three Cessnas, and the next year we were up to four. Glades AG was up and running and growing every year.

Around 1985 the maintenance on the Cessna was increasing along with the parts. They no longer manufactured the AG TRUCK, and parts prices were very high.

The only aircraft manufacturer that looked like it was here to stay was the Air Tractor. As much as I disliked radials, I purchased an AT-401 with an R-1340 engine from Chuck Stone in Fort Pierce. It was a lot bigger than the Cessna, but after 40 hours it started feeling pretty good. I replaced the Cessnas over the next two years and maintained the same acres with three Air Tractors.

In 1989 it was a struggle to keep up with the increased acres, and not wanting to increase the number of aircraft, I purchased my first turbine in late '89. (same year my son, Jamie, started spraying) It was the AT-502 with a PT6A-15AG engine. The savings on maintenance and rebuilding a radial every 2 years went a long way toward making payments on the turbine. It worked out so well, that I purchased one 502 for the next two years keeping the aircraft to three total.

It is now 26 years and 15,000+ hours (for me) since Glades AG started in business and how this industry has changed! 15 years ago you could still buy an aircraft, go to an area, and set up a spraying business. Now days you need loading pads, chemical license, fuel containment pads, and contain any and all spills, leaks, and drips! After that, try dealing with all the regulations that go with it.

Hopefully this hasn't been too lengthy. I did leave out a lot of details, but basically, this is the history of Glades AG Service, Inc..

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