PAC Fletcher FU-24

The PAC Fletcher FU‑24 is a New Zealand‑designed light agricultural and utility aircraft built by Pacific Aerospace Ltd. First flying in 1955 as the Fletcher Farm Utility 2, it was developed from an earlier agricultural prototype to meet the post‑war demand for efficient crop‑dusting and aerial work. Over the decades the type evolved through several variants, the most successful being the FU‑24A and the later FU‑24B, which incorporated a more powerful Lycoming O‑480 engine, a steel‑tube fuselage, and a high‑lift wing equipped with flaps and robust fixed landing gear for rough airstrips. Its spacious cabin can be quickly reconfigured for passenger transport, skydiving, fire‑suppression or survey missions, making it remarkably versatile. A key feature is the sturdy, low‑wing design that provides excellent visibility and ease of loading chemicals or cargo. More than 400 units have been produced, many serving in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific region, where the aircraft’s reliability and low operating costs have made it a workhorse for agricultural operators and remote‑area services. The Fletcher’s enduring popularity underscores its importance as a pragmatic solution in utility aviation and as a showcase of Pacific Aerospace’s engineering heritage.