An Australian aviator who contributed to Australian aerial agriculture has died at the age of 92. Tom Watson began his career in the barnstorming era learning to fly at 26 years of age. He served with the RAAF and the Australian navy during WWII flying Sunderland Flying Boats then Lancaster bombers in Europe. Like many pilots after the war he joined Qantas and became involved in flying migrants to Australia from Europe.
In 1949 he took on work at a NSW's farm in aerial pest control and fertilizer spraying, flying a Tiger Moth. As chief engineer he made this company the largest aerial spraying firm in the country, it being the first business in aerial agriculture. He stayed ahead of competitors by modifying Beaver aircraft for spraying increasing the fleet to 56 planes. Some were still in service until last year.
His life revolved around aviation. He founded the Australian Aerial Agriculture Association and an agriculture flying school where many commercial pilots learned their trade. He eventually left aerial agriculture to survey for minerals.
A generous person who made contracts with a handshake, Tom Watson added greatly to Australian aviation.
In 1949 he took on work at a NSW's farm in aerial pest control and fertilizer spraying, flying a Tiger Moth. As chief engineer he made this company the largest aerial spraying firm in the country, it being the first business in aerial agriculture. He stayed ahead of competitors by modifying Beaver aircraft for spraying increasing the fleet to 56 planes. Some were still in service until last year.
His life revolved around aviation. He founded the Australian Aerial Agriculture Association and an agriculture flying school where many commercial pilots learned their trade. He eventually left aerial agriculture to survey for minerals.
A generous person who made contracts with a handshake, Tom Watson added greatly to Australian aviation.
