Heli-Tractor: Our History
HeliTractor was founded by Eugene Kalafatis in 2000. After obtaining his commercial helicopter license in 1994, Eugene worked as a freelance pilot for various companies. With a background in farming, having grown up on a farm, he purchased his own farm in 1993 and began cultivating sugar cane. The need for aerial spraying of his crops led to the creation of the concept of “helicopter agricultural flying.”
HeliTractor is based in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal’s sugarcane region, where Eugene’s farm also serves as the operational base for the company’s helicopters. As both a pilot and a farmer, Eugene has a deep understanding of the needs and expectations of farmers.
The company’s first helicopter was an Enstrom F28C, which was fitted with a basic agricultural rig. This marked the launch of the first commercial helicopter agricultural operation of its kind in South Africa. Over the years, the business has steadily grown. The fleet expanded from the Robinson R22, which was used for thousands of successful spraying hours, to the more advanced R44 in 2007, signaling a step forward in the company’s capabilities.
In collaboration with a manufacturer, Eugene designed and modified the R44 spray system to meet the demands of field operations, leading to the creation of the “HELI-TRACTOR” spray system. This innovative system remains in use today, setting the industry standard and distinguishing itself as the original in a field where others have attempted to replicate it.
In a groundbreaking move, HeliTractor developed a Bell Huey UH-1H spray and fire attack system—another world-first achievement for the company.
Years of experience
Eugene has traveled extensively, offering training, installation, and consulting services in countries such as South America and Russia, helping businesses establish and operate aerial agricultural services. His expertise covers everything from spray systems and GPS guidance to the full management of helicopter agricultural operations.
In 2010, HeliTractor partnered with IMS of New Zealand to introduce a 1,350kg heli fertilizer bucket for the Bell Huey, becoming the first operator in Africa to use an aerial fertilizing system for sugarcane, maize, forestry, and more. This was also the first time a laser-guided agricultural system, capable of 1 cm accuracy, was fitted to a helicopter—another world-first milestone for HeliTractor.
Today, HeliTractor offers a wide range of services, including spraying, fertilizing, top dressing, aerial lifting, firefighting, sling work, long-line banner towing, and training. The company is also the African agent for aerial buckets and hoppers used for lime, fertilizer, and firefighting. HeliTractor proudly supplies advanced, lightweight, and durable firefighting buckets compatible with helicopters of all sizes.
South and Central America
Heli-Tractor has much experience with operations in South and Central America. We understand the requirements there and the culture. Heli-Tractor has helped to set up numerous first-time Heli-ag operations in these regions from day one (Ecuador’s first ever heli-ag operation).
Some have never been involved in aviation at all, so they require much-needed experience from start to finish, including updates to manuals to meet the local civil aviation requirements, as well as help well-established operations, fine-tuning operations, and meeting with their clients to share questions and to assist their clients with any needs they may have.