FOUNDED:
1945 by Peter Cugino and Dick Nixholm

GENERAL:
Downstown Aero has been in the aerial application business since 1945 and has successfully performed on spraying contracts with federal, state, and county agencies. In 1969 the State of New Jersey contracted with Downstown Aero for airtanker services. Downstown Aero has remained the prime contractor for the past 29 years.

COMPANY OPERATION:
Downstown Aero performs agriculture aviation services, aerial firefighting, wide area spray operations, and aerial survey services. Downstown Aero also operates a FBO with airframe and engine repair facilities.

IMPROVEMENTS/INNOVATIONS:
Downstown Aero was one of the first agriculture aviation operations to utilize the Grumman Ag-Cat as a single engine airtanker (SEAT). Downstown Aero built the first hopper / sump drop door assembly to enhance salvo drop capabilities of the Ag-Cat.

AREAS CONTRACTED:
New Jersey, New York, and East coast states.

FLEET:
Thirteen Grumman Ag-Cats, nine G-164A 600s, four G-164 450s), two C-182, one C-172, one C-180, two PA-23-250, one (1) M18B.

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES:
26

PERSONNEL SPECIFICS:
Downstown Aero pilots have an average of over 15 years of SEAT's experience in the Northeastern states. During the 1970s through mid 1980s, Downstown Aero disassembled and shipped to various countries over 40 Grumman Ag-Cats for International Ag-Cat Distributors, Inc. Downstown personnel worked in Germany, Portugal, and South Africa reassembling the aircraft and training the new owners in maintenance and operation.

CONTACT:
Curt Nixholm
Vern Becker
(856) 697-3300
Fax: (856) 697-2132
E-Mail: FireCats1@aol.com

HOMEPAGE:
Click here for Downstown Aero Crop Service Home Page