[CompelTechnic]

If you think that a lightweight drone will give just as much wind power as a heavy helicopter, you need to think about F=MA a bit. The weight of the pilot (and supporting systems) act as balast against which the "fan" can push. Otherwise the fan would accelerate into the sky. More ballast = bigger fan, and a huuuuge fan is way better than a small fan given the problem at hand.

[dmitryminkovsky]

Yes great point. Thank you. So 2000 dollars in fuel and helicopter actually gives you good bang for your buck here?

[ip26]

At least compared to losing the harvest, obviously the answer is yes. At $5/lb, 400lbs of cherries pays for the helicopter.