North Wind Aviation: Farmers Flying for Farmers

When rain threatens a Washington State cherry crop, growers must act fast to protect the season’s harvest—and months of hard work.

That's when North Wind Aviation’s fleet of helicopters takes flight.

Founded in 2012 by pilot and fourth-generation farmer Ryan McDonald, North Wind Aviation, based in Chelan, Wash., provides specialized aerial services throughout Washington, Oregon, California, Colorado and Canada. From protecting cherry crops during rain events to supporting wildfire suppression efforts, the company's helicopters help clients solve complex challenges from above.

For McDonald, a former professional snowboarder and Army veteran, the business has always been about more than aviation.

"I grew up farming," he said. "When you're dealing with your neighbors and it's their livelihood, it’s personal. It’s your community. There’s a lot of generational, deeply rooted connections.”

Growing up in the small town of Entiat, Wash., McDonald spent his childhood working alongside family members in orchards throughout the Wenatchee Valley. His great-grandmother farmed apples and later generations continued the tradition through cherry orchards and other farming operations.

Those experiences gave him firsthand insight into the challenges faced by local growers and the importance of dependable partners to help them weather literally any storm

Today, that understanding remains central to North Wind Aviation's approach.

Ready before the first raindrop

One of the company's most recognized services is cherry drying, a specialized process designed to protect fruit from rain damage.

Cherries are a delicate fruit, and a single rainstorm can jeopardize an entire crop. When water collects on ripe cherries, they can absorb moisture and split, leaving them vulnerable to insects, mold and decay. For growers, the financial impact can be devastating.

North Wind Aviation helps mitigate that risk by putting aircraft and pilots on standby when the weather forecast predicts rain. When the rain arrives, the company’s helicopters are swiftly dispatched to begin drying orchards, using powerful downward airflow to remove moisture from the fruit.

"It's like insurance," McDonald said. "Our customers know that when they need us, we'll be there."

The company's advanced preparation and scheduling system help ensure it never takes on more acreage than it can reliably serve. With a centralized dispatch system, North Wind coordinates its own fleet and trusted subcontractors to respond quickly and efficiently the moment weather conditions change.

Growing beyond agriculture

While their cherry drying service often attracts attention, it represents only a portion of North Wind Aviation's operations today. Over the past decade, the company has expanded into other aerial services, including crop protection, fertilization, forestry management and utility support. 

Today, they employ approximately 35 team members and operate a fleet of aircraft across multiple states.

During wildfire season, North Wind crews remain at the ready from sunrise to sunset, working with public agencies to provide rapid response when new fires are reported.

Despite the growth, McDonald believes the company's success comes back to a simple principle.

"Integrity is really important," he said. "As a business, all you really have is your reputation. We've always tried to do the right thing, even if it costs us in the moment."

A banking relationship built on understanding

As the company expanded, McDonald sought a banking relationship built on responsiveness, understanding and long-term partnership. He found one in Banner.

What started with a conversation about financing a new building developed into a long-term relationship built on responsiveness and trust. Banner has assisted them with a range of products and expertise, from financing to guidance on future growth opportunities.

"Our business is unique, and things can change quickly," McDonald said. "Banner takes the time to understand our operation and our goals."