We meet Dusty Crophopper in the Disney/Pixar movies Planes and Planes: Fire & Rescue. Planes is a spin-off movie of Disney/Pixar’s famous Cars movie franchise. Dusty is known for his relatable and admirable positive traits. I think we all have a bit of Dusty in us. Here are some fun facts all about Dusty Crophopper.

Who is Dusty Crophopper?
I saw Planes last summer and thought that movie was so cute! Dusty Crophopper had BIG dreams for a little guy and despite what people thought he made them come true. Despite his modest crop-dusting background, Dusty pursues his dreams of competing in the Wings Around the Globe race. He is driven, ambitious, and hardworking, never giving up no matter how many times he falls. Dusty’s determination, courage, and zest for life serve as a valuable lesson for viewers of all ages. His character teaches us that with perseverance and dedication, anyone can pursue their dreams, no matter how big or small they may seem.
In Planes: Fire & Rescue, Dusty switches gears and will now become a different type of hero.

When world-famous air racer Dusty learns that his engine is damaged and he may never race again, he must shift gears and is launched into the world of wildfire air attack. Dusty joins forces with veteran fire and rescue helicopter Blade Ranger and his courageous air attack team, including spirited super scooper Lil’ Dipper, heavy-lift helicopter Windlifter, ex-military transport Cabbie, and a lively bunch of brave all-terrain vehicles known as The Smokejumpers. Together, the fearless team battles a massive wildfire, and Dusty learns what it takes to become a true hero.
Fun Facts about Dusty Crophopper
Dusty is an AT-301/400A plane. When Disney/Pixar makes a movie they usually have a basis in reality. Dusty was inspired by the Air Tractor AT-502, Cessna 188, and the PZL-Mielec M-18 Dromader. All of these are considered workhorse planes, used primarily for agricultural purposes but can also be used for fire fighting and insect control.

You Can Meet Dusty Crophopper. At the request of Disneytoon Studios, this Air Tractor AT-301/400A was fixed up to look like the Disney animated aircraft. The aircraft became a hit at Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum air shows, following the success of the first film and its 2014 sequel Planes: Fire and Rescue.
Dusty has an Unstoppable Spirit. In the first Planes movie, he was determined to go past his natural born limits to accomplish what he envisioned in his heart. In Planes, Fire & Rescue, again he tried to do something he was told he could not do, though he did learn to be more careful of his limitations. For me, this is encouraging. To me, it says to go against what society says you can do and what you can’t. Girls can do “boy jobs”, older people can reinvent themselves, and young ones can do things beyond our imagination. The only obstacle is ourselves.
Lucky #7. Dusty’s racing number is #7, which some say is a lucky number that could be based on the late NASCAR driver Alan Kulwicki racing number #7 who won the 1992 NASCAR Cup Series drivers and owners championship famous for Polish victory lap who had passed away in 1993 whiling traveling to Bristol.
Dusty has an Ironic Fear. Dusty is afraid of heights. A plane that flies high shouldn’t be afraid of flying high, especially when his dreams were to win a flying race. This is mainly because crop dusters don’t fly high. He had to overcome his fear to achieve his dreams.
He Looks Like Another Disney-famous Plane. Dusty bears some resemblance to Pedro from Saludos Amigos.

If you haven’t seen Planes and/or Planes: Fire & Rescue you are missing out on a cute, inspirational movie.