The GA-200C Fatman is a foundational light agricultural aircraft manufactured by Gippsland Aeronautics. Introduced and certified in 1993, the GA-200C was an evolution of the earlier GA200 model, offering paramount performance for its class. Equipped with a 300 hp engine, the aircraft features the capability of lifting one tonne (1050 Litres) of payload, demonstrating a significant performance increase over competitors. Production of the Fatman series was eventually scaled down to focus on the subsequent Airvan family of aircraft.
Gippsland Aeronautics began its history in 1977, founded by Peter Furlong as an aircraft maintenance and modification business based in Morwell, Australia. The company gained early experience working with large organizations before transitioning into aircraft design and manufacturing, driven by a need to improve the capability and safety of agricultural aircraft.
A range of platforms and access solutions assists maintenance around this aircraft. For accessing areas like the engine, wing pylon, or fuel tanks, stands such as the Reach Deck Platform, Modular Stepover Platforms, Super Trestle Scaffold, and Super Maintenance Platform provide safe access. The Platform Ladder Warthog and Easyraise are excellent for tasks involving the tail section (empennage), forward fuselage, and landing gear. Specialized tools like the Aviation Chock and Cone Trolley support general operational needs, ensuring thorough access across all critical sections, from the nose avionics to the aft bulkhead.
