The Air Tractor series of agricultural aircraft was designed in the USA by Mr. Leland Snow. well-known designer of agricultural aircraft, with more than 20 years experience in the field.

In about 2007 Air Tractor found there was a growing interest within the agricultural industry to train and prepare replacements for pilots who had been in the industry for many years and were coming to retirement time.

The AT-802 series was an enlarged AT-503, having a length of 11.27 m (37 ft) and a wingspan of 17.68 m (58 ft), a hopper of 3,028 litres (666 Imp gals), and computer controlled hopper doors to drop the load of fire retardant as required when used in that role.