Rotor downwash is also used by fruitgrowers to dry the frost forming on crops. Ranch owners find that one person in a copter can do the work of from 15 to 18 cowhands in chores that include riding the range, herding cattle, and patroling fences. Pipelines and power lines are checked by inspectors flying in helicopters. All types of photographs are taken from choppers. Motion-picture producers and newspaper photographers find the helicopter an ideal platform from which to take aerial action shots.
Geologists photograph the interiors of volcanoes from the craft.
Mapmakers also use aerial photographs in cartography. Helicopters are used to haul many types of cargo. They also serve as towing vehicles. Air streams from rotors have been used to blow stranded boats from sandbars. Airline-type helicopter operations have been in service since 1947, when Los Angeles Airways carried the first load of mail.