Neither type was successful as a crop duster, the Wackett because it was underpowered and the Wirraway because it was not designed for low-level slow-speed flight.

Once the board approved the project, a number of surplus Wirraways were purchased from the RAAF for use in the production of this new aircraft.

[2] The Ceres prototype first flew in February 1958, in the hands of CAC test pilot Bill Scott, and the first production aircraft was delivered in April 1959.

After five aircraft had been built, provision was made for a rear-facing seat behind the cockpit, housed under an extended canopy, which was the only major design change during production.

The Ceres succumbed to the popularity of more modern and economical designs such as the Piper Pawnee and PAC Fletcher.