How and Why I Got Into Crop Dusting
Вставка
- Опубліковано 21 лип 2024
- Here's the story of how and why I got into crop dusting.
Cockpit Audio provided by the one and only NFlightCam Audio Cable : www.nflightcam.com/collection...
Please be sure to Subscribe & Like.
Find us on Instagram: / agaviationadventures
Leave any questions you may have!
#agaviationadventures #cropdusting #agaviation
I love how he's just casually talking to us and doing extreme maneuvers. Anyone that doesn't respect how he's flying needs to get a reality check, sit down and shut up!!
Thanks for watching reality!
Ladies and gentlemen: this is a real pilot. A stick and rudder guy like nobody’s business. Much respect for the Ag pilots.
Thanks for watching jeff.
Thanks for the inside view. Great video.👍
Thanks for watching!
Probably better off here than in a SEAT IMHO.
1. safer
2.steady work
3. close to home
4. Don't have to sit alert at a tanker base for days on end waiting for the call.
GREAT channel! Subscribed
Juan- Former USFS Lead Plane pilot
Thanks for watching Juan and appreciate you subscribing.
blancolirio Exactly! Also might add
5. Don’t have to deal with all the governmental bureaucratic “stuff” involved with SEAT fire contracts
Better money in ag than SEAT work also.
This Crop Duster Pilot hit a Power line at Age 77.
ua-cam.com/video/ioUZPzkj7xI/v-deo.html
He had a Farming operation too . @blancolirio
This channel is AWESOME! Ag Spraying is something I ALWAYS wanted to do! So cool to see everything in action and what goes on behind the scenes. I was like, "oh, I'll just watch one or two videos..." ...10 videos later! ha! Keep em coming!
Haha thanks for watching Clint!
Boss you looking good! In a few years I really hope to be doing the same thing! I am working on my private pilots right now and will be going straight for commercial once I have the hours. Always been fascinated by airplanes and low level flying. Air and tractors the best of both worlds
That’s great keep on plugging away at it!
Thanks for the videos. Finishing my commercial as we speak and looking for that loader job for this season to learn the ropes. You are living the dream!
Andrew Yates Thanks for watching Andrew. Glad to hear you’re loading!
Ag Aviation Adventures, I finished my first season as a Loader in MN. Absolutely love it! Completing Ag Flight school now. Thanks again for the great videos.
Love your office. Great video
Thanks so much!
Thank you for taking the time to reply. I like the way you do your channel
We appreciate you watching.
I’m also from Utah and about to take my commercial-multi check ride. I’ve always wanted to be an ag pilot and this info is great! I will probably try attend the next convention to get connections while building hours as a CFI (COVID permitting)
Awesome good luck mecham!
Wanted to do this since I was 8 years old, life intervened; pushing 80 now, but I still have an imagination. Enjoy your videos.
Thanks for watching David!
Great video Tyson! I'm a new subscriber having just found your videos this morning. I am a commercial pilot who owns and operates a small scenic flight business (using a Waco YMF) here in Southern Utah in Kanab. I'm also a retired city (and wildland) firefighter from Elko, NV. I, too, have dreamed of flying SEAT's for quite some time and I'm really considering taking the leap and going for it. As you mentioned, the problem with living in Utah is the lack of ag spraying as a whole, especially in Southern Utah. I've got some buddies flying SEAT's currently as well as a few that spray, so I'm always pressing them for info and advice. I'm really not wanting to move from Kanab as my kids are in HS and we love our little town but I know I'll have to move away at least during season for any spraying job I can eventually find a seat with. Anyhow, I related to a lot of what you mentioned in this video so I thought I'd say hello. Thanks again for a great video on what you do! I'm looking forward to catching up on the rest! James in Kanab
Thanks for watching James. Kanab is a beautiful area and we spend a lot of time around that zone in the fall and spring. I think you’ll find a few videos helpful but it sounds like you know what it’s all about as well.
@@AgAviationAdventures Thanks for the reply Tyson. I just sat down to watch another one of your videos. Stop in at KKNB next time you're in the area. It'd be great to meet you!
Awesome video .. In the process now of getting into it .. Grew up In Deep South Louisiana on a Rice Farm.. Did lots of flagging back in the day .. Tells you how old I am .. lol .. 56 . Uncle had a crop dusting biz n hopped many Ag cats .. Had a career of running heavy equipment, last being cranes in the oil field.. Ag flying has always been a passion of mine .. So decided to quit chasing money n start chasing my passion.. What I would wakeup n do for free because I love it that much.. What I wouldn’t wanna retire from .. Ag Flying is it .. My retirement plan lol 😂 Love the agriculture industry.. Being a part of those who serve humanity.. Feeding our society.. Farmers Air Force .. An Ag plane is another piece of Farm Equipment.. So if you love agriculture and flying this is definitely the career choice to make.. Thanks for the videos .. Enjoy them 👊🏻👍🏻😎
That’s great!! Love hearing all this.
Very professional and very cool...
Thanks for watching Vandal.
Love the video and the possibility that I too can reach that milestone
You for sure can!
That's my future occupation. 'Fly low, fly fast' I love that.
Thanks for watching Kenny.
if you can turn left, then you might as well got to Reno too lol
You should come to SW NE! Good combination of crop/pasture work & we actually have a SEAT base here in town, 1 of 5 in NE.. and with the 702 & 739 fires last year, we're working to be more proactive on the wildland front.
That sounds like a great area! We actually just purchased our own operation in south central North Dakota.
I'm in Ohio. Have ACMEL AND ACSEL. Former CFI and double I. Haven't flown in 10 years. Hell, haven't had a flight review or IPC in those 10 years either. Really want to return to aviation and am interested in learning more about crop dusting as a career and not a time building gig. My takeaway from this video is the NAAA annual convention might be the best place to start.
Yeah that would be a great plan.
Very interesting story!
Thanks for watching!
Thanks for these videos, very informative and educational. Due to Covid I’m in a forced career change since my industry vaporized. I’ve been watching and talking to an Ag flight school here in GA and went to NAAA in Savannah, GA. After much consideration my wife and I decided I’ll never get another chance to do this... I start Ag flight school in January. Again, thanks.
Congratulations!!
Thank you. I hope one day we get to meet since you (or your videos rather) are the reason I quit dreaming about flying and actually decided to do something about it. Your video have provided me with the basic information I needed to ask pointed questions about what to expect as a pilot... including paying my dues to earn a seat.
That’s awesome. I love that they’ve helped you!
Are you going to one in Bainbridge? I’m about to do a demo flight there
I am in Bainbridge. Some great instructors.
Great video!
A couple of questions.
How much travel is involved? What do you do during the winter? Thanks!!
Hey Derek! It is going to be different for every operation on how much you travel. We hit the road for about 6 weeks every summer and live out of motels for that time. We know pilots who don't travel at all. We don't have jobs in the winter. You can learn about our off-season here: ua-cam.com/users/AdventureRig
Just got my PPL, working on my IR. I’m seriously looking into this (part time)
Awesome! It’s a great gig.
Nice work!
Thanks!
Hey Tyson, I’m a 26 year old Cessna ag-truck pilot down in Texas. My boss and I fly two planes in an attempt to keep up with the high demand during the summer and are looking into moving up to a 502. What was the learning curve like stepping into the turbine engine aircraft? Enjoy the winter hiatus and thanks for the great content.
It really wasn’t bad. A little bigger and a bit faster. But probably easier to land then the Ag truck.
I think there are more aerial applicator’s in the south where the industry was started. Great videos
Thanks Wayne.
There is a company called Dauntless Air that is based out of MN and they have a fleet of SEAT aircraft if you were really interested.
For sure thanks.
Next vid: How and why I grew a stache"
Please do it
Cody Nichols Haha well it’s something that comes and goes and I currently don’t have it.
Love the vids. I am 52yo with a light sport rotor wing and fixed wing license. I am drawn to this flying. What are your thoughts on someone my age entering this arena?
Thanks for watching Cardio. I'll be honest with you, I don't want to be doing this when I'm that age. There are plenty of people spraying that are in their 60's and 70's but they have been doing it for a long time. It's a lot to learn and it takes a long time to get proficient at it. The days are long and it's hard on the body. I'd rather go buzzing around in my Cub and enjoy that type of flying versus getting into this. If your heart is set on it and you don't want to do anything else then I'd say go for it. But if it's just something that looks interesting and fun to try I'd personally just steer clear.
Enjoy your videos. I’m kind of like some of the others here. I’m in my 50’s and my have the potential opportunity to make a career change due to some positive business dealings. Also, as a livestock farmer, I’m not stranger to hard, physical labor and wold like to remain physically active as I get older. , I am located here in Georgia, so we have the South Georgia/Florida ag markets. I’ve been on an Ag Pilot check-ride, have the financial means to get training and hopefully locate a plane to fly in/when I decide to do this. I’ve researched a lot but a few questions elude me ... even with Google. I see that a good pilot can make $60 to $80K per year, but it also seems many pilots travel to the work. When traveling, are travel expenses, meals and accommodation costs the pilots responsibility or the customer? As one could imagine, this would make a big difference in take-home income after traveling costs. Thanks
Thanks for watching Marc. If you are working for a company flything their aircraft they will pay for travel expenses and accommodations and usually meals.
Idk if you will see this but I work as a flagger for the Olathe spray service in olathe Colorado one of only two on the western slope of Colorado I see you guys don’t use flaggers/observers but basically we watch the fields drive a truck keep track of its walls in case the system crap so I just watch for people because our fields are on average 20 to 40 acres but your channel is dope
You should look it up we live 60 miles from Utah as the crow flies at least
We appreciate you watching! We’ve actually stopped in and said hi. We live in Buena vista in the winters. You guys live in a beautiful area.
Definitely the coolest job in the world.
Thanks for watching.
I’ve always enjoyed ag farming. I’m in my late 40’s I grew up as a kid around farming till 23. I’m thinking about heading back into it but also finally getting my wings as an ah pilot. Any advise.
Thanks for watching Tim. Check out my “Do you want to be an Ag pilot” video where I give some pointers.
Great video, if one were to go to an ag pilot school, does that teach you the loader duties as well or just the flying and spraying part of the job?
I can't speak for all the schools but the couple that I know about do not teach any loading. It's easy to get on the job training for that. The work order and pilot will tell you what to load and how much of each chemical and water. Then you just measure it out and put it in the cone and then into the airplane. The school I went to focused on how to work and fly the GPS light bar and different patterns to run and how to avoid obstacles.
Maybe you’ve answered this already but how much does an AG pilot get starting out per anum, & how much mid-career? Thanks for channel, really cool & knowledgeable!
ua-cam.com/video/QwnF9JggDlw/v-deo.html
Hi, glider pilot here. I wondered: do you hand fly those few feet above ground, or is there an automated system restricting ground proximity and avoiding obstacles? How close do you have to be to the crop?
Thanks for watching Christian. There is no automation and everything is flown by hand. You fly 5-10 feet above the crop. I talked about it in the 502 walk around video.
@@AgAviationAdventures ever brush the wheels - or the wingtips?
You have the coolest job in the world 🌍
Thanks William it’s pretty fun. Go pack!
You posted this a while back, I don't expect a response but hey. I have been itching to go into aviation but in life I've been delt the farmer hand of cards, you know? Anyways I was wondering how much it has cost you to get to where you are, with the licenses and personal equipment, ETC. my brain is fine tuned to learn, but only about certain things🤣. Aviation is definitely one of them. I'm willing to learn so what ever knowledge you could give me I'd be so grateful for!
Thanks for watching Parker. I don't have exact numbers but I would say for less then $40k you can get all your licenses (private and limited commercial). A helmet will run you $1k-$3,500 depending on if you find a used one vs top of the line new.
@@AgAviationAdventures Thank you!
Could you tell me how to actually become one like start from like straight out of high school please and thank you
This video talks about that ua-cam.com/video/UZVtNhzIy5I/v-deo.html
Nice info. I've been wanting to get my ag ticket. Can u recommend a school? What about Grant's? Thinking bout one in Bainbridge, GA
Charles Atkinson Thanks for watching Charles. Check out the “Do You Want To Be A Crop Duster” video. As far as grants the National Agricultural Aviation Association is a great resource.
Any info on how to start working towards this career in Texas would be greatly appreciated…
Hi David. Take a look at some of the videos such as this one ua-cam.com/video/UZVtNhzIy5I/v-deo.html
Hi, I'm a french guy and I am currently doing my CPL in Canada. After I'll be done with that I'd love to do Crop dusting but I haven't any very precise idea of the experience you need To get in order to do it so if you have an idea that could help! And I've heard that we also have to get an ag pilot license maybe you'll have some more informations for me about that. I hope you'll see this and btw your video is pretty interesting!! ( forgive me for my bad english writting 😅 )
Thanks for watching MrZzik. I'm not familiar with the ag pilot license in Canada but there is a spray school/program in maybe Battleford, Saskatchewan?? Not sure on that but possibly and you could ask them about it. I'm sure they would be able to fill you in more. Getting tailwheel time is important and that's why I towed banners. And finding an operator to help get you into the industry is imperative. This could be another helpful video. ua-cam.com/video/UZVtNhzIy5I/v-deo.html
Flying is flying. From out of the western sky. It’s Sky King !
Thanks for watching.
I had plans to try and do both wildland firefighting and crop dusting
That’s great!
Hello I’m a first year aviation student at South Dakota state and I would really like to meet you and learn more about crop dusting and I am currently really interested trying to make it a career in the future
That’s great! It’s a wonderful path.
How big is that pivot? How often do you fly under wires? have you done night spraying? have you flown under wires at night?
All the pivots I spray around are 1/4 mile long. I have wires at the end of the airstrip so I end up flying under wires usually 10-15 times a day. I have not done any night spraying.
Hi Tyson: Questions about being an AG Pilot
(1) How does the pay works in this industry? As per the interweb, you can make 30-80k doing an AG Pilot job annually. But that doesn't explain how this all works in the real world. Is it a W-2 or a 1099 position mostly. That would change the take home quite a bit. Its a seasonal job and some areas are long seasons others short. How does that factor in to the pay. Is it sorta like a teacher where you will need a second job during the winter to make ends meet.
(2) Also in your opinion are AG pilot schools worth the money? The last one I looked at wanted 40k. But if the business is hard to get into, this could be a seriously heavy debit to carry while looking for a job or trying to pay off. You would need to know that it would be worth it. (Im already a GA pilot)
(3) Does this job require you to be flexible with traveling. Will I be following the seasons north to south and from state to state or will I be stationed in one place.
Thanks for any info Scott, Im looking to make a change from my regular grind and want to know if this is a viable change or if its just a time builder. Im located near the CA central valley but I hear its almost impossible to break into, so I know Id be looking in other states.
Thanks for watching! You've asked some great questions and I've covered parts of it in other videos.
1. A pilot is paid per acre, so the more work you get done the more you make. Some pilots make a W2 wage and others are 1099. It kind of depends on who you work for and how they structure it. But I've seen it both ways. The length of the season greatly affects the pay since the more you spray the more you make. Some guys get second jobs during the off season, Cally and I spend our time traveling and recreating.
2. I went to an AG school and it was about $14,000 for just the AG training. I already had all my other ratings. I was kind of in your boat and I didn't know anyone in the industry or have an in. So AG school was my in... I met some great people and learned a little bit. Enough to get me that first job. I definitely would never pay $40k for training. You will be hard pressed to find someone who will put you in an airplane the first season. You will probably need to load for at least half the season to learn about it and the operator wants to see how committed you are.
3. Some places you work they will have you travel with the plane and others won't. Places in CA probably don't do any traveling. They have long seasons and there is always work that needs to be done and they can't send planes on the road. I spend about 6 weeks on the road. I get way more work on the road then I would at my home base so I'm happy to travel. I wish I could get the work where I didn't need to travel but I've gotta go where the work is. For the other 3 months I based at home but will occasionally hit the road and spend one or two nights at a time at other locations helping out.
I would not get into this as a time builder. It takes a lot of dedication and you will need to want to do it. It's difficult to break into and once you're in it may take a few years before you're making decent money. The schedule can be grueling.
Thankyou so much for the info. I’d rather do what I love. I guess I better look at schools. Better put off buying that stol plane. I sorta know a guy who knows an guy who has an AG outfit in Fallon NV maybe I’ll have to suffer a few months doing ground work there.
Any schools you can recommend ?
Val 895 The school I went to is out of business. I think there is a pretty good one in Canada maybe. I would avoid Ag flight in Bainbridge, GA and I would avoid the one in Florida.
Hi, I'm located in Arkansas and an ultralight pilot of 15 years. I've always been interested in getting into the industry. Would you please elaborate on avoiding Bainbridge GA? It seemed like my best hope for a couple reasons. Thanks for the videos!
5652240 I have not heard many good things about Bainbridge. I know people who went there and only one of them had a good experience. But things change and maybe it’s different now. When I went to Ag school years ago Bainbridge was going through quite a few episodes of accidents. I appreciate you watching, let me know if you have any more questions.
I live in southeast Missouri, there's a Professional Pilot program that the college offers but it's a four year degree. I'm really interested in becoming an Agricultural Pilot but it's hard to get connected with the right people to begin a career in this field. I would like to start work on the ground in order to understand the entire process but I don't just want to get stuck on the ground without being taught the piloting process. Should I start the Pilot program or should I just start at a local Agricultural spraying business?
I would recommend beginning on the ground and making sure after a season that it is the career you want to follow. If you are on Facebook join the group “Rookie I Want To Be An Ag Pilot”. There is a ton of useful information in it and you would be able to find a job loading.
I worked as a loader years ago, owner was killed, business shut down. I went the corporate route and been flying mid size business jets. At 50 how would I get into this business? 10K hour pilot with several thousand hours in turbo props. Are the ag schools worth the money?
Thanks for watching Rex. Check out the video “Do You Want To Be An Ag Pilot” where I discuss some steps to get into the industry. If you can find an operator to mentor you safely then I would try to save the money and avoid an Ag school.
I know this might sound crazy. But do you have to use the rudder when you bank. I have many crop duster pilots say they don't use the rudder. but I can't see how that's possible with adverse yaw.
David Bradford You definitely have to use the rudder. After a long day my knees hurt. In every turn you are pushing the rudder pedals.
Thanks for clearing that up. I hope i'm not asking to many questions. It's just your flying one of my favorite spray planes at502 and thrush 510
David Bradford No worries ask away!
As a REC lineman being sprayed on more than one occasion with no escape. I'm not a big fan of crop dusters. If you see a crew working on the lines, can't you say this field will have to wait?
Yes absolutely. I would never spray a field with someone in it.
After obtaining my commercial license, is there specialized crop dusting training that I have to receive before I'm eligible to apply for jobs? I live in California.
Scot Ward No. you will need state applicators licenses but that’s it. Nothing official as far as training. This video may be helpful. m.ua-cam.com/video/UZVtNhzIy5I/v-deo.html
i know it's probably a little late but where do you get the planes for crop dusting
Air Tractor is out of Olney, TX and Thrush is out of Georgia.
Thats awesome! What is a realistic wage for a ag pilot? Do you need college or just a commercial pilot license? What did the training process look like for you? Was it like an apprenticeship?
I have a video coming that answers most of these questions! Stay tuned. As far as training - I worked on the ground for several years before getting a seat and then worked my way up from there.
I work in a crop dusting company in south west Arizona and most pilots here started as ground crew and worked their way up. I’m working as a spotter hoping to get in the seat of a plane one day.
I’m working as a loader right now, hopefully some day I’ll be a pilot, looks like a dream job to me
I would say most pilots are in the $60k-$80k range but this can really depend a lot on where you are spraying. If you are in a state where you spray year round you will make a lot more vs being somewhere that only sprays for 3-4 months. I went to college for all my ratings so my training was a bit different then just going to an FBO to attain your licenses. I also attended an ago flying school to learn how to work the gps. You do not need a college degree and you can do it with just a commercial license.
I'm a pilot working on my Avi sci degree do you have any other pointers for someone interested in a similar path to yours?
Thanks for watching Daniel. This video has a bit more info in it. ua-cam.com/video/UZVtNhzIy5I/v-deo.html Let me know if you have further questions.
Ag Aviation Adventure-
I am a 41 year old Air Force Veteran. I am a Weapons Systems Officer on B-52s (we drop the bombs and handle navigation). Therefore, I need to go through the whole meal deal concerning pilot training (Instrument, Commercial, etc). I live in Kansas. My question- I'm real interested in getting into this field but am slightly hesitant due to my age. I know you talked to the dude below who was in his 50's. Any advice for someone in their 40's?
Todd Kavouras Thanks for watching Todd. I think my answer is similar. If it’s something that you really want and it keeps you up at night and you’re ready for a change then it may be the way to go. It’s going to take a large commitment to get your ratings and find someone to give you that first job. You’re going to have to pick up and go to wherever the person is who will give you that opportunity. I don’t know if you have a family etc... but it can be easier for someone in their 20’s or 30’s to commit to. But if it’s all you want to do and you’re ready to put in the time and years it will take then I’d say go for it. I cant sit here and shoot down someone’s dreams.
Todd Kavouras You have plenty of time. You don’t have one foot in the grave at 41. Getting into this line of work in your 40s is no worse than starting too young. Some guys (not all)that are too young have an invincible attitude that can cause major problems with safety in this job. It just takes dedication. When there is spraying that needs done, and the weather is right, you better be out there, whether it is the weekend, or holiday, or your anniversary, or somebody’s birthday is completely irrelevant. A lot of people struggle with that kind of commitment. If possible, start out in a tailwheel airplane from day one.
@@johngeorg9491 Copy all, thanks
How many hours did you have when you got the job? I’m a pilot a&p in Texas and would love to get into crop dusting
I had about 500.
From Logan Utah! Where in Utah did you go to school? Really looking into this. Did they help you get your tail wheel rating or did you do that out of your own pocket?
I went to USU. I did not get my TW there just all your standard ratings.
Ag Aviation Adventures awesome! I’m also at Usu and just finished my com multi, did you get your cfi?
No I did not do the CFI. It never appealed to me and I knew I did not want to build hours teaching people how to fly.
Does AG Flying and Aerial fire fighting both fall under Part 137 rules?
Panagiotis Bepis Yes they do.
My husband actaully drives a commercial fertilizer truck and he really likes his job but hes always been more interested in the sky tractor, he never actually looked into it because hes really tall and fairly big. Are the any restrictions in size as in being too tall or heavy for the plane?
No. As long as you can get in and out of it. I know people that are 6’5” and are able to fly it without complaints. Probably depends on the person really.
@@AgAviationAdventures ok. Thanks for the reply, is there a specific school that he would have to go to or could he take classes for it through any college?
There are a handful of schools that will teach the gps and spraying. You can go to any FBO for pilot ratings. Check out the “do you want to be an Ag pilot” video
@@AgAviationAdventures ok, thanks a lot. He already knows how to use the gps and rate controlls and how to weigh for product density.
What school/airport were you at in Utah? I’m just finishing up cfi at Utah state and I have been loading for a 502 out of kogd the past few seasons.
Matthew Merrill I went to Utah State as well. Is the 502 Pats on the mosquito contract?
@@AgAviationAdventures Nice! no, It is for the other mosquito spray operator on the field. We picked up the weber county contracts from Pat this last season.
Matthew Merrill Oh good deal
I had plans to be a Crop Duster in 1982 but Had a set back and spent the last 35 years as a Truck Driver and looking to go for my Dream but I think my age mite be a problem I'm 58 years do you think I'm a little old to start ?
If you’re heart is set on it I don’t think it’s too late. It’ll just take some commitment on your part.
I loved to content. I'm trying to transition from float planes to ag planes.
Float planes are the coolest!
Ag Aviation Adventures yeah they kinda are, but AG looks so amazing. I want to fly a fireboss some day.
Straight and Level CFI My buddy flies a fire boss and I think it would be pretty cool.
New sub cuz Blancolirio is here.
Thanks for the sub.
How much does a first year pilot make. I guess it would depend on the length of the season? ie The south compared to the north?
I had a three month season and my first year I made $12,000. I would guess someone could expect to make $15,000-$30,000.
That’s a scary small number, I would find it hard to live on 60,000 year job. How long before someone can break 100g? In a season
Nothing is guaranteed in this business. You’d have a better chance making that kind of money where they have a long spray season. Maybe after a few years you could see that but it’s really dependent on many factors.
Could you put the links to all of those things that you spoke of? Ty!
I don’t have any links but if you google each one you can find lots of information.
@@AgAviationAdventures Okay that sounds good and thank you again!
REALLY ???....... REALLY ???......REALLY???
How f'in smug can one guy be 💗💗💗💗💗
You talking and flying and spraying and turning and diving and flying and talking and spraying and WTF!!!!
CHEEKY CHEEKY LMFAO ... Love you like a Bro!
Thanks for watching!
Did you just have your CPL when you got hired? And how many hours?
I had instrument, commercial, and multi. But those did not help any, just the commercial. I had about 400 hours.
When I was a teenager, I wanted to be a Bush pilot. I'm 64 now and only have been flying 3 times. For about 3 hours total. Just had no money for college and no support. At 50 at least I learned to drive a truck but I wished I could fly but now medical reason may keep me out of a truck too. Maybe I can build a zip line. No license needed.
There you go! Thanks for watching Steve.
If I’m not mistaken you own and run your own operation correct? If so you should do a video on how to go about starting a buisness I’m very interested and not sure which route to go
IzTypo Thanks for watching Iz. We actually work for a company although we are actively looking for our own place.
Ag Aviation Adventures ah okay this will be my first season in a seat and not tryna rush anything but was curious on how to get into owning a buisness at some point
Not much out there for a how to per say haha
IzTypo For sure that was our goal as well.
IzTypo Agree
How many hours did you have when you got that first job? Was your first job flying a turbine aircraft?
I had about 400 and the aircraft was a radial Thrush.
You are crop dusting and talking at the same time shows you are pro.
Sometimes I struggle to walk and chew gum at the same time.
So eloquently spoken Tyson, lol!!!
Thanks!
I worked three rice seasons in biggs ca. there was a 'suitcase' pilot that was there every year. he flew for a airline for the rest of the year. I asked him why he wanted to fly a crop duster when he had an easy job. he said "because its boring. you dont get to fly the plane the way you have to fly a crop duster, ever." and when you watch them fly, you realise that it has to be fun doing it. you have a aircraft that has over 600 hp and you are making tight turns and flying low. it must be like flying a combat aircraft without the incoming fire.... why wouldnt a pilot want to do that?
Haha true!
you'd think that california would employ cropdusters to put out wildfires in the off season. crop dusters obviously already have the pinpoint precision experience and the equipment available. beats waiting all day for an airliner to make a second pass.
That’s all run by the government so you can imagine how much of a junk show it is.
are you pushing the nose of the plane down before you turn back to the field
Yes I am. At the top of the turn I push back down to regain airspeed and complete the turn.
Thanks
David Bradford Of course
How do I get one of your t shirts
You can find them in our shop here...
agaviationadventures.com/shop
I would love to do that and the firefighting locally
Go for it!
Im 10 I've been wanting to be a spray plane pilot for a year
Cooper Moffitt Love it! Thanks for watching Cooper.
Ay man I’ve 12 right with ya
I used to instruct and this all I ever wanted. I started late and life got in the way. I encourage those to follow their dreams and their parents to do the same.
Do you actually think that little plastic helmet will help you when you hit a power line?
Well it wouldn’t do anything if I hit a power line since my head is inside the cockpit and the aircraft is what would hit a power line. However, if I crashed…. Absolutely. I have two friends that have crashed and without a helmet there is no doubt they would have died.
How hard is it to I get your pilot license
It’s not very difficult. Requires 40 hours of flight instruction minimum before you can test.
Did you work at sphere one?
No I’ve not worked there.
@@AgAviationAdventures My mistake, you must have gone to UVU then? Regardless, I love the videos. I plan on attempting to follow your footsteps once I finish up with my aviation program.
Is there a need for pilots ?
Jeff GERBING Yes there currently is. I would say a need for good pilots that want to work. This type of flying makes for long days and not a lot of people want to spend that much time in the plane.
I do all my crop dusting at Walmart because it's fun to watch peoples expressions.........
😂
Crop dusting must be fun but always flying close to terrain is too dangerous. I wouldn't be afraid of hitting a tree but wires are hard to spot from some angles above.
You're right the wires are very hard to see sometimes.
@@AgAviationAdventuresthe farmers need you so we do because thanks to you guys we have food on our table but be careful.
Leopoldo Orozco Thanks Leopoldo.
Phone calls! see folks, you don't get these jobs on the internets...
blancolirio It definitely takes a lot of face to face time.
I mean the internet makes things much more efficient.
i got my job as a loader on the internet lol thisll be my second season loading hopefully into a seat soon
ok boomer.
Do you have ac in there?
Yea thank goodness! It still is hot.
Do you know of and ag pilot schools up in Canada?
Ballist Exx I know there is one but I don’t recall the name. I believe it may be called Battleford Air Spray. I’ve heard good things about it.
Ag Aviation Adventures awesome, thankyou so much, I really enjoy your videos btw
Ballist Exx We appreciate you watching.
And if you could are have the time do a video on your turns and stall warning
This is a great video that covers it in depth. ua-cam.com/video/2pGuoc11lxY/v-deo.html
Thanks
David Bradford Of course.
Better than been An Air Limousine Driver (Also called Corporate Pilot) for some millionaire mofo's..
5feetgoaround fullflapsC150 Thanks for watching.
I flew for major airline, and I quit. About to buy a ranch and farm to raise bisons to sell the meat to south China. Thank you for the information, I now manage the airplane database for Western hemisphere. Cheers.
I think both are good. No reason to bash one over the other.
If someone loves flying, then they'll love what they do.
I personally hope I can fly cargo. But ag looks so fun
Its my dream
Go for it Sean!
To talk to us and do this like a walk in the park
Thanks for watching Will.
I was one of those dead livestock drivers. The reason I took the job is because I had rent to pay and children to feed. There were no other jobs available at the time.
Someone’s gotta do it!
How is the pay??
Really depends on where you are in the country and how long your season is. Could be $40k-$150k.
Please answer. how many liters is the contents of the tank for fertilization.
In liters not gallon.
1892.71 liters
@@AgAviationAdventures wow. Almost 2 tons. Thank for answer.
You bet.
How much do you make
I would say an average for a pilot with a 4 month season is maybe $60k-$80k and someone who works year around can be $150k and up if you’re in the right area.
@@AgAviationAdventures guess I'm changing career paths
It is a 802
john f Air Tractor 502
Antonov 2?
Alex That would be fun to fly but this is an Air Tractor 502.
@@AgAviationAdventures and the big plane that you saw?
Alex That was an AT802.
@@AgAviationAdventures oh
A Rendering Truck. I have seen Hog Farms with a Composting Pile..
Yea!
@@AgAviationAdventures Here in SW MI about the only Crop Dusters I have seen are spraying Potatoe files..
I had a 76 year old or maybe 72 years old at the time I don't recall exactly , Lime Customer.. Who hired a Pilot to fly wheat seed on top of his soy bean fields before he Harvested them.
They were both the same age and the Polit had worked for this Farmer for decades. They both have since passed away 20 years ago.
I just watched a Ag Video Interview of a 3rd generation Crop Dusting Family Business. The Father and main Polit was 77 years old. Shortly after the Interview The Pilot hit a powerline and Perished months after the Interview.
I suppose you might want to give up crop dusting or at least for really long hours before age 77. Bennard Rowland II in TX
ua-cam.com/video/ioUZPzkj7xI/v-deo.html
@@AgAviationAdventures Them bird chopping windmills:
ua-cam.com/video/Dx8ObFdK_Uc/v-deo.html
have fun and call me when you get a second plane. I'll work for you.
You bet!
The English call the dead animal removers "the knacker man".
Haha I love it!