Do You Want to be an Ag Pilot? How to Become a Crop Duster.
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- Опубліковано 21 лип 2024
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Here are my thoughts on getting into the industry and heading down the road to become an Ag Pilot.
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#agaviationadventures #cropdusting #agaviation
Am I the only one that thinks it’s so freaking impressive that he’s literally crop dusting WHILE giving this incredibly informative talk 😂
Ha! Thanks for watching.
That’s how repetitive it is. 15 yrs airline, and 25 yrs cropdusting here.
@@AgAviationAdventuresis it a good idea to go to a college that offers agricultural aviation I’m thinking about getting into the industry I’m 20 years old
I'm an airline pilot... And I wish to be an ag pilot.. I miss the manual flying and the excitement of fly low.
Thanks for watching Stefano!
Me too. Always wanted to fly ag, never did. Now I enjoy their videos.
Super helpful! I’m getting my commercial next semester at my aviation college and this summer I do plan on working at a crop dusting ramp
That's awesome! Thanks for watching. Good luck and let us know if you have any questions.
Average 24 second turns while giving a tutorial on how to compete with him….pretty impressive. I assume he is flying his swaths accurately…..this obviously isn’t his first time. Thank you for getting the word out there!
We definitely need more younger folks in our industry. I’m 47 with 27 years experience, and I’m the young guy in most situations.
There is no job like this one, I get paid to fly an airplane like most wish they were allowed to fly it. There are much easier ways to earn a dollar, but none that bring the same amount of satisfaction!
Thanks for watching Jason!
Keep on rocking man this is some good content.
Thank you!!
Great Channel! Awesome Content!!! Way to spread the word about Ag Aviation.
The Impossible Dreamer Thanks for watching Impossible!
Cool to see someone in NW MN as I live in NW MN as well! I have learned a lot from your videos and keep up the great work! I have strong interest in becoming an ag pilot and currently in flight school but I will attest it is tough finding a loader job as I have been looking and reaching out to people the past year but have been unsuccessful. Looking forward to more videos!
Andrew Cook Thanks for watching Andrew!
Cool advice .. Working on my private pilot license now .. Checking with a technical College in Waco Texas on their ag training program .. I like the fact they are a technical college .. Grew up farming rice with my family in south Louisiana .. My dad n uncle both were ag pilots n my uncle had his own ag biz which I worked loading planes .. Very familar with the biz .. Getting into it late in life but something I always wanted to do but didn't for various reasons at the time .. Ran heavy equipment all my career .. Dirt to cranes .. Lotta oil field work .. Am 55 now n going for it .. Aerobatics is another interest I will do also .. Love Pitts airplanes .. Flying is my passion .. My entire dads side is pilots .. From ag to airlines .. It's in my blood .. Always has been .. Now it's my time .. My next piece of equipment to master .. My biggest challenge yet in life ! Excited about it !
I love hearing this! Good for you!
I always wanted to do this, but wound up an aircraft mechanic instead. Now I’m retirement age and living vicariously through my grandson…helping him find something that is enjoyable to do for a living. Great content on your channel! Love it!
Thanks for watching!
Great info there. We definitely need more pilots in the industry.
Thanks for the comment!
Hey thanks! This is really awesome info to learn! I’m currently in high school getting my private and am exploring different ways to get into aviation as a career other than the airlines.
Thanks for watching! Be sure to sub, we have a ton of videos coming up!
Ag Aviation Adventures Already done! Keep up the good work!
Thank you for the information. I will see you in the skies someday.
You bet Jason! Thanks for watching.
Makes UA-cam video while spraying crops. LIKE A BOSS! 💯 Gangsta!
Thanks for watching!
Awesome video
El Ner Thank you for watching!
First, of all great video! I'm earning my degree in agronomy this upcoming May. However, I'm super interested in becoming an agpilot one day. I was wondering, if it's a good idea to try and find a job in a company that does both ag consulting and aerial application. So I can get my foot in the door and maybe one day learn how to fly. Thanks!
ty dittmer Thanks for watching Ty. That’s not a bad idea but sometimes people will promise you things like possibly being able to get in a plane just to hire you as an agronomist with no intentions of getting you in a plane. Just something to be mindful of but that could work very well for you.
Stay safe man!
Thanks Cade.
Great info man really appreciate it. With everything going on in the aviation community currently do you believe that there will still be a demand for ag pilots in the coming seasons? I’m currently just a flight instructor not looking to go airlines but to step up into something better. My buddy and I are planning on going in on an ag plane together and starting up own setup. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Safe flying brother
I think the demand will be there. It seems there is always something up and coming that keeps the demand going. Some seasons are definitely better then others and it would help if crop prices weren’t so bad.
great video 🤙
Thanks for watching!
What did you start spraying in first? Your career seems interesting. I just got a pawnee 235 model C to get started in my ag career
Fisher Trowbridge Thanks for watching Fisher. I started out in a radial Thrush.
The best Ag school on the planet is in North Battlefords Saskatchewan Canada period!!! I know all three in the states ,they offer training in state of the art ag aircraft and the most experienced instructor anywhere in the world!! If you’re not a farmers kid whose dad is going to buy you a plane to fly 95+% you will need a ag school. As of last week insurance requirements have went up again so good luck on getting hired without schooling and 50 to a 100 hours of training!! Ps love your videos ! I want to do some videos of my spraying over the years but we are restricted for social media at the company I spray for!! ☹️👎✈️
James DeHart Thanks for watching James and I think that’s great advice!
Great info man 👍. What would you say the demand is for ag pilots right now? I should be getting my commercial license by the end of the year. And I have a tool box full of tools since I’m currently a heavy equipment mechanic. Would you believe that to be valuable?
Thanks for watching Justin. I would definitely say there is a need for
"good" ag pilots. There are a lot of lazy halfass ones floating around out there. The hardest thing is to break into it, but once you're in it's pretty easy to find work if you have a good reputation. I think having a mechanical background is great as well.
I wonder how much jail time I would get for taking one of those airtractors for a joy ride? I have always wanted to fly but I never knew how to get anywhere on getting my pilots licences. Thanks for the advice. I am definitely going to check on Ag school and also finding someone that needs someone to help out loading up planes! Great Advice and Thank You for the Advice!
Thanks for watching William.
Well the good news is no jail time… you’ll kill yourself trying to get it in the air
Awesome video. As an ag pilot, do you travel much for the job (state to state)? Or do you typically stay in one area?
It really depends on where you work. I travel quite a bit but then we have other pilots that stay home every night.
How do you get type rated in an air tractor? Someone has to tech you that particular aircraft but it’s a single seater 🧐 it’s a high performance 4 blade turbo prop…. Not a lot of two seater piper cubs that you could do that in. The tail dragger you could do in a cub but…
You don’t need a type rating for the 502.
when you climb out the field say you bank to the right. when you reach say 300 feet are you leveling off before you bank left and what is your bank angle. and are you bringing the plane down are is it because your speed has dropped it's sinking down.
It depends on how loaded I am. Usually until I get the first 100 gallons off my turns are kind of flat. Once I get some weight off I can start making turns that are not so flat with more of a bank angle. I'm not sure what the angle of bank is but enough to turn quickly but not fall out of the sky. And I am the one pushing the airplane back into the field before the airspeed drops off.
Gary Thanks for watching Gary.
What are the rough dates of spraying season? Specifically Texas? The closest NAAA fixed-wing operators I have to my house are 1hr 20min away one way (2hr 40min round trip). Do you think a summertime loader position would be feasible with that long of daily commute? Do bigger operators offer a summer live-in situation similar to ranch hands on bigger ranches? There are a lot of operators in the panhandle but I’d have to live there for the summer
Hi Tyler. Each situation may be different but there are definitely some operators that will have living accommodations. And my recommendation as to finding an operator that belongs to the NAAA is just a starting point. If you have ones closer to you but they aren’t necessarily members I would still look into them. Driving that far though everyday is probably not feasible. Most likely you’ll fire up when the sun rises and shut down when the sun sets (maybe not everyday in Texas but I’m sure there will be plenty). I think that would be tough to manage distance wise.
@@AgAviationAdventures Completely agree man. Thanks for the response
You bet thanks for watching
Was always wondering about paying the extra money for an ag pilot training school and if its really needed. I come from a farming background with lots of experience running ground sprayers and lots of gps equipment. You think if i got a commercial licence i could learn the skills enough for flying a crop dusters and be confident?
Derek gardiner Thanks for watching Derek. I think if you found the right mentor it’s definitely doable. But you need someone in your corner to teach you the ropes. If you go to an Ag school or not you need someone there. I think the most important thing is finding a person who will give you an opportunity and keep you safe.
What certifications or licensing, if any is required to work with and buy the chemicals? Also what is the more common chemicals?
Jason Silver Thanks for watching Jason. You need a commercial pesticide applicators license for each state that you apply in. There are a lot of different chemicals depending on what the problem is but some of the common ones are Chlorpyrifos, Glyphosate, Agritin, 24D, etc.
I have a rusty private pilots license and am considering a somewhat late in life career change, possibly to ag flying. I recently read about an ag flying school in Florida that was featured in AOPA magazine and am considering enrolllling in a program like that. But I was a little surprised at your lukewarm endorsement to attending an ag flying school. It just seems like having even the limited ag flying experience that you would get in ag school would surely be useful in trying to get a job as an ag pilot vs having no experience at all and just applying for a job as a loader and hoping that you might one day get to fly for that company.
Would you mind elaborating on the possible benefit of attending an ag pilot school vs not attending one?
Thanks so much.
There are a few things I'll try to elaborate on.
Ag school is expensive and not everyone has the money. It cost me $14,000 which is the same amount I earned my first year spraying. Just because you go to a school does not mean you'll actually get a job. Once you go to a school you'll end up loading first for a company and the aircraft that you'll be flying will be an entry level plane. You'll need to find someone with this type of plane no matter if you went to a school or not. Just because you go to a school does not mean you'll be thrown into a turbine and off to the races. You'll still need guidance one way or another. It's not a guarantee fast track to getting into a plane with an operation.
I will say going to a school shows some commitment that you're serious and this is something you want to do. And don't get me wrong it can give you some extra confidence which is good.
I personally would try to save the money and go knock on doors. I would find a company that has an entry level plane you can eventually spray with. That same company should have a tailwheel plane that you can use to build TW time when you're not working. The company I started with after school had both of those things. I would spend a summer loading and make sure it is something you actually want to do before spending money on an ag school if you go that route.
The best way to meet people is going to conventions. There is a national convention as well as each state usually has their own (or a few states will compile together such as the Tri State for ND, SD, and MN).
I've heard from others that are glad they went to a school and I would not have found my first jog without going to a school. But after being in the industry I can see there is a different way to go about it. I live in CO and did not go out and knock on doors. If I had taken a week or two and driven around the midwest I could have found a job loading and found myself a mentor. It's not easy but nothing in this industry is.
If you do go to a school I would avoid Eagle Vistas which is the one I imagine you are referring to in AOPA. I just don't believe Randy has done a lot of good things for new ag pilots wanting to get into the industry. He also wrecked back in September and died and I don't know if the school is still operating or not.
@@AgAviationAdventures I really appreciate this. And now I get your point about maybe starting first as a loader and spending time around an ag operation to make sure that this is something that I really want to do before dropping a pile of money at an ag school. And I've noticed that networking is really encouraged in this industry which makes me think that finding a job may be time consuming and somewhat difficult.
And thanks for your thoughts on Eagle Vistas.
I was thinking about going to Texas State Technical College for Ag Aviation. Would you recommend that or just going to a normal aviation school?
It would probably be quite a bit cheaper going to a technical college.
Haai sir im South Africa working my second year now in Kansas ive always had this passion of flying and spraying crops,the only thing im currently flying and spraying is a Jhon Deer 412 signature series sprayer,but you mentioned to get started somewhere a good start would be to work for someone would you be that person to give me that chance.
Awesome!! We don't currently have an open seat. Good luck.
Great video thank you But I want know I have commercial license with 170 hours of flying time is it enough to be ag pilot or I need more experience ?
You’ll need more time. You will also want to focus a couple hundred hours on tailwheel time as well.
Can you clarify what you meant by making sure they have a plane I can fly when I’m not working? Like borrowing their plane? or why would that benefit me?
I’m talking about something a new pilot can fly to build hours in. So if you’re not working and it’s slow you are able to get into a tailwheel aircraft and build time.
I have a question for you. I'm currently a helicopter mechanic and have been for about 20 years. Do you see people getting into ag piloting at 40 or older? I have really thought about it, but not sure it would be a good idea at this age. Basically...am I too old at 43 to give it a shot? I guess I should mention that Im a zero-time pilot now. Thanks for any info!
This should be helpful.
Are You Too Old To Become a Crop Duster?
ua-cam.com/video/aQMk4g_jVVA/v-deo.html
What is the name of the background music in your opener.?
Flames from UA-cam's Free Audio Library! Thanks for watching.
Do you know of any good Ag pilot schools? I keep seeing good reviews for Flying Tigers but I can't seem to find the right one.
Flying Tigers is where I went but they have closed down. I have heard okay things about Riggins in South Dakota and Battleford Airspray in Canada.
How do you do your first pass when you are a new ag pilot
I always just ran a back to back pattern as it was the easiest for me. I would line up with the rows if possible and pick the longest edge of the field.
How many hours did you have when you got your first seat in any form of crop duster (piston/turbine)?
I had around 500 hours TT.
Thanks! Love this channel
I wanna be a firefighter pilot. Best job to start would be this right?
Yes if you want to fly SEATs.
Do you work for a company or do you own your own plane and business and what do you think about that? I am working towards my PPL and Commercial with the goal of owning my own Ag plane and starting my own small business. Thanks!
We do not own the plane. We work for a company although we are wanting to do our own thing and we are actively looking for an operation.
@@AgAviationAdventures I haven't finished watching all of your videos yet but (with possible fear of creating competition) it would be awesome if you documented the process of starting or buying your own operation. So far your videos have given me a ton of notes to remember for when I get to that point. Thanks for the response!
@@jeffbailey7328 Oh there's plenty of work to go around. I've been asked that before so I think it would be a good topic.
Hi im married with 3 kids I work in ag related fields. I am thinking of going to Bainbridge Ga ag flightschool its just very expensive. Ive always been interested in aviation and would like to start my career as an ag pilot before moving up to big jets if able. Do you think it would be possible to work a full time job and obtain a PFL and the commercial certs i need for cropdusting?
This is not a stepping stone to eventually move into jets. I would look into flight instructing if that’s your goal.
FYI you need more than a Commercial to "fly your buddy somewhere for $100" . That would be illegal charter. You need a Part 135 certificate to do that. FAA is cracking down alot on illegal charters and they should be.
sixwillwin Thanks for the clarification and appreciate you watching!
Are agriculture and crop dusting jobs all only a seasonal?
Not necessarily. For year round work you would need to go where the weather is warm year round like California.
Quick question. Is this technically part 135? Only asking because I am colorblind, I can get my private and commercial rating but I can only get a third class medical. Does that disqualify me? Thanks in advance!
It’s part 137 and you’d need a 2nd class medical.
You may have already looked into it, but you may be able to get a waiver (Statement of Demonstrated Ability aka SODA) that might allow you to hold a 2nd or 1st class. It's not a one size fits all answer of what is considered passing on a medical certificate.
I want to be a fire boss pilot. Any tips on where to start?
Take a look at the video about being a SEAT pilot. Thanks for watching.
how much will you pay the trainer to the pilot and in a few months you will learn that
I’ve heard it’s around $14k.
How much do you make usually in the summer?
It can vary quite a bit with conditions, weather, crop prices, etc... Typical pay for someone flying a 4 month season is probably $60k-$80k.
How many hours did you have when you got your first seat?
Around 350 I believe.
I am seriously considering this and am in the process of finding the funds to attend an ag pilot school. Is there anything out there that you know of for financial aid? I have found two resources so far, the Figure 8 Foundation as well as the AOPA. Since you say that attending an Ag school doesn't necessarily give you an edge when trying to find employment after school, my next question is what do you recommend doing to make myself more marketable and likely to find work?
The National Agricultural Aviation Association has a scholarship as well I believe. If you head over to their website you should be able to find info on it. I would try to find work as a loader where you have an opportunity to fly after putting in some time on the ground. That just takes work on your part of visiting operators and asking them if they have that kind of operation.
How long would it take going from zero flight experience to flying a plane? I would like to load at some point and if I like it get my licenses and all that but maybe that’s a bit of a crazy idea. Also with price of gas i hav e no clue how I would learn to fly.
If you committed yourself to it you can probably get through the private, instrument, and commercial in 12-16 months.
@@AgAviationAdventures ok. What do you think that would cost? Roughly. Could I buy something like a piper j3? Or something to build hrs and tail wheel time in? Also, are pesticide applicator licenses different for air than for ground? Thanks
@@excellenceinanimation960 If you find a cheap school in the midwest it can run around $50k - $70k and if it's a more expensive place it can be $90k +. You can absolutely get yourself a tailwheel airplane and build hours in it. The difference with applicators license is that some states require an aerial license as well. The others would be the same.
@@AgAviationAdventures ok thank you for this information. I really appreciate it! One last thing, is it Best to look into a school or to get licenses and stuff by yourself? Is instruments really needed? Thanks, Matt
@@excellenceinanimation960 I would look into an accelerated typed program through a school or FBO. Instrument is not needed if all you want to do is fly ag.
I loved to be a crop Duster
🎉
I want to be a pilot just like you and I will look for a job and save money
Absolutely!
How much do ag pilots usually make yearly?
Danny Flores It can vary quite a bit depending on what the season is like and if you want to fly for 4, 8, or 12 months. I would guess for someone flying half the year an average is maybe $60k-$80k.
Accurate.
Row crop pilots make $60k-$100k depending on the area. Some with good gigs make a LOT more. Rice pilots make $100k- $200k+....My first year as a rice pilot nearly kicked my ass, but I made &200k+....very hard work, lots of herbicide, lots of fertilizer in high winds, but if you can hack it, a good gig! I had flown row crop in GA for 20 years before I came to TX to fly rice....still quite the learning curve. I have learned more about ag flying in the last 4 years as a rice pilot, than in the 20 years prior.....I love what I do, but there is certainly an easier way to make a dollar! I just love what I do.
How expensive is it to get your commercial license
It will vary depending on where you go for it... You can expect to log at least 250 hours to be qualified to take the check ride for it. It's been years since I've been in the training environment. I would guess $20,000-$30,000.
@@AgAviationAdventures Thanks, I'm a sophmore in highschool and really want to get my pilots license, just don't know where to start.
@@spencerwells4523 I'd go to your local airport and look at obtaining your pilot's license.
Go to an ag school, but do your homework and choose a good one. Battleford Airspray in Saskatchewan Canada is arguably the best in the world with ag pilots literally being trained from all over the world.
Yes you're right, the best way to learn is to do, at Battleford that's exactly what you get. 40 hours in a true dual piston spray plane carrying loads and actually spraying along with around the same time in a classroom learning systems flow rates, nozzle settings and talking to other students and really benefitting from each others learning experience. I did it and would recommend it to anyone
That’s great info! I have a video that will be coming out on ag schools and that’s really great to know.
Feel free to reach out to me if you want more info on it.... I did my course and first year in an agtruck last season. Going back to the same school for turbine training this spring. Happy to talk
I come from south africa and my dream is to crop dust and be in the air force can i crop dust in america if i get a pest control license in south africa and do u need a green card to crop dust.
You will need a work visa, an FAA commercial pilot's license, an FAA class 2 medical, an applicator's license for the state you will apply in.
@@AgAviationAdventures ok thanks but do you think i will be abble to work
Is this industry gonna be replaced by drones?
Not anytime soon.
Ok, I just decided, crop dusting pilots are the coolest people in the world.
Haha I’ll take it!
Typically how many hours is needed to be considered for employment? I have 1400 all tail wheel
That would be plenty. I think I had around 200 TW.
Is becoming an ag pilot an for an older pilot?
?
@@AgAviationAdventures Sorry, I meant is it an option for an older pilot.
You bet. Maybe not as easy because it takes a few years to really break into but it’s doable.
@@dkroen17 Your definition of older might be completely different than someone else. Are you talking about someone say 45 or 75?
@@sophiasocal68 50's
I was going to start as a loader, but found out I couldn't afford the meth habit
Mark Tracy Yikes!
I want to be a pilot like you but we don't have money for school, we're just poor
Don’t let that stop you. I paid my own way by working any job I could and saving.
Are you a member of any agpilot-related organizations?
Yes I’m a member of the national organization.
@@AgAviationAdventures I reached out to our local one in the Northeast. No answer.
That’s interesting. What association?
THE PILOT ONLY FLY NO ESPEAK
We have a video published of just flying if you’re interested check it out.
Maybe the pilot's tuition fee is expensive
It is
It’s the most monotonous flying job next to pipe line patrol you’ve ever experienced. Trust me , 22 yrs of it flying back and forth, back and forth, back and forth, etc.. just like you see here. It’s a bottom of the totem pole Aviaton job next to banner towing. No need for ratings except for a commercial restricted license and a helmet. That’s the upside.
Haha I was a banner tow pilot before this! I guess that doesn’t speak too highly of me.
YOU SPEAK MUNCH
THE PILOT AG SPEAK LITTLE
🤣
Thanks for watching!