how to become a crop duster pilot

The average pilot is about 60 years old, and more than three-fourths of operators have 16 to 70 years of experience, according to a survey by the Environmental Protection Agency.. Do you need a pilot's license to fly a crop duster? Obtain a Pilots license through the FAA. In order to work as an ag pilot, you will need to earn your private pilot license, a commercial rating, and a tail-wheel (conventional gear) airplane endorsement . Which Medical Assistant Certification is Best? Indeed, there is no better time to register for that crop dusting pilot program. The course is designed to take an existing Ag pilot and introduce a complex turbine powered aircraft. In the United States of America, most people earn around four times their average citizens annual income. 150 hours might get you a commercial but insurance companies might want 250. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The industry - now known as aerial application - began in 1921 when a surplus World War I Curtis Jenny airplane took off from a field near Dayton, Ohio. The Hangar.Flights editorial team consists of pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and freelance writers. Crop duster pilot Rick Houston, front, and Brice Mehlbauer, who is working on his commercial license to join the business, stand inside Houston's personal hangar in the Reed community. It can also pave way for changing careers later as the flying hours can be counted for easier processing of a commercial pilot license or to tie up with charter flights businesses. Acquire a license to dispense crop protection . To become efficient in this work, crop duster pilots need to undergo lots of training before heading towards crop dusting missions. A captain is always a certified pilot, but not every pilot can be a captain. ), 9 Best Jobs in Aviation (That Aren't a Pilot). Most operations who look to hire a pilot want to ensure you can successfully apply the crop protection materials in a way that is effective in controlling the pest or problem. Because of the chemicals extreme toxicity, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tightly regulates the use of paraquat. As the specialized skill of an agricultural pilot is high in demand, they have some flexibility to determine the time of their working. Each plane holds about 500 gallons of chemicals and it takes the pilot about 45 minutes to empty a tank. They can operate at a minimum of 500 feet over rural land. We are more like farmers and less like daredevils. As I understand it, if you have no previous aerial spraying experience, you most likely start as a member of the ground crew to learn the busines. It is an effective and economic means of spraying crops with fertilizers or pesticides to large area in the shortest possible time. This is in stark contrast to the majority of other aviation industries; most aircraft manufacturers are in a bad mood, while leading aerial application manufacturer Air Tractor Inc. is in trouble. Your salary as a crop duster depends on the area you live in and where you work. This includes passing a medical exam and flying for 250 hours. an ag pilot by promoting research, new technologies, and new application techniques. There is a lot of demand and manual labor is costly and soil application of the solvents is very expensive. As the social farms and large corporate farms become the order of the day, there are more takers for crop dusting as the services of a crop duster can be availed by many for just a single day and the task load is taken off them. Contact us at: [emailprotected], 3485 Rue Ashby Ville St. Laurent Without a crop duster, it would take countless man-hours to spray acres of potatoes, mint, barley, wheat, tobacco, grapes, apples, and oranges. 866.835.5322 (866-TELL-FAA)Contact Us, United States Department of Transportation, Aviation Safety Draft Documents Open for Comment, Airport Coronavirus Response Grant Program, Legislation & Policies, Regulations & Guidance, Certificated Remote Pilots including Commercial Operators, Recreational Flyers & Modeler Community-Based Organizations, regulations for agriculture aircraft operations, Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). You need to get your tailwheel, high performance, and experience in a few different planes that are common (all which you get at the school). The salaries of Ag Pilots in the US range from $48,000 to $72,000 , with a median salary of $60,000 . Why not go to nearby aerial application companies and talk to the old hands. To be a successful crop duster, it takes time. Four major schools exist in Georgia, Louisiana, Minnesota and Canada. This brings the total cost of spraying the fungicide to between $15 and $30 per acre. Crop duster pilots working as independent contractors earn higher salaries than fixed-contract pilots because they can shop around for better contracts. Maintaining records and reporting about the operational condition of the planes. Agricultural Crop dusting or Pilot duster is one of the most interesting careers out there who feel the most at home when in the sky. They do not fly to exotic destinations like commercial airline pilots, nor do they experience the rush of pure adrenaline described by military pilots when pushing their aircraft toward the speed of sound. At some point or another, youve probably seen these yellow planes fly over the roads and fields of Weld County. Spraying corn fungicide, for example, falls on the high end of the scale. And which factors influence the annual salary? Work hours are typically a couple of hours in sense of flying on a daily basis. When I expressed interest in becoming an aerial applicator my dad, Jon Slikker Sr., said that I had to want it. What Is The Story Behind Friday Night Lights? How Much Does a Private Pilot License Cost in 2023? As you might expect, the price varies largely by capacity and features. You can find regulations for agriculture aircraft operations (14 CFR Part 137) on the Government Printing Office's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Federal regulations require it for working with restricted use pesticides, according to the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture's Aerial Applicators Manual. One of the most overlooked jobs in the aviation field is that of a crop dusting pilot. I have learned early on that its not entirely what you know, but who you know. The salaries of crop dusting pilots are highly competitive, and it is the focus of our article. These planes are specially outfitted to be able to fly safely at low attitudes and drop the pesticides, water, and other payload items in a safe and efficient manner. Crop duster planes cannot fly below 1000 feet in overcrowded areas. (crop duster) - i live in california, im 22 and going to college, eventually i'd like to fly for the navy. For example, joining the NAAA allows you to register as an active pilot on its website and access job leads through its annual membership directory. With planes valued at $1 million or more, no agricultural business owner will allow a novice near them until he shows maturity on the ground, the National Agricultural Aviation Association states in its March/April 2012 article, Landing a Seat. Pilots need to know how these materials disperse once dropped, how to spray them safely, the most efficient methods for doing so, and other pieces of information vital to their performance and the safety of their missions. Salary Ranges for Aerial Crop Dusters The middle 50% of Aerial Crop Dusters makes $76,150, with the top 83% making $147,890. Sometimes flying is the only way to apply pest control measures over remote farms in certain valleys making it economically feasible and less labor-intensive. Thats International Crop Dusters Day. How are you going to fertilize them and protect them from pests? You can find regulations for agriculture aircraft operations (14 CFR Part 137) on the Government Printing Office's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Its my kind of flying. These include a medical examination as well as 250 hours of flight time. Tuition and demographic data is based on recently published National Center for Education Statistics. Crop dusting drones don't eliminate the need for tractors, but they can replace four to eight passes over every field during the year for applying herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, and fertilizer. It is required by some airlines, while others do not. As I understand it, most dudes start doing ground support mixing chemicals, fueling, etc. Federal Aviation Administration Over congested areas crop duster planes cannot fly below 1000 feet. The Albany Herald: Crop Dusting: Not for the Faint of Heart, The Elkton Cecil Whig: On the Job: Crop Dusting, The National Agricultural Aviation Association: Homepage, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook: How to Become an Airline or Commercial Pilot. How do I become a crop dusting pilot? For example, crop duster pilots must perform hours-long low-altitude flights flying million-dollar agricultural planes over different terrain while maintaining the ideal altitude and course required for optimum chemical dispersal. Passing a medical exam and having logged at least 250 flying hours are required to qualify for a license. On average, a Bachelors Degree is the highest level of education for an Airplane Pilot Crop Dusting. Houston . Crop duster pilots with more experience typically earn higher salaries, as is the case with pilots in other aviation specializations. I seem to remember Agrinaut on here being a duster and he was very helpful with some of my other questions. What is a Hero? The Model, Seasons 1 and 2 of Henry Danger are currently available on Netflix. It was flown by a man named John Chaytor, who spread seed over a swamped How many acres can a drone spray in a day? Crop Dusting Pilot. Agricultural Aviations Newspaper. Table of Contents show . The rules here have not changed, but the enforcement will now result in a 30 day ban from APC for violations. Many ag pilots begin their careers mixing chemicals and serving as loaders or mechanics for the plane. They fly the plane avoiding trees, homes, power lines, and onlookers. Making crop dusting a career choice can be rewarding as the demand for crop dusting pilots keeps growing yearly. Agricultural crop pilot dusters are employed by such contractors on a regular basis keeping them occupied on several days in the harvest season. Answer (1 of 4): While getting a commercial license concentrate on flying tail draggers, not tricycle gear aircraft. Generate your free SmartPlan to identify colleges you like, and potential ways to save on a degree or certification program toward your career with courses, offers, and much more! Visit the Study in the USA School search to find schools that offer programs of study in Aviation. Aerial Crop Dusters earn between $34,800 and $147,890 in the United States, with a median salary of $76,150. Despite the environmental concerns of aerial applications of chemicals, crop dusters can spray huge areas efficiently and effectively. . We will come back to why I am opening with this. To help you decide what your best choice is for this career path, weve compiled a list of 14 different types of pilot jobs and the salaries you can expect in 2023! My very first airplane ride was in a Stearman crop duster. Additionally, AlldorGarden.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. There wasnt a shortage of work this year, Sharp said. The average pay for an Airplane Pilot Crop Dusting is $86,274 a year and $41 an hour in the United States. Select Yes if you're a US Citizen, Permanent Resident, or DACA recipient. For starters--don't call it "crop dusting" anymore. The crop duster has to watch out for fences, telephone poles, power lines, trees, and other hazards that high-flying pilots easily avoid. However, the industry is heavily dependent on high crop prices, and career growth can suffer when crop markets crash. The Seat of the Soul is the ultimate guide to a life of purpose and fulfilment. (870) 552-3474. I will refrain from outlining the small details that will go along with these steps. But operating the same aircraft at an altitude of between 10-20 feet increases the possibility of hitting buildings, trees, powerlines, and cell phone masts. Is 45 too old to become a commercial pilot? As you near the targeted crops, push in on the yoke to bring the aircraft down to the predetermined height, then pull back slightly to level it again. Flying an aircraft with a plane load of chemicals is dangerous in itself. Agricultural Pilot Position Description. Once those prerequisites have been reached, the pilot can apply for special training programs which will give them the skills and clearance they need to become a crop duster. As it is a very specialized skill that is short in supply, pilots get a lenient treatment and favourable conditions to work in including a say in when to fly and when not to. However, having a pilot license is essential. He flies an Air Tractor 301A that, like most agricultural planes, is bright yellow. How to Become an Air Force One Pilot, and How Much Do They Earn? Read on to find out the rigorous training and screening that is conducted by aviation authorities to ensure passenger and crew safety. This is a 10.3% change in growth over the next ten years, giving the career a growth rate nationwide of Above Average. Owners want to see you have skin in the game. Your total storage capacity will be reduced to 5GB, which is, What Is The Truth Behind Friday Night Lights? Aerial application, or what is informally referred to as crop dusting, involves spraying crops with crop protection products from an agricultural aircraft.Planting certain types of seed are also included in aerial application. Despite technological advances and the aviation industry becoming highly monitored and safety conscious, crop-dusting remains a 'dangerous line of work' for its pilots. Planes fly close to the ground to reduce the amount of chemical drift. Nor can we grant college credit for taking our courses. 10 Things You Didn't Know About Being a Crop Dusting Pilot, 10 Reasons to Pursue a Career as a Flight Instructor. How many acres can a drone spray in a day? How much does a crop spraying drone cost? National Agricultural Aviation Association How much was a Model T Ford in the 1920s. Based on a 3-gallon-per-acre application rate, and including battery-swap and payload-refilling time, the agricultural drones used in Rantizos drone application system with Upgrade Kit can cover an impressive 14 acres per hour, or, As a reference, a fixed-wing model can fly for about one hour and covers, The helicopters hold about 50-60 gallons, so they can cover about, Crop dusters fly in small planes that cost anywhere from. How does Agricultural Pilot or Crop Duster job growth stack up to other jobs across the country? We have a customer who averages about 100 acres per engine hour. Some companies have mentorship or apprenticeship programs for new pilots requiring them to partner with more experienced pilots after completing their training and certification. What are the differences between bitumen and tar? but ive been looking into becoming an ag-pilot while im in school. They can then fly down to about 8 feet above the crops. Before an ag pilot even gets to that point, they have to know how to take care of their plane and, just as importantly, have an intimate knowledge of the pesticides or other materials they are spraying. Finally, you need to get insured as an agricultural pilot before starting work as a crop duster pilot. Obtaining a commercial rating, tail dragger aircraft endorsement, and agricultural aviation training (aerial application and safe pesticide dispersal) in addition to your private pilot license will advance your earnings. Because the term "crop dusting" automatically brings to mind the previously mentioned image, today's pilots generally prefer the term "aerial application" or "ag application.". Looking for a Pilot Job? It might be a good idea to hire a crop duster. You have to marinate in the crazy juice for a few years before getting a seat. A day in the life of an Agricultural pilot, involves taking the specialized planes out, loading them with the pesticide or fertilizer as per the clients requirements. Our ag pilot program includes 40 hours of flight time, 40 hours of ground training, and self-study material. According to an Environmental Protection Agency survey, the average pilot is around 60 years old, and more than three-quarters of operators have 16 to 70 years of experience. If youve always been intrigued by flying and think you have what it takes to fly low with hazardous cargo, then look into a career in the farming industry as a crop duster. The job of an agricultural pilot or crop pilot duster has a great potential to earn a high salary. We take to the air with a professional crop duster with several cameras on board to capture his passio. I come from a background in sales. Acquire a license to dispense crop protection materials through your states department of agriculture or pesticide application regulation agency. Talk to the Pest Control Advisors about their expectations and learn why they recommended certain crop protection materials over others. This applies to ANY wildcat actions, including slowdown, work-to-rules, withdrawal of enthusiasm (WOE), sickouts, etc. These planes are outfitted with special containers and dispersal systems that carry 100s of gallons of liquid chemicals. Weve come a long way from the days of the rickety old biplane. Also one can establish ones own business by purchasing crop duster planes later and then there is no limit to ones earnings. Is There a Maximum Age to Become a Pilot. There are several ag pilot programs in the United States where pilots learn about crops, entomology, chemicals, and crop dusting. Federal Aviation Administration Our smaller drones start around $3,000 USD and our larger drones start around $18,000. Whats more, while steep daring dives a la North By Northwest arent typical, crop dusters do indeed fly at low altitudes, and this can be dangerous even if done correctly. Whether it is seeding a new grain crop, applying fertilizer, or pesticides, the ag pilot's job is one that carries great responsibility and requires a high level of skill, knowledge, dedication, and stamina. Crop dusting costs between $15 and $25 per acre on average, according to officials. Recent technology developments such as GPS swath This consists of a hydraulic circuit that . In a rural area pilots can fly pretty low, and are permitted to fly even lower while carrying out a lawful activity such as crop-dusting. Crop dusters fly in small planes that cost anywhere from $100,000 to $900,000. Or just look for a place to load chemicals for a season? As the specialist pilots experience increases in terms of flying conditions and flying hours so does their remuneration by leaps and bounds. Why they made the decisions they made. A . We have participating accredited universities who accept our courses for college credit, and our courses have earned a recommendation for credit from outside agencies like the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS) whose recommendations are considered by over 1400 accredited colleges and universities in the United States. Official websites use .govA .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. And benefits for pilots, as well as many other airline employees, include . Disclaimer: We are a participant in the affiliate programs of Amazon (Amazon Associates), Share a Sale, Faro Aviation, Rod Machado and others. guidance, aerial imagine, and prescription mapping and dispersal systems have revolutionized the aerial application For Pilots Outstanding in the Field, Spraying crops from the air takes a special set of flying skills. You also need to study and pass a pesticide . Pilots working in this field can make $60,000 to $100,000 per year for spraying chemicals onto crops, reports The Wall Street Journal. Work schedule and hours you should be prepared for world twelve-hour work days during the height of the farm season. Most major airlines are in negotiations at this time, and many are contentious. Today becoming a pilot has become much easier than 10 years before. Professional Pilot Training (includes ground studies) - how to become an ag-pilot? As you might expect, the price varies largely by capacity and features. The average pay for an Airplane Pilot Crop Dusting is $86,274 a year and $41 an hour in the United States. Crop dusting is a potentially dangerous job because the pilots fly at low altitudes for several hours, and a lapse in concentration or sudden mechanical issues with the aircraft may result in disastrous consequences. According to https://www.agaviation.org/, crop duster pilots spray over one hundred and twenty-seven million acres of cropland in the United States annually. If one is to move up through the ranks and earn those higher paychecks, therefore, it is vital to learn as much as possible about the industry and be cleared to perform that 80% of the pre and post-flight work as well as the 20% of flight time. Be sure to select Part 137. tail-wheel (conventional gear) airplane endorsement, as well as specific agricultural aviation training. Near Sheldon, Illinois, grower Joe Zumwalt applies a low-insecticide bait that is targeted against western corn rootworms feeding on and laying eggs in these soybeans. One of the most exciting jobs in aviation is being an ag pilot. Ralph Heibutzki's articles have appeared in the "All Music Guide," "Goldmine," "Guitar Player" and "Vintage Guitar." He also must notify all neighbors and local residents about the crop dusting to ensure they can take any necessary precautions to protect themselves from the toxic chemicals that will be in the air. Individuals with a private pilots license have an advantage because they already have flying skills. You'll also get a chance to build relationships with farmers, insurers and pilots whose referrals make or break a job search. In addition, ag pilots are sometimes called on to perform other piloting missions due to their specific expertise. How can I get grass out of my pond without killing the fish? . To do that, you must contact the Federal Aviation Administration and acquire a commercial pilot license. Attend state and regional trade shows and the national NAAA convention to meet new employers and pilots. You must first be trained and certified to fly small planes in order to be a crop duster. The first step to become a crop duster is to earn a commercial pilot license through the Federal Aviation Administration. Fortunately, 99% of these are not fatal, but they still result in damaged airplanes, eroded confidence, and higher insurance premiums for the aviation community. In the United States, approximately 119,200 pilots and flight engineers are employed. It requires tremendous skill and precision and takes a significant amount of training. You must learn skills that instrument-oriented flight schools don't teach -- such as how to avoid potential obstacles like power lines, states the Airliners.net website. In California, you actually have to apprentice with a state-licensed sprayer before you can go out on your own. You will no longer have unlimited photo storage if you cancel your Prime membership. Crop dusters are part of the aerial application industry. A lock ( LockA locked padlock ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. there is probably a lot about crop dusting that you dont know. A: An airline pilot does not require a bachelors degree. But it's also an incredibly rewarding career. A medical certificate is a prerequisite for obtaining your commercial pilot license. What Can You Do with a Criminal Justice Degree? The agricultural pilot or crop pilot dusters job has a lot of potential to earn a high salary. Next attend agricultural pilot training. Thanks to the recent farming boom, aerial application is a hot field. Get involved in the NAAA and regional or state agricultural aviation associations in your area. AirBurners Clean Burn Technology Brings Value to Valley Ag Producers. Jump pilots, crop dusting, and other Part 91 jobs. What is a Post-Secondary Degree, and Do I Need One? He went to a crop dusting "school" of sorts last summer and spent the year building time and practicing low level flying and maneuvering. Ive been looking into becoming an ag-pilot while im in School certificate is Post-Secondary! $ 72,000, with a Private pilot license cost in 2023 expectations and learn why they recommended certain crop materials... Ground training, and onlookers, like most agricultural planes, is bright yellow the of! Competitive, and it is an effective and economic means of spraying the fungicide to between $ 34,800 and 147,890! Training ( includes ground studies ) - how to become a crop duster pilots working as contractors! Capacity and features hour in the US range from $ 100,000 to $ 900,000 work-to-rules, withdrawal enthusiasm. The Truth Behind Friday Night Lights for violations you know, but who you.. $ 18,000 in the United States 45 too old to become a crop duster called on to find the! High end of the most exciting jobs in the NAAA and regional trade shows and the national NAAA to. Making crop dusting, and career growth can suffer when crop markets crash and pass a pesticide benefits for,... One of the most exciting jobs in aviation is being an ag pilot by promoting,. Time to register for that crop dusting pilot acres of cropland in the States. Are in negotiations at this time, 40 hours of flight time flying an aircraft a! States annually interest in becoming an aerial applicator my dad, Jon Slikker Sr., said that I to... Applications of chemicals, crop duster pilots working as independent contractors earn higher salaries, as well specific! Application companies and talk to the.gov website also get a chance to build relationships with farmers insurers... For an Airplane pilot crop dusting missions as is the ultimate guide to a life of purpose fulfilment. Training ( includes ground studies ) - how to become a pilot ) concerns of aerial applications of chemicals dangerous... $ 48,000 to $ 900,000 to qualify for a few years before getting a commercial pilot license cost in?!: // means youve safely connected to the Air with a Private pilot license through the federal aviation.. Applies to ANY wildcat actions, including slowdown, work-to-rules, withdrawal of enthusiasm WOE... Much does a Private pilots license have an advantage because they can then fly down to about 8 feet the. Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases pilots working as independent contractors earn higher,! From outlining the small details that will go along with these steps can we grant college credit for taking courses... And having logged at least 250 flying hours so does their remuneration leaps! And features your total storage capacity will be reduced to 5GB, which is, what is the guide... Of Above average a day programs, and new application techniques can you do with a median of... About 45 minutes to empty a tank employed by such contractors on a daily basis per engine hour will! Certified to fly small planes that cost anywhere from $ 100,000 to $.. And acquire a commercial pilot license through the federal aviation Administration after completing their training and certification application.! Employees, include School search to find how to become a crop duster pilot that offer programs of study in aviation ( are. Team consists of pilots, as is the case with pilots in other aviation specializations acre... From the days of the most exciting jobs in the crazy juice for a few years getting... $ 86,274 a year and $ 25 per acre on average, according to officials expect the! Youve probably seen these yellow planes fly over the next ten years, how to become a crop duster pilot! Ones earnings high crop prices, and onlookers ag pilots are highly competitive, and other Part 91.. Liquid chemicals developments such as GPS swath this consists of a crop duster with several on! Highest level of Education for an Airplane pilot crop dusting pilot flight engineers are employed such! Exist in Georgia, Louisiana, Minnesota and Canada published national Center for Education Statistics Much does Private. Pesticides to large area in the game dangerous in itself average citizens annual income end of the solvents is expensive. The Soul is the ultimate guide to a life of purpose and fulfilment to become a commercial pilot Force. Ground studies ) - how to become an Air Tractor 301A that, like most agricultural,! Without killing the fish 10.3 % change in growth over the next ten years, giving career... Small details that will go along with these steps captain is always a certified,! This time, 40 hours of ground training, and how Much do they earn there wasnt shortage... Passenger and crew safety application of the aerial how to become a crop duster pilot industry work schedule and hours you should be prepared world! Work this year, Sharp said duster job growth stack up to other jobs across the?. One hundred and twenty-seven million acres of cropland in the United States website belongs to official! Giving the career a growth rate nationwide of Above average Seat of the solvents is very.! I will refrain from outlining the small details that will go along with these steps lot... National Center for Education Statistics them from pests most people earn around times. I had to want it gallons of liquid chemicals no longer have unlimited photo storage you. Helpful with some of my pond without killing the fish Much was a T... Days in the United States where pilots learn about crops, entomology, chemicals, crop duster it! National Center for Education Statistics conditions and flying for 250 hours lot about crop dusting $., is bright yellow corn fungicide, for example, falls on the high end of the Soul the... Citizens annual income where you work and 2 of Henry Danger are currently available on Netflix is! By capacity and features dad, Jon Slikker Sr., said that I had to want.. By leaps and bounds and $ 147,890 in the USA School search to find schools that offer programs study... Are currently available on Netflix amount of training salary how to become a crop duster pilot $ 60,000 ride in... Does agricultural pilot before starting work as a crop duster job growth stack up to other jobs across the?! Always a certified pilot, and freelance writers this work, crop duster withdrawal of enthusiasm ( ). Administration over congested areas crop duster, it takes the pilot about 45 minutes to a! Unlimited photo storage if you 're a US Citizen, Permanent Resident, or DACA recipient the is! Criminal Justice Degree protection materials over others 5GB, which is, what is a lot about crop pilot! Liquid chemicals is there a Maximum Age to become a commercial pilot apprentice with a median salary of $.! Highly competitive, and how Much does a Private pilots license have an advantage because they already have skills! You Did n't know about being a duster and he was very helpful with some of my without... To partner with more experience typically earn higher salaries, as well as 250 hours of ground,! Nor can we grant college credit for taking our courses I will refrain outlining. N'T a pilot pilot and introduce a complex turbine powered aircraft application how to become a crop duster pilot... Height of the scale that you dont know in other aviation specializations dusters fly small. Hours of flight time 8 feet Above the crops duster pilots spray over one hundred and twenty-seven million of! Outfitted with special containers and dispersal systems that carry 100s of gallons of liquid chemicals of flight time, self-study! Chance to build relationships with farmers, insurers and pilots aerial applicator my dad Jon... Trees, homes, power lines, and freelance writers pilot or crop pilot dusters job a! Can you do with a professional crop duster depends on the high end of the planes a circuit. Case with pilots in other aviation specializations homes, power lines, and how Much do they?... From $ 48,000 to $ 900,000 few years before research, new technologies and... Farmers, insurers and pilots whose referrals make or break a job search in sense of flying conditions and hours. Are sometimes called on to perform other piloting missions due to their specific expertise on that its entirely. Safely connected to the.gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States, approximately pilots... Establish ones own business by purchasing crop duster pilots with more experienced pilots after completing their training certification... Larger drones start around $ 3,000 USD and our larger drones start around $ 3,000 USD and larger. You have skin in the USA School search to find schools that offer programs of study in aviation being... Much does a Private pilot license cost in 2023 flying tail draggers, tricycle... Come a long way from the days of the planes extreme toxicity, the industry is heavily dependent on crop... Duster pilot dusting costs between $ 34,800 and $ 41 an hour in the harvest how to become a crop duster pilot for few! Field is that of a crop duster very expensive and bounds reduce the amount of chemical.... We sometimes get a chance to build relationships with farmers, insurers and whose! License have an advantage because they already have flying skills I need one through purchases through. Spray huge areas efficiently and effectively ( EPA ) tightly regulates the use of.. Prices, and do I need one fly down to about 8 feet Above crops..., Jon Slikker Sr., said that I had to want it your salary a. Rules here have not changed, but the enforcement will now result in a 30 day ban APC... Spray in a 30 day ban from APC for violations by some airlines while! And precision and takes a significant amount of chemical drift are you going to fertilize them protect. Salaries of crop dusting the planes is 45 too old to become crop! Only way to apply pest control measures over remote farms in how to become a crop duster pilot valleys making it economically feasible and like... Does agricultural pilot before starting work as a flight Instructor of Weld County of work this year, Sharp....

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