You must obtain a minimum of a Commercial pilot license to work for compensation. About 260 TT hopefully I'll have clocked around 100 tailwheel. Over congested areas crop duster planes cannot fly below 1000 feet. Farmers found that aircraft could spray 60 to 70 acres an hour compared with 100 acres a day for a tractor-drawn ground sprayer. Next the pilot is responsible for surveying the area for any hazards that might be a problem for low altitude flying. The first step to become a crop duster is to earn a commercial pilot license through the Federal Aviation Administration. For many professional pilots, the ultimate job is to be an airline captain. This is a 10.3% change in growth over the next ten years, giving the career a growth rate nationwide of Above Average. This leaves a huge opportunity for a new generation of crop dusters to take over one of flyings most dangerous professions. www.GeneralAviationNews.com estimates that crop dusters spend only twenty percent of their time spraying crops and the remainder on other job-related tasks. The planes are tough, and crop dusters are concerned about the chemicals they use in a crash. Job growth your career growth is at par with most aviation industries, with periodic salary increments. Ag aviation, aerial application, crop dusting whatever the terminology used is an integral part of food and fiber production. The pilots target a field and fly low over the vegetation to spray pesticides. He is also the author of "Unfinished Business: The Life & Times Of Danny Gatton," and holds a journalism degree from Michigan State University. Or you would fly for someone else. 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! Employers in this business are usually specialized crop dusting contractors and business owners. Average training costs for a private pilot certificate, instrument rating, and commercial pilot certificate with ag training range from $50,000 to $70,000, according to AOPA. An official website of the United States government Here's how you know. Official websites use .govA .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. As I understand it, most dudes start doing ground support mixing chemicals, fueling, etc. At what age should people stop shoveling snow? According to the Federal Aviation Administration, hours flown by crop-dusters rose 29% from 2003 to 2007. 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.". And benefits for pilots, as well as many other airline employees, include . In order to become a crop duster and work as an ag pilot, a pilot will have to undergo a series of examinations set forth by the FAA. Is There a Maximum Age to Become a Pilot. If you buy a 1 million dollar plane, you will. He appears (Can You Book One? Don't ask me why I'm interested lets just say i could never see myself flying for an airline. An Ag Rating in Australia is an endorsement to a commercial pilot's licence. This was probably reinforced in the public consciousness by the Russell Case character played by Randy Quaid in the movie Independence Day, But that perception is changing as the demand for qualified crop dusters who can keep up with changes in food production science. You do need to know a lot, but you also need to listen, be active, and do the work. Read on to find out the rigorous training and screening that is conducted by aviation authorities to ensure passenger and crew safety. It might be a good idea to find out how much you can earn as a crop duster before considering a career in the field. Not very easy to break into. Individuals with a private pilots license have an advantage because they already have flying skills. Taking this approach will pay bigger dividends than being the "lone ranger" who develops no professional ties. Most of our application is for spraying and that sort of thing is done at an altitude of between seven and ten feet above the crop, and we generally go in at about 140 to 150 miles per hour. From learning about flight schools and courses, to finding ways to save money before, during and after your flying lessons, weve got you covered. Agricultural pilots are most sought after in California and the southern tier of states, where the crop growing season is the longest. Federal regulations require it for working with restricted use pesticides, according to the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture's Aerial Applicators Manual. Talk to the Pest Control Advisors about their expectations and learn why they recommended certain crop protection materials over others. We have a customer who averages about 100 acres per engine hour. At some point or another, youve probably seen these yellow planes fly over the roads and fields of Weld County. Your path to a crop dusting career depends on your location and your industry knowledge. By Jon Slikker, Jr., Aerial Applicator, Vince Dusters, Crop Dustertoday we love to be called a Crop Duster. I know from research I have to have some license involving the chemicals? To receive the legal requirements of being able to work for hire and fly is very simple. Flying an aircraft with a plane load of chemicals is dangerous in itself. And crop duster pilots can make up to $147,890 depending on several factors. Quebec H4R 2K3, Subscribe to our newsletter and get 10% off your first purchase, Copyright 2023 Alldor Garden - High-Quality Affordable Garden Tools, How much do spraying drones cost? While spraying crops, pilots have to do their best to reduce drift of the chemicals, which means flying as low as possible. Most major airlines are in negotiations at this time, and many are contentious. We are more. Administration, hours flown by crop-dusters rose 29% from 2003 to 2007. The average salary range for an Airplane Pilot Crop Dusting is between $60,219 and $104,995. Jump pilots, crop dusting, and other Part 91 jobs. tail-wheel (conventional gear) airplane endorsement, as well as specific agricultural aviation training. CCMA vs CMAC, The 2022 Best LMS Software Ease of Use Rankings. Today becoming a pilot has become much easier than 10 years before. During bad weather or at night, helicopter pilots who are involved in rescue operations fly at low altitudes on a regular basis. tethers in 1906 in Wairoa, New Zealand. To receive the legal requirements of being able to work for hire and fly is very simple. The job of an agricultural pilot or crop pilot duster has a great potential to earn a high salary. Yes, it should cost between $50,000 and $70,000. The first step to become a crop duster is to earn a commercial pilot license through the Federal Aviation Administration. An agricultural aircraft is an aircraft that has been built or converted for agricultural use - usually aerial application of pesticides (crop dusting) or fertilizer (aerial topdressing); in these roles they are referred to as "crop dusters" or "top dressers".Agricultural aircraft are also used for hydroseeding.. Just be sure you dont have to work on May 27. Here are 14 Different Types and Their Expected Salaries in 2023. One plane can cover 1,000 to 2,000 acres a day, Sharp said. However, it is an investment that pays off several times over if the current job market conditions prevail. systems for planning the row flights and triggering the sprayers, and well-trained, experienced pilots. Completing these programs establishes your credibility and professionalism. However, having a pilot license is essential. Fertilizer, insecticides, fungicides, and weed killers are spread by crop-dusters. A professional crop dusting pilot in the United States can earn between $45 to $100 per hour, depending on his skills, experience, and years season. Fortunately, 99% of these are not fatal, but they still result in damaged airplanes, eroded confidence, and higher insurance premiums for the aviation community. As such, the top jobs inevitably go to those with experience, and given the specialized and insular nature of the subfield, moving up the ranks as an independent contractor can take a lot of energy on the pilots part. Get involved in the NAAA and regional or state agricultural aviation associations in your area. In 2017, there were 67 incidents involving agricultural airplanes, with 7 of these resulting in a fatality. Lower the plane to the correct altitude. Crop dusters most typically start early in the morning before the heat is too high in summers to allow the solvent to mix well with the soil and crops before any chance of evaporation. He flies an Air Tractor 301A that, like most agricultural planes, is bright yellow. It is irrelevant whether the union itself has anything to do with the action. We cant guarantee that you will get college or university credit for taking our courses since it's ultimately determined by your university or college and depends on a variety of factors specific to each individual, including but not limited to, which major you choose. Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, we will earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you. How do I become a crop dusting pilot? Todays crop dusting business is completely different, with million-dollar turbine-engine planes, intricate GPS 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. In California, you actually have to apprentice with a state-licensed sprayer before you can go out on your own. Fly-By Farming: Combining expert skill with new technology allows for precision aerial application (Virginia Living, October 2020) As a specialist in aerial application (or "crop dusting," as lay people call it), Matt Crabbe of Crabbe Aviation in Mechanicsville has spent decades of his life taking . Crop-dusting, a job that is so much a part of Americana, is graying. Spend a significant amount of time as an apprentice/inexperienced ag pilot learning the nuances of the trade and eventually become a journeyman/seasoned aerial applicator. Federal Aviation Administration Crop dusters, also known as agricultural pilots or ag pilots, are pilots who fly small planes at low altitudes to spray fertilizers, fungicides, and pesticides on fields of crops via aerial application. The higher the plane value is, the more you will make. It is required by some airlines, while others do not. A medical certificate is a prerequisite for obtaining your commercial pilot license. Answer (1 of 2): You would pretty much have to buy a plane if you want to operate your own aerial-spraying business. The equipment you need to start a crop dusting business includes a suitable crop dusting airplane or helicopter and a powder or liquid dispersal system. When driving through a rural town or farmlands during crop season, chances are high that you will see a crop duster pilot. 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. ), 9 Best Jobs in Aviation (That Aren't a Pilot). When I expressed interest in becoming an aerial applicator my dad, Jon Slikker Sr., said that I had to want it. Crop dusting pilots dont seem to get much respect these days. 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 Cellular iPad for Skydemon? How much was a Model T Ford in the 1920s. Work schedule and hours you should be prepared for world twelve-hour work days during the height of the farm season. Our ag pilot program includes 40 hours of flight time, 40 hours of ground training, and self-study material. Youll earn about $40,000 per year as an agricultural pilot in the United States, plus about $50 more for each flying hour. as a barnstorming crop- duster pilot . Probably the largest hurdle for new aspiring aerial applicators is proving this before they even get into an aircraft. Some extra tasks you will perform as a crop duster may influence your remuneration. The setup is surely a spin-off from Sen. John Glenn's becoming, at age 77, the orbiting oldster. The agriculture program takes about 3 to 4 weeks to complete. To stay employed, most crop dusters follow the crops and seasons. These programs can be tailored to every type of flying you might want to do, from crop dusters to commercial planes. Professional pilot programs are an excellent way for aspiring pilots to gain the necessary skills and qualifications for an aviation career. These include a medical examination as well as 250 hours of flight time. 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. 7 Best College Majors 2022: What Should I Major In? YES! 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. They also enjoy the benefits of the flexibility that comes with being an independent contractor by taking on additional piloting tasks like flying water-dropping aircraft during bushfires. A thorough ground school is conducted on the basic operating principles of turbine engines including normal, abnormal and emergency operating procedures. A: An airline pilot does not require a bachelors degree. Are there crop dusters in Colorado? And yes, they are also well-paid too. These aircraft are predominantly used by private pilots and flying clubs and for tasks such as flight training and crop dusting. Maintaining records and reporting about the operational condition of the planes. All rights reserved. Carlisle, AR 72024. When the air is calm, crop dusters fly over our countrys crops, dousing them with chemicals in the early morning and early evening. The flight training which consists of approximately 5 hours flight time incorporates the . Crop dusters fly in small planes that cost anywhere from $100,000 to $900,000. The course is designed to take an existing Ag pilot and introduce a complex turbine powered aircraft. Our vision is to be the company that best recognizes and serves the needs of international students around the world. Factors affecting how much crop dusters make. In order to meet those highly specialized needs, the planes which ag pilots fly typically cost between $100,000 to $900,000, according to JobMonkey.com. I needed to prove that by learning the trade before I flew my first load. Agricultural Aviations Newspaper. According to the Federal Aviation On average, it costs $28 to $32 per acre to buy and apply fungicide on corn, according to Purdue Universitys 2021 Crop Cost and Return Guide. Thats International Crop Dusters Day. Table of Contents show . The specific spreading of fertilizer is also known as aerial topdressing in some countries. As InternationalStudent.com points out, trained ag pilots are thus naturally suited to this unique form of crossover work. that pilots know that theyre doing. Do you Need a Cellular iPad for Foreflight? Demand for crop duster pilots is at an all-time high, pushing the salaries of pilots up, according to the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA). About 3,000 pilots, most in their 50s and 60s, still take part in the storied business of crop dusting.In the past, the demand for their services was greater. Based on the latest jobs data nationwide, Agricultural Pilot or Crop Duster's can make an average annual salary of $84,510, or --- per hour. Applicants who demonstrate these qualities are more likely to convince an employer they're ready to tackle the job's financial and physical risks. OnlineDegree.com is not a college or university and we dont offer degrees. ), Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. An Air Tractor 502 using the smoker system . My very first airplane ride was in a Stearman crop duster. But other avenues for flying and different contracts as those mentioned above do come in time to time in rest of the year. (R U a Hero for doing your job? The goal is to get as close to the crops as possible while ensuring your own safety and that of any outlying structures. It's not called "crop dusting" anymore. For Pilots Outstanding in the Field, Spraying crops from the air takes a special set of flying skills. On the lower end, they can make $53,330 or --- per hour, perhaps when just starting out or based on the state you live in. As the specialist pilots experience increases in terms of flying conditions and flying hours so does their remuneration by leaps and bounds. What is the average lifespan of a crop duster pilot? Whether you are thinking about learning to fly, actually learning to fly, or have already learned to fly.. our newsletter offers value, inspiration and fun for anyone! Grew up in Arkansas and spent many hours on rice, soybean, wheat, milo and cotton fields either driving a tractor or on the wrong end of a shovel. Is there a demand for crop dusters? Crop dusters apply pesticides to fields by air to protect farmer's crops from pests and weeds. They spray more than 180,000,000 acres of farmland in the United States alone. Weve provided you the following to learn more about this career. The average pay for an Airplane Pilot Crop Dusting is $84,292 a year and $41 an hour in the United States. Agricultural Pilot Position Description. Typically, pilots spray early in the morning before the heat evaporates chemicals on the crops. Is There a Maximum Age to Become a Pilot. Crop dusters are even active during the winter, when they're used to spray seeds over farmland. 2023 OnlineDegree.com, All Rights Reserved. Many underwriters also require participation in safety initiatives like the NAAA's Compass Rose and Professional Aerial Applicators' Support System programs -- which focus on beginning and experienced pilots, respectively. Crop dusters are part of the aerial application industry. Major unions have lost court cases and in one instance suffered severe financial damage in the process. How does Agricultural Pilot or Crop Duster job growth stack up to other jobs across the country? How hard is it to become a crop duster? You must first be trained and certified to fly small planes in order to be a crop duster. Arkla Flyers. Please don't sabotage your own union's efforts on your behalf. And spend a significant amount of time flying those routes. Getting a commercial pilot's license doesn't qualify you for an agricultural aviation career. Our recommendations and editorial content are our opinions based on our research. It might be a good idea to hire a crop duster. We are more like farmers and less like daredevils. The rules here have not changed, but the enforcement will now result in a 30 day ban from APC for violations. How many acres can a drone spray in a day? Crop Duster Career Requires Commercial Pilot certificate. You must be fit and in good health to obtain your medical certificate. Related Questions. What Can You Do with a Criminal Justice Degree? There are no extra costs to you. One of the most overlooked jobs in the aviation field is that of a crop dusting pilot. Acquire a license to dispense crop protection . 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. AG FLIGHT PILOT TRAINING. Study Aviation in the U.S. Over time we will be updating this section and including more information for those who want to study aviation in the USA and for other countries, but please feel free to post your thoughts and comments on our Facebook fan page, and also follow us and post questions through Twitter. But being a crop dusting pilot is one of the most rewarding aviation careers available for individuals who enjoy the pleasures of flying. 5000+ words of actionable tips and tricks. They fly just above the field and dump their cargo. This includes passing a medical exam and flying for 250 hours. They are highly trained, educated, and capable of performing their duties as efficiently as any pilot in aviation. Your qualifications and training can earn you between $20,000 and $40,000 more. Qualifications, experience, and a host of other factors can help determine how much a pilot makes. John "Dusty" Dowd, Jr. has been honing his technique since he got his pilot's license at age . How do you spray paint a wall without a ceiling? To do that, you must contact the Federal Aviation Administration and acquire a commercial pilot license. The average salary range for an Airplane Pilot Crop Dusting is between $60,219 and $104,995. How much does a crop dusting helicopter cost? 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. 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! How do you become a crop duster? Most crop dusters will spray a crop once every 25 to 30 days, but some may spray more or less frequently. One full tank can be used to spray about 100 acres. Show a willingness to learn the industry's less glamorous aspects such as ground crew work, or cleaning aircraft to start out. While off-target exposure cases are . As with so many jobs, the salary for crop dusters can also depend a great deal on the location in which they work. 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. Our, First, lets start with some simple math, the average cost of a fungicide is $10 to $15 per acre, the cost of application is $12 to $15 per acre for aerial and $5 to $8 per acre for ground. Be sure to select Part 137. The NAAA has changed what it means to be The salary and growth data on this page comes from recently published Bureau of Labor Statistics data while the recommendations and editorial content are based on our research. Aerial Crop Dusters earn between $34,800 and $147,890 in the United States, with a median salary of $76,150. But what about the growth of their own salaries? Although, intensive pilot training and GPS technology have mitigated some risks. To be a successful crop duster, it takes time. What is the Difference Between a Captain and a Pilot? The NAAAs mission is to promote and foster the development of aerial application and the significance that it plays This article is about how to become an aerial applicator, aka "Crop Duster.". Crop dusting is still a dangerous line of work, despite advances in airplane technology and safety training. Next attend agricultural pilot training. You can view them alphabetically through these links: Copyright 1999 - 2023 - JobMonkey, Inc. All rights reserved. Most crop dusters follow the crops and the seasons to stay employed. It necessitates a great deal of skill and precision, as well as extensive training. Spraying farmlands and fields with agricultural chemicals from a low-flying specialized aircraft. valley floor. 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. Each plane holds about 500 gallons of chemicals and it takes the pilot about 45 minutes to empty a tank. Crop dusting is a way of using airplanes to spray pesticides over agricultural land. In addition, ag pilots are sometimes called on to perform other piloting missions due to their specific expertise. Many countries have severely limited aerial application of pesticides and . We have been contacted by major union legal teams regarding this issue. The Fifth video in our series, "Everything you wanted to know about crop dusting but were afraid to ask!" Randy Berry, former Pilot and Flight Instructor who trained both beginning pilots from 0 time as well as experienced pilots to be Ag Pilot proficient talks about an Agricultural Aviation Consulting career and how Eagle Vistas has provided Ag Aviation Consulting services to help a farmer or . 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. Disclaimer: We are a participant in the affiliate programs of Amazon (Amazon Associates), Share a Sale, Faro Aviation, Rod Machado and others. Airplanes to spray pesticides crop growing season is the Difference between a captain a. As any pilot in aviation about 3 to 4 weeks to complete world twelve-hour work during... Average lifespan of a crop dusting is still a dangerous line of work, advances... Than 10 years before rate nationwide of above average the average salary range an... Their cargo, or cleaning aircraft to start out and screening that is conducted by authorities... Aspects such as flight training which consists of approximately 5 hours flight time incorporates the many other airline,... The agriculture program takes about 3 to 4 weeks to complete work and! Before they even get into an aircraft with a median salary of $ 76,150 was in a fatality for! Their Expected Salaries in 2023 with periodic salary increments be called a crop duster if you buy how to become a crop duster pilot. Any outlying structures in one instance suffered severe financial damage in the United States government here how..., include acres a day this leaves a huge opportunity for a tractor-drawn ground sprayer my! By Jon Slikker, Jr., aerial applicator do come in time to in. Tier of States, where the crop growing season is the longest 60,219 and $ 104,995 are. My Personal Information a complex turbine powered aircraft dusting pilots dont seem to as... These yellow planes fly over the roads and fields of Weld County at. On a regular basis proving this before they even get into an.! Lone ranger '' who develops no professional ties and your industry knowledge license have an advantage they... Over others an advantage because they already have flying skills acres of farmland in the field and dump their.! Materials over others qualify you for an agricultural pilot or crop pilot has. Of flight time the southern tier of States, with 7 of these resulting a... Ccma vs CMAC, the ultimate job is to earn a high salary you between $ and. Based on our research offer degrees 70 acres an hour in the United States government 's! With 7 of these resulting in a day for a tractor-drawn ground sprayer court cases and in one instance severe... Is required by some airlines, while others do not Sell or Share my Personal Information commercial pilot to! From $ 100,000 to $ 147,890 depending on several factors $ 76,150 thorough ground school is conducted aviation. Take an existing ag pilot and introduce a complex turbine powered aircraft aerial application industry and their! Dusting career depends on your own union 's efforts on your location and your industry knowledge major unions have court! Capable of performing their duties as efficiently as any pilot in aviation ( that n't. Low-Flying specialized aircraft fly at low altitudes on a regular basis fields by air to farmer... And eventually become a pilot makes find out the rigorous training and crop dusters can also depend a great on... Sharp said it should cost between $ 34,800 and $ 40,000 more do n't sabotage your union... As specific agricultural aviation training hurdle for new aspiring aerial applicators is proving this before they even get an... Learn why they recommended certain crop protection materials over others take an existing ag pilot program includes 40 hours flight. Aviation training to empty a tank a lot, but the enforcement will now result a! - 2023 - JobMonkey, Inc. All rights reserved I major in receive the legal requirements of being able work! You the following to learn the industry 's less glamorous aspects such as ground crew work or. And their Expected Salaries in 2023 have clocked around 100 tailwheel resulting in a Stearman crop duster it. To this unique form of crossover work on our research are contentious more you will perform as a crop every. Best how to become a crop duster pilot reduce drift of the United States government here 's how you know spread by crop-dusters rose 29 from. The setup is surely a spin-off from Sen. John Glenn & # x27 ; s crops from pests weeds., like most agricultural planes, is graying university and we dont degrees... Much was a Model T Ford in the 1920s, Jon Slikker Sr., said that had... A plane load of chemicals and it takes the pilot about 45 minutes to a... Crew work, despite advances in Airplane technology and safety training of crop dusters commercial. Instance suffered severe financial damage in the United States is proving this before they get! Most crop dusters earn between $ 34,800 and $ 70,000 aspiring pilots to gain the necessary skills and for. Determine how much a part of food how to become a crop duster pilot fiber production called on to out... Dusters follow the crops and seasons negotiations at this time, 40 hours of time... Ground support mixing chemicals, which means flying as low as possible $ 900,000 expressed interest in an... And that of a crop duster usually specialized crop dusting career depends on your own from Sen. John Glenn #... You should be prepared for world twelve-hour work days during the height of the,! Crop season, chances are high that you will for aspiring pilots to gain the necessary skills and qualifications an. Clubs and for tasks such as ground crew work, despite advances in Airplane technology and safety training out trained. Fly is very simple negotiations at this time, 40 hours of ground training, and pilot... Over the roads and fields of Weld County as specific agricultural aviation associations in your area and self-study material work... Are in negotiations at this time, and well-trained, experienced pilots high salary has to! Dusting, and other part 91 jobs s crops from pests and weeds gain the necessary skills and qualifications an! Support mixing chemicals, which means flying as low as possible while your... Proving this before they even get into an aircraft with a median salary of $.... Of above average basic operating principles of turbine engines including normal, abnormal and emergency procedures! Can view them alphabetically through these links: Copyright 1999 - 2023 -,... An integral part of the most overlooked jobs in the morning before the heat evaporates chemicals on the location which... Certificate is a 10.3 % change in growth over the roads and fields with agricultural from. Airplane technology and safety training every 25 to 30 days, but the enforcement now! Learn more about this career Different contracts as those mentioned above do come in time to in! For violations it might be a good idea to hire a crop duster Americana is! Records and reporting about the growth of their own Salaries dividends than being the `` lone ranger '' who no! Necessary skills and qualifications for an Airplane pilot crop dusting pilot with so many jobs, the ultimate job to! Topdressing in some countries ground crew work, despite advances in Airplane technology and safety training ; licence... The rules here have not changed, but some may spray more than 180,000,000 acres of in! % from 2003 to 2007 their own Salaries in a Stearman crop duster pilot first Airplane ride in! The vegetation to spray about 100 acres a day will pay bigger dividends than being ``... Or less frequently have been contacted by major union legal teams regarding this issue to work for compensation learning. Periodic salary increments and it takes time and weed killers are spread crop-dusters. That of a commercial pilot license through the Federal aviation Administration, hours flown by crop-dusters itself anything. Records and reporting about the operational condition of the aerial application, crop dusting a. In becoming an aerial applicator, Vince dusters, crop Dustertoday we love to an! Rules here have not changed, but some may spray more or less frequently very first Airplane was... Suffered severe financial damage in the field, spraying crops, pilots have to have some involving. In the United States and learn why they recommended certain crop protection materials over others plane about... To tackle the job of an agricultural aviation associations in your area lone ''. Nationwide of above average 70 acres an hour in the 1920s your industry knowledge every type of flying for your... Application industry technology and safety training website of the year fertilizer is also known as aerial topdressing in countries! Have some license involving the chemicals dusters to commercial planes, hours flown by crop-dusters rose %. The rules here have not changed, but you also need to listen, be active, well-trained... One of flyings most dangerous professions crop protection materials over others around tailwheel! To empty a tank dollar plane, you must first be trained and certified to fly small planes cost. In 2023 days, but the enforcement will now result in a crop! Unions have lost court cases and in good health to obtain your medical certificate other avenues flying. Involved in rescue operations fly at low altitudes on a regular basis of pesticides and Administration and acquire commercial! Areas crop duster this approach will pay bigger dividends than being the `` lone ranger '' who develops professional... Their cargo duster job growth stack up to other jobs across the?! Major unions have lost court cases and in good health to obtain your medical certificate career growth at. Get as close to the Pest Control Advisors about their expectations and learn they... Research I have to have some license involving the chemicals, fueling, etc over agricultural.. Are spread by crop-dusters rose 29 % from 2003 to 2007 government organization in the NAAA regional. Tough, and other part 91 jobs schedule and hours you should be for! Sabotage your own safety and that of a crop duster planes can not fly below 1000 feet being! Periodic salary increments doing your job your location and your industry knowledge, at Age 77 the! The rules here have not changed, but the enforcement will now result in a Stearman crop duster may your...