Aerial Applicators

[RightPedal]

How many ag Pilots visit this site?
What is the general opinion of these people?
How many of you have a desire to do this type of work?
How many of you have done this job and got out of it?
Why do I ask, well, ag aviation is the only flying job I've ever had a desire to do. It's a hard business to get into. I'm interested to know what everybody else thinks.

 

[DiamondJim]

I, like you, also desire to do this type of work. I did a search of this sight and it seems that Avbug is the only one with experience in the field (no pun intended). I sent him a PM with no response so I'm interested in any answers you may receive. Sorry I couldn't help.

 

[RightPedal]

Well now, There have been over a 100 people view this thread.
Now I know that most every pilot has at one time or another stoped beside a highway and watched one of these guys work. I know that in your mind you say, man I wish I could do that. Or, have watched and thought that only a crazy fool would do that. But, you got to admit these guy's desirve respect for what they do. I would say the only thing that could compair would be doing carrier landings 10 hours a day.
I've come to know that there is so much more to doing this job than the flying. In fact, the flying is just a small part of it. One must know the product, know the crop, know the Chemicals, know the rules, satisfy the framer and the FAA. Stay clear of the public, the lawyers and environmentalist.
Think about it, flying at 150kt, 15 feet off the ground. Over gross, in ground effect, 120* in the cockpit all day everyday. Over, under and beside powerlines. And, with all this going on you got to do the application to perfection. Oh yeah, this stuff makes my sticker peck out...lol!

 

[PilotMonkey]

You are correct RightPedal, AG flying is an extremely hard business to get into. My father is a AG pilot and ownes his own business in south Louisiana. After I was furloughed last year I went to work for him as his ground crew supervisor. I had aspirations of learnig the business and eventually upgrading to pilot. This all ended suddenly when after 6 months of hard work I learned that the insurance company would not even consider coverage for me, since I had no experience flying AG planes. I even submited an entire syllabus on how I was going to learn to crop dust. They didnt even consider it. However, they did say that they could insure me in a Cessna AG wagon (which could not make any money flying timber due to its small hopper) for $15,000 per 3 months!! Also, the timber company that we were working for had a stipulation in the contract stating that no pilot could work their fields with out prior experience fertilizing timber. It was a "catch 22" on both ends! I must say that it was not a terribly sad end. After 6 months of working seven days a week, 12 to 15 hours a day, I wanst sure this was the life for me anyway. Especially having already worked an airline pilots cush schedule. However, had I been flying I dont think that I would have come to the same conclusion so quickly.

The only way that I can see someone getting into this line of work is through a company that is contracted with the state (preferably a southern state that grows abundant cotton) to spray Bole Weavils. I know for sure that in Texas there is a Bole Weavil eradication plan, and their are many companies contracted out for this. These companies usually fly Cessna AG wagons or Cessna AG trucks, which would make you insurable. I wasnt interested due to the fact that they spray some of the nastiest chemicals on the market. I dont care to fly through deadly chemicals all day long!

If you are interested and persistent enough it can work, but even if you find an operator that will take on a rookie pilot you will still have to find a way to get past the insurance company. Sometimes the operator will help pick up the expense if they are desperate for a pilot, but be sure that your wages will be garnished! Be prepared not to make much money your first and second year. After that you will have enough experience to warrant a better paying Job. Good Luck!!

 

[avbug]

Ag aviation is not an entry level business.

You can find some ag schools to attend; a number of them exist. However, once you've completed the school, you generally still have the traditional slow entry to deal with. You'll likely work on the ground for one to three years while being worked slowly into a seat. You'll occasionally be allowed to spray a little rinsate on a fallow field, and over time allowed to put some low-risk chemical on wide fields with few obstacles. Eventually you may be able to work into a seat.

The ag industry isn't doing too well right now; you may wish to reconsider your goal, in this respect. A lot of guys who might have normally done several hundred hours last year, only flew less than a hundred...didn't even make the payments on the airplane.

There are physical risks to consider. Insurance is high and very demanding, for a good reason. You need to remember that statistically, the average ag pilot has a seven year working lifespan. Some go a very long time, and some don't make it through their first season. If you are comfortable flying a performance-limited airplane at three feet amid obstacles, and turning and dealing with stalls and frequent buffets at 75' over those obstacles, as well as dealing with the chemicals and liability, then don't give up your dreams.

Presently I take a leave of absence in the summer to do fire in an ag airplane; a single engine air tanker (SEAT). Last year I got less than 25 hours from a contract that's traditionally 150 hours. Row crops and forrestry work (fertilizing, seeding, etc) are in a similiar boat. I should have had about 150 hours in December for reseeding burned areas, but so far the contracts dont' exist. What that boils down to is a loss of thirty grand in flight pay; no small amount. If that's what you use for your bread and butter, then you're hurting.

If a fully qualified ag pilot desires to earn his Level I initial attack card for fire, it's a minimum of two years (five to ten in the heavies). Again, it's not entry level, and you have to consider what you'll be doing to make a living during that time, or during the rest of the year. Many employers aren't willing to consider letting someone go for an unspecified and unpredictable time period for fire or ag (both are ag), so keeping year round employment can be difficult. Are you prepared to spend the off season driving a beer truck or working in a rubber stamp factory?

You can PM me with questions or email me. I may not be able to respond right away. I'm in the field, assigned away from home rightn ow, and have limited opportunities to post. I'll do what I can. Good luck!

 

[bugchaser]

Yes the business is tough to get into right now. But there are some opportunities available. If you like this type of flying, there is nothing like it anywhere. Once you get into the turbines, you won't believe the performance. An empty 402B with 680 hp is as close to too much power as I have ever gotten. Lots of fun. My airplane is airconditioned and is fully equipped with an audio panel, navcom, business radio, electric gyros, and a gps system with a large color moving map screen. Very comfortable to fly and lots of performance. It is nice to be in something like this after many years of flying round engine airplanes. Blowing cylinders several times a season gets old. Shoot me a line if you have any further questions.