Next the pilot is responsible for surveying the area for any hazards that might be a problem for low altitude flying. My very first airplane ride was in a Stearman crop duster. Crop dusting is a booming flying niche. About 260 TT hopefully I'll have clocked around 100 tailwheel. The course is designed to take an existing Ag pilot and introduce a complex turbine powered aircraft. You're gonna need alot more than 2 or 300hrs to be insurable. When you go into town, you meet someone new, they ask what you do, and you say youre a crop duster; 9 times out of 10 their faces light up and instantly start asking how crazy and dangerous and cool our job must be. Pilots working in this field can make $60,000 to $100,000 per year for spraying chemicals onto crops, reports The Wall Street Journal. This brings the total cost of spraying the fungicide to between $15 and $30 per acre. 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. These include a medical examination as well as 250 hours of flight time. 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. Just be sure you dont have to work on May 27. Ralph Heibutzki's articles have appeared in the "All Music Guide," "Goldmine," "Guitar Player" and "Vintage Guitar." Most crop dusters start out earning about $20,000 per year, but the established and experienced crop dusters can make up to $100,000 per year by following the crops and retaining loyal clientele. In California, you actually have to apprentice with a state-licensed sprayer before you can go out on your own. 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. What is a Hero? Attend state and regional trade shows and the national NAAA convention to meet new employers and pilots. You must obtain a minimum of a Commercial pilot license to work for compensation. . 3. 15 Common Items Explained. At what age should people stop shoveling snow? Over rural land, they may operate at a minimum of 500 feet. Houston . Table of Contents show . UC ANR Expands Expertise for Climate Change, Economic Development With New CAU Career Day Uncovers the Modern Aerial Applicator, Almond Board Announces Exceptional2023 Almond Leadership Class. Go down to the toy store and get a sack of about 50 marbles. currently ive got a private in a cessna 170 taildragger, and a Every job has its potential hazards, and so does crop dusting. 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 dusters may be exposed to toxic chemicals and frequently use unimproved landing strips, resulting in 82 deaths. on a global scale. (R U a Hero for doing your job? 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. The Ag Aviation School is a training center for agricultural pilots. guidance, aerial imagine, and prescription mapping and dispersal systems have revolutionized the aerial application 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. We have a customer who averages about 100 acres per engine hour. Your path to a crop dusting career depends on your location and your industry knowledge. Not much info on how to get into this field on the internet. I suspect you would need taildragger and/aerobatic time. crop dusting, they picture a grizzled old man in an ancient biplane, flying low over a field in Illinois. To become efficient in this work, crop duster pilots need to undergo lots of training before heading towards crop dusting missions. Obtain a Pilot's license through the FAA. He went to a crop dusting "school" of sorts last summer and spent the year building time and practicing low level flying and maneuvering. Study Guide by Subject What education do you need to become a crop duster? 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.". However, crop dusting is an aviation specialization involving exact flying skills. Developing the relationship with the owner and then witnessing your growth will get your foot in the door. By law, airline pilots are required to retire at 65. . There are no extra costs to you. Perform a secondary role in fighting forest fires by flying fire-fighting aircraft. As the specialized skill of an agricultural pilot is high in demand, they have some flexibility to determine the time of their working. 10 Things You Didn't Know About Being a Crop Dusting Pilot, 10 Reasons to Pursue a Career as a Flight Instructor. Job Description for Commercial Pilots : Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft on nonscheduled air carrier routes, or helicopters. Crop dusting ensures regular work during the growing season, which in the warmer, southern states is longer. Making crop dusting a career choice can be rewarding as the demand for crop dusting pilots keeps growing yearly. Heck, they even lack the rugged, swashbuckling image generally associated with bush pilots. Crop dusting is one of the most hazardous pilot jobs and is partly responsible for the high salary offered for crop dusting pilot positions. There is no maximum age to become a pilot with the exception of working as an airline pilot. 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. Do you Need a Cellular iPad for Skydemon? According to the Federal Aviation Administration, hours flown by crop-dusters rose 29% from 2003 to 2007. What is the average lifespan of a crop duster pilot? To qualify for a license, it is necessary to pass a medical exam, and to have logged at least 250 flying hours. Salary and growth data is based on recently published U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, achieving that kind of salary also requires exceptional flying skills, knowledge of agricultural chemicals and a willingness to learn the industry. CCMA vs CMAC, The 2022 Best LMS Software Ease of Use Rankings. The 2022 Best Software Development Companies in Education. And yes, they are also well-paid too. He flies an Air Tractor 301A, which is bright yellow like most agricultural planes. How do Agricultural Pilot or Crop Duster salaries stack up to other jobs across the country? 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. If you are interested in becoming an ag pilot, NAAA offers a program called Compaass Rose, a series of education sessions in which veteran ag pilots introduce potential recruits to the world of aerial application. And crop duster pilots can make up to $147,890 depending on several factors. You also need to study and pass a pesticide . For starters--don't call it "crop dusting" anymore. Jump pilots, crop dusting, and other Part 91 jobs. Our ag pilot program includes 40 hours of flight time, 40 hours of ground training, and self-study material. Based on these numbers, an average 1,200-gallon sprayer is covering about 53 acres per engine hour. Can You Become a Pilot if You Wear Glasses? SUDAFED Decongestant, SUDAFED PE Decongestant, Claritin,, Copyright 2023 TipsFolder.com | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. List of Colleges & Universities That Accept ACE Credits, What College Should I Go To? You'll also get a chance to build relationships with farmers, insurers and pilots whose referrals make or break a job search. While spraying crops, pilots have to do their best to reduce drift of the chemicals, which means flying as low as possible. 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. You need about 200hrs of training and experience to get a commercial licence. 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. 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. Professional Pilot Training (includes ground studies) - how to become an ag-pilot? Spraying corn fungicide, for example, falls on the high end of the scale. According to the Federal Aviation The salaries of crop dusting pilots are highly competitive, and it is the focus of our article. What I see is the start of a relationship. Excludes regional, national, and international airline pilots. 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. It requires tremendous skill and precision and takes a significant amount of training. Crop-dusters accounted for 29% of total hours flown between 2003 and 2007, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. suddenly on the horizon and disappears almost before you have the chance to register him. Is there a demand for crop dusters? 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. pilot is right for you. The agricultural pilot or crop pilot dusters job has a lot of potential to earn a high salary. Crop Duster Career Requires Commercial Pilot certificate. Planes fly close to the ground to reduce the amount of chemical drift. Its hard to want to hire a pilot that is only about flying an airplane. Becoming a pilot takes hard work, dedication, and a commitment to safety. 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. To receive the legal requirements of being able to work for hire and fly is very simple. According to JobMonkey.com, while crop dusters do indeed fly at low altitudes, they dont just spray water, but also fertilizer, fungicide, and pesticides. 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. What is the Difference Between a Captain and a Pilot? Why they made the decisions they made. Is There a Maximum Age to Become a Pilot. But thanks to their services, farmers worldwide can grow their crops efficiently without fear of losing them to pests or diseases. Getting a commercial pilot's license doesn't qualify you for an agricultural aviation career. The color distinguishes the low-flying planes from the higher-flying planes overhead, and Wenzel joked, Its easy to see in the crops after a crash.. Most major airlines are in negotiations at this time, and many are contentious. I seem to remember Agrinaut on here being a duster and he was very helpful with some of my other questions. Here are 14 suggestions! Agricultural Aviations Newspaper. (Can You Book One? Usually flying in the winter is minimized to allay safety concerns and also as crop dusting isnt usually required much in winters. A local orchard was being attacked by Catalpa sphinx moths. Apart from the drone itself, many farmers also purchase software subscriptions. Crop duster pilots with more experience typically earn higher salaries, as is the case with pilots in other aviation specializations. To work as an AG Pilot, you need to be a minimum of 18 years old with an outstanding high . This article is about how to become an aerial applicator, aka Crop Duster.. I appreciate your help guys! If you buy a 1 million dollar plane, you will surely make well over 100k. The next step is obtaining a commercial pilot license allowing you to accept payment for flight services. Select Yes if you're a US Citizen, Permanent Resident, or DACA recipient. 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.. The Jenny had been fitted with a makeshift metal hopper and a distribution mechanism. This consists of a hydraulic circuit that . He is also the author of "Unfinished Business: The Life & Times Of Danny Gatton," and holds a journalism degree from Michigan State University. November 4, 2022. Farmers found that aircraft could spray 60 to 70 acres an hour compared with 100 acres a day for a tractor-drawn ground sprayer. A & M Flying Service Inc. Carlisle Municipal Arprt. Our vision is to be the company that best recognizes and serves the needs of international students around the world. However, it is the sort of job for people who love the solitude of solo flying and spending time in the air. 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. It is a good idea to apprentice with a veteran crop duster to learn the trade. Work hours are typically a couple of hours in sense of flying on a daily basis. Most crop dusters will spray a crop once every 25 to 30 days, but some may spray more or less frequently. We have been contacted by major union legal teams regarding this issue. 2. The cost of that training is then reflected in ag pilot salaries, meaning that investing in a license to do crop dusting can pay off long-term if work is found. They are highly trained, educated, and capable of performing their duties as efficiently as any pilot in aviation. Sponsored Ad. tethers in 1906 in Wairoa, New Zealand. It isnt impossible for ag pilots specializing as crop dusters to earn in the high five figures or beyond and heres how and why thats the case. Or you would fly for someone else. Air Force One, the presidential plane of the United States, is probably the most famous and secure aircraft 14 Other Exciting Aviation Jobs in 2023 Besides Being a Pilot. Keep reading to find out more on how much money crop duster pilots make and the factors determining their pay! On average, a Bachelors Degree is the highest level of education for an Airplane Pilot Crop Dusting. It also requires a minimum of 250 flight hours which you can easily log during training. You will spend hours charting routes providing optimum dispersal at the least cost. To receive the legal requirements of being able to work for hire and fly is very simple. By logging into your account, you agree to our. If you are interested in becoming an ag pilot, NAAA offers a program called Com paass Rose , a series of education sessions in which veteran ag pilots introduce potential recruits to the world of . Calculate this at about $300 - $500 per hour. The most common agricultural aircraft are fixed-wing, such as the Air Tractor . Answer (1 of 2): You would pretty much have to buy a plane if you want to operate your own aerial-spraying business. According to a risk assessment conducted by the agency, it can cause death in humans, and even moderate exposure can be corrosive to the skin and eyes.. Contact us at: [emailprotected], 3485 Rue Ashby Ville St. Laurent Read on to find out the rigorous training and screening that is conducted by aviation authorities to ensure passenger and crew safety. 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. Whether they do this as an independent contractor or as part of a contract with an established fire agency will further impact their overall income. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. To start a crop dusting business, you need a commercial pilot's license, as well as knowledge of the industry, experience in crop dusting or aerial application of chemicals, and understanding of the type of chemicals used, such as herbicides and insecticides.. How do I become an agricultural pilot? 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. Data between 2003 and 2007 shows a twenty-nine percent growth in the number of hours flown by crop dusters within the United States. 2023 OnlineDegree.com, All Rights Reserved. Need help or have a question? The goal is to get as close to the crops as possible while ensuring your own safety and that of any outlying structures. Answer (1 of 4): While getting a commercial license concentrate on flying tail draggers, not tricycle gear aircraft. While off-target exposure cases are . Typically, pilots spray early in the morning before the heat evaporates chemicals on the crops. Todays crop dusting business is completely different, with million-dollar turbine-engine planes, intricate GPS The airplane takes off from the nearest airstrip fly past the crops spraying pesticides. The middle 67% of Ag Pilots makes $60,000, with the top 67% making $72,000. I come from a background in sales. Helping to maintain and keep the aircraft in airworthy condition. Thanks to the recent farming boom, aerial application is a hot field. 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. You can view them alphabetically through these links: Copyright 1999 - 2023 - JobMonkey, Inc. All rights reserved. Its big business and its sometimes dangerous. Crop dusters apply pesticides to fields by air to protect farmer's crops from pests and weeds. 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. They fly just above the field and dump their cargo. The Bureau of Labor figures indicate a low figure of $53,330 per annum in specific locations across the country. I think you end up with about 30 hours (10 hours in each aircraft). Pilots must do their best to reduce the chemicals drift while spraying crops, which means flying as low as possible. that pilots know that theyre doing. Got his pilot's license, while working on his commercial license he got a job loading planes. After all, the demand for crop dusters is bound to be bigger in states which have a great deal of farmland as opposed to those in which such land is scarce. But what about the growth of their own salaries? Essentially, I was learning how to farm. Talk to operators and find out how many hours you need to be put on their insurance. It is safe to say that no day in the sky is like any other. Free Worldwide Shipping on Order Over $85. A crop duster pilot (also called Agricultural or Ag pilot) sprays crop protection products over farmland from a specially modified agricultural aircraft. This article is about how to become an aerial applicator, aka "Crop Duster.". The price you pay is exactly the same if you do or do not use my links. Flying over contractors farmlands and spaying pesticides and fertilisers. You then need to do an Agricultural Rating which is another 40hrs. 7 Best College Majors 2022: What Should I Major In? Next attend agricultural pilot training. However, the industry is heavily dependent on high crop prices, and career growth can suffer when crop markets crash. In order to work as an ag pilot, you will need to earn your private pilot license, a commercial rating, and a A private certificate, instrument rating, and commercial pilot certificate with ag training cost between $50,000 and $70,000. 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. 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. One of the most overlooked jobs in the aviation field is that of a crop dusting pilot. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. The being said, this figure does not tell the whole story. 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. Today crop dusting is known as aerial application in the agricultural industry, and it's one of the keys to modern productivity. This includes passing a medical exam and flying for 250 hours. Can I build a shed next to my Neighbours fence UK? For one thing, the popular image of simply spritzing a few plants is erroneous. systems for planning the row flights and triggering the sprayers, and well-trained, experienced pilots. I have a few buddies that AG fly and they have more than 10,000hrs of flight time. He flies an Air Tractor 301A that, like most agricultural planes, is bright yellow. S crops from pests and weeds high end of the most overlooked jobs the! Flying hours accounted for 29 % of Ag pilots makes $ 60,000, with the top 67 % of hours... Days, but some may spray more or less frequently other Part jobs. At this time, and international airline pilots crops, which is bright yellow acres an hour compared with acres! Work hours are typically a couple of hours in sense of flying on a daily.... Links: Copyright 1999 - 2023 - JobMonkey, Inc. All rights reserved you have the to... Accounted for 29 % of total hours flown by crop-dusters rose 29 from... An ag-pilot 100 tailwheel pilots keeps growing yearly duster pilot hopefully I 'll clocked... 'S license does n't qualify you for an airplane pilot crop dusting pilots are highly competitive, and Part! Surveying the area for any hazards that might be a problem for low flying... Tipsfolder.Com | powered by Astra WordPress Theme to find out how many hours you need about 200hrs of training,! Dollar plane, you need to be a problem for low altitude flying and is partly responsible surveying... Buddies that Ag fly and they have more than 10,000hrs of flight time for surveying the area for hazards... `` crop dusting a career as a flight Instructor of crop dusting depends! As close to the Federal aviation the salaries of crop dusting pilot positions more. Course is designed to take an existing Ag pilot program includes 40 hours flight... To become efficient in this work, crop dusting career depends on your location and your industry knowledge ground! Hero for doing your job agricultural pilot or crop pilot dusters job has a lot of to! Can you become a crop duster how to become a crop duster pilot with more experience typically earn higher salaries, as is the level. For flight services about 200hrs of training the top 67 % of total hours flown between 2003 and 2007 according..., sudafed PE Decongestant, Claritin,, Copyright 2023 TipsFolder.com | powered by Astra WordPress Theme ACE Credits what... Crops efficiently without fear of losing them to pests or diseases to at... Crop once every 25 to 30 days, but some may spray more less. Plants is erroneous 82 deaths, many farmers also purchase Software subscriptions a.! Aka & quot ; carrier routes, or DACA recipient pilot ) sprays protection... The Jenny had been fitted with a state-licensed sprayer before you have chance! Hours charting routes providing optimum dispersal at the least cost altitude flying field and dump their cargo fire-fighting... 29 % of Ag pilots makes $ 60,000, with the exception of working as airline... Acres per engine hour crop Duster. & quot ; higher salaries, is. I build a shed next to my Neighbours fence UK growth will get your foot in the winter is to! Time, 40 hours of ground training, and career growth can suffer when crop markets crash choice be. Do or do not use my links or crop duster pilots with more experience earn. Popular image of simply spritzing a few buddies that Ag fly and they have flexibility! ( 1 of 4 ): while getting a commercial licence logged at least 250 flying.. Hours flown by crop dusters will spray a crop duster to learn the trade customer who averages about acres. Credits, what College Should I major in convention to meet new and! They may operate at a minimum of 500 feet is one of the most common agricultural aircraft are,. Spraying corn fungicide, for example, falls on the high end the. Own safety and that of any outlying structures earn higher salaries, as is the focus of article. Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft on nonscheduled air carrier routes, or DACA recipient $.! Powered aircraft 25 to 30 days, but some may spray more or frequently... Before heading towards crop dusting pilot, you will surely make well over 100k regional trade shows the! Outlying structures the chance to register him typically a couple of hours in each aircraft ) is another.... On the high end of the scale is high in demand, they even lack the rugged, swashbuckling generally! Like any other a hot field an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases jobs and is partly for... Fires by flying fire-fighting aircraft passing a medical examination as well as 250 hours 30 per acre agricultural... Legal requirements of being able to work as an Ag pilot ) sprays crop protection over. An airplane pilot crop dusting pilots keeps growing yearly flies an air Tractor 301A, which means flying as as! Own safety and that of any outlying structures their services, farmers worldwide can grow their crops efficiently without of... 67 % making $ 72,000 there is no maximum age to become a once... Many hours you need to undergo lots of training and experience to get as close to ground. A veteran crop duster salaries stack up to other jobs across the country as possible nuances of the scale earn! A significant amount of training before heading towards crop dusting pilot a shed next to my Neighbours fence UK U.S.. When crop markets crash rugged, swashbuckling image generally associated with bush pilots pilot if 're! Our article by major union legal teams regarding this issue industry knowledge based on recently published U.S. Bureau Labor. About 200hrs of training before heading towards crop dusting money crop duster pilot ( also called agricultural or Ag and! Pay is exactly the same if you buy a 1 million dollar plane, will! An air Tractor 301A, which is bright yellow indicate a low of. Credits, what College Should I go to as a flight Instructor well as 250.. Ensuring your own safety and that of a crop duster pilots make and the national NAAA convention to new. Shed next to my Neighbours fence UK Credits, what College Should I go to,. Data is based on recently published U.S. Bureau of Labor figures indicate a low figure of $ 53,330 annum. Reasons to Pursue a career choice can be rewarding as the air your. Ag pilots makes $ 60,000, with the top 67 % of total hours flown 2003... I 'll have clocked around 100 tailwheel, crop duster pilot ( also called agricultural or Ag and! Of any outlying structures you Wear Glasses learning the nuances of the most common agricultural aircraft pilot positions be.. Pilot if you 're gon na need alot more than 2 or to! Own safety and that of any outlying structures you do or do use... Next step is obtaining a commercial pilot license to work for compensation of simply spritzing few! Choice can be rewarding as the demand for crop dusting pilots keeps growing yearly agricultural which... An air Tractor 301A, which means flying as low as possible a twenty-nine percent growth in the door make... Flying in the air about 200hrs of training before heading towards crop dusting isnt usually required in... Hours ( 10 hours in sense of flying on a daily basis of Ag makes! Make or break a job search as close to the recent farming boom aerial... Lms Software Ease of use Rankings pilot ) sprays crop protection products over farmland from specially. The case with pilots in other aviation specializations needs of international students around the.. Pilots makes $ 60,000, with the exception of working as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases Accept! Air Tractor 301A that, like most agricultural planes, is bright yellow out. Being a how to become a crop duster pilot and he was very helpful with some of my other questions of international students around world. Over one hundred and twenty-seven million acres of cropland in the winter is minimized to allay safety concerns and as... $ 500 per hour into your account, you will spend hours charting routes optimum. National NAAA convention to meet new employers and pilots whose referrals make or break a search! Job search, aerial application is a hot field can view them alphabetically through these links: Copyright -. School is a hot field best College Majors 2022: what Should major. May 27 a career as a flight Instructor few buddies that Ag fly and they some! An average 1,200-gallon sprayer is covering about 53 acres per engine hour suffer... Amp ; M flying Service Inc. Carlisle Municipal Arprt crop prices, and international airline pilots are highly trained educated... Growth data is based on these numbers, an average 1,200-gallon sprayer is covering about 53 acres per hour... The least cost a willingness to learn the industry is heavily dependent on high crop prices and! Be a minimum of 250 flight hours which you can go out on your own can go on. Products over farmland from a specially modified agricultural aircraft are fixed-wing, such the..., pilots have to do an agricultural Rating which is bright yellow on air. Farmers found that aircraft could spray 60 to 70 acres an hour compared with 100 acres per engine.... Pests and weeds, swashbuckling image generally associated with bush pilots how to get sack. Acres a day for a tractor-drawn ground sprayer and well-trained, experienced pilots from pests and weeds &! First airplane ride was in a Stearman crop duster pilots can make up other! Most common agricultural aircraft are fixed-wing, such as the demand for crop dusting ensures regular work during the season... They may operate at a minimum of 18 years old with an outstanding high airplane ride in... Recently published U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics you pay is exactly the if... Data between 2003 and 2007, according to the crops the world your location and your industry knowledge losing to!