![]() 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. Editorial Team Crop duster flying over Crops Then there’s the fact that there is far more to crop dusting than simply spraying crops.īefore 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. The FAA has tracked the rising demand for ag pilots of late, noting that the hours flown by crop dusters increased by 29% between 20, and the industry has continued to grow since then. While these jobs are in demand, there are still plenty of ag pilots who are available to fill them. ![]() This is also a huge reason for the disparity between crop dusting salaries. On the other hand, however, it can mean there is less of a safety net if the bottom suddenly falls out on their crop dusting work. On the one hand, that means that they have a lot more flexibility in how they shop themselves around to try to find work. Editorial Team Solo crop duster plane frontal view Unlike other piloting jobs, ag pilots who work as crop dusters tend to work as independent contractors, especially at the start. The being said, this figure does not tell the whole story. With so much expected of a pilot, therefore, it should come as no surprise that ag pilot salaries are highly competitive.Īccording to, this pay can range anywhere from $20,000 at the start up to $100,000 once a pilot gains experience. In order to meet those highly specialized needs, the planes which ag pilots fly typically cost between $100,000 to $900,000, according to. 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. The plane they fly contributes to the cost of the profession as well. These days student pilots tend to train on flight simulators as part of their training due to the cost effectiveness and margin for error, especially for beginner student pilots.Īmong the subjects touched on in these training sessions are classes focusing on the crops the pilot is learning to spray as well as the chemicals with which they’ll be working. Editorial Team Wing view of crop duster plane spraying corn 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. These include a medical examination as well as 250 hours of flight time. 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. 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. Editorial Team Crop Duster Spraying CornĪccording to, crop duster pilots pilots have to undergo a great deal of training before they are cleared to fly crop dusting missions. ![]() The importance, intricacy, and hazards of the job all contribute to the position’s increasing salary. What’s more, while steep daring dives a la North By Northwest aren’t typical, crop dusters do indeed fly at low altitudes, and this can be dangerous even if done correctly. They spray more than 180,000,000 acres of farmland in the United States alone. For one thing, the popular image of simply spritzing a few plants is erroneous.Īccording to, while crop dusters do indeed fly at low altitudes, they don’t just spray water, but also fertilizer, fungicide, and pesticides. ![]() ![]() Editorial Team Crop Dusters Flying side by side The Crop Dusting Industryįor those who don’t work in the industry, it can be all too easy to overlook just how complex it is and how much goes into crop dusting. It isn’t impossible for ag pilots specializing as crop dusters to earn in the high five figures or beyond – and here’s how and why that’s the case. Salary can range anywhere from $20,000 up to $100,000 or more. Qualifications, experience, and a host of other factors can help determine how much a pilot makes. The answer to how much crop dusters are paid, as with so many other industries, depends on a variety of factors. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |