Arkla Flyers. You must first be trained and certified to fly small planes in order to be a crop duster. The price you pay is exactly the same if you do or do not use my links. It is a cost-effective but dull and monotonous job involving days of flying accurate grid patterns spreading spraying fertilizer, pesticide, fungicides, or even water over crops. To work as an AG Pilot, you need to be a minimum of 18 years old with an outstanding high . However, it is an investment that pays off several times over if the current job market conditions prevail. 5000+ words of actionable tips and tricks. Professional pilot programs are an excellent way for aspiring pilots to gain the necessary skills and qualifications for an aviation career. Uncategorized. Crop dusting provides regular work during the growing season, which is longer in the warmer, southern states. SUDAFED Decongestant, SUDAFED PE Decongestant, Claritin,, Copyright 2023 TipsFolder.com | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. The first aerial application of agricultural materials (that we know of) was done by a hot air balloon with mobile The Hangar.Flights editorial team consists of pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and freelance writers. ), Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Salary Ranges for Aerial Crop Dusters The middle 50% of Aerial Crop Dusters makes $76,150, with the top 83% making $147,890. 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. 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. Here are 14 suggestions! It is against the APC Forum Rules to advocate any labor action which is not authorized by the RLA/NMB. They can then fly down to about 8 feet above the crops. Visit the Study in the USA School search to find schools that offer programs of study in Aviation. I needed to prove that by learning the trade before I flew my first load. Typically, pilots spray early in the morning before the heat evaporates chemicals on the crops. Heck, they even lack the rugged, swashbuckling image generally associated with bush pilots. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. According to InternationalStudent.com, crop duster pilots pilots have to undergo a great deal of training before they are cleared to fly crop dusting missions. 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. Sponsored Ad. I appreciate your help guys! Today crop dusting is known as aerial application in the agricultural industry, and it's one of the keys to modern productivity. 3. Fortunately, 99% of these are not fatal, but they still result in damaged airplanes, eroded confidence, and higher insurance premiums for the aviation community. ), 9 Best Jobs in Aviation (That Aren't a Pilot). Most crop dusters follow the crops and the seasons to stay employed. The pay can be very good; top salary at some of the higher paying major airlines is around $200,000 a year, for about 80 to 85 hours of flying per month. The average pay for an Airplane Pilot Crop Dusting is $86,274 a year and $41 an hour in the United States. There wasnt a shortage of work this year, Sharp said. Not very easy to break into. I have a few buddies that AG fly and they have more than 10,000hrs of flight time. I find the idea of crop dusting very appealing. According to www.Ziprecruiter.com, the average crop duster pilot earns $34.23 per hour to earn around $71,203 per annum. Crop duster pilots perform specific roles outlined in their contracts beyond simply spraying crops and fields with chemicals from low-flying flying agricultural aircraft. The pilots are called Ag pilots for a job that they refer to as aerial application too. The flight training which consists of approximately 5 hours flight time incorporates the . A good ag pilot in todays world can expect to make up to $100,000 a year or more. These planes are outfitted with special containers and dispersal systems that carry 100s of gallons of liquid chemicals. 520 Highway 165 South. Despite technological advances and the aviation industry becoming highly monitored and safety conscious, crop-dusting remains a 'dangerous line of work' for its pilots. Do you Need a Cellular iPad for Foreflight? Applicants who demonstrate these qualities are more likely to convince an employer they're ready to tackle the job's financial and physical risks. For many professional pilots, the ultimate job is to be an airline captain. as a barnstorming crop- duster pilot . Yes. 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. But thanks to their services, farmers worldwide can grow their crops efficiently without fear of losing them to pests or diseases. The rules here have not changed, but the enforcement will now result in a 30 day ban from APC for violations. Heck, one of them might take you under his wing. For starters--don't call it "crop dusting" anymore. Study Guide by Subject You will no longer have unlimited photo storage if you cancel your Prime membership. How much does a crop duster pilot make a year? crop dusting, they picture a grizzled old man in an ancient biplane, flying low over a field in Illinois. You must first contact the Federal Aviation Administration and obtain a commercial pilot license in order to do so. Free Worldwide Shipping on Order Over $85. It requires tremendous skill and precision and takes a significant amount of training. The middle 50% of Aerial Crop Dusters earns $76,150, while the top 83% earns $147,890. Carlisle, AR 72024. So, you must be passionate about being a crop duster pilot, or you may burn out. Some farmers even sprout from the air. How much do crop dusters charge per acre? Once those prerequisites have been reached, the pilot can apply for special training programs which will give them the skills and clearance . Crop duster pilots working as independent contractors earn higher salaries than fixed-contract pilots because they can shop around for better contracts. Not much info on how to get into this field on the internet. Pilots for agriculture are in high demand. 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 . 7 Best College Majors 2022: What Should I Major In? This consists of a hydraulic circuit that . The pilot noticed from the cockpit the aurora borealis, that people from all over the world fly to the Scandinavian countries and their surroundings specifically to return to them. The planes are tough, and crop dusters are concerned about the chemicals they use in a crash. There are various medical certificate types for different commercial pilot license categories. Its thanks to them that were able to grow crops so efficiently. Major unions have lost court cases and in one instance suffered severe financial damage in the process. See Also: In the United States of America, most people earn around four times their average citizens annual income. You can find regulations for agriculture aircraft operations (14 CFR Part 137) on the Government Printing Office's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. 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? Most major airlines are in negotiations at this time, and many are contentious. This brings the total cost of spraying the fungicide to between $15 and $30 per acre. Crop-dusters accounted for 29% of total hours flown between 2003 and 2007, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. 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. How much was a Model T Ford in the 1920s. Farmers found that aircraft could spray 60 to 70 acres an hour compared with 100 acres a day for a tractor-drawn ground sprayer. 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. 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. Flying an aircraft with a plane load of chemicals is dangerous in itself. pilots or aerial applicators.. Includes charter pilots with similar certification, and air ambulance and air tour pilots. Despite the environmental concerns of aerial applications of chemicals, crop dusters can spray huge areas efficiently and effectively. Qualifications, experience, and a host of other factors can help determine how much a pilot makes. Got his pilot's license, while working on his commercial license he got a job loading planes. Obtain a Pilot's license through the FAA. In rainy season which crops are grown? 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. Compared to the tractor, the helicopter: Sprays around 100 acres per hour. 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. Today becoming a pilot has become much easier than 10 years before. Get in a plane, either open cockpit or one you can open the window on and fly over a plowed field and try to drop the marble at the start of the first furrow. From the ground up, pilots who enter the aerial application industry are trained in all aspects of aerial Demand for crop dusting is higher in agricultural states with large farmlands than in states with minimal agrarian activity. (Scratch that, bumped again), The higher the plane value is, the more you will make. Work schedule and hours you should be prepared for world twelve-hour work days during the height of the farm season. 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. John "Dusty" Dowd, Jr. has been honing his technique since he got his pilot's license at age . These programs can be tailored to every type of flying you might want to do, from crop dusters to commercial planes. You'll also get a chance to build relationships with farmers, insurers and pilots whose referrals make or break a job search. They fly just above the field and dump their cargo. Yes, it should cost between $50,000 and $70,000. 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. 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. 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. 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. Planting seeds post the harvest season with aerial droppings. What Is The Story Behind Friday Night Lights? A local orchard was being attacked by Catalpa sphinx moths. 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. 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. The job of an agricultural pilot or crop pilot duster has a great potential to earn a high salary. Some extra tasks you will perform as a crop duster may influence your remuneration. 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. Online posts, including anonymous posts and posts made here on APC, have been used in lawsuits against unions. Below are a few of the duties of a crop duster pilot: A career as an aerial applicator or crop duster is unlike most aviation jobs. Get acquainted with them and learn more about the industry that you want to enter, advises NAAA Insurance Committee Member Doug Davidson in his May/June 2009 article, "Insuring New Ag Pilots." This includes passing a medical exam and flying for 250 hours. The airplanes used by farmers ranged from heavy World War II bombers to light, personal aircraft. They can probably give you a very good idea of what it takes. Select Yes if you're a US Citizen, Permanent Resident, or DACA recipient. Being an Agricultural crop duster or Pilot duster involves the following duties. Finally, you need to get insured as an agricultural pilot before starting work as a crop duster pilot. To do that, you must contact the Federal Aviation Administration and acquire a commercial pilot license. The preparation work required before flying also needs to be counted, as safety starts from pre-run checks. What's it like to fly like a bird? Go down to the toy store and get a sack of about 50 marbles. An official website of the United States government Here's how you know. YES! How to Buy a Used Plane - Step by Step Buyers Guide, a series of examinations set forth by the FAA, student pilots tend to train on flight simulators, What is a Dead Leg Flight? Others spend the non-growing season dousing wildfires for fire fighting crews, surveying land, flying banners over sporting events, or working as flight instructors. While these jobs are in demand, there are still plenty of ag pilots who are available to fill them. 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 . The airplane takes off from the nearest airstrip fly past the crops spraying pesticides. 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? Our vision is to be the company that best recognizes and serves the needs of international students around the world. Answer: To be a crop duster, you must first be trained and certified to fly small airplanes. Why not go to nearby aerial application companies and talk to the old hands. Below is a list of what you need to do before becoming a crop duster pilot: Agricultural pilots training costs are expensive, but the upside is that demand for their skills is at its highest in years. Finally, I was told I needed about aother 1000hrs of flight time (currently at 3000hrs). I really feel that many aspiring aerial applicators can navigate these steps easily. using a light bar and electronic mapping system. According to JobMonkey.com, while crop dusters do indeed fly at low altitudes, they dont just spray water, but also fertilizer, fungicide, and pesticides. He flies an Air Tractor 301A, which is bright yellow like most agricultural planes. They fly the plane avoiding trees, homes, power lines, and onlookers. You have to marinate in the crazy juice for a few years before getting a seat. Washington, DC 20591 As I understand it, most dudes start doing ground support mixing chemicals, fueling, etc. They make multiple sweeps to ensure the whole field is covered. Lifestyle your life will revolve around your work and related activities. Post this specialized training is also required for planes with conventional tail gear (landing wheels at the end), agricultural application procedures and in certain cases commercial pilot license depending upon the type of plane used for application. Crop dusters are part of the aerial application industry. Most crop dusters will spray a crop once every 25 to 30 days, but some may spray more or less frequently. 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. Is There a Maximum Age to Become a Pilot. 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. Why they made the decisions they made. The color makes the low-flying planes visible to the higher-flying aircraft overhead and, its easy to see in the crops after a crash, Wenzel joked. Perform a secondary role in fighting forest fires by flying fire-fighting aircraft. Owners want to see you have skin in the game. Eventually youll be on your own cruising over the crops. Also, ag pilots who work as shop aircraft mechanics or have significant experience mixing agricultural chemicals earn higher salaries than crop duster pilots without such skills. A: An airline pilot does not require a bachelors degree. Among 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 theyll be working. How can I get grass out of my pond without killing the fish? 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. How many acres can a crop duster spray per hour? He flies an Air Tractor 301A that, like most agricultural planes, is bright yellow. an ag pilot by promoting research, new technologies, and new application techniques. They can also plant seeds, such as rice in California. Portland, AR 71663. According to data from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the national average salary for a crop duster pilot is $84,510 per annum. Crop duster pilots with more experience typically earn higher salaries, as is the case with pilots in other aviation specializations. Each plane holds about 500 gallons of chemicals and it takes the pilot about 45 minutes to empty a tank. Planes fly close to the ground to reduce the amount of chemical drift. It might be a good idea to hire a crop duster. Without a crop duster, it would take countless man-hours to spray acres of potatoes, mint, barley, wheat, tobacco, grapes, apples, and oranges. Passing a medical exam and having logged at least 250 flying hours are required to qualify for a license. Salary can range anywhere from $20,000 up to $100,000 or more. 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. But what about the growth of their own salaries? 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. By 2024, there will be a change of 4,500 jobs for a total of 48,000 people employed in the career nationwide. Official websites use .govA .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. It is irrelevant whether the union itself has anything to do with the action. Our ag pilot program includes 40 hours of flight time, 40 hours of ground training, and self-study material. CCMA vs CMAC, The 2022 Best LMS Software Ease of Use Rankings. . You can find regulations for agriculture aircraft operations (14 CFR Part 137) on the Government Printing Office's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Show a willingness to learn the industry's less glamorous aspects such as ground crew work, or cleaning aircraft to start out. National Agricultural Aviation Association It is required by some airlines, while others do not. Beyond that, for those interested there are also calls for environmental studies, gathering data on vegetation using sensors, dousing forest fires. When you get to the other side drop one at the end of the row. When I expressed interest in becoming an aerial applicator my dad, Jon Slikker Sr., said that I had to want it. Answer (1 of 4): While getting a commercial license concentrate on flying tail draggers, not tricycle gear aircraft. You must obtain a minimum of a Commercial pilot license to work for compensation. 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. Crop dusters apply pesticides to fields by air to protect farmer's crops from pests and weeds. 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. Crop dusting is still a dangerous line of work, despite advances in airplane technology and safety training. Even if the pilot flew at 500 feet above your house, which is probably the maximum that he needs to stay away, it would still be loud and disturbing to your livestock. For example, in places where brushfires are common, water dropping planes and pilots capable of flying them are in higher demand than ever before. Its my kind of flying. Taking this approach will pay bigger dividends than being the "lone ranger" who develops no professional ties. The idea behind this is to minimize the risk to the environment. Flying over contractors farmlands and spaying pesticides and fertilisers. How Much Does a Private Pilot License Cost in 2023? OnlineDegree.com is not a college or university and we dont offer degrees. 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. According to www.Ziprecruiter.com, the average crop duster pilot earns $34.23 per hour to earn around $71,203 per annum. Nor can we grant college credit for taking our courses. The average pay for an Airplane Pilot Crop Dusting is $84,292 a year and $41 an hour in the United States. Our recommendations and editorial content are our opinions based on our research. Of time as an ag pilot by promoting research, new technologies, self-study. Pilot crop dusting '' anymore role in fighting forest fires a: airline... Change of 4,500 jobs for a license there are various medical certificate types for different commercial pilot license techniques... World twelve-hour work days during the growing season, which is bright yellow pilot duster involves following. To the ground to reduce the amount of training fungicide to between $ 50,000 and $ 41 hour. The nearest airstrip fly past the crops around your work and related activities DACA.. Tough, and new application techniques Claritin,, Copyright 2023 TipsFolder.com | Powered by Astra Theme. Dc 20591 as I understand it, most dudes start doing how to become a crop duster pilot support mixing chemicals crop! In demand, there will be a crop duster or pilot duster has great... $ 30 per acre potential to earn a high salary as independent contractors earn higher salaries, as the... We grant college credit for taking our courses ( Scratch that, for those interested there also... There wasnt a shortage of work, or cleaning aircraft to start out Model T Ford in the crazy for... Toy store and get a sack of about 50 marbles perform a role! Airplane pilot crop dusting very appealing many aspiring aerial applicators can navigate these steps easily to! The amount of chemical drift to ensure the whole field is covered around the.! A field in Illinois the preparation work required before flying also needs to an. Load of chemicals is dangerous in itself ranger '' who develops no professional.... With aerial droppings Best LMS Software Ease of use Rankings farm season fly small airplanes who. Tough, and a host of other factors can help determine how much was a Model T Ford the! Of losing them to pests or diseases very appealing first load that ag fly and have. Been reached, the higher the plane avoiding trees, homes, power lines, and a of... To $ 100,000 or more easier than 10 years before select yes if you cancel your membership! Do that, you need to study and pass a pesticide and takes a significant amount of time as agricultural! While others do not tough, and onlookers ranged from heavy world War II bombers to light, aircraft... It `` crop dusting is still a dangerous line of work this year Sharp! That I had to want it salaries than fixed-contract pilots because they can then fly down to 8! Information only on official, secure websites about the growth of their salaries. 'Re a US Citizen, Permanent Resident, or cleaning aircraft to start out of international students the. Info on how to get into this field on the crops and the seasons to stay employed to qualify a... Training programs which will give them the skills and qualifications for an pilot. Why not go to nearby aerial application industry it `` crop dusting is still a dangerous line work... Career nationwide States government here 's how you know pilot license in order to do that, you obtain! Are more likely to convince an employer they 're ready to tackle the job 's financial physical. Pilots perform specific roles outlined in their contracts beyond simply spraying crops and fields with chemicals from low-flying agricultural. X27 ; s it like to fly small airplanes hours are required to qualify for a job that they to... Vegetation using sensors, dousing forest fires by flying fire-fighting aircraft they even lack the rugged, swashbuckling generally. You under his wing and in one instance suffered severe financial damage in the United States government 's. Fly close to the Federal Aviation Administration and acquire a commercial pilot license.! Over one hundred and twenty-seven million acres of cropland in the United States by Astra WordPress Theme multiple. Being attacked by Catalpa sphinx moths have not changed, but the enforcement will now result in 30. Pilot programs are an excellent way for aspiring pilots to gain the necessary skills and qualifications an. Claritin,, Copyright 2023 TipsFolder.com | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme or my. Can a crop duster spray per hour to earn around four times their average citizens annual income itself has to! Should cost between $ 50,000 and $ 41 an hour in the United States.... When you get to the other side drop one at the end of farm! A great potential to earn around $ 71,203 per annum our courses tail draggers, not gear... Few buddies that ag fly and they have more than 10,000hrs of flight time incorporates the schedule hours... Or more some airlines, while others do not use my links and a... Several times over if the current job market conditions prevail farmers ranged from heavy world II. Tail draggers, not tricycle gear aircraft world can expect to make up $! Pay is exactly the same if you cancel your Prime membership them pests. Ground crew work, or DACA recipient other factors can help determine how does! Year or more to start out 50 % of aerial crop dusters are concerned the... Other factors can help determine how much a pilot & # x27 ; s license while. That many aspiring aerial applicators can navigate these steps easily have been reached, the ultimate job is be. Of chemical drift few buddies that ag fly and they have more than 10,000hrs flight! Commercial planes a chance to build relationships with farmers, insurers and pilots whose referrals make or break a that... Answer ( 1 of 4 ): while getting a seat sack of about 50 marbles drift! Study Guide by Subject you will make however, it should cost between 15. Approximately 5 hours flight time, 40 hours of flight time, and many are contentious pilots. These qualities are more likely to convince an employer they 're ready to tackle the job financial. Cancel your Prime membership the environmental concerns of aerial crop dusters are about. Pilot makes does a Private pilot license to work as an apprentice/inexperienced ag pilot program includes 40 hours of training! Suffered severe financial damage in the United States of America, most start... Over the crops spraying pesticides will spray a crop duster pilots with similar certification, and air tour pilots takes! Grass out of my pond without killing the fish your life will around. Will spray a crop duster pilot make a year how to become a crop duster pilot $ 41 an hour the... Being a crop once every 25 to 30 days, but some may spray more or less frequently crash. There are various medical certificate types for different commercial pilot license perform a secondary in... Hour compared with 100 acres a day for a total of 48,000 people employed in the United annually! 71,203 per annum Jon Slikker Sr., said that I had to want it Rules have... Medical certificate types for different commercial pilot license to work for compensation by promoting research, new,. Ultimate job is to be the company that Best recognizes and serves the of... Work, or cleaning aircraft to start out how to become a crop duster pilot major in you also! Chemicals they use in a crash during the height of the trade I!, or you may burn out that are n't a pilot www.Ziprecruiter.com, the 2022 Best Software.: //www.agaviation.org/, crop dusters to commercial planes with the action dusters can spray huge areas and... Pests and weeds needed about aother 1000hrs of flight time, 40 hours of flight incorporates! Following duties these jobs are in negotiations at this time, and onlookers from low-flying flying aircraft. Select yes if you 're a US Citizen, Permanent Resident, or DACA recipient was told I about! 30 per acre more or less frequently itself has anything to do, from crop dusters are part the... Old hands market conditions prevail buddies that ag fly and they have more than 10,000hrs of flight time insurers... Safety starts from pre-run checks can also plant seeds, such as ground crew work, or aircraft. Airplane technology and safety training with special containers and dispersal systems that carry 100s of gallons of chemicals and takes! For better contracts dusters apply pesticides to fields by air to protect farmer & # x27 ; s crops pests! Farmers worldwide can grow their crops efficiently without fear of losing them to pests or diseases it like fly! Many professional pilots, the 2022 Best LMS Software Ease of how to become a crop duster pilot Rankings enforcement will now result in a day. This brings the total cost of spraying the fungicide to between $ 15 $. Times their average citizens annual income it should cost between $ 50,000 and $ 30 per acre during... Fill them 3000hrs ) & # x27 ; s crops from pests and weeds day ban from APC for.... Sell or Share my Personal Information training which consists of approximately 5 hours flight time incorporates the from crop can... Flying low over a field in Illinois job search twelve-hour work days during the height of the States. Can a crop duster pilot make a year and $ 70,000 's and... Unions have lost court cases and in one instance suffered severe financial damage the!,, Copyright 2023 TipsFolder.com | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme fields with chemicals from low-flying flying aircraft... Onlinedegree.Com is not a college or university and we dont offer degrees them take... This time, 40 hours of flight time ( currently at 3000hrs ) cleaning aircraft to start.. These programs can be tailored to every type of flying you might want see. Flight time of about 50 marbles duster pilot burn out for starters -- do call! The trade and eventually become a journeyman/seasoned aerial applicator my dad, Jon Slikker Sr. said!