Thanks for watching jeff.

Thanks for watching reality!

Thanks for watching Juan and appreciate you subscribing.

blancolirio Exactly! Also might add 5. Don’t have to deal with all the governmental bureaucratic “stuff” involved with SEAT fire contracts

Better money in ag than SEAT work also.

This Crop Duster Pilot hit a Power line at Age 77. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/n9WFjbOr0NCbqH0.html He had a Farming operation too . @blancolirio

Thanks for watching!

Haha thanks for watching Clint!

Andrew Yates Thanks for watching Andrew. Glad to hear you’re loading!

Ag Aviation Adventures, I finished my first season as a Loader in MN. Absolutely love it! Completing Ag Flight school now. Thanks again for the great videos.

We appreciate you watching.

Thanks for watching Vandal.

That’s great keep on plugging away at it!

Thanks for watching!

You for sure can!

Thanks for watching James. Kanab is a beautiful area and we spend a lot of time around that zone in the fall and spring. I think you’ll find a few videos helpful but it sounds like you know what it’s all about as well.

@@AgAviationAdventures Thanks for the reply Tyson. I just sat down to watch another one of your videos. Stop in at KKNB next time you're in the area. It'd be great to meet you!

Awesome good luck mecham!

Thanks!

Thanks for watching David!

That’s great!! Love hearing all this.

Thanks for watching Kenny.

if you can turn left, then you might as well got to Reno too lol

Thanks for watching.

Hey Derek! It is going to be different for every operation on how much you travel. We hit the road for about 6 weeks every summer and live out of motels for that time. We know pilots who don't travel at all. We don't have jobs in the winter. You can learn about our off-season here: kzfaq.info

Thanks William it’s pretty fun. Go pack!

Thanks for watching Christian. There is no automation and everything is flown by hand. You fly 5-10 feet above the crop. I talked about it in the 502 walk around video.

@@AgAviationAdventures ever brush the wheels - or the wingtips?

That sounds like a great area! We actually just purchased our own operation in south central North Dakota.

Congratulations!!

Thank you. I hope one day we get to meet since you (or your videos rather) are the reason I quit dreaming about flying and actually decided to do something about it. Your video have provided me with the basic information I needed to ask pointed questions about what to expect as a pilot... including paying my dues to earn a seat.

That’s awesome. I love that they’ve helped you!

Are you going to one in Bainbridge? I’m about to do a demo flight there

I am in Bainbridge. Some great instructors.

Awesome! It’s a great gig.

Yeah that would be a great plan.

Thanks for watching Cardio. I'll be honest with you, I don't want to be doing this when I'm that age. There are plenty of people spraying that are in their 60's and 70's but they have been doing it for a long time. It's a lot to learn and it takes a long time to get proficient at it. The days are long and it's hard on the body. I'd rather go buzzing around in my Cub and enjoy that type of flying versus getting into this. If your heart is set on it and you don't want to do anything else then I'd say go for it. But if it's just something that looks interesting and fun to try I'd personally just steer clear.

It really wasn’t bad. A little bigger and a bit faster. But probably easier to land then the Ag truck.

Cody Nichols Haha well it’s something that comes and goes and I currently don’t have it.

Charles Atkinson Thanks for watching Charles. Check out the “Do You Want To Be A Crop Duster” video. As far as grants the National Agricultural Aviation Association is a great resource.

I can't speak for all the schools but the couple that I know about do not teach any loading. It's easy to get on the job training for that. The work order and pilot will tell you what to load and how much of each chemical and water. Then you just measure it out and put it in the cone and then into the airplane. The school I went to focused on how to work and fly the GPS light bar and different patterns to run and how to avoid obstacles.

Thanks for watching Tim. Check out my “Do you want to be an Ag pilot” video where I give some pointers.

Thanks for watching.

Thanks Wayne.

For sure thanks.

Thanks for watching Marc. If you are working for a company flything their aircraft they will pay for travel expenses and accommodations and usually meals.

This video talks about that kzfaq.info/get/bejne/i8CGp7GZ36_dZX0.html

You should look it up we live 60 miles from Utah as the crow flies at least

We appreciate you watching! We’ve actually stopped in and said hi. We live in Buena vista in the winters. You guys live in a beautiful area.

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/h92eeZx7zM2onKs.html

David Bradford You definitely have to use the rudder. After a long day my knees hurt. In every turn you are pushing the rudder pedals.

Thanks for clearing that up. I hope i'm not asking to many questions. It's just your flying one of my favorite spray planes at502 and thrush 510

David Bradford No worries ask away!

Thanks for watching Parker. I don't have exact numbers but I would say for less then $40k you can get all your licenses (private and limited commercial). A helmet will run you $1k-$3,500 depending on if you find a used one vs top of the line new.

@@AgAviationAdventures Thank you!

All the pivots I spray around are 1/4 mile long. I have wires at the end of the airstrip so I end up flying under wires usually 10-15 times a day. I have not done any night spraying.

Thanks for watching MrZzik. I'm not familiar with the ag pilot license in Canada but there is a spray school/program in maybe Battleford, Saskatchewan?? Not sure on that but possibly and you could ask them about it. I'm sure they would be able to fill you in more. Getting tailwheel time is important and that's why I towed banners. And finding an operator to help get you into the industry is imperative. This could be another helpful video. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/i8CGp7GZ36_dZX0.html

I have a video coming that answers most of these questions! Stay tuned. As far as training - I worked on the ground for several years before getting a seat and then worked my way up from there.

I work in a crop dusting company in south west Arizona and most pilots here started as ground crew and worked their way up. I’m working as a spotter hoping to get in the seat of a plane one day.

I’m working as a loader right now, hopefully some day I’ll be a pilot, looks like a dream job to me

I would say most pilots are in the $60k-$80k range but this can really depend a lot on where you are spraying. If you are in a state where you spray year round you will make a lot more vs being somewhere that only sprays for 3-4 months. I went to college for all my ratings so my training was a bit different then just going to an FBO to attain your licenses. I also attended an ago flying school to learn how to work the gps. You do not need a college degree and you can do it with just a commercial license.

Hi David. Take a look at some of the videos such as this one kzfaq.info/get/bejne/i8CGp7GZ36_dZX0.html

Float planes are the coolest!

Ag Aviation Adventures yeah they kinda are, but AG looks so amazing. I want to fly a fireboss some day.

Straight and Level CFI My buddy flies a fire boss and I think it would be pretty cool.

That’s great!

Matthew Merrill I went to Utah State as well. Is the 502 Pats on the mosquito contract?

@@AgAviationAdventures Nice! no, It is for the other mosquito spray operator on the field. We picked up the weber county contracts from Pat this last season.

Matthew Merrill Oh good deal

I went to USU. I did not get my TW there just all your standard ratings.

Ag Aviation Adventures awesome! I’m also at Usu and just finished my com multi, did you get your cfi?

No I did not do the CFI. It never appealed to me and I knew I did not want to build hours teaching people how to fly.

I had about 500.

I would recommend beginning on the ground and making sure after a season that it is the career you want to follow. If you are on Facebook join the group “Rookie I Want To Be An Ag Pilot”. There is a ton of useful information in it and you would be able to find a job loading.

Yes absolutely. I would never spray a field with someone in it.

Air Tractor is out of Olney, TX and Thrush is out of Georgia.

That’s great! It’s a wonderful path.

Thanks for watching Rex. Check out the video “Do You Want To Be An Ag Pilot” where I discuss some steps to get into the industry. If you can find an operator to mentor you safely then I would try to save the money and avoid an Ag school.

Thanks for watching! You've asked some great questions and I've covered parts of it in other videos. 1. A pilot is paid per acre, so the more work you get done the more you make. Some pilots make a W2 wage and others are 1099. It kind of depends on who you work for and how they structure it. But I've seen it both ways. The length of the season greatly affects the pay since the more you spray the more you make. Some guys get second jobs during the off season, Cally and I spend our time traveling and recreating. 2. I went to an AG school and it was about $14,000 for just the AG training. I already had all my other ratings. I was kind of in your boat and I didn't know anyone in the industry or have an in. So AG school was my in... I met some great people and learned a little bit. Enough to get me that first job. I definitely would never pay $40k for training. You will be hard pressed to find someone who will put you in an airplane the first season. You will probably need to load for at least half the season to learn about it and the operator wants to see how committed you are. 3. Some places you work they will have you travel with the plane and others won't. Places in CA probably don't do any traveling. They have long seasons and there is always work that needs to be done and they can't send planes on the road. I spend about 6 weeks on the road. I get way more work on the road then I would at my home base so I'm happy to travel. I wish I could get the work where I didn't need to travel but I've gotta go where the work is. For the other 3 months I based at home but will occasionally hit the road and spend one or two nights at a time at other locations helping out. I would not get into this as a time builder. It takes a lot of dedication and you will need to want to do it. It's difficult to break into and once you're in it may take a few years before you're making decent money. The schedule can be grueling.

Thankyou so much for the info. I’d rather do what I love. I guess I better look at schools. Better put off buying that stol plane. I sorta know a guy who knows an guy who has an AG outfit in Fallon NV maybe I’ll have to suffer a few months doing ground work there. Any schools you can recommend ?

Val 895 The school I went to is out of business. I think there is a pretty good one in Canada maybe. I would avoid Ag flight in Bainbridge, GA and I would avoid the one in Florida.

Hi, I'm located in Arkansas and an ultralight pilot of 15 years. I've always been interested in getting into the industry. Would you please elaborate on avoiding Bainbridge GA? It seemed like my best hope for a couple reasons. Thanks for the videos!

5652240 I have not heard many good things about Bainbridge. I know people who went there and only one of them had a good experience. But things change and maybe it’s different now. When I went to Ag school years ago Bainbridge was going through quite a few episodes of accidents. I appreciate you watching, let me know if you have any more questions.

No. As long as you can get in and out of it. I know people that are 6’5” and are able to fly it without complaints. Probably depends on the person really.

@@AgAviationAdventures ok. Thanks for the reply, is there a specific school that he would have to go to or could he take classes for it through any college?

There are a handful of schools that will teach the gps and spraying. You can go to any FBO for pilot ratings. Check out the “do you want to be an Ag pilot” video

@@AgAviationAdventures ok, thanks a lot. He already knows how to use the gps and rate controlls and how to weigh for product density.

Thanks for watching Daniel. This video has a bit more info in it. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/i8CGp7GZ36_dZX0.html Let me know if you have further questions.

Todd Kavouras Thanks for watching Todd. I think my answer is similar. If it’s something that you really want and it keeps you up at night and you’re ready for a change then it may be the way to go. It’s going to take a large commitment to get your ratings and find someone to give you that first job. You’re going to have to pick up and go to wherever the person is who will give you that opportunity. I don’t know if you have a family etc... but it can be easier for someone in their 20’s or 30’s to commit to. But if it’s all you want to do and you’re ready to put in the time and years it will take then I’d say go for it. I cant sit here and shoot down someone’s dreams.

Todd Kavouras You have plenty of time. You don’t have one foot in the grave at 41. Getting into this line of work in your 40s is no worse than starting too young. Some guys (not all)that are too young have an invincible attitude that can cause major problems with safety in this job. It just takes dedication. When there is spraying that needs done, and the weather is right, you better be out there, whether it is the weekend, or holiday, or your anniversary, or somebody’s birthday is completely irrelevant. A lot of people struggle with that kind of commitment. If possible, start out in a tailwheel airplane from day one.

@@johngeorg9491 Copy all, thanks

Scot Ward No. you will need state applicators licenses but that’s it. Nothing official as far as training. This video may be helpful. m.kzfaq.info/get/bejne/i8CGp7GZ36_dZX0.html

Thanks for the sub.

Panagiotis Bepis Yes they do.

I had a three month season and my first year I made $12,000. I would guess someone could expect to make $15,000-$30,000.

That’s a scary small number, I would find it hard to live on 60,000 year job. How long before someone can break 100g? In a season

Nothing is guaranteed in this business. You’d have a better chance making that kind of money where they have a long spray season. Maybe after a few years you could see that but it’s really dependent on many factors.

Thanks for watching!

If you’re heart is set on it I don’t think it’s too late. It’ll just take some commitment on your part.

I don’t have any links but if you google each one you can find lots of information.

@@AgAviationAdventures Okay that sounds good and thank you again!

IzTypo Thanks for watching Iz. We actually work for a company although we are actively looking for our own place.

Ag Aviation Adventures ah okay this will be my first season in a seat and not tryna rush anything but was curious on how to get into owning a buisness at some point

Not much out there for a how to per say haha

IzTypo For sure that was our goal as well.

IzTypo Agree

I had instrument, commercial, and multi. But those did not help any, just the commercial. I had about 400 hours.

Sometimes I struggle to walk and chew gum at the same time.

That’s all run by the government so you can imagine how much of a junk show it is.

Thanks!

I had about 400 and the aircraft was a radial Thrush.

Yes I am. At the top of the turn I push back down to regain airspeed and complete the turn.

Thanks

David Bradford Of course

There you go! Thanks for watching Steve.

No I’ve not worked there.

​@@AgAviationAdventures My mistake, you must have gone to UVU then? Regardless, I love the videos. I plan on attempting to follow your footsteps once I finish up with my aviation program.

Cooper Moffitt Love it! Thanks for watching Cooper.

Ay man I’ve 12 right with ya

I used to instruct and this all I ever wanted. I started late and life got in the way. I encourage those to follow their dreams and their parents to do the same.

Haha true!

Ballist Exx I know there is one but I don’t recall the name. I believe it may be called Battleford Air Spray. I’ve heard good things about it.

Ag Aviation Adventures awesome, thankyou so much, I really enjoy your videos btw

Ballist Exx We appreciate you watching.

😂

You can find them in our shop here... agaviationadventures.com/shop

Jeff GERBING Yes there currently is. I would say a need for good pilots that want to work. This type of flying makes for long days and not a lot of people want to spend that much time in the plane.

Go for it!

Well it wouldn’t do anything if I hit a power line since my head is inside the cockpit and the aircraft is what would hit a power line. However, if I crashed…. Absolutely. I have two friends that have crashed and without a helmet there is no doubt they would have died.

It’s not very difficult. Requires 40 hours of flight instruction minimum before you can test.

5feetgoaround fullflapsC150 Thanks for watching.

I flew for major airline, and I quit. About to buy a ranch and farm to raise bisons to sell the meat to south China. Thank you for the information, I now manage the airplane database for Western hemisphere. Cheers.

I think both are good. No reason to bash one over the other. If someone loves flying, then they'll love what they do. I personally hope I can fly cargo. But ag looks so fun

Yea thank goodness! It still is hot.

Go for it Sean!

You're right the wires are very hard to see sometimes.

@@AgAviationAdventuresthe farmers need you so we do because thanks to you guys we have food on our table but be careful.

Leopoldo Orozco Thanks Leopoldo.

This is a great video that covers it in depth. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/aNZ3qNKUlpfQqI0.html

Thanks

David Bradford Of course.

Really depends on where you are in the country and how long your season is. Could be $40k-$150k.

I would say an average for a pilot with a 4 month season is maybe $60k-$80k and someone who works year around can be $150k and up if you’re in the right area.

@@AgAviationAdventures guess I'm changing career paths

Thanks for watching Will.

Someone’s gotta do it!

blancolirio It definitely takes a lot of face to face time.

I mean the internet makes things much more efficient.

i got my job as a loader on the internet lol thisll be my second season loading hopefully into a seat soon

ok boomer.

1892.71 liters

@@AgAviationAdventures wow. Almost 2 tons. Thank for answer.

You bet.

Yea!

@@AgAviationAdventures Here in SW MI about the only Crop Dusters I have seen are spraying Potatoe files.. I had a 76 year old or maybe 72 years old at the time I don't recall exactly , Lime Customer.. Who hired a Pilot to fly wheat seed on top of his soy bean fields before he Harvested them. They were both the same age and the Polit had worked for this Farmer for decades. They both have since passed away 20 years ago. I just watched a Ag Video Interview of a 3rd generation Crop Dusting Family Business. The Father and main Polit was 77 years old. Shortly after the Interview The Pilot hit a powerline and Perished months after the Interview. I suppose you might want to give up crop dusting or at least for really long hours before age 77. Bennard Rowland II in TX kzfaq.info/get/bejne/n9WFjbOr0NCbqH0.html

@@AgAviationAdventures Them bird chopping windmills: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/et5ogsV3ybHDhZc.html

Alex That would be fun to fly but this is an Air Tractor 502.

@@AgAviationAdventures and the big plane that you saw?

Alex That was an AT802.

@@AgAviationAdventures oh

You bet!

john f Air Tractor 502

Haha I love it!

This one is of an airplane flying if you're interested Terry. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ZtiTi8inuJyRmGg.html