How to Become a Crop Duster
A crop duster, also known as an agricultural pilot, flies a light aircraft that is equipped for dusting and spraying crops with powdered insecticides, fungicides, seeds and fertilizers. This is a good career that has a very low turnover rate and can lead to other piloting opportunities. Follow these steps to learn how to become a crop duster.
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Instructions
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Understand what is involved. When crop dusting, you must be adept at flying low while avoiding trees, power lines, fences and other obstacles. Pilots perform take-offs and landings on country roads or fields instead of runways. The work is seasonal, the hours are irregular and the pilot must work with very poisonous liquids.
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Get a commercial pilot license. To get a license, you must be at least 18 years old and obtain at least 250 hours of flying experience. You must also pass a flight test, two written tests and a medical exam.
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Take an agricultural pilot training course. There are many courses available.
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Obtain an agricultural pilot license. To get the license, you must pass a written test issued by the State Department of Food and Agriculture.
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Complete a one-year apprenticeship with a professional crop duster.
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Create a resume. The AV Jobs website has various tips and examples.
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Go where the work is. The highest demand for crop dusters is in California and the southern states. You may have to follow the crops north as the season progresses.
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Tips & Warnings
Your employer will usually furnish the aircraft and equipment, as well as specialists to help you.
Because you will be working with hazardous liquids and chemicals, you must wear protective clothing and masks.
Before you dust an area, you must register with the county agricultural commissioner.
Every two years, crop dusters must complete 20 hours of continuing education.
