Agricultural Pilots: Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Submitted by: paula
Job Overview Agricultural industry had greatly improved since it started using new methods and equipment to help farmers. Aviation is now used for agriculture. Plane was first used in spreading pesticide in 1921. Crop dusting was also done in 1923. Planes are now specifically designed for agricultural use. They are equipped with new technology such as the Global Positioning System (GPS). The plane also carries gallons of pesticides, fertilizer sprays and other controlling products. Skilled professionals who fly aircraft related to farming industry are called ag pilots, aerial applicators or agricultural pilots.
Education, Knowledge and Trainings Required
Aspiring agricultural pilots need to concentrate in Mathematics and Science classes like Physics, Chemistry, Geometry and Algebra. Computer class is beneficial. Electronics Shop class is helpful to enhance skills for caring and maintaining the plane. Writing and research skills are needs and with this, English class will be helpful. Employers prefer to hire pilots with at least two years of college experience. Agriculture, Physics, Mathematics, Engineering and Meteorology are courses that will be useful. Flying schools where they can take the flying courses, are certified by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Before they can practice being an agricultural pilot, they are required to have a license from FAA. This is a rigorous and long process which would include receiving flying instructions, passing the written exam and completing 20 hours of solo flying requirement.
Skills and Abilities
Emotional and physical health play an important role in making an individual fit to become an agricultural pilot. Excellent hearing, eye-hand coordination and eyesight are needed. They should have a good set of vital signs meaning to say, have a normal blood pressure and heart rate. Working well with others and having a good judgment are qualities needed in performing this job properly. It is essential that they have an interest in flying, environment and farming methods.
Duties
Agricultural pilots help in preventing crop damage. They spray chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers over the crops.
They also control plant disease and pests. It is part of their duty to drop seeds into the fields. They survey the area to check for obstacles and hazards. It is their responsibility to inform the affected residents and businesses so that animals and people may be moved away from the area. Those who know about chemicals used, part of their work is to mix chemicals for certain types of plants and soil. They should be good in flying and must know weather conditions. They need to make sure that there is no mechanical and electrical problem on the planes system.
Earnings and Job Outlook
An agricultural pilot earnings can range from $30,000 at the minumum up to $80,000 a year. The need for them varies since it would depend on the farm’s need. When the farmers are having problems with pests and insects, there are especially a great demand for agricultural pilots.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.
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