Agricultural Pilots

Any flight experience you can obtain will be useful as you apply for your commercial license. While there is no specific age limit on when you can begin flying instruction, you must be at least 16 to fly solo. You must take a written examination to apply for a private pilot's license. To qualify, you must be at least 17 years of age, fulfill a solo flying requirement of 20 hours or more, and meet instrument and cross-country flying requirements.

All pilots must have sound physical and emotional health. They need excellent eyesight, hand-eye coordination, hearing, and normal heart rate and blood pressure. The successful agricultural pilot is also detail-oriented since the job requires processing paperwork, planning, and following regulations. Those who are self-employed or working for smaller companies may find that they have frequent contact with customers, and so they must be able to work well with others. Naturally, an agricultural pilot should be interested in farming methods, the environment, and a love of flying. Good judgment is essential for this work.