Agricultural Pilots

Agricultural pilots perform several duties that benefit the farming industry and the environment, including assisting farmers in preventing crop damage and performing other duties. Some work for pest control companies, while others are self-employed. Agricultural pilots spray chemicals over crops and orchards in farm work to fertilize them, control plant diseases or weeds, and control pests. They also drop seeds into fields to grow crops.

Before agricultural pilots begin spraying farmland, they must survey the area for buildings, hills, power lines, and other obstacles and hazards. They must also notify residents and businesses in the general area where they will spray so that people and animals can be moved away from the target areas.

Some agricultural pilots, particularly those working for pest control companies, may mix their chemicals, using their knowledge of the best mixture for certain plants, plant or soil conditions, or pest problems. Crop dusters fly small turboprop planes, which are slower than larger transport craft but good for flying close to the ground and carrying heavy loads. They must fly close to the ground, often only a few feet above a crop so that the chemicals will be spread only in designated areas.

Agricultural pilots can also help farmers by dropping food for livestock over pastures, photographing wildlife, counting game animals for conservation programs, and fighting forest fires by dumping water or fire-retardant materials over burning areas.

No matter what the job, pilots must determine weather and flight conditions, ensure sufficient fuel is on board to complete the flight safely and verify the maintenance status of the airplane before each flight. They perform system checks to test the proper functioning of instrumentation and electronic and mechanical systems on the plane.

Once these preflight duties are done, the pilot taxis the aircraft to the designated runway and prepares for takeoff. Takeoff speeds must be calculated based on the aircraft's weight, which is affected by the cargo's weight.

During flights, agricultural pilots must constantly be aware of their surroundings since they fly so close to the ground and frequently near hazards such as power lines. They need good judgment to deal with any emergencies that might arise. They monitor aircraft systems, monitor the weather conditions, and perform the flight's assigned job, such as spraying fertilizer.

Once the pilot has landed and taxied to the appropriate area, they follow a "shutdown" checklist of procedures. Pilots also keep logs of their flight hours. Those self-employed or working for smaller companies are typically responsible for refueling the airplane, performing maintenance, and maintaining business records.