Agricultural Aviation Pilot Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the modern era, the demand for agricultural aviation pilots is growing exponentially.

As advancements in technology and farming methods progress, the need for skilled pilots who can navigate, manage, and contribute to our agricultural landscape is becoming paramount.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an agricultural aviation pilot?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager planning the perfect job profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the world of agricultural aviation,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a comprehensive agricultural aviation pilot job description template, crafted for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Agricultural Aviation Pilot Duties and Responsibilities

Agricultural Aviation Pilots, also known as ag pilots or crop dusters, apply fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals to crops via aircraft.

They also often play a key role in wildfire control efforts.

Their primary duties and responsibilities include:

• Apply pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers to crops using aircraft
• Take off and land the aircraft from short runways or fields
• Inspect and service the aircraft to ensure it’s in optimal operating condition
• Ensure the correct and safe loading of agricultural chemicals into the aircraft
• Coordinate flight operations with ground crews and other personnel
• Maintain accurate flight records and logbooks
• Adhere to safety procedures and guidelines to protect crops, livestock, and nearby populated areas
• Perform aerial surveys to assess crop health and growth
• Participate in wildfire control efforts, including water and fire retardant drops
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and guidelines
• Communicate with clients to understand their needs and provide appropriate services

 

Agricultural Aviation Pilot Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a skilled, dependable Agricultural Aviation Pilot to apply various treatments to agricultural crops and forests.

The Agricultural Aviation Pilot’s responsibilities include conducting pre-flight inspections, planning flight paths, maintaining flight records, and ensuring the safe, efficient operation of aircraft.

You should have excellent navigation and problem-solving skills, with a keen interest in agriculture and forestry.

 

Responsibilities

• Conducting pre-flight inspections to ensure that aircraft are in good operational condition.
• Navigating aircraft following prescribed routes.
• Applying fertilizers, pesticides, and other treatments to crops and forests as instructed.
• Maintaining flight logs and other records.
• Assessing weather conditions and adjusting flight plans as necessary.
• Monitoring aircraft fuel levels and refueling as required.
• Ensuring the safe takeoff and landing of aircraft.
• Complying with all aviation regulations.
• Communicating with other pilots and air traffic control personnel as required.
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of crop needs and agricultural conditions.

 

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent, although a degree in aviation or a related field is preferred.
• Commercial Pilot’s License (CPL) and an Agricultural Aircraft Operator License (AG).
• Proven experience as an Agricultural Aviation Pilot.
• Good spatial awareness and navigational skills.
• Strong problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Good understanding of weather patterns.
• Ability to handle stressful situations.
• Good physical condition, including excellent eyesight.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Agricultural Aviation Pilot
• Work Environment: Fieldwork, including travel to various locations, and potentially irregular hours, including early mornings, late evenings, and weekends.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Flight Operations Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $100,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Agricultural Aviation Pilot Do?

Agricultural Aviation Pilots, also known as crop dusters, play a crucial role in the farming industry.

They typically work for agricultural firms, independent flying services, or as self-employed individuals.

Their main task is to fly specially equipped aircraft over farmland to distribute fertilizers, pesticides, or seeds over crop fields.

This is an efficient way to treat large fields in a short amount of time.

Before each flight, they plan the flight path based on the field’s size and shape.

This includes calculating the appropriate amount of crop treatment materials needed and setting the aircraft’s spray equipment.

Safety is a top priority for Agricultural Aviation Pilots.

They must adhere to strict federal aviation regulations, and often have to navigate around obstacles such as power lines, trees, and buildings.

They also need to take into account environmental factors like wind direction and speed to ensure the materials are distributed accurately and efficiently.

Aside from flying tasks, they may also be responsible for the maintenance and repair of their aircraft, as well as loading the fertilizers, pesticides, or seeds into the aircraft.

In the off-season, they often work on equipment maintenance or other tasks related to the business.

Some Agricultural Aviation Pilots also provide other aerial services, such as firefighting, emergency response, or aerial surveying.

 

Agricultural Aviation Pilot Qualifications and Skills

Agricultural Aviation Pilots require a unique set of technical skills, soft skills and knowledge about the agricultural industry, including:

• Professional flight training and a valid pilot’s license to operate aircrafts.
• Knowledge in agricultural practices, understanding different types of crops, pests, and fertilizers in order to successfully carry out agricultural operations.
• Technical skills to handle and maintain aircraft equipment and systems, including the equipment used for the spraying of crops.
• Strong physical stamina and good health to endure long hours of flight often under challenging weather conditions.
• Problem-solving skills to quickly adapt and respond to changing situations or emergencies while in flight.
• Strong spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination to accurately apply pesticides and other treatments to crops from the air.
• Communication skills to liaise with ground crew, farmers, and other professionals involved in the agricultural process.
• Attention to detail to follow precise flight plans and application maps, ensuring the safe and effective treatment of crops.

 

Agricultural Aviation Pilot Experience Requirements

Agricultural Aviation Pilots usually require a minimum of 1 to 2 years of general flight experience, which can be gained through various flight training schools or through service in the military.

Most roles require a commercial pilot’s license, and many Agricultural Aviation Pilots will also need to have an agricultural aircraft operator certificate.

These can be gained through a combination of flight hours, written exams, and practical tests.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have a deep understanding of agricultural procedures and have developed their piloting skills to include precise maneuvering for crop dusting and seeding operations.

Those with over 5 years of experience are often seasoned pilots who have extensive knowledge in the application of pesticides and fertilizers, crop inspection, and firefighting.

They may have leadership experience, having overseen other pilots, or have carried out administrative duties such as planning and coordinating flights.

Becoming an Agricultural Aviation Pilot also requires knowledge of agricultural science, so some experience in farming or related fields can be beneficial.

Furthermore, it’s important for pilots to keep up with ongoing advances in technology and safety practices within the agricultural aviation industry.

 

Agricultural Aviation Pilot Education and Training Requirements

Agricultural Aviation Pilots often start with a high school diploma or equivalent.

However, a bachelor’s degree in aviation, aeronautics, or a related field could provide a competitive edge.

Prospective pilots must also undergo flight training to earn a private pilot license, instrument rating, and commercial pilot license, with a minimum of 250 hours of flight time.

Specific to agricultural aviation, pilots often complete an agricultural aviation training course that covers topics like aviation regulations, aircraft systems, meteorology, navigation, and safe pesticide application procedures.

Most states require Agricultural Aviation Pilots to have a pesticide applicator’s license, which involves passing an exam on safe and effective pesticide use.

Additionally, many agricultural aviation pilots obtain a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) rating, which allows them to build flight hours quickly by teaching other aspiring pilots.

As this is a constantly evolving field, ongoing training in new aircraft technologies, pesticide application methods and safety protocols is essential.

Experience in the agriculture industry can also be beneficial, as understanding crop cycles, pest issues, and farming operations can help pilots perform their duties more effectively.

 

Agricultural Aviation Pilot Salary Expectations

An Agricultural Aviation Pilot earns an average salary of $73,300 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings may differ based on the pilot’s years of experience, the complexity of the tasks they perform, their geographic location, and the company that employs them.

 

Agricultural Aviation Pilot Job Description FAQs

What is the qualification required to become an Agricultural Aviation Pilot?

An Agricultural Aviation Pilot requires a commercial pilot’s license with a helicopter rating or airplane single-engine land rating from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

They should also have an Agricultural Aircraft Operator Certificate.

Additionally, they may need to pass physical fitness exams and have a substantial amount of flight hours.

 

What are the key responsibilities of an Agricultural Aviation Pilot?

Agricultural Aviation Pilots are mainly responsible for flying aircraft to assist with agricultural practices.

They spray fields with pesticides, fungicides, or fertilizers and seed crops.

They also have to maintain their aircraft and equipment and ensure compliance with all safety regulations.

In some cases, they may also need to liaise with farmers and agricultural businesses to plan and execute aerial operations.

 

What skills does an Agricultural Aviation Pilot need?

Agricultural Aviation Pilots require excellent piloting skills, the ability to operate agricultural equipment, and good spatial orientation for flying at low altitudes.

They should have a good understanding of weather conditions and how they affect flight operations.

Additionally, they need strong communication and problem-solving skills, and they should be able to make decisions quickly under pressure.

 

What should you look for in an Agricultural Aviation Pilot resume?

In an Agricultural Aviation Pilot resume, look for a commercial pilot’s license, any additional FAA certifications, and flight hours.

Any experience in agricultural operations or working with agricultural equipment can be beneficial.

It’s also important to look for any evidence of physical fitness and the ability to maintain and repair aircraft and equipment.

 

What qualities make a good Agricultural Aviation Pilot?

A good Agricultural Aviation Pilot is focused, detail-oriented, and reliable.

They must have excellent hand-eye coordination and physical stamina to handle long hours of flying.

They should have a deep understanding of safety protocols and the ability to stay calm and make quick decisions in high-stress situations.

Additionally, knowledge about agriculture and the ability to work closely with farmers and other agricultural professionals is also valuable.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve taken a closer look at what it truly means to be an Agricultural Aviation Pilot.

Surprised?

It’s not just about flying an aircraft.

It’s about helping to sustain the world’s food supply, one flight at a time.

With our detailed Agricultural Aviation Pilot job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take off.

But why stop there?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to pinpoint-accurate listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every flight contributes to a greater mission.

Let’s cultivate that future. Together.

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