Agricultural Helicopter Pilot Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-evolving world of agriculture, the role of agricultural helicopter pilots is becoming increasingly vital.

As agricultural technology advances, the demand for skilled pilots who can navigate, operate, and maintain our aerial agricultural assets grows.

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

Whether you are:

A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
Or simply fascinated by the unique aspects of agricultural aviation,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable agricultural helicopter pilot job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Contents show

Agricultural Helicopter Pilot Duties and Responsibilities

Agricultural Helicopter Pilots perform various tasks related to crop management, irrigation, and pest control.

They use helicopters to effectively conduct tasks on large agricultural lands which otherwise would have taken a lot more effort and time.

Agricultural Helicopter Pilots have the following duties and responsibilities:

Perform pre-flight checks and ensure that the helicopter is in good working order
Take off and land the helicopter safely, often in challenging conditions
Fly the helicopter over agricultural land to perform tasks such as spreading seeds, spraying pesticides, and irrigating fields
Calibrate and operate the equipment used for dispersing agricultural materials
Follow specific flight plans and adjust them as necessary based on weather conditions and other factors
Use GPS and other technology to accurately navigate and target specific areas
Regularly communicate with ground crew and other relevant parties, providing updates and receiving instructions
Monitor and respond to any changes or problems during the flight
Maintain detailed records of flights, tasks performed, and any issues encountered
Perform post-flight checks and maintenance tasks, and report any necessary repairs

Agricultural Helicopter Pilot Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a skilled Agricultural Helicopter Pilot to safely operate our aircraft for a variety of agricultural purposes such as crop spraying, planting, and pest control.

Agricultural Helicopter Pilot responsibilities include performing pre-flight checks, maneuvering aircraft in a safe and efficient manner, and ensuring all operations align with guidelines and regulations.

Our ideal candidate is detail-oriented, has impeccable safety records, and has substantial experience in agricultural aviation.

Ultimately, the role of the Agricultural Helicopter Pilot is to ensure that all agricultural aerial applications are completed accurately and safely.

Responsibilities

Conduct pre-flight checks of engines, hydraulics, and other systems
Maneuver aircraft in safe and efficient manner
Carry out aerial applications accurately according to specifications
Ensure all operations adhere to safety and agriculture regulations
Monitor weather conditions for safe operations
Maintain regular contact with ground crew and air traffic controllers
Perform minor aircraft maintenance and keep records of services performed
Handle emergency situations efficiently and safely
Manage fuel efficiency and aircraft weight limitations

Qualifications

Proven work experience as an agricultural helicopter pilot
Valid commercial pilot’s license with a helicopter rating
Thorough knowledge of FAA regulations
Excellent problem-solving and crisis management skills
Strong communication and navigation skills
Physically fit and able to pass regular drug tests
Ability to work irregular hours, including early mornings, late evenings, and weekends
High school diploma or equivalent; Bachelor’s degree in aviation or related field is a plus

Benefits

Health insurance
Dental insurance
Life insurance
Retirement plan
Paid time off

Additional Information

Job Title: Agricultural Helicopter Pilot
Work Environment: Outdoor field work with regular exposure to varying weather conditions. Extensive travel may be required.
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Agricultural 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 $90,000 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 any relevant certifications or licenses to [email address or application portal].

What Does an Agricultural Helicopter Pilot Do?

Agricultural Helicopter Pilots, also known as crop dusters, play an essential role in the farming industry.

They are typically employed by agricultural aviation companies or large farming operations.

They are responsible for flying helicopters over farmlands to disperse pesticides, fertilizers, or seeds to improve crop yield.

They carefully monitor and control the application rate of these substances to ensure optimal effectiveness while reducing waste and environmental impact.

Their tasks also involve conducting pre-flight inspections, adhering to flight safety measures, and maintaining accurate records of flight logs and dispersal patterns.

They often coordinate with farmers and agricultural specialists to understand the requirements and achieve desired results.

In addition to this, they may also be responsible for basic maintenance and repair tasks on their aircraft, ensuring that the helicopter remains in good working order.

Agricultural Helicopter Pilots may also be involved in other farming-related tasks such as water and frost management, livestock management, and emergency firefighting.

Their role requires not only excellent piloting skills but also a sound knowledge of farming practices, chemical application, and environmental regulations.

Agricultural Helicopter Pilot Qualifications and Skills

Agricultural Helicopter Pilots must possess a unique blend of technical skills, physical abilities and industry knowledge to effectively perform their roles, including:

Extensive knowledge of helicopter operations, including navigation, aerodynamics, and safety procedures, obtained through formal training and certification.
Practical flying experience, preferably in agricultural settings, to understand the unique demands and risks associated with low-level flying and crop spraying.
A strong understanding of agricultural practices and crop management to effectively apply pesticides, fertilizers and other treatments precisely and safely.
High level of physical fitness and good eyesight to handle the rigorous demands of flying, often under challenging weather conditions.
Excellent spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination to accurately navigate and control the helicopter over farmland.
Problem-solving skills to quickly assess and respond to unexpected situations or emergencies during flight.
Attention to detail to ensure correct application rates of agricultural chemicals, compliance with flight regulations, and maintenance of flight logs and records.
Communication skills to liaise with farmers, agronomists, flight crew, and regulatory authorities.

Agricultural Helicopter Pilot Experience Requirements

To become an Agricultural Helicopter Pilot, candidates typically need a minimum of 1 to 2 years of helicopter piloting experience.

This experience is often gained through military service, flight schools, or on-the-job training programs offered by certain employers.

It’s also necessary to have a considerable amount of flight hours logged in, with some employers requiring as many as 500 to 1000 hours.

Experience flying in a variety of weather conditions, and in rural or agricultural areas specifically, can be beneficial.

Agricultural Helicopter Pilots also need a solid understanding of agricultural practices and should be experienced in the operation of agricultural spraying equipment.

Those with more than 3 years of experience often have the opportunity to work in more complex or demanding roles, such as aerial application jobs involving crop dusting and livestock feeding.

Pilots with over 5 years of experience might be considered for managerial roles, overseeing other pilots and coordinating agricultural aviation operations.

In addition, they may have the opportunity to move into training roles, helping to guide less experienced pilots.

Agricultural Helicopter Pilot Education and Training Requirements

Becoming an Agricultural Helicopter Pilot typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent as a minimum educational requirement.

Candidates must also obtain a private pilot license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

This requires a minimum of 40 hours of flight experience, passing a written exam, and successfully completing a flight examination with an FAA examiner.

Beyond this, specialized training in agricultural aviation is crucial.

This can be obtained through agricultural aviation schools, where pilots learn about the technical aspects of crop dusting, seeding, and fertilizing from the air.

They also gain an understanding of safety procedures, the handling and application of chemicals, and learn about environmental regulations.

As this job also involves handling hazardous materials, pilots must undergo training according to the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) set by the FAA and obtain the necessary certification.

Furthermore, it is beneficial for candidates to hold a commercial pilot’s license, which requires a minimum of 250 hours of flight time and passing additional written and flight examinations.

In this occupation, ongoing training is necessary due to the evolving nature of aviation technology and regulations.

Therefore, many pilots pursue recurrent training or additional certifications to enhance their skills and employability.

While not a requirement, a degree in fields such as agriculture, aviation or a related discipline can be an asset for understanding the broader aspects of the job role.

Agricultural Helicopter Pilot Salary Expectations

The average salary for an Agricultural Helicopter Pilot is approximately $75,000 (USD) per year.

However, actual earnings may vary based on factors such as flight hours, experience, level of certification, geographic location, and the hiring company.

Agricultural Helicopter Pilot Job Description FAQs

What skills does an agricultural helicopter pilot need?

Agricultural helicopter pilots should have excellent coordination skills, great judgement and decision-making abilities, and the capability to stay calm under pressure.

They also need to have a high degree of mechanical aptitude to understand the functioning of their aircraft.

As precision is vital in this role, these pilots should have good math skills for calculating distances and payloads.

Also, good communication skills are necessary for coordinating with ground staff and other pilots.

Do agricultural helicopter pilots need specific qualifications?

Yes, agricultural helicopter pilots require a commercial pilot’s license issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

This involves completing a specified amount of flight hours and passing written and flight exams.

Additionally, they need to have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Some pilots may also choose to get a degree in aviation or a related field to increase their knowledge and career prospects.

What should you look for in an agricultural helicopter pilot resume?

When reviewing an agricultural helicopter pilot resume, first ensure they have a commercial pilot’s license.

Check their flight hours, as more experience generally means better skills.

Also, look for specific experience in agricultural flying, including crop dusting, aerial seeding or frost control.

Any additional certifications, like the Agricultural Aircraft Operator Certificate, are also valuable.

What qualities make a good agricultural helicopter pilot?

A good agricultural helicopter pilot is disciplined and has a keen attention to detail, as their work requires precision flying.

They also need to be in good physical condition to handle the demands of flying.

Adaptability is important, as they may need to fly in various weather conditions.

A good agricultural helicopter pilot also has a strong understanding of agricultural practices and landscape.

Is it difficult to hire agricultural helicopter pilots?

Hiring agricultural helicopter pilots can be challenging as it requires a unique set of skills and qualifications.

The pool of candidates can be limited due to the specificity of the job and the extensive training and licensing required.

Therefore, you may need to offer competitive compensation and benefits to attract qualified pilots.

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the world of what it truly means to be an Agricultural Helicopter Pilot.

And guess what?

It’s not just about flying choppers.

It’s about nurturing the future of agriculture, one flight at a time.

With our ready-made Agricultural Helicopter Pilot job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to make your next move.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for crafting precise job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every flight contributes to a larger mission.

Let’s cultivate that future. Together.

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