Crop Dusting - Eagle Vistas Agriculture Flying School - Careers In Aviation

Crop Dusting or Agriculture Flying is another way to make money as a pilot. Today we talk with Beverly the owner of Eagle Vistas and Randy the Chief Flight Instructor and go over planes, equipment, and pay you can expect in the industry.
If interested in becoming a crop duster please contact Eagle Vistas and tell Beverly I sent you www.eaglevistas.com/
If you like the new series leave a comment and do a touch and go on that like button hahaha. Stay tuned for new content every Sunday.
Blue Skies and Tailwinds,
Cleared For Takeoff

[@jamesdehart5039]

First of all it needs to be made clear that just because you go to an ag pilot school doesn’t mean you’re going to get a job. This is a very hard business to break into unless you are a farmer and buying your own airplane!! 98% of the time you need to start working on the ground crew learning how to properly mix and load the chemicals and learning how to set up the airplane for the job once you understand all of that you will need to go to a pesticide training program to get your license in which what ever state you wish to work in that requires a lot of studying to pass those tests !! then you’re gonna need a lot of tail wheel time around 500 hours to get on the insurance then you’ll need 1000 hours total time to fly turbine powered airplane the insurance requirements go up almost every year in this business due to the fact that this business is so dangerous it seems like to me from my experience as ag pilot only one out of every 10 people have a chance at getting a job so your best bet is to find an operator that will let you start on the ground crew and teach you the ropes or how this business works ! ! And those $200-$250,000 a year job that was mentioned is like winning the lottery no joke and there’s hundreds of pilot waiting for one of those positions to come open that’s way more experience than you will be starting out !! I’m not trying to kill anyone’s dream here because I was once in your shoes if you’re just starting out it took Me five years so if your truly determined or if you have the proper connections with farmers and. airplane owners then you have A good chance of starting sooner than me ! good luck to all of you aspiring to become agricultural pilots Not crop dusters there is a difference in one day you will know what that means if you make it!! Now as for experience pilots wanting to get into this work with lots of turbine time and aerobatic time ect...that’s all well and good but there is no guarantee THIS IS NOT THAT KIND OF FLYING !! most PILOTS have no idea how long the days are and how dangerous this is ! almost every airline pilot or corporate jet pilot that I know that has tried this work failed at it within the first few months or didn’t realize how dangerous and how long the days were and how hard they will be working every day with no days off as long as it’s not raining that is!! The first time they send you to a field that is surrounded by powerlines and tall trees will make you wish to God you never even knew about this job and then there is other days where you get into a big flat field with no trees and no powerlines no cell towers no windmills and you swear that you would pay your operator to let you do this job so I’m saying is full of highs and it’s full of Lows it is my advice to talk to an actual agricultural pilot before making your decisions to get the truth about this line of work as a pilot before you waste any money because only the truly determined to do this will make it!!🙏🙏🇺🇸

[@GodsOutlaw007]

Truth spoken .. you better be willing to start on the ground .. It’s hard work .. My uncle had his own Ag biz n I hopped many Ag cats for him .. Am working toward it myself now at 56 .. I know what’s on the road ahead growing up on a rice farm in Deep South Louisiana.. Love the challenge before me .. If you don’t have a passion for this type of flying chances are you won’t like it .. It’s very dangerous work .. long hours like you said .. and it can’t be about the money .. You must love agriculture.. Love to be part of a family helping feed our nation .. It’s definitely a unique service you’re providing.. The Farmers Air Force .. nice piece you wrote on it James .. Thanks for your honesty about the industry..

[@mikeedwards824]

Yhhygy y

[@sophiasocal68]

James this has got to be the best AG response I've heard! Straight to the point and accurate! Everything you said I've found to be true. Awesome response!

[@sloopjohnb.24]

Why does everyone always say this; you have to load for a season, you can't get a seat because it's too difficult etc. I'm not even commercially rated yet and I have 2 operators tell me to hurry up and they're desperate for pilots. And another thing is I will absolutely not be working on the ground. I have a lifestyle to uphold and I absolutely won't be making 12 bucks an hour loading.

[@jamesdehart5039]

I will keep this short and sweet you will be dead by the end of the season almost an 80% guarantee not an exaggeration because you don’t even know what you don’t even know!!!

[@musoseven8218]

A job I would have liked to have done, what a great school! Superb video too✌️👍😊

[@davesky538]

I crop dusted for Dicky Callens operation out of Roswell NM municipal airport late 60's early 70's. Paid me $1.25 an hour!

[@OneTequilaTwoTequila]

That's probably comparable to today's $100K a year with Biden's crazy inflation! 🤣

[@ThinkSlowFlyFast]

I didn't know that all of that was happening at KINF, super cool!

[@DphnMaverick]

Thanks, I have a school project and this really helped

[@ClearedForTakeoff]

Aw shoot thats so cool, happy to help :)

[@jasonmelendez5216]

Thank you very much. I am looking into getting in the Aerial application industry and have been considering this school.

[@excellenceinanimation960]

hows it goin? Im considering this in a couple years as well.

[@tac-cobserver3788]

This is a new insight, thanks for sharing 🤙

[@alankussainov3489]

Yo this is awesome! Good pay and a decent dose of adrenaline

[@lenskinner5942]

Inspiring video, thanks

[@unitedstatesdale]

My Uncles flying Drone sprayers in El centro. Its Amazing !!

[@PP2FM]

I am Brazilian, I am very interested in flying there in the USA. How is the current market. Good flights always!

[@thewolf9816]

I cant believe this hasn't crossed my mind. I feel like a light just came on

[@lifeshaman6148]

So funny me too!! There is probably so many low cost loans you can get to start a business! The most expensive part is getting your commercial pilot license

[@guseberriesdoublergusefarm5936]

Not as easy as it looks,

[@waytooaesthetic]

@@guseberriesdoublergusefarm5936 What are some pros and cons? this crossed my mind recently and im truly interested

[@johnd9031]

Very interesting video. Subscribed.

[@JPTV24]

Dope

[@WX4GPS]

What are all those flashing LED mounted outside the plane? its looked like it was flashing in randomness and at other times it was not showing anything, must be related to the sprayer?

[@jamesriordan7]

Great video Brian! Did Randy tell you where he flew on fires by chance? At $175,000 in 3 months, I’m thinking he was flying SEATs, but I swear he said Air Attack.

[@ClearedForTakeoff]

No he didn’t but I can ask him for you 😊

[@jamesriordan7]

Cleared For Takeoff that would be great! Thank you!

[@ClearedForTakeoff]

Hey James sorry for the slow reply, I was busing getting my Multi Commercial Add-On(YAYYYYY) but Randy says that he provided Air Attack Services but didn't say exactly where. If I remember correctly from our old conversations he said he actually bought his own twin to do it back in the day. Hope this helps.

[@jamesriordan7]

Cleared For Takeoff Thank you Brian!

[@shonrainey3946]

I wish this was around when I was younger, but at 46 years old I doubt there’s much point in getting started now

[@cjrbandit4801]

Aye dog it’s your life get the most out of it. If u want to do it definitely go for it

[@GodsOutlaw007]

I am 56 now just working toward it .. wish I would have started at 46 .. many Ag pilots fly into their 70’s .. you have many years left to fly .. go for it !

[@shonrainey3946]

@@GodsOutlaw007 I may look into ag pilot if there’s much of a need in Missouri, that looks fun as hell

[@GodsOutlaw007]

@@shonrainey3946 there’s a big need in that part of the country.. pilots stay busy most of the year there .. Takes a special individual to fly Ag .. It is fun but very dangerous.. My uncle crashed two planes .. one was a midair collision with his pilot early one foggy morning spraying and the other he caught a power line with the tail of his Ag cat , inverted n crashed .. He lived thru both but many don’t .. Flying at speeds of 120-150 mph sometimes less than 5 foot off the ground takes concentration.. Many things can happen .. engine failure, birds , going under the wires , dodging trees , wind mills , cell towers , farm equipment, etc are all part of the job .. One has to be prepared mentally n skillfully to handle these inherent dangers of this job .. Oh it looks real fun but many don’t realize what’s involved.. Lots n lots of training.. 250 hours just to get your commercial pilots license.. Ag specific training .. Starting on the ground loading planes is where you begin .. Find an operator near you n that’s where you begin .. The pay is not high but if it’s money you’re chasing go do something else .. This is a field of work you have to be passionate about .. It’s about what you love to do not about the money .. Money will follow as experience grows .. Dues must be paid before you will see it ..

[@shonrainey3946]

@@GodsOutlaw007 it’s the building hours that would be tough, I own a trucking company and spend 12 to 14 hours a day doing that. I’ve always wanted to fly as a career but like said, at this point it probably won’t happen because starting out would be a major pay cut, plus most places aren’t willing to train

[@CaptainRon1913]

That pay is sht when you're risking your life daily. And just because you get 6 months off, doesn't mean your expenses stop.

[@amerassi9319]

Great video, but what are the costs of an agricultural aviation training for an international student I hold sports pilot certification UL PL

[@ClearedForTakeoff]

Thank you @amer assi to go from zero time to ag pilot in the US it’s going to be anywhere from $50-$60,000 so transferring your license will cost less but for a better assessment of true cost please contact Beverly.

[@kevesor9973]

You guys need a factory test pilot from Quicksilver aircraft

[@tylerfright713]

I really want to know about the metro in the background in the opening scean anyone know the status of it Is it a 227 and what's the airframe hours looks like she needs a home

[@slowp9934]

Looks to be a ramp ornament haha

[@BenderBendingRodriguez2024]

There used to be several in San Marcos, TX. Berry Aviation had a collection of Merlins and Metros at one time.

[@ClearedForTakeoff]

haha yes it does

[@ClearedForTakeoff]

I wish I knew more for you, I'm sure a quick call to the FBO would get you all the answers you want from the girl at the front desk. It did look like an old jump plane FYI

[@skymaster341]

Hello I am an agricultural pilot on a Cessna 188 and have about 1000 hours experience خبرة Do you have any jobs? The second question Do you have a course for converting to turbocharged engines such as the Air Tractor aircraft 502 I am from Libya Thank you so much

[@ClearedForTakeoff]

Hi there, I do not know of any jobs at the moment, you should really contact Eagle Vista's for more information. They are going to be one of your best services for AG jobs here in the states. Thanks for watching :)

[@bennithomas8414]

How much does it cost? From zero to AG

[@ClearedForTakeoff]

Thanks for stopping by @Benni Thomas Beverly informed that on average it costs around $50-$60,000 if you have any more questions just leave a comment and I'll get back to you! Blue Skies and Tailwinds!

[@OneTequilaTwoTequila]

If you're currently a zero, you might not have what it takes to get there. 😂

[@superhero6297]

I’m late to the party but do the except the post 9-11 GI Bill ? 😊

[@jamespepper2541]

Does your vision have to be 20/20 to be a pilot?

[@ClearedForTakeoff]

Nope, but there are requirements on what type of vision is acceptable per the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR/AIM) and that will affect what type of medical you are allowed to get. And then that medical will determine if you can become an airline pilot or commercial or just a private pilot. But none require 20/20.

[@jamespepper2541]

Thank you

[@flynnfowler2198]

I think I have a better chance of getting into redbull air raceing instead of crop dusting. Pays better too, although I only want the adrenaline.p 40 yum like a fine woman, hard to find.

[@guseberriesdoublergusefarm5936]

“What does it take to be an ag pilot?” I would have liked to hear knowledge of agriculture in the answer. This is not a wiggle the stick job for all the pilots that think this career looks “fun” you are an applicator, moreover than a pilot! I heard no mention of applying herbicide and pesticides, and caring about doing a good job for the farmer! Just come shake a stick and make $100 k!

[@ClearedForTakeoff]

Thats a good point GuseBerries, maybe there needs to be another video that dives deeper into this because I know I just scratched the surface of being an AG pilot. Helping the farmers and protecting the crops are an essential part, what I was trying to do with this video is show aviators a different job within aviation that can still be profitable. If the video came across as tone deaf to the importance of doing a good job for the farmer I apologize.

[@savagecub]

Passenger Airlines……….400k/year NO WIRES to worry about !

[@kevesor9973]

Hammerhead you got to watch out with the carburetor and f*** it shut the engine off ultra light pilot here we ride thermals

[@OneTequilaTwoTequila]

$100K/year is not a lot of money for a high-risk job that has you breathing chemicals for years. Airline pilots today can make $500K for sitting on their asses bitching about their jobs.