Cropdusting - Travis’ Story

This is the first video in a small series. Travis had to overcome his fear of flying to become a crop duster pilot and find his purpose.

[@Jenufir]

I'm so thankful that these videos now exist. My dad taught himself to fly with audiobooks (not a joke), in 1970. In late 70, he found an owner/operator (in Canton, MS) as crazy as he was, to give him a chance. Dad's career spanned 39 years, 26,000 hours, and the only reason he stopped was because his heart doctor made him (09). Dad's favorite plane to fly was a Thrush. I'm pretty sure that was the first new plane he ever bought. But, I will always love the radial ag cat, because that's the one I flew in with him the most. As loud as it was, it's still music to my ears. I hope y'all continue to make these videos, maybe even to help people understand just how important ag aviation is to help feed us every year. These videos also help people realize that ag pilots are not out trying to kill themselves, nor are you stunt pilots. You're just normal guys doing an extraordinary job. Thank you!

[@stihlnz]

Great story Travis / James, I've a friend who crop dusted in New Zealand ... its different terrain.. hilly. He had 15,000 hours compared to my 2K. He left the industry. It wasn't the flying ..it was everything else ... being on the phone every night till late ...farmers ringing up on bad rainy days going " where's my fert". I did 6-7 loads with him in a walther powered fletcher ( A NZ made machine) ... boy did I get thrown around. That plane was just a tool to get that fert on the ground and it was steep ground. I've got a 1953 Cessna 180 ... really enjoy flying it down here in the NZ southern mountains ... its vertical down here ..some mountains have walls 5000ft high, you'd like it. Take Care.

[@petergreenwald9639]

I don't fly anymore because of the cost. My proudest moment was completing my solo. My second proudest moment was nailing my checkride on the first go. I was in my 50s. Never give up the dream.

[@deansibley5508]

This is the most honest and accurate observation that I have seen on the internet • period thx Travis I don’t know you but I think I do.

[@BigWheelHawaii]

What a Great Video,,, This Is An HONEST and Worthy Presentation... It's Tops... I Come From a Old Pioneering Aviation Family... My Dad's First "Duster" Was a J-1 Standard,,, With a Hiso In The Nose... It's The Poor Mans "Jenny"... He Flew Off The "Homestead" For 25 Years, I Was a War Time Baby, So As a Kid,,,, We Had N3N's and The "Katet Stearmants" With a Pratt 985 In The Nose......

[@arlynkraft3581]

Excellent description of the profession. I no longer fly ag aircraft but my start was J-3 piper and concluded in Ag Cats. 33 yrs . Do not fly when fatigued - take a break when those on the ground say that you look tired- that job will still be there tomorrow but you may not.

[@sammuse1619]

You went out with the best. Long live the AgCat!

[@tbeevers]

If you want a story, interview my dad in north Louisiana. From a government contract job out of college to a feed store owner to an ag pilot. Flew for 40 years….just retired at 79 not because he wanted to but because he knew it was time. 25,000 hours and stories you wouldn’t believe. Best pilot I’ve ever known.

[@feelinghealingfrequences7179]

did ur dad own a plane and fly u around and to go on vacation?

[@tbeevers]

@@feelinghealingfrequences7179 Negative

[@geddon436]

Which 3 stories stick out in your mind?

[@geddon436]

I'm in south louisiana. I knew a crop duster who used a Bell 47.

[@bruceerwin5430]

79 yrs old ag flying?? Holy smoke that’s impressive. Cheers

[@seanmaccionnaith3458]

Travis it's really something to see a hard working family man that knows what life is really all about. The very best to you and all.

[@simonwiltshire7089]

This post is a jewel in a world full of egos and pretend stars. Rare to see such honesty and humbleness. Good flying my friend.

[@scottminshall6420]

Great story Travis, you will be alright, you and Jeremy fly SAFE out there!

[@allyboy8]

Beautiful Story Travis. Stay safe. 🙏🏻👍

[@wagnergitirana]

This is a true American inspirational story !

[@keithgraham6889]

Great video! Your story and mine are close to the same. Many years in construction, then getting into crop dusting. My crop dusting ended when a Navy A6-e Intruder hit me from behind. Stay safe, and may you have a great career!

[@mrdrivebytrucker]

This was my dream since as far back as I can remember, but I never followed through . How sad is that. Congratulations Travis. I’ll live my dream vicariously through you and others like you.

[@Evan-bc6nb]

What a great story and a strong honest human.

[@John-nc4bl]

Awesome and I thank you for your video. Smooth moves and clear skies to you.

[@lovelymayangmyheart1111]

Grt ,more Success

[@8788luigi]

Its good to be scared of something. Its dangerous to not be scared of omething

[@maxcorder2211]

The most dangerous pilot is one who has 500 hours. He's over the initial learning part and thinks he knows all he needs to know, but he really has no experience. Complacency kills.

[@extremerc76]

My career choice, unfortunately, was law enforcement. We have the same outlook for the same reason, the 2nd year and the year before retirement are most deadly! Complacency kills! Head on a swivel. Getting ready to start my ppl, and have always been interested in ag flying, a lot of respect for those guys after watching some videos

[@gsp8489]

@@extremerc76 LEO here also. Just started my Instrument training.

[@coreyv3071]

Sounds exactly like my dad's story. Awesome!

[@jameskeelor6172]

wow well done

[@skydom1000]

Be safe out there buddy, our crop duster buddy didn’t make it home here this spring, fell outta the sky left behind his wife and a couple young girl’s!

[@excellenceinanimation960]

I think i would like to be a crop duster. Just so many steps and things ahead of me if I choose to peruse it!

[@garyfischer4357]

People, even pilots, do not understand how this job makes you feel inside or what it takes to do. Unless you have actually checked the oil at 4:00 a.m., you have no idea.

[@cabinvibeetsystore9094]

New sub ! Liked 🙏✌️🐸

[@SMcda]

great story, trust you take precautions with the chems. I bought my 79 TU206 from Ken Spray in Twin Falls, ID. Fly safe

[@raymondfrank9202]

good one

[@robinmyman]

There’s one thing I’ve learned in my 50+ hours…and I feel my instructor continues to try and distract me…but I NEVER take my eye off the 6 pack, the ground and others in the air…and the weather., and the light and…

[@cascadeaircraftconversions]

Cascade Aircraft Conversions - Check out some footage for our Air Tractor and Thrush Performance Upgrades. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZqmhn6MnsmpsM0

[@andrecloete7052]

How can I contact Travis?

[@natertater1978]

can somebody please tell me what the hell i seen in the field at around the 7:00 mark...bout middle of the frame..two ... somethings that appeard to be glowing rise up out of the grass

[@jamesgallaccidrone]

It was a reflection from the lights in the lens

[@natertater1978]

@@jamesgallaccidrone thats what i thought initially...then i rwinded a cpl times and watched it again..and it doesnt really look like a reflection...the way it comes out of the grass...of course im no light reflection expert lol..just looked odd to me.