Agricultural Aviation Presents A Growing Opportunity

By: Marty Steiner

Watching today's agricultural distribution pilots (crop dusters) at work over crop fields is similar to watching a professional airshow but with far more tangible results. Dating from 1921, the distribution of chemicals from an airplane has been the fastest and most efficient means of performing this essential task.

The aerial distribution industry is represented by the National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) in Alexandria, Virginia. The Association’s Executive Director Andrew D. Moore presented an industry history and overview at EAA Airventure. He was joined by Lee Turnquist of Whirly Birds, Inc. of Lake Wales, Florida (a crop dusting service), and aircraft manufacturers Thrush Aircraft’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing Eric Rojek, along with Air Tractor’s Director of Marketing Nancy Andersen and their chief pilot Mike Rhodes.

Normal maneuvers required in aerial distribution include steep dives and climbs with repetitive low-level passes over the field being treated. Current aircraft models are turbine powered, tail wheel aircraft with significant load capabilities. Olney, Texas based Air Tractor and Albany, Georgia’s Thrush Aircraft are currently the only two American manufacturers of these very specialized aircraft. In addition, there are rotary aircraft conversions that provide distribution from these type aircraft.

With both an aging pilot population and growing demand for this essential service, the career opportunities and the associated training were stressed by every agriculture presenter at EAA Airventure. The various FAA required training and licensing requirements for both fixed wing and rotary aircraft also were described. In addition, the various types of state requirements having to do with individuals who work with the chemicals utilized were mentioned.

The Spring issue of Agricultural Aviation, the official publication of the NAAA, provided an extensive overview of each of the seven NAAA member ag pilot training schools. The information provided included the training courses offered, aircraft types utilized, that school’s approach to training, unique training elements in their program, establishing the safety mindset, housing arrangements provided along with post-school career prospects. Each of these programs are presented along with that school’s contact information.

The career opportunities in ag aviation may have been best summarized by Morris Riggin from Riggin Flight Service in Madison, South Dakota. “I make sure they understand that maybe the first year or two, they’re not going to make a lot of money. But then the floodgates just open up for both job and income opportunities,” he said.

(Images provided by the author)

FMI: www.agaviation.org