Crop dusting and banner tow
02-05-2009, 05:52 PM
#41
Line Holder
Joined APC: Jan 2009
Position: ASA FO
Posts: 50
Originally Posted by xpigx
I am getting into crop dusting, and have done my research. I have talked to quite a few pilots.
The lowest one I talked to had been working 2 years. He made $50K/year. The highest one had been doing it for 15 years. He was making $125k/year. Mind you, this is in deep south TX where the average income is $24K/year . . .. where I do just fine making $2000 a month. Down here that is damn good money. Starting is about $100 a field. No need to travel either, because with the weather, something is always in season.
The lowest one I talked to had been working 2 years. He made $50K/year. The highest one had been doing it for 15 years. He was making $125k/year. Mind you, this is in deep south TX where the average income is $24K/year . . .. where I do just fine making $2000 a month. Down here that is damn good money. Starting is about $100 a field. No need to travel either, because with the weather, something is always in season.
I am trying to do some research but not coming up with much. where is a good place to look for crop dusting jobs.
02-05-2009, 06:08 PM
#42
Line Holder
Joined APC: Jan 2008
Position: AT-301-600G
Posts: 88
Originally Posted by TP199
I am trying to do some research but not coming up with much. where is a good place to look for crop dusting jobs.
also, search for "aerial application" not "crop dusting"
02-08-2009, 07:04 AM
#44
Line Holder
Joined APC: Oct 2008
Posts: 27
TP199,
Ag operators very rarely advertise a job opening in any publication that you are probably familiar with. Most operators usually know who is available and who isn't. It is a very tight knit community.
You might check out a publication called, 'Ag Air Update", This is a monthly newspaper/magazine that is all ag/aerial firefighting information. Very informative. Check them out on the web also. They usually have several "seats available".
Ag aviation is a very hard industry to "break" into. But, it is not impossible.
Good luck.
Ag operators very rarely advertise a job opening in any publication that you are probably familiar with. Most operators usually know who is available and who isn't. It is a very tight knit community.
You might check out a publication called, 'Ag Air Update", This is a monthly newspaper/magazine that is all ag/aerial firefighting information. Very informative. Check them out on the web also. They usually have several "seats available".
Ag aviation is a very hard industry to "break" into. But, it is not impossible.
Good luck.
03-01-2009, 12:25 PM
#45
Line Holder
Joined APC: Jan 2009
Position: ASA FO
Posts: 50
you certainly are correct on that. i've flown with a few captains that used to be in the business and they almost seem hesitant to offer any information on operators and places to look for openings. i will check out the ag air update. i appreciate the help.
03-09-2009, 07:39 PM
#46
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2008
Position: Hawker 800XP/G280 PIC
Posts: 186
Can anyone on here provide any more info on Van Wagner, the banner tow operation. I've seen a few posts on this thread about them and since I have over 500hrs banner time I thought I would look into them. I hear they pay pretty good, for a PA-18 at least. Anyone know anything about schedules and time off? I don't mind traveling, I'd actually like to, but don't want to get burnt out like the last time I flew the cub.
03-11-2009, 06:26 AM
#48
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2008
Position: Hawker 800XP/G280 PIC
Posts: 186
Originally Posted by annfunirius
Just curious, I'm working on my private right now, what are usually the minimum requirements to fly banners, do I need the commercial license for these jobs?
04-04-2009, 10:26 AM
#49
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2009
Position: A320 CA
Posts: 705
Ive got a CFI with Commercial Single & 320+hrs and no tailwheel experience. Are there any outfits that will train you or hire with such minimal experience. i.e. Banner Towing (*Ive about had it with paying for flying, apart from being broke, Id say its about time I start getting paid!*)
04-04-2009, 03:57 PM
#50
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,498
Van Wagner will hire and train you to get tailwheel endors. In return there is a 6 month contract. One of my friends went down there a couple of years ago and loved it. I'm not sure what the pay is but look into it. You might also want to look into local skydiving companies but beware the old trick.....
Last edited by Cubdriver; 04-05-2009 at 06:23 AM. Reason: personal name removed
