Aerial Application; What are my chances?

[Raybanman]

I'm thinking of getting into aerial application. I'm a farm kid, and my Dad was partners in a crop dusting company in Mb and did it for about 15 years, so I grew up with it and am fairly familiar with what is involved in terms of risks, skill level, time away from home, and rewards. I have a decent start in aviation, and have been flying for 9 years, with 4500 hours, 500 hours on floats, 3000 PIC, 2000 hrs turbine and am currently captain on a heavy turbo prop. Would I even be considered for jobs if I did the course, or would employers see me as too "airline oriented" (I'm not really - hence my considering a different tier of aviation)? How would I progress? Loading for a year, or if I had the course would there be some chance of flying? (either one works, I have large blocks of time off with my current job where I can work if not flying). What is the schedule like? I remember my dad doing 120 ish in a couple weeks some times, do companies schedule rotations? Do you get to see your family much? I'm a young guy still, and am not terribly nailed down in terms of family life, but I will be within a couple years if things stay on the track they are. I'd like to get more of the fun flying in before then if I can. Any info at all would be gratefully appreciated. PMs too Thanks.

Cheers,
PP

[Flybabe]

I think you're sitting fairly well in terms of what operators look for. If you have tailwheel time, that certainly helps too. The issue is usually LACK of hours, IMO as opposed to too many hours.

There is no such thing as a rotation in application. The season isn't long enough to support that. You'll bust your butt (hopefully) in the summer. Plan on working sunup to sundown at peak season. There are other avenues available too, do a search on some of nacho's posts.

Not sure on progression but possible that you would load for a bit to get a feel for the operation, if the operator likes what he sees, chances are you'd get a good shot at it. I can only speak from my experience in the US since I've never sprayed in Canada.

If it's something you want to try, go for it. Check out the CAAA (Canadian Aerial Applicators) website, Ag Air Update, NAAA (US). I've had calls from California to Namibia, but I have my dream job now.

Good luck with your search

[bkn4thr]

I'd like to get more of the fun flying in before then if I can. Any info at all would be gratefully appreciated. PMs too Thanks.

Cheers,
PP

Mr. Raybanman, I can tell you the "fun flying" would soon be just another job after you do it for a couple of days. Although this has been a very rewarding career for me and many others. As Flybabe said....tailwheel time....how much? We are short of good pilots in the spray buisness just like most other lines of avaition. The operative word is GOOD. Sounds like you shouldn't have any problems getting in, but you will have to show to some operator how much you really want in. If you want in for just some "fun" don't bother.
Truly interested I may help.

Fly safe.

bkn