Is there an aerial spray rating for crop dusters?

[180]

Is there such a thing as an aerial spray rating? And if so, how many hours is it?

Or is it a cash grab like the 50 hour bush course? (Nice to have under your belt, sure, but not necessary for a job.)

I'm clueless and curious. Thanks in advance...

[Flybabe]

No, there's not.

For the most part, the spray biz is governed by insurance. Ther *are* courses you can take to get a basic understanding of operations.

There have been a few (READ: not very many) that have gotten into the business with no experience. Of course, you will also need a Pesticide Applicator's Licence for the province you're in.

Look at the CAAA website to see some current tips. Also try SEARCH.

[180]

Thanks Flybabe.

I did "search" using key words like crop dusting, aerial spraying, spray, AG training, etc. but didn't have the time to weed through the 897 results...

But thank-you for the CAAA link.

Looks like it is for real.

(Real expensive too...to the tune of $17,000.)

[180]

Battleford Airspray

Our Training Program Includes:

40 Hours Flight Training:

25 hours (minimum) of Dual Training in a Dual Seat Gippsland GA200 or a Dual Seat Piper PA25
Solo Flight time is completed in a Single Seat Piper PA25
Ground Classes covering all aspects of aerial application techniques including:

Pesticide Application Training
GPS Training
Downloading GPS Data Logs
Interpretation of Work Orders
Understanding Weather Data Relative to Spraying
Throughout the 80's and 90's Battlefords Airspray trained ag pilots as required for the spray business using a Champ or a Cessna 140 for initial training and then solo experience in an Ag Aircraft like a Piper PA25 or a Cessna Ag Truck. In 1999 we decided to initiate a formal training program and created a unique Agricultural Aviation Training Program. We operate the only training school in Canada where the total training program is conducted in Agricultural Aircraft.

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Ag Training Aircraft


Two Seat Gippsland GA200

Equipped with:
- SATLOC Foreststar GPS
- Micronair Flow Computer
- Smoker
- VHF Com Radio
- Transponder
- UHF Radio
- Intercom



Two Seat Gippsland GA200

Equipped with:
- SATLOC
- M3
- GPS
- Micronair
- Flow Computer
- Smoker
- VHF Com Radio
- Transponder
- UHF Radio
- Intercom



Two Seat Piper PA 25

Equipped with:
- SATLOC Foreststar GPS
- Micronair Flow Computer
- Smoker
- VHF Com Radio
- Transponder
- UHF Radio
- Intercom



Single Seat Piper PA 25

Equipped with:
- SATLOC M3 GPS
- Micronair Flow Computer
- Smoker
- VHF Com Radio
- UHF Radio

[northernexplorer123]

What is the aprox. cost???

[180]

I heard $17,000.

[nacho]

In Canada it won't happen if you don't fork the money, very simple, the insurance will not take you if you don' take the course ...and then you would have to work for an operator that is approved by them to hire you and train you some more..
Or, you could be lucky like the guy the company I fly for in Argentina just hired... sure he had 2000 hours but never sprayed a field in his life and his first solo field for $$ was flying airplane he was trained on...Dual cockpit Thrush S2R- G10.
I was surprised to see the boss doing something like this... but then again I was flying a turbine here with less than 750 hoursTT... no, Airplanes here are not insured, BTW.
If you like it just go do it, it sounds like a lot of money, but will get you closer to be hired by an operator. No, I do not endorse the whole idea of it because a number of reasons.
But then again having somebody to show yo how not to get killed in your first hours will have it's price...
And only believe about the money THEY say you can make after a few seasons...
The best job in the world for me...
N