Aerial Applicator

Holland Code:

Build

Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward. For there you have been, and there you will always long to return.

Leonardo Da Vinci

In A Nutshell

I fly small planes or helicopters and spray fertilizer and pesticides over fields.

I work with customers to mix the chemicals for proper application and study maps to locate the land.

I monitor wind speed and weather to determine if the conditions are safe to fly.

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Featured Employer

Government of Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan, province of Canada, one of the Prairie Provinces. It is one of only two Canadian provinces without a saltwater coast, and it is the only province whose boundaries are all wholly artificial (i.e., not formed by natural features).

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Potential Salary Range

$65,000 - $113,000 Annually

Which provinces would this job be in?

Alberta

British Columbia

Manitoba

New Brunswick

Nova Scotia

Ontario

PEI

Prince Edward Island

Quebec

Saskwatchewan

I have the coolest office in the world! Being up in the air has its own perks and challenges; I can't get distracted or tired, but I get to see some amazing views.

Workplace

Outdoor

Job Requirements & Duties

Fly safely and responsibly
Complete pre-flight checks and follow safety regulations
Handle chemicals safely and use knowledge of proper applications
Monitor the weather and wind, and plan accordingly
Read maps and locate land
Coordinate with on-ground technicians to spray fields efficiently

Education & Training

At least a high school diploma, though many aerial applicators have completed diplomas or degrees
Pilots must hold a commercial pilot licence and a valid provincial pesticide licence
Most aerial application companies require their pilots to have extensive flying experience or to have worked as on-ground chemical applicators

Job Outlook

This job will likely remain in demand as farmers continue to adjust their spraying practices to increase yield and decrease soil compaction
There are no obvious trends of decline expected for the next 5-10 years

Related School Subjects

Science

Ed. Prof. et Tech.

What words come to mind when thinking about this career?

Pilot Spray Flying

Important Skills

Computer & Technological

Most of my job requires working on a computer and using code. It's helpful to both enjoy and be good at working with technology and understanding software.

Decision Making

I'm constantly monitoring wind and weather conditions, and making decisions about whether it's safe to fly and spray

Planning

I might be asked to spray many different fields for a number of customers in one day; I have to plan my time very carefully to make sure I can get the job done

Independence

While I do work with my customers to understand their needs, most of my actual work is done by myself behind a computer. This is a good job if you like to work independently behind a desk.

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The Best Things About This Job Are…

Independent Work

Seasonality

Opportunity to Travel

Using Technology

References

Aerial Applicator Pilot Salary. (No Date).

Manitoba Aerial Applicators Association. (No Date).

Becoming an Aerial Applicator. (2020).

Airplane Pilot in Canada. (2020).

Disclaimer

All career information has been gathered from a variety of sources and compiled to provide a general idea as to what each career could entail. Agriculture in the Classroom Canada is committed to doing our best to ensure the information is current and reliable. However, we will not be liable for the accuracy of the information. Please contact us if you notice errors or would like to provide feedback.