Ag flying in America

[Charlie1080]

Hi all,

Does anyone know of any websites or contacts as i might be looking at travelling over to the US for a year or so, just to get out of drought stricken Oz, so i would be looking for some permanent work, i do know the hassles of getting a visa and green cards and stuff but i think it would be worth it. any help??

Cheers

Charlie

[SNS3Guppy]

Charlie,

Permenant work in the US is difficult, nearly impossible to come by. It's mostly seasonal, the few year round jobs to be had are held tightly. Some manage to do seeding and fertalization the winter, fires or crops in the summer, but even then, the opportunities to do so are few and far between. The fire work especially has been cut back due to funding issues, with the number of contracted airplanes cut down drastically this year. It's also not an easy business to enter.

The ag work available is likewise somewhat limited. I don't know what you've been flying, but there's a lot of AT-802's that have eaten up the work that used to be done by several airplanes; fewer jobs because one airplane does the work of several. The increasing use of chemigation (chemicals in the irrigation) and ground rigs mean far less flying than there used to be. There's been the flash-in-the-pan rush on growing corn for ethanol, but the spark is already dying out as it costs more to make it than one gets from selling it.

Trade A Plane usually carries a few ads for ag operators. Some may be willing to take the chance if you have the experience and can get the visas and certification. You probably won't find any willing to sponsor for a visa unless they're having a hard time filling a seat...usually not the case. Even then, to offer year round work isn't an easy thing. I've known a few who have done it, but it's not easy to find, nor keep. Especially with the economy coming unglued as it is presently.

[Charlie1080]

Thanks mate,

i will look into it even if i did only go for a few months it would be something a bit different but i think the visa and certification will be the most difficult part of it all