Vote Here For An Ag Pilot Forum
 

G'day all,

I am trying to con the powers that be in Pprune to let us wonderful charming lot have our own forum. If you think this is a brilliant idea like I do, please submit a reply stating your support!

There is currently a thread running called Att: Ag Pilots which was trying to achieve the same purpose, however it has now turned into it's own little forum covering many topics.

Cheerio & thanks for your support:ok:

Super Trouper:cool:

Enjoy your lunch? Thank an Ag Pilot!

two. i am in. as i have to write 15 characters to get this post on, that will do.

me vote aye aye aye also

good idea.

Perhaps you need to make this a poll!!

But I'll give you a yes, just so I can pop in from time to time and get the goss from you guys!!

Cheers, HH.

:ok:

I would love to see an Ag forum. I know there are quite a few aggies hiding in Rotorheads who would contribute.

I'd like to see that too...count me in

Tomoz is right about rotorheads, Troup you may want to put out one of your 'fishing lines' in the rotorheads.
Also the idea of an AG Forum sounds numbawan!

Smells like a load of guano to me.
All the best in your efforts

A very very good idea once an Ag pilot always an Ag pilot from one who hides in Rotor Heads.....heres to making it happen.

:D :ok:

You have my vote.

Have found pprune a fantastic resource that has led me to two jobs in ag aviation and a seat in a fletcher. Resorces for ag aviation is very thin on the ground and we all need this. As they say build it and they will come.:ok:

Bakers dozen?
 

Give it a go......................................................

YES PLEASE!!!!!!!!

:ok: :ok: :ok: :ok: :ok: :ok: :ok:

PTS PINK

Count me in.

I'll sign anything.....

:E

justification......................
 

The main reason for wanting a forum of our own is becuase our industry (the aerial ag industry) has so many issues which don't really fit into other areas, ie. firebombing, baiting, locust, spraying, application issues, aircraft types, hours, seasons, the list goes on. One of the hot topics in our industry at the moment is powerline strikes as we had a record number in 2004. This area needs plenty of discussion so we can all help each other to maybe save someones life.

Our aerial ag industry does not have an anonymous forum to use like Pprune so therefore feedback and exchange of information that other aviation sectors are given on pprune are not available to us. I believe this could be a valuable tool to newcomers also seeking information on entering our industry. I have found pprune to be very accomodating to all other areas of aviation, but just becuase our industry is small we are still a very important part of aviation, the broad community and agriculture.

Good luck to you all.
Super Trouper, maybe you can help me. I have made numerous phone calls to various training institutions regarding obtaining an ag rating. Never got one phone call returned. (obviously they are making too much money to be bothered!)

I just want to know what the industry is like for a 500 hr pilot. I know the work is seasonal but I am wondering, is it over-crowded like the charter industry or are there places to start? Any help (from anyone) greatly appreciated.:confused:

.....Getting a start
 

Masteroff,
have you tried Superspread at Deni? they do rating's and GPS training.
There are blokes who will employ 500 hour pilots. Have you done any loading? If you do a season or two loading then people will be more inclined to give you a go. There is a bit of money to be made if your loading a couple of aircraft and you can see if the job is really for you.
At the moment insurance seems to be the big problem, if you get in with a good operator and do a season or 2 loading then you might get a start. Broadacre seems to have the least obstacles for starting, if you could get a seat before the winter stuff (weather permitting).
Super used to be the way to start but these days there's not much doing in that area.
Don't expect that AG hours are going to be usefull as building hours toward an Airline career, they don't seem to like them even though it's skilled and disciplined work. Would an approach to minimums in crappy weather in an Airliner be an harder work (just the flying) than working on a dark night with just a turn and bank and a GPS?
If your keen then you will get there, it's a matter of keep on trying.

Hello masteroff,

I am trying to avoid topics other than polling for a forum on this thread. There is another thread running in D & G called Att. Ag Pilots.

I agree with everything Super Cecil says. You really need to start at the bottom. Start ringing around to see if anyone wants a mixer/loader and your training will begin from there. Also get in your car and door knock............. you will need to be prepared to start at the bottom, very important.

I do not recommend you pay $14000+ for an ag rating until you have done a couple of seasons on the ground.

Good luck,

Troup:ok:

Count me in.
Masteroff, ag flying is a difficult business to break into. The flying is unlike most other segment of aviation and it is not for everyone. Take the advice of others. Get a job working on the ground. Work in the high heat, dusty, and other wise undesirable conditions that go with crop dusting. This is not a luke warm type of job. It has to get in your blood, or you just won't stay with it. The money is great if you're in the right spot, but if you don't love it, it'll show and you won't last. So, save your money until you know what you want to do. This is not the kind of job to build hours and then go do something else. The jobs are getting fewer and the a/c are getting bigger, but alot of us are over our peak and eventually we'll have to quit. If you're still serious get a subscription to Ag Air Update and imerse yourself in the business.
www.agairupdate.com
Good luck,
barryb

Count me in too. :ok:

Awwwwwww, what could it hurt. Sure be good to hang out with others whose hairs are all fallin' out and havin' weird appendeges growin' out of their backs and necks :} .

Oh, and TomOz, we don't have to be called Aggies do we? Over here in Texas that term takes on a WHOLE 'nother meaning. :8