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Agricultural Pilot

Tasks include:

• consulting with customers about the chemicals or fertiliser to be used
• inspecting the area to be sprayed
• calculating the amount of chemicals or fertiliser required
• checking that the customer has warned any parties that may be affected by the spraying
• co-ordinating work schedules with the ground support staff
• studying weather forecasts
• refuelling and doing safety checks before take-off
• flying the aeroplane or helicopter
• keeping a record of flight times and the chemicals or fertilisers used
• ensuring the aeroplane or helicopter is maintained.

Skills and knowledge

Agricultural pilots need to have:

• excellent flying skills
• knowledge of flight theory and flight planning
• skill in interpreting flight plans and navigation data
• knowledge of types of farming, and the chemicals and fertilisers they use
• an understanding of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act and the Resource Management Act
• understanding of civil aviation laws
• communication skills
• planning, decision making and record keeping skills
• an understanding of air and water quality plans and industry codes of practice.

Personal qualities

You must be responsible, calm, confident and alert and able to:

• think logically
• work well under pressure
• make good, quick judgments
• concentrate for long periods
• follow procedures
• adapt to different situations
• get along with a wide variety of people.

Career Progression

Agricultural pilots may go into different areas of flying, such as tourism, search and rescue or flying instruction, or they may work on oil rigs. They can also go into senior positions or start their own business.