Using aircraft is a fast and efficient way of spreading pesticides that
causes no damage to soils or crops. Speed can be important in this business
because certain pests and infestations can spread through entire crops in
days.
This method of aerial distribution is also used for seeding rice and wheat,
fighting forest and grass fires and controlling mosquito populations.
In 1921, John A. Macready loaded a plane with lead arsenate and flew over
trees in Ohio that were infected with moth larvae. He released the dust, helped
save the trees, and began a long history of using aircraft to apply pesticides
and fertilizers to crops.
Crop sprayers must be excellent pilots with great coordination and concentration.
While they are flying over fields, in either airplanes or helicopters, they
must also follow instrumentation to maintain accurate positioning.
They must be aware of wind speed, be able to start and stop sprays, and
watch for obstacles such as high wires and buildings.
Plus, crop sprayers often don't have accessible runways. That makes landing
and takeoff more difficult.
Crop sprayers are licensed pilots who have training in pesticide application.
They can work for others or run their own crop-dusting business.
Crop sprayers can only fly when weather conditions are good and there is
no wind. "That means you can have to wait out the rain for a few days, or
you might work long hours to get a job done," says Donald Wander. He is a
crop sprayer in Minnesota.
In busy seasons, crop sprayers may work long hours. But they may not work
at all during the winter.
Flying doesn't take much physical strength. But it can be mentally stressful,
especially during landing and takeoff. Pilots must be in good physical condition,
have 20-20 eyesight with or without glasses and have good hearing.
Crop sprayers may be exposed to toxic chemicals. Special precautions may
need to be taken.