Pilot Training - Agricultural Ratings Training

News Flash

Monday 20th  of July 2009
Congratulations to Mark Tilyard who has successfully completed his agricultural rating

Training FAQs

What is an agricultural rating?

If you hold a current agricultural rating it allows you to apply chemicals and solid materials onto farm land etc, through the use of a spray system or bucket, provided you are supervised by a chief pilot until you become Grade 1 Certified

What do I need before I start?

You will need at least 200 hours flight time and at least 100 hours being pilot in command. You will also need a pilot chemical rating through an approved provider.

What’s involved?

For a Grade 2 agricultural rating you will need a total of 76 hours (74 hours if you already hold a current rating on the appropriate type).

This includes:

• Intermediate training 8 hours dual & 6 hours solo
• Advanced training 25 hours dual & 6 hours solo
• Complete a course of theory and ground instruction
• All solo flying must be completed under direct supervision

Why get an agricultural rating?

Agricultural aviation offers an exiting career option for motivated pilots who enjoy the challenge of highly demanding yet fun flying. At the moment the future is looking very good
for agricultural aviation with a major shortage of experienced, qualified pilots.

What’s on offer at Heli A1?

If you are looking to expand your career options, look no further. With Davin’s total flight time approaching 9,000 hours and nearly all on agricultural operations - you can be sure that you will be trained to the highest standards and will have the best available start to your
career in agricultural aviation. We specialise in agricultural training so maximum focus is on you. At Heli A1 we offer a professional yet fun atmosphere with lots of room to study and learn. Heli A1 has the major benefit of being an active agricultural helicopter company, this means you will see first hand the exciting but high expectations and skill level required working in this challenging environment. We frequently have other operators and industry members visiting which could possibly lead to future employment and at the very least getting you noticed in the aviation community.

The helicopter

For the majority of flight training we use the Hughes 269C (300) helicopter. This is because it is an honest, hard working machine and provides students the best opportunity for fast progress and further ensures safe transition into other possibly larger turbine machines. The Hughes 300 is highly regarded in the agricultural aviation industry. Don’t worry if you don’t have a Hughes 300 rating we can do this for you before commencing your agricultural rating.

Accommodation

Heli A1 offers free onsite accommodation to all students while undertaking an agricultural rating with us. The accommodation is about 20 metres away from the hanger and the heli-pad.

It includes:

• One bedroom with a double bed
• TV with channels 1, 2, 3 and 4
• Shower, toilet and basin
• Kitchen with oven, microwave, fridge and cooking equipment
• Washing machine and dryer

You must supply your own meals, bedding and towels etc.

Fees

Onsite accommodation is included with all agricultural ratings. 
 
NB: Cost includes one set of agricultural rating notes, flight tests and licence issue fees. The duration of each course in an approximation only, due to weather delays and student/teacher availability.