Flight engineers may become copilots within 2 to 7 years and captains within 5 to 15 years. Some pilots become check pilots, chief pilots, or self employed. A few pilots transfer to managerial jobs. Experienced pilots move up the seniority list and become eligible to bid for larger aircraft, more desirable schedules, routes, or their own home base. Promotional opportunities for Agricultural Pilots include advancing to managerial positions or purchasing their own aircraft to become independent contractors or pest control operators.
Most pilots find employment by contacting employers directly.
FAPA provides employment information and a computerized central application file to subscribers for an annual fee. The California Agricultural Aircraft Association aids Agricultural Pilots in finding employment. Additional Sources of Information Future Aviation Professionals of America 4959 Massachusetts Blvd. 190 Airline Pilots Association, International 1625 Massachusetts Ave.