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Brutal honest! I hope you don't have a family you want to support because this is not the place to make money. You won't be able to get life insurance in case and it happens alot. There is little if any healtlh insurance, retirement plans, or sick days off. There are only a few places that use alot of Ag aircraft Northern California and the Southern states, do you happen to live in one of those areas? Second most Ag drivers have their A&P certificates to supplement their income working on the aircrat they fly and most of them are young. They fly during the summer months and mechanic work in the off season. This is a tough life.
I have only meet one pilot Southwest Airlines that worked his way up from Ag to ATP captain flying. I have to admit Ag flying is fun, but doesn't pay well. During the season you would be flying before sun up to dusk long hours, 7-days a week and lots of accidents. I have had to pick up a few bodies over the years because of weight and balance, engine failure and mostly piot error issues.
Not knowing how many years you have in the government system I would suggest keeping your government position fly on the side until you retire then you will have something to fall back on.
Having said all that not suggesting you shouldn't follow your dreams, I would visit several Ag shops. Here in Northern California there are several located in the Stockton, CA area that covers the Sacramento valley. They operate Ag Cats to CE-182's to helicopters. I have one in Willits, CA and he flies in Washington state during the summer season and work on aircraft during the winter. I would be more than happy to put you in contact with them for some first hand experience.
Denny of Oakland
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