How much does a crop duster airplane cost?

Piston ag planes start at $30K for older Piper Pawnee or Cessna Ag Wagon models. A used Grumman Ag-Cat runs $50K-$120K. Turbine ag aircraft: Air Tractor AT-402 ($200K-$400K), AT-502 ($300K-$600K), AT-802 ($600K-$1.5M). Thrush 510P runs $250K-$500K. New Air Tractor AT-802A lists at $1.5M-$2M+.

How much does it cost to operate a crop duster?

Piston ag aircraft: $150-$250/hr operating costs. Turbine ag aircraft: $400-$800/hr including fuel (40-60 gal/hr), engine reserves, and maintenance. Chemical costs ($5-$15/acre) are separate. A productive turbine ag operation can spray 400-800 acres per day. Annual revenue for a well-run operation is $200K-$600K with operating costs of $100K-$300K.

Do I need a special license for crop dusting?

Yes — commercial aerial application requires a commercial pilot certificate with agricultural aircraft operations privileges. You also need a Part 137 Agricultural Aircraft Operator Certificate from the FAA. Most operators start with 250-500 hours of ag-specific training including low-level flying, spray techniques, GPS guidance, and chemical handling safety.

What is the best ag aircraft to buy?

The Air Tractor AT-502B is the workhorse of modern aerial application — 500-gal hopper, PT6A-34AG engine, excellent visibility, and strong resale value. For larger operations, the AT-802 carries 800 gallons and handles the heaviest loads. For budget-conscious operators, a used Thrush 510P or Grumman Ag-Cat offers reliable performance at lower acquisition cost.

Is crop dusting still profitable?

Yes — aerial application remains profitable with growing demand for precision agriculture. GPS-guided spraying, variable-rate application, and drone integration are modernizing the industry. An experienced operator with a turbine ag aircraft can gross $200K-$500K in a 6-month season. Start-up costs (aircraft, equipment, Part 137 certificate) run $300K-$800K.