John Reece Jackson was one of the rising stars in the first class of the Ag Pilot Apprentices in Delta State University’s (DSU) Aerial Applicator Pilot Certification Program. Jackson, now a flight operator who flew corn runs in Idaho this past summer, earned both his instrument and commercial ratings as well as his commercial pilot’s license while in the program. Additionally, beyond Basic Ag Pilot Training, he also received training in Turbine Transition, Advanced Turbine, GPS Guidance System, Light Bar, and Flying in the Wire and Obstruction Environment for Agricultural Operators.
DSU’s Aerial Applicator Pilot Certification Program was established through the Agricultural Aircraft Operations Career Pathway, a $2 million federal earmark procured specifically for this program by U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith to address the critical need for Ag Pilots in Mississippi and throughout the United States to meet the world’s demand for food, fiber, and biofuel. This initial earmark opened the door to state and federal grants, including a grant of $351,937 from the Mississippi Apprenticeship Program in Program Year 2023.
First year Ag Pilots can earn up to $75,000 due to high demand for pilots. And possession of a certificate from the DSU program drastically reduces insurance rates for pilots and their employers, making these graduate pilots even more desirable to aerial applicator
businesses.
Jackson is flying high and living his dream! His next goal is to earn a certified flight instructor (CFI/CFII) certificate so he can become an educator in aviation.
