How does a pilot's altitude influence the effectiveness of aerial pesticide application?

The effectiveness of aerial pesticide application is significantly influenced by the altitude at which the aircraft operates. Pilots flying at lower altitudes can achieve better application efficiency because they are closer to the target area. This proximity minimizes the potential for drift, which is the unintended movement of pesticide droplets away from the intended application site, often caused by wind or turbulence. Lower altitudes help ensure that the droplets land on the intended crops or fields rather than being carried off by the wind.

Conversely, flying at higher altitudes tends to increase the likelihood of drift. At greater heights, the droplets have longer distances to fall and are more susceptible to being affected by air currents. As a result, this can lead to a larger percentage of the pesticide being dispersed away from the target area, reducing the overall effectiveness of the application. Therefore, lower altitudes are typically preferred to minimize drift and enhance the accuracy of pesticide dispensing.