What is a disadvantage of using high airspeeds during aerial application?

Using high airspeeds during aerial application can lead to reduced effectiveness due to drift. When an aircraft travels at high speeds, the force of the wind can carry pesticide particles away from the target area, resulting in a less concentrated application on the intended site. This drift can lead to unintended pesticide exposure to non-target areas, which not only decreases the effectiveness of the application but can also cause environmental issues and affect nearby crops or wildlife.

In contrast, improved coverage is generally associated with lower airspeeds, as a slower application allows for more precise targeting. Increased pesticide retention is also typically better achieved at lower speeds where the pesticide has a better chance of settling onto the intended surface rather than being carried away by the wind. Lastly, while thinking about operational costs, higher speeds often require more fuel and can increase wear and tear on the aircraft, potentially leading to higher rather than lower operational costs. Therefore, drift is a significant concern that can undermine the very goals of aerial application tasks.