Which application pattern is effective in avoiding flying through spray from a previous swath?

The race track pattern is effective in avoiding flying through spray from a previous swath because it allows the pilot to maintain a consistent, predictable flight path. In this pattern, the aircraft moves in a rectangular or oval shape, which facilitates clear demarcation between swaths. This approach minimizes the risk of overlap, as the pilot can clearly see where they have already sprayed and where they need to spray next.

By following a race track pattern, the aerial applicator can ensure that they are moving in a continuous loop rather than backtracking over areas that have already been treated. This not only helps in avoiding re-exposing the same area to spray, which can be wasteful and may lead to environmental issues, but also enhances the operational efficiency of the application process.

In contrast, other patterns might lead to unintentional overlaps, increasing the chance of flying through previously sprayed areas. For example, a circle pattern may lead to confusion about the swath boundaries, while diagonal and horizontal patterns might not provide the same level of visual clarity and could complicate the application process. Thus, the race track pattern is fundamentally designed to ensure a streamlined and effective aerial application while reducing the likelihood of re-spraying areas already treated.