What is the best time to schedule difficult aerial application jobs?

Scheduling difficult aerial application jobs for the first flight of the day is optimal due to several factors. In the early morning, environmental conditions tend to be more stable, with less thermal activity compared to later in the day. This stability minimizes turbulence, which can complicate precise application and affect the dispersion of the product being used. Additionally, early morning typically sees lower wind speeds, allowing for better accuracy and coverage, reducing the risk of drift.

Air temperature in the morning is also generally cooler; this can influence the viscosity of the chemicals in the applicator, ensuring they flow more easily and evenly. This timeframe allows aerial applicators to take full advantage of these favorable conditions, leading to more effective and efficient application with reduced environmental impact. Furthermore, there is often less air traffic in the early morning hours, which enhances safety and operational efficiency.

Choosing other times, such as mid-afternoon or during lunch breaks, often presents increased challenges due to higher temperatures and wind speeds, leading to potential drift issues and complicated application processes. Late evenings can present visibility challenges, as reduced light can affect both the pilot's ability to see and the effectiveness of the application due to lower temperatures and possible dew formation on the target plants. Thus, the first flight of the day stands out