What must be ensured regarding crew members before they participate in aerial pesticide applications?

Before crew members participate in aerial pesticide applications, it is critical to ensure that they are well rested and operationally fit. This condition is essential for maintaining safety and effectiveness in aerial operations. Fatigue can significantly impair judgment, reaction times, and overall performance, which can lead to accidents or mishaps during pesticide application. An operationally fit crew is better equipped to handle unexpected situations, execute plans efficiently, and ensure compliance with safety protocols. Thus, the emphasis on crew members being well rested and fit is a foundational aspect of both safety and effectiveness in aerial pesticide applications.

Previous aerial experience or comprehensive knowledge of pesticides are valuable, but they do not address the immediate need for maintaining crew alertness and physical readiness. Certification in air traffic control is unrelated to the direct responsibilities involved in conducting aerial pesticide applications and is not necessary for crew members directly operating the aircraft.