When traveling between the loading area and the application site, what altitude is recommended for an empty or full aircraft?

The recommended altitude of 500 feet above the surface for an aircraft when traveling between the loading area and the application site is based on safety and regulatory standards in aerial application practices. Flying at this altitude helps minimize the risk of collisions with obstacles such as trees, power lines, and structures that may be present in the aircraft's flight path. Moreover, it allows for sufficient clearance while still being low enough to efficiently reach the application area without excessive travel time, maintaining effective operational efficiency.

This altitude also aligns with common regulations and practices that allow for safe navigation and operation while avoiding unnecessarily high altitudes that could complicate the approach to the application site. Additionally, operating at this height helps ensure that any potential drift of the applied materials can be managed more effectively, keeping the application precise and minimizing the impact on non-target areas.