Who should not participate in aerial application operations when experiencing high levels of what?

High levels of stress can significantly impair a person's ability to make sound judgments and respond effectively during aerial application operations. Aerial applicators must maintain a high level of focus and calmness to operate aircraft safely and efficiently, as well as to make quick decisions in potentially challenging situations. Stress can lead to distractions, decreased situational awareness, and hindered reaction times, all of which are critical for ensuring safety in aerial application work.

While fatigue, excitement, and happiness can also influence performance, it is stress specifically that has a more pronounced negative impact on the cognitive processes that are necessary for high-risk tasks such as aerial application. Stress can result from external pressures, such as weather conditions or time constraints, making it vital for aerial applicators to be in a stable mental state to ensure safety and effectiveness in their operations.