What action should a pilot take if they suspect a temperature inversion during application?

When a pilot suspects a temperature inversion during an aerial application, postponing the application is the most prudent course of action. During a temperature inversion, warmer air traps cooler air at the surface, leading to unstable conditions that can cause pesticide droplets to remain suspended and drift unpredictably. This can result in insufficient coverage of the target area and increase the risk of drift to non-target areas, potentially impacting sensitive crops or the environment.

Postponing the application ensures that the conditions are more favorable for effective delivery and management of sprayed materials, optimizing the application’s efficacy and safety. It allows the pilot to wait for conditions to improve, ensuring that the application can be carried out using best practices that comply with regulatory guidelines and safety standards. Thus, recognizing and reacting appropriately to atmospheric conditions like a temperature inversion is crucial for successful aerial application.