What action should a pilot take if they notice off-target application during spraying?

When a pilot observes off-target application during spraying, the most responsible action is to cease application immediately. This is critical for several reasons.

First and foremost, off-target application can lead to unintended environmental damage and could potentially harm non-target crops, wildlife, or waterways. By stopping the application, the pilot minimizes the risk of causing these harmful effects.

Additionally, ceasing application allows the pilot to assess the situation carefully. They can examine factors such as wind direction, spray pattern, and equipment functionality. Once the cause of the off-target application is understood, the pilot can then determine a more appropriate course of action that ensures compliance with regulations and safety protocols.

In contrast, continuing to spray or adjusting nozzles without stopping first could exacerbate the problem. Increasing flying height could result in a wider spray drift and increase the risk of off-target applications, compounding potential issues. Therefore, the correct and safest response when noticing off-target application is to cease spraying immediately.