What should a pilot conclude if smoke released from the aircraft barely rises, levels off, and moves slowly away from the target?

If smoke released from the aircraft barely rises, levels off, and then moves slowly away from the target, the pilot should conclude that treatment should be rescheduled. This observation indicates that the atmospheric conditions are likely unstable for effective application. When smoke does not rise and instead levels off, it suggests that there is insufficient air movement or turbulence to disperse the spray effectively. Such conditions can lead to ground drift, where the sprayed material does not reach the target area and instead moves away with the wind.

Rescheduling the treatment ensures that the application is done under optimal conditions, which would allow for better dispersion and coverage of the target area, ultimately leading to more effective pest control or crop management. Timing the application for a day with the appropriate weather conditions, such as increased thermal updrafts or better wind dispersal, increases the application efficiency and minimizes environmental impact.