Which is the most important weather-related factor for a pilot when making a decision on load size at a short satellite strip?

The most important weather-related factor for a pilot when deciding on load size at a short satellite strip is temperature. This is due to several reasons.

Temperature affects the density of the air, which in turn influences aircraft performance. As temperature increases, the air becomes less dense, leading to a reduction in lift generated by the aircraft's wings. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as "density altitude." Higher density altitude means that the aircraft will require a longer takeoff distance and will have reduced climbing performance, which is particularly critical when operating from short strips.

Furthermore, temperature can impact the performance of the crop protection products being applied. For instance, some products have specific temperature ranges within which they operate effectively. If the temperature is too high or too low, it could affect the efficacy of the application, making temperature a key consideration in determining an appropriate load size.

In contrast, while wind speed, humidity, and precipitation also play roles in aerial application, they do not have the same direct and critical impact on the aircraft’s load capability and overall safety during takeoff from a short strip under varying thermal conditions. Wind can affect flight stability and drift, humidity influences droplet formation and evaporation rates, and precipitation can compromise visibility and flying conditions, but none of these factors