Who is responsible for managing off-target pesticide drift during an aerial application?

The pilot is primarily responsible for managing off-target pesticide drift during an aerial application. This responsibility stems from the pilot's role in ensuring safe and precise application of pesticides, which involves understanding wind patterns, weather conditions, and the specific aerial application techniques needed to minimize drift. During the flight, the pilot must actively monitor external conditions, adjust flight paths, and manage the spraying equipment to ensure that the pesticides are deposited where they are intended, and to avoid unintended impacts on nearby areas.

The pilot's training and expertise are crucial in making real-time decisions that help mitigate risks associated with pesticide applications, thereby protecting non-target habitats, crops, and human populations from potential exposure. While other personnel, such as the ground crew and government regulators, may play supportive roles in the process, the pilot’s direct actions in the air are pivotal for managing drift effectively.