Speed of application

• Reduce pest effect on the crop

• Cover large areas in a short time

Access wet or undulating land

• Control pests soon after rain

• Save wear and tear on your equipment

• No digging out bogged tractors

• No churning up the crop or paddock

Prevent damage by wheel tracks

• Reduce yield loss through crop (can be up to 5% by using ground application)

• No disease transfer

• Eliminate soil compaction

• Prevent wheel track erosion

Improved efficacy

• Good coverage

• Targeted penetration

• No wheel dust to reduce effectiveness

Trained applicators do the job

• All pilots licenced, trained, experienced

• Professional risk management, planning and records

Reduced exposure to weather variations

• Able to take greater advantage of short weather windows

• Less need to be spraying in poor conditions

Better cost control

• Aerial supplies its own fuel as part of the price

• No need to remove or replace irrigation rotabucks

• Free yourself and your staff from sitting on the tractor or ground rig

The application, the agronomist and the client share a triangle of responsibilities. Without open communication the risks of the job - flying safely, chemical efficacy, drift reduction-are simply not being well managed.
Operators and AAAA often run education days for clients and agronomists, so talk to your applicator if you would like to learn more about getting the most from aerial application.

Because quality farming demands:

• Quick crop coverage

• No soil compaction, disease transfer or crop trampling

• Modern, well maintained equipment

• Good control of your time and capital

• Accurate GPS applications

• Trained, licensed and accredited contractors

• Latest technology and best practice

Plan ahead-book in early

• Most aircraft are busy when you need them i.e. wet weather, pest outbreak

• Drift considerations may mean waiting for a certain wind

Do a risk assessment

• Read the label and check the legal rates

• Check neighbouring areas for susceptible crops and hazards

• Notify neighbours, staff members and other contractors

Use the aircraft regularly

• Ensures they remain viable and will be there when you need them

• Gives you experience using them

• A regular client always gets preferential service

Keep up to date with aerial application technology

• Keep in contact with your aerial operator

• Visit their base and ask their advice

• Give feedback on their work, both good and bad

• Use operators who are AAAA members

• Use operators who are Spraysafe Accredited

Help us save you money

• Have a good airstrip close to the job to reduce ferry costs

• Provide good water if needed

• Don't insist on high water rates if they are not needed-ask your applicator and check the label

Aerial applicators cannot perform a spray job without first attaining the following:

• A CASA Commercial Pilots Licence

• A CASA Agricultural Rating

• State chemical distribution licence (both pilots and operators)

• An Air Operators Certificate permitting aerial agriculture

Water Rates

More is not necessarily better! More water costs more monay and may not necessarily be an improvement.

Understand what you are requesting and why-let science work for you rather than guesswork. Talk to your operator and check minimum water rates on label.

Efficacy and Drift

Smaller droplets can often aid coverage, but they can also require more care for drift management.

All equipment produces drift-including ground equipment.

Aerial applicators are trained and experienced in setting up their equipment for maximum efficacy and minimum drift. Describe your needs to your operator and work with them to get the best result.

The Spraysafe program has been running since 1985, ensuring a high standard of ongoing education for AAAA members that promotes safe, effective and competent operations.

Spraysafe operators must meet stringent guidelines including a full inspection of their facilities. Spraysafe pilots have a comprehensive knowledge of industry-related issues and practices.

If you want a professional job based on good science and training, then use a Spraysafe accredited operator.

This information is from the "What you need to know, AERIAL APPLICATION"
brochure provided by the Aerial Agricultural Association of Australia

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