Recently, there has been an increase in accidents involving agricultural aircraft operations.
We suggest the following actions to help improve safety in Aerial Application Operations:
- Focus on pre-flight decisions and assess hazards during takeoff, landing and during application e.g., terrain, trees, wire, and tower hazards.
- Conduct field reconnaissance prior to each application.
- Consider terrain, obstructions, and adjacent congested areas.
- Note application product, type, and quantity and compute weight and balance for each load.
- Assess current and forecast weather including wind and density altitude.
- Use the IMSAFE Checklist and consider any human factors that could compromise safety e.g., dehydration, fatigue, complacency etc.
- Be sure that your aircraft is airworthy and in compliance with all Airworthiness Directives, Service Bulletins, and required inspections.
- Continuing education and professionalism are keys to safe operations. Do your part to ensure competence, confidence, and safety.
- For more information consult your local agricultural aviation associations, FAASafety.gov, and the National Agricultural Aviation Association – an excellent resource for the aerial application industry.
Address comments or questions to john.w.steuernagle@faa.gov