Safety has been and will continue to be the number one priority in aerial application. There are few occupations where an act of carelessness or neglect can have such serious results. Pilots must develop a heightened awareness of hazardous situations, and must always conduct operations in a safe and professional manner. Mixers, loaders, flaggers and other ground personnel must also be constantly aware of the potential hazards in working around and with aircraft.
Three questions must always be asked prior to the aerial application of any material.
Transport Canada regulations provide a number of exemptions for aerial applicators when they are conducting aerial application operations.
Applicators must maintain a minimum 2000 foot flying height and a 2000 foot distance from the developed edge of cities or towns unless under authorization from Transport Canada.
They must also maintain a reasonable distance from built-up areas such as acreage subdivisions (single farmsteads are not considered to be built up areas).
Aerial applicators are also allowed to fly over or under power lines and they are allowed to use roads as landing strips provided that someone is monitoring traffic.
Pesticides are stringently regulated in Canada to ensure they pose minimal risk to human health and the environment.
Construction of meteorological and other towers in rural areas is a concern to many in the aviation industry.
Avoiding exposure by the use of appropriate *protective clothing and equipment (PPE)*, and paying attention to personal hygiene by washing exposed parts of the body after work and before eating, smoking and toileting will minimize risk.