Which of the following is a common risk during aerial pesticide application?

Pesticide drifting to non-target areas is recognized as a common risk during aerial pesticide application due to the nature of how pesticides are distributed from the air. Wind conditions, temperature inversions, and the physical properties of the pesticide can all contribute to drift. When pesticides are applied aerially, they are released from the aircraft, and particles can be carried away by wind, leading to unintended exposure of surrounding crops, wildlife, water sources, and other non-target areas. This not only raises environmental concerns but also can lead to legal and economic repercussions for applicators and farmers if drift results in damage to neighboring fields or properties.

While decreased visibility from ground fog, loss of altitude control, and increased fuel consumption can pose risks during aerial operations, they are not as directly related to the pesticide application process itself as drift is. Drift can occur regardless of flying conditions or aircraft performance, making it a particularly critical factor for applicators to manage effectively.