Which type of equipment is most commonly used for aerial application?

The most commonly used equipment for aerial application is fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. These types of aircraft are specifically designed for efficient and effective pesticide and fertilizer distribution over large agricultural areas.

Fixed-wing aircraft are particularly favored because of their speed and ability to cover wide swathes of land in a short amount of time. They can carry substantial payloads, which allows for the application of large quantities of agricultural products in one flight, enhancing productivity in farming operations.

Helicopters, on the other hand, offer versatility and precision. They can hover and maneuver more easily than fixed-wing aircraft, making them ideal for applying materials in locations that may be hard to reach or require targeted treatment, such as around obstacles or in uneven terrain.

In contrast, while hot-air balloons and drones are increasingly being explored for various agricultural purposes, they are not the conventional choice for large-scale aerial application due to limitations in flight capacity and operational range. Similarly, tractors and ATVs are primarily ground-based equipment and not used for aerial application at all. Gliders and blimps are not practical for the type of rapid and widespread application often needed in modern agriculture, making fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters the clear choice for aerial application needs.