To avoid headwinds or tailwinds affecting application volume, you should fly:

Flying crosswind or at a 45-degree angle to the wind is the most effective approach to minimize the impact of headwinds and tailwinds on application volume. When flying directly into or against the wind, the aircraft can experience variations in speed that may lead to inaccurate application rates, particularly if the aircraft’s ground speed is affected by wind conditions. This method helps ensure that the chemical application remains consistent and reliable across the targeted area.

By flying crosswind or at an angle, the pilot can maintain a more consistent ground speed relative to the application area, effectively evening out the variances that headwinds or tailwinds might cause in the distribution of the material being applied. This technique promotes better control and uniformity in application, ultimately leading to improved efficacy of the treatment.

Additionally, other flying configurations, such as strictly flying into or against the wind, could result in significant variations in the effective swath width, inadvertently leading to over-application or under-application of materials on the target area. Flying crosswind or at a slight angle mitigates these risks while allowing for a more stable flight profile during application.