What is a common safety risk associated with aerial application?

Aerial application involves flying low and often at high speeds over agricultural fields, which presents various safety risks. One significant risk is the potential for collision with obstacles during flight. These obstacles can include power lines, trees, buildings, and even other aircraft. The low-altitude nature of aerial application makes it imperative for pilots to maintain heightened awareness of their surroundings to avoid such collisions.

When flying at low altitudes, especially in environments with variable terrain, the pilot's ability to assess the immediate vicinity is critical. It's essential for pilots to be trained to navigate safely, identifying potential hazards and executing appropriate maneuvers to bypass them. This aspect of safety is a primary concern, as collisions can lead to severe accidents, risking the lives of the pilot and ground personnel, as well as damage to the aircraft and surrounding property.

The other options, while relevant to safety in other contexts, do not specifically address the most pressing and immediate risk that aerial application pilots face as they conduct their operations.