4 minute read
COVID-19 Please Go Away!
FROM THE COCKPIT
by Bill Lavender
by Bill LavenderIf you are like me, you have had about enough of these social distancing and sanitizing efforts over the past few weeks. But, that doesn’t change anything, does it? We can tire of it as much as we want, the threat still remains, albeit less, hopefully.
This month’s cover story is about aerial spraying for the COVID-19 virus by two ag-aviation companies in South America. These companies have taken unprecedented steps to help thwart the virus. They, separately, did this by making aerial applications over the city of Santa Cruz, Chile and the Mendoza International Airport in Argentina. The article details how the operators went about the applications, products used and other important aspects of treating the virus by air.
Some may scoff at the idea an ag-plane can kill the virus. After reading the article, you will realize efforts were not made to eradicate the virus, but to help reduce the amount of virus present in the areas sprayed. As one of the operators stated when interviewed by AgAir Update, “Surely, killing any of the virus is a good thing.” That was the point of the operations, to assist with those on the ground and inside structures with reducing the virus’ pressure from outside.
My last sentence in the article asked, “Why hasn’t this type of application been addressed in the U.S. and other parts of the world?” Does it seem that far-fetched? I believe it is in the presentation to the public. It is not unlike aerial spraying of mosquitoes that doesn’t eradicate the mosquito. But, aerial spraying of mosquitoes does help those spraying on the ground and making efforts to control mosquito breeding grounds. This could be true with aerial spraying a disinfectant for the virus.
Already China (if you can believe anything coming from China) is using drones to treat areas for the virus. Will our industry allow this potential bonanza in aerial applications taken from us by drones?
In the article, the Chilean operator treated 600 hectares (1,500 acres) with an application rate of 30 liters/hectare (3 gal/ac) in 3.5 hours, 0700-1030. How long would it take a drone to undertake such a project? Even more important, drones now that tout their ability to spray are doing so with ULV applications, which wouldn’t have worked in the Chilean operation. The spraying made in Chile was LV, low volume, with water as a carrier and no adjuvants. Even so, the 200-micron droplets displayed a coverage of 15-20 droplets per square centimeter. That’s a space of less than 0.5 inch by 0.5 inch. Darn good coverage. Only time will tell if that is enough. This application done ULV by a drone that uses water for the carrier would most likely evaporate within a few feet of exiting the nozzle/atomizer.
By now, you should have received your AgAir Update COVID-19 Best Practices poster. All AgAir Update subscribers were mailed these effective posters to be displayed at their operations. I would like to thank AgAir Update’s contributing columnist, Dr. Stan Musick, an FAA Designated Senior Aviation Medical Examiner. Many of you know him from his presentations at various state trade shows. Dr. Stan is not only a practicing physician but also an active SEAT and spray pilot. He knows our industry well. Also, he is available for aviation medical exams. Give him a call.
COVID-19 poster in the workplace is potentially avoiding being blamed for negligence by an employee, infected or not. This is kind of like when a lawyer once told me about running off trespassers fishing in a lake that I’m associated with; “Without a No Trespassing sign, the trespasser can deny knowing fishing in that lake would be considered trespassing.” I put out the sign.
It is the middle of April as I write this editorial for AgAir Update’s May edition. There is already talk of easing restrictions for the virus. I’m not sure how that will work until there is a vaccine. However, all ag-operators that I have communicated with, worldwide, are conducting business as usual. This includes suppliers to the industry.
AgAir Update sent all its subscribers a special COVID-19 Status Report email at the beginning of April. It contained a list of allied industries that provided a status report about how they are doing business. All that submitted were still serving the industry with sales and services. This list is dynamic in that it is updated daily on AgAir Update’s website. You can visit: www.agairupdate.com/agricultural-aviationindustry-covid-19-update/ to view the list. It’s on the Home Page. Our industry is very fortunate to be able to continue “business as usual” during this pandemic. Everyone should take extra steps to be safe, not only flying but avoiding catching the virus. Obviously, an infection would be a set back for the company.
Until next month, Keep Turning
