Application of plant protection products by helicopter in Germany (legislation,requirements, guidelines,use in vineyards and forests,drift)1

In Germany, application of plant protection products by helicopter is only common in steep-sloped vineyards and in forests, where the use of conventional sprayers is nearly impossible. Because environment pollution, especially drift, is much higher than with ground equipment, the use of helicopters is subject to plant protection legislation as well as to air traffic regulations. BBA guidelines have been developed for application of plant protection products with aircraft. Each air-borne application must be based on a contract respecting these guidelines and must be reported to the proper authorities and announced to the public. The working airfields must be properly equipped and applications may only be performed under authorized weather conditions. The equipment of the aircraft must fulfil standards, especially for the spray tanks, the spray boom and the control devices, and so must the service stations on the ground.