10 Mar 2010

Top dressing pilots look at environmental standards

8:15 am on 10 March 2010

Top dressing pilots are being asked what the sector can do to raise its environmental standards.

The Agricultural Aviation Association is touring the country and meeting members.

One of the main areas being looked at is spray drift, when dangerous chemicals damage crops.

The association's executive officer, John Maber, says there is s no environmental regulation in the industry at present, and the cost of joining the voluntary accreditation programme deters many operators.

Mr Maber says the association is also asking whether new rules could be included in Civil Aviation Authority policy.

It held the first of 10 meetings around the country last week.