Mandatory Record Keeping

For those holding an aerial applicator business license or an RPA applicator business license (which may also involve the pilot or remote pilot), it is essential to maintain a comprehensive record each time an aircraft is utilized for pesticide application. This record should be created promptly, within 48 hours after the application, and retained for a period of 3 years. Upon request, a copy of the record must be provided to the landowner or occupier.

The record must encompass the following details:

• Name and address of the pilot or remote pilot.
• Product name and active constituents of each pesticide used.
• Date and time of application, including start and end times.
• Aircraft registration mark or RPA unit serial number.
• Description of the application method, including equipment, weather conditions (like wind speed and direction), and any temperature inversion occurrence during application.
• Description of the treated land, including address, specific paddock/part, and application order for each area.
• Crop description or usage scenario (e.g., fallow land).
• Pesticide application rate and total quantity used.
• Landowner or occupier's name, address, and contact details.
• Any additional record-keeping specifics specified by their EPA applicator license conditions, stipulated in a relevant pesticide control order, or mandated by the pesticide label.
• Records can be maintained in various formats, and certain systems are available within the aerial application industry. To acquire more details, contact the Aerial Application Association of Australia.

It is mandatory to present these records to an authorized EPA officer upon request. Penalties are applicable if record-keeping does not adhere to the Pesticides Regulation 2017 requirements.