When is the best time to evaluate the pattern and determine the effective swath width of an aircraft?

Evaluating the pattern and determining the effective swath width of an aircraft is best conducted early in the morning. During this time, thermal activity tends to be lower, and atmospheric conditions are generally more stable, which allows for more accurate assessment of flight patterns and swath widths without interference from rising heat or shifting winds that can occur later in the day.

Morning conditions often provide a clearer visual context for observing the aircraft’s operation and the terrain being covered. As the day progresses, increasing heat can generate thermals, leading to turbulent air conditions that can affect both the aircraft's performance and the accuracy of the assessment.

Performing this evaluation at noon or late afternoon could introduce inaccuracies due to rising thermals and changing light conditions, while cloudy weather may obscure visibility and affect the effective swath due to diffuse lighting and less contrast, making it more challenging to observe the patterns clearly. Therefore, the early morning provides an optimal setting for this type of evaluation.