UA.V.B.K7: Avoiding bird and wildlife hazards and reporting collisions between aircraft and wildlife.

ACS Area V — Operations Task B: Airport Operations References: ACAdvisory CircularCloseFAA guidance that explains acceptable ways to comply with rules or understand FAA procedures. 107-2, 150/5200-32; AIMAeronautical Information ManualCloseFAA operational guidance and glossary material used to understand aviation procedures and terminology.; FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.-H-8083-25; FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.-G-8082-22

Key Concepts

Risk Patterns: When and Where Wildlife Hazards Peak

• Migration seasons amplify risk. Expect elevated bird strike potential during March–April and August–November. Plan conservatively in these windows, especially near known flyways and water sources that attract flocks.^[8]
• Altitude matters. Over 90 percent of reported bird strikes occur at or below 3,000 feet AGLAbove Ground LevelCloseAltitude measured above the ground directly below the aircraft., but high‑altitude encounters do happen during migration. Ducks and geese are frequently observed up to 7,000 feet AGLAbove Ground LevelCloseAltitude measured above the ground directly below the aircraft.. Even if you’re operating at low altitudes, assume birds may be present—particularly large waterfowl—and adjust routes and loitering altitudes accordingly. Minimize en route flying at lower altitudes during migration when practical. Species presenting the greatest hazard because of size, abundance, or flocking behavior include gulls, waterfowl, and vultures.^[8]

Airport Environment: Avoidance, Advisories, and Communications

• Treat wildlife advisories as operationally significant. Many airports publish wildlife hazard information in the Chart Supplement U.S. and via NOTAMsNotice to Airmen / Notice to Air MissionsCloseOfficial notice about temporary conditions, hazards, or changes that can affect a flight.. These hazards are not limited to rural airports; collisions with animals on runways have occurred at major airports as well. When warned of wildlife presence on or near an airport, exercise extreme caution and be prepared to alter your plan—delay, divert, or reposition—to maintain safety margins.^[4]
• Request wildlife dispersal before takeoff if needed. If you observe birds or other animals on or near a runway or movement area, ask airport management to disperse them before operations. Also notify the nearest ATCAir Traffic ControlCloseThe system that manages controlled airspace, traffic flow, and aircraft separation services. facility (ARTCCAir Route Traffic Control CenterCloseAn ATC facility that manages en route traffic over a large region.), FSSFlight Service StationCloseFAA-certified briefing support for weather, NOTAMs, and flight information., or control tower (including non‑Federal towers) about large flocks so other air traffic can be alerted. Provide: geographic location, bird type (e.g., geese, ducks, gulls), approximate numbers, altitude, and direction of flight.^[4]
• Maintain situational awareness on CTAFCommon Traffic Advisory FrequencyCloseThe frequency pilots use to self-announce near many non-towered airports./FSSFlight Service StationCloseFAA-certified briefing support for weather, NOTAMs, and flight information. near airports. Aircraft conducting operations other than arriving/departing at altitudes normally used by those operations should monitor/communicate on the appropriate frequency while within 10 miles of the airport, unless otherwise required by regulation or local procedure. When using a CTAFCommon Traffic Advisory FrequencyCloseThe frequency pilots use to self-announce near many non-towered airports. FSSFlight Service StationCloseFAA-certified briefing support for weather, NOTAMs, and flight information., establish two‑way communications and, inbound, initiate contact about 10 miles out with identification/type, altitude, relative position, intentions, and weather possession; request an advisory or airport information service. Departing aircraft should establish contact before taxiing. This enhances traffic and hazard visibility, including timely wildlife reports.^[5]

Strike and Activity Reporting: What, How, and Why It Matters

• File FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes. Form 5200‑7 after any bird or wildlife strike. Pilots are urged to report strikes using FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes. Form 5200‑7, Bird/Other Wildlife Strike Report (available at FSSs, FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes. Regional Offices, or online). These reports support national safety efforts—data inform standards and airport habitat management to reduce future risks. Prompt, accurate reporting improves trend analysis and mitigation effectiveness.^[4]
• Report significant wildlife activity even without a strike. Large flocks, repeated bird crossings along a departure path, or mammals on or near movement areas warrant immediate notification to ATCAir Traffic ControlCloseThe system that manages controlled airspace, traffic flow, and aircraft separation services./FSSFlight Service StationCloseFAA-certified briefing support for weather, NOTAMs, and flight information./airport management using the same key details (location, species/type, numbers, altitude, direction). Early reports enable real‑time advisories to other pilots and allow airports to deploy dispersal measures.^[4]

Special Conservation Areas: Operational Constraints

• Know the access rules for refuges, parks, and forest lands. Landing of aircraft is prohibited on lands or waters administered by the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or U.S. Forest Service without authorization from the responsible agency; exceptions include emergency landings beyond the pilot’s control. These areas often contain concentrated wildlife populations—exercise additional vigilance for bird hazards in their vicinity.^[4]