Understanding the FAA’s Wildlife Hazard Management Rules for Pilots
For any pilot, whether flying a single-engine personal aircraft or a twin-piston corporate plane, safety is paramount. A significant, yet often underestimated, threat to aviation safety is wildlife. Bird strikes and other wildlife encounters can cause substantial damage to aircraft, lead to engine failure, and, in severe cases, result in tragic accidents. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has established comprehensive rules and guidelines for wildlife hazard management to mitigate these risks. Understanding these regulations and your role as a pilot is crucial for safe operations.
THE GROWING THREAT OF WILDLIFE STRIKES
Wildlife strikes, particularly bird strikes, have been a persistent challenge in aviation for decades. The FAA estimates that thousands of wildlife strikes occur annually in the United States, with the majority involving birds. While many incidents result in minor damage, some can have catastrophic consequences. The potential for engine ingestion, windshield penetration, or control surface damage underscores the severity of this hazard. As human populations expand and wildlife habitats shift, the interface between aircraft and animals becomes increasingly complex, making effective wildlife management more vital than ever.
FAA REGULATIONS AND AIRPORT RESPONSIBILITIES
The FAA’s regulations regarding wildlife hazard management are primarily outlined in 14 CFR Part 139, specifically Section 139.337, which pertains to certified airports. While these rules directly govern airport operators, they indirectly impact every pilot flying in and out of those airfields. Under these regulations, airports are required to take immediate action to alleviate detected wildlife hazards.
Furthermore, if certain events occur – such as multiple wildlife strikes, substantial damage from a strike, engine ingestion, or the observation of wildlife capable of causing such events – a comprehensive wildlife hazard assessment (WHA) must be conducted. This assessment, performed by a qualified wildlife damage management biologist, identifies species, numbers, locations, and attractants on and near the airport. The WHA then informs the development of a wildlife hazard management plan (WHMP), which outlines specific measures to alleviate or eliminate identified hazards. These measures can include habitat modification (e.g., removing attractants like standing water or certain vegetation), repellent and harassment techniques, and even wildlife removal, all with appropriate permits.
As a pilot, it’s reassuring to know that certified airports are actively working to minimize wildlife risks. When you choose an airport, you are, in essence, trusting that they uphold these rigorous standards. This commitment from airport operators, driven by FAA oversight, creates a consistent framework for safety across the national airspace system, providing a layer of protection that pilots can rely on.
PILOT RESPONSIBILITIES AND PROACTIVE MEASURES
While airports bear the primary responsibility for wildlife management on their premises, pilots play a critical role in the overall safety ecosystem. Your vigilance and adherence to best practices can significantly reduce the likelihood of a wildlife encounter.
REPORTING WILDLIFE STRIKES
One of the most important responsibilities for pilots is reporting any wildlife strike, regardless of the severity of damage or injury. The FAA relies heavily on this data to understand strike patterns, identify high-risk areas, and develop more effective mitigation strategies. The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) also strongly encourages reporting all wildlife strikes, even near misses. This data collection is vital; it’s difficult to manage a problem that isn’t accurately defined. You can report strikes using FAA Form 5200-7, “Bird and Other Wildlife Strike Report,” or by submitting data online through the FAA’s Wildlife Strike Database. Your prompt and accurate reporting contributes to a broader understanding of the wildlife hazard problem, benefiting the entire aviation community. Just as a pilot consistently follows checklists, consistently reporting wildlife encounters demonstrates a commitment to aviation safety that benefits everyone.
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS AND AVOIDANCE
Beyond reporting, proactive situational awareness is crucial. Before each flight, review NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) for any reported wildlife activity at your departure, destination, and alternate airports. Many airports also advise pilots of wildlife hazards through the Chart Supplement.
During flight, especially during takeoff and landing phases where aircraft are at lower altitudes and speeds, maintain a vigilant lookout for birds and other animals. Remember that birds often congregate near water bodies, open fields, and areas with food sources, so be extra cautious when flying over or near such environments.
Consider these tactical measures:
- Altitude: When possible, climb to higher altitudes when en route, as birds generally distribute themselves downward, with lead birds at higher altitudes. Ducks and geese, for instance, are frequently observed up to 7,000 feet AGL.
- Airspeed: Keep departure airspeed at or below 250 knots at altitudes below 10,000 feet. The kinetic energy of a bird increases significantly with airspeed, meaning a strike at 300 knots will be far more impactful than one at 250 knots.
- Avoidance: Avoid overflying known areas of bird concentration, such as charted wildlife refuges, national parks, and other natural areas, particularly during migration seasons.
- Communication: If you observe birds or other animals on or near the runway or in the airport vicinity, immediately advise Air Traffic Control (ATC) or airport management. Provide details such as geographic location, wildlife type, approximate numbers, altitude, and direction of flight path.
TRAINING AND PREPAREDNESS
While no pilot wants to experience a wildlife strike, being prepared for such an event is essential. Review your aircraft’s emergency procedures, especially those related to engine failure, power loss, and windshield strikes. Engine ingestions can lead to sudden power loss, while windshield strikes can cause disorientation and control issues. Knowing your emergency checklists thoroughly can make all the difference in a critical situation. This preparedness is a testament to the authority and responsibility pilots embrace with every flight.
YOUR PARTNER IN AVIATION MAINTENANCE: THE AERO CENTER
Even with the best precautions, incidents can occur. When they do, rapid and reliable maintenance is critical to getting you back in the air safely. The Aero Center specializes in single-engine and twin-piston aircraft maintenance and is proud to be the only 24/7 maintenance center in the region. This unique selling proposition means significantly reduced aircraft downtime for our clients across California, Arizona, and Nevada. We understand the importance of having your aircraft operational, whether for business or leisure. Our commitment to prompt, high-quality service ensures that even after an unforeseen wildlife encounter, your aircraft receives the expert attention it needs to return to service swiftly and safely.
The Aero Center is located at William J. Fox Airfield KWJF | Lancaster, CA. Contact us at 209.885.6950 for questions or appointments.
Footnotes:
1 Federal Aviation Administration. (n.d.). Wildlife Hazard Mitigation. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/airports/airport_safety/wildlife
2 Law.Cornell.Edu. (n.d.). 14 CFR § 139.337 – Wildlife hazard management. Retrieved from https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/139.337
3 National Business Aviation Association. (n.d.). Wildlife Strike Response. Retrieved from https://nbaa.org/aircraft-operations/safety/in-flight-safety/wildlife-strike-response/
4 Federal Aviation Administration. (n.d.). Bird Hazards and Flight Over National Refuges, Parks, and Forests. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap7_section_5.html