AIM Text
- The most serious strikes are those involving ingestion into an engine (turboprops and turbine jet engines) or windshield strikes. These strikes can result in emergency situations requiring prompt action by the pilot.
- Engine ingestions may result in sudden loss of power or engine failure. Review engine out procedures, especially when operating from airports with known bird hazards or when operating near high bird concentrations.
- Windshield strikes have resulted in pilots experiencing confusion, disorientation, loss of communications, and aircraft control problems. Pilots are encouraged to review their emergency procedures before flying in these areas.
- When encountering birds en route, climb to avoid collision, because birds in flocks generally distribute themselves downward, with lead birds being at the highest altitude.
- Avoid overflight of known areas of bird concentration and flying at low altitudes during bird migration. Charted wildlife refuges and other natural areas contain unusually high local concentration of birds which may create a hazard to aircraft.
Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 7-5-2.
The short answer
This AIM section is FAA advisory guidance on reducing bird strike risk. It explains that engine ingestion and windshield strikes are most serious, advises reviewing engine-out and emergency procedures, and recommends climbing to avoid encountered birds since flocks distribute downward. Pilots should avoid overflying known bird concentrations and low-altitude flight during migration.
Research Notes
Common Questions
Should a pilot climb or descend to avoid a flock of birds?
The AIM advises pilots to climb to avoid collision when encountering birds en route, because birds in flocks generally distribute themselves downward, with lead birds being at the highest altitude.
Which bird strikes are considered the most serious?
Per this advisory section, the most serious strikes involve ingestion into an engine (turboprops and turbine jet engines) or windshield strikes. Engine ingestions may cause sudden power loss or engine failure; windshield strikes have caused confusion, disorientation, loss of communications, and control problems.
How can pilots reduce exposure to bird hazards?
The AIM encourages reviewing engine-out and emergency procedures before flying near bird hazards, avoiding overflight of known areas of bird concentration, and avoiding low-altitude flight during migration. Charted wildlife refuges and natural areas hold unusually high local bird concentrations.