Reporting Bird and Other Wildlife Activities — AIM 7-5-4

AIM Text

If you observe birds or other animals on or near the runway, request airport management to disperse the wildlife before taking off. Also contact the nearest FAA ARTCC, FSS, or tower (including non-Federal towers) regarding large flocks of birds and report the:

Geographic location.
Bird type (geese, ducks, gulls, etc.).
Approximate numbers.
Altitude.
Direction of bird flight path.

Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 7-5-4.

Research Notes

AIM 7-5-4 covers VFR in Congested Areas — operational considerations when flying VFR in busy traffic areas.

What 'congested' typically means: Major metropolitan areas — Los Angeles Basin, NY/NJ, DC, Chicago, etc. High volume of VFR traffic, complex airspace, multiple airports, departure/arrival corridors.

Risk factors:

Mid-air collision potential
Complex airspace navigation
Frequency confusion / saturation
Wake turbulence from heavy traffic

Best practices:

Use flight following whenever available
Monitor multiple comm frequencies (primary + UNICOM/CTAF + 121.5)
Use ADS-B In for traffic awareness
Use published VFR transitions through Class B (where charted)
Scan continuously

Reference: § 91.113 (right-of-way); AIM 7-5-4.

7-5-4. Reporting Bird and Other Wildlife Activities

AIM Text

Research Notes

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