Bird strike and ground-wildlife hazards
Birds: in-flight collision hazard, worst at low altitude (TC AIM AIR 2.4).
Bird altitudes (AIR 2.4.1):
| Bird flight | Altitude |
|---|---|
| Most birds | Below 500 ft |
| Migration | Commonly 2,500 to 3,000 ft |
| Extreme cases | As high as 20,000 ft |
Strike risk:
- Take-off and landing: highest rate of wildlife strikes and damage. En route also reports bird-strike damage (AIR 2.4.1).
- Damage rises with speed. Avoid low altitude when possible (AIR 2.4.1).
- Certified airports: wildlife managed by a plan. Risk rises in spring and autumn migrations. Monitor ATIS for wildlife hazard (AGA 1.1.5).
Ground wildlife: low flying endangers wildlife and farm animals on the ground, separate from aircraft strike (AIR 2.4.1).
Trap: assuming bird risk ends above 500 ft. Migrating birds fly at 2,500 to 3,000 ft, in extreme cases as high as 20,000 ft.
References
- TC AIM AIR 2.4
- TC AIM AIR 2.4.1
- TC AIM AGA 1.1.5