AIM ¶ 11-8-6 — UAS Environmental Best Practices
AIM 11-8-6 covers UAS environmental best practices: protected conservation areas, noise-sensitive zones, bird attacks, and engine-out planning for drone pilots.
In Plain English
AIM 11-8-6 outlines environmental best practices for UAS operators. Because drones typically fly at low altitudes, they encounter wildlife, noise, and conservation hazards more often than manned aircraft. Note this guidance is advisory, not regulatory.
Key considerations:
- Protected Conservation Areas: Misused UAS can harm wildlife. Check the B4UFLY mobile app for conservation airspace restrictions.
- Noise-Sensitive Areas: Plan flight paths to avoid prolonged or repetitive low-altitude flight where noise interferes with normal use of the area (per FAA Order 1050.1).
- Federal Lands: Follow best practices from the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, and NOAA when flying above their administered areas.
- Bird Attacks: Raptors (hawks, eagles, falcons), as well as gulls, geese, and crows, may attack UAS near nesting or hunting grounds. Strikes can damage propellers and cause sudden power loss or engine failure.
Operators should review engine-out procedures when flying near high bird concentrations to ensure a safe outcome if attacked or struck.
AIM Source Text
FAA AIM ¶ 11-8-611-8-6. 11-8-6. Environmental Best Practices
Unmanned aircraft operate in a similar environment to manned aircraft. Since most UAS operations are conducted at low altitude, hazards, risks and potential environment factors may be encountered on a more frequent basis. In addition to the Bird Hazards, Flight over National Refuges, Parks, and Forests, the following factors must also be considered: Flight Near Protected Conservation Areas. UAS, if misused, can have devastating impacts on protected wildlife. UAS operators may check for conservation area airspace restrictions on the B4UFLY mobile app. Flight(s) Near Noise Sensitive Areas. Consider the following: UAS operations and flight paths should be planned to avoid prolonged or repetitive flight at low altitude near noise sensitive areas. As described in FAA Order 1050.1, Environmental Impact: Policies and Procedures, an area is “noise sensitive” if noise interferes with any normal activities associated with the area's use. REFERENCE- FAA Order 1050.1, Environmental Impact: Policies and Procedures. To the extent consistent with FAA safety requirements, operators should observe best practices developed by the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration when operating above areas administered by those agencies. The National Park Service provides additional guidance at their Unmanned Aircraft Systems website. NOTE- The National Park Service, Unmanned Aircraft Systems website may be viewed at: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/sound/uas.htm . Some bird species have shown the potential to attack UAS that approach their nesting and hunting areas too closely. The type of birds that are most likely to attack sUAS are raptors such as hawks, eagles, and falcons. However, gulls, geese, and crows have also been known to attack UAS. Aggressive bird attacks may damage UAS propellers or other critical equipment, and may result in sudden loss of power or engine failure. Remote pilots and recreational flyers should consider reviewing engine-out procedures, especially when operating near high bird concentrations.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1What environmental factors should a UAS pilot consider before flight near protected or sensitive areas?
Per AIM 11-8-6, operators should consider conservation area airspace restrictions (checkable via the B4UFLY app), avoid prolonged or repetitive low flight near noise-sensitive areas as defined in FAA Order 1050.1, and observe best practices published by the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, and NOAA when operating over their lands.
Q2Which bird species are most likely to attack a small UAS, and why does it matter?
Per AIM 11-8-6, raptors such as hawks, eagles, and falcons are most likely to attack sUAS, though gulls, geese, and crows have also been known to do so. Aggressive attacks can damage propellers or critical equipment and cause sudden power loss or engine failure, so pilots should review engine-out procedures when operating near high bird concentrations.
Q3How is a 'noise sensitive area' defined for UAS operations?
Per AIM 11-8-6, referencing FAA Order 1050.1 (Environmental Impact: Policies and Procedures), an area is 'noise sensitive' if noise interferes with any normal activities associated with the area's use. UAS flight paths should be planned to avoid prolonged or repetitive low-altitude flight near such areas.
Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 11