AIM ¶ 7-5-2 — Bird Strike Risk Reduction
AIM 7-5-2 explains how pilots can reduce bird strike risks: climb to avoid flocks, review engine-out procedures, and avoid wildlife refuges at low altitude.
In Plain English
AIM 7-5-2 addresses how pilots can reduce the risk and consequences of bird strikes, the most serious of which involve engine ingestion or windshield strikes.
- Engine ingestion (especially in turboprops and turbojets) can cause sudden power loss or engine failure. Review engine-out procedures before flying near known bird hazard areas.
- Windshield strikes can cause pilot confusion, disorientation, loss of communications, and aircraft control issues. Review emergency procedures before flight in high-risk areas.
- When encountering birds en route, climb to avoid collision. Birds in flocks distribute themselves downward, with lead birds at the highest altitude — diving could put you deeper into the flock.
- Avoid overflight of known bird concentration areas and avoid low altitudes during bird migration.
- Charted wildlife refuges and natural areas often contain unusually high bird concentrations, creating a hazard to aircraft.
This is recommended guidance, not a regulatory requirement, but understanding bird behavior is critical operational knowledge for any pilot, especially when operating from airports with known bird hazards.
AIM Source Text
FAA AIM ¶ 7-5-27-5-2. 7-5-2. Reducing Bird Strike Risks
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.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1If you encounter a flock of birds en route, should you climb or descend to avoid them, and why?
Per AIM 7-5-2, you should climb to avoid collision. Birds in flocks generally distribute themselves downward, with the lead birds at the highest altitude, so climbing is the safest avoidance maneuver.
Q2What are the two most serious types of bird strikes, and what consequences can each cause?
Per AIM 7-5-2, the most serious strikes involve engine ingestion (in turboprops and turbojets), which can cause sudden loss of power or engine failure, and windshield strikes, which have resulted in pilot confusion, disorientation, loss of communications, and aircraft control problems.
Q3What areas should pilots avoid to reduce bird strike risk, and what preparation is recommended before flying near them?
Per AIM 7-5-2, pilots should avoid overflight of known bird concentration areas, charted wildlife refuges, and low-altitude flight during bird migration. Before flying in these areas, pilots are encouraged to review their emergency procedures, including engine-out procedures.
Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 7