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Bird Strike Reporting

AIM ¶ 7-5-4 — Bird Strike Reporting

AIM 7-5-4 explains how pilots should report bird and wildlife hazards to ATC, FSS, or airport management. Key info to include for written and oral exams.

In Plain English

AIM 7-5-4 outlines the recommended procedures for pilots who encounter birds or other wildlife on or near airports and along flight routes. Wildlife strikes are a serious hazard, especially during takeoff, climb, approach, and landing, so timely reporting helps protect other aircraft.

If you see birds or animals on or near the runway, request airport management to disperse them before you depart. Don't try to take off through a flock — even small birds can damage engines, windscreens, and control surfaces.

When you observe large flocks of birds in flight, contact the nearest FAA ARTCC, FSS, or tower (including non-Federal towers) and report:

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

This is recommended practice under the AIM rather than a regulatory FAR mandate, but it's an expected airmanship responsibility and a frequent oral exam topic. Your PIREP-style report lets ATC pass the hazard along to other pilots through advisories and NOTAMs.

AIM Source Text
FAA AIM ¶ 7-5-4
7-5-4. 7-5-4. Reporting Bird and Other Wildlife Activities 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.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1If you see birds on the runway before takeoff, what does the AIM recommend you do?
Per AIM 7-5-4, you should request airport management to disperse the wildlife before taking off rather than attempting departure through the flock.
Q2Who should you contact when you observe a large flock of birds in flight, and what information should you provide?
Per AIM 7-5-4, contact the nearest FAA ARTCC, FSS, or tower (including non-Federal towers) and report the geographic location, bird type (geese, ducks, gulls, etc.), approximate numbers, altitude, and direction of the bird flight path.
Q3Is reporting bird activity a regulatory requirement?
No. AIM 7-5-4 is informational and provides a recommended practice for reporting bird and wildlife activity; it is not itself a FAR mandate, though it reflects expected airmanship and supports hazard advisories to other pilots.
Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 7
7-5-1
Migratory Bird Activity
7-5-2
Bird Strike Risk Reduction
7-5-3
Reporting Bird Strikes
7-5-5
Wildlife Hazard Advisories
7-5-6
Flights Over National Parks
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AIM 7-5-4 — Reporting Bird & Wildlife Activity