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Wildlife Hazard Advisories

AIM ¶ 7-5-5 — Wildlife Hazard Advisories

AIM 7-5-5 explains pilot advisories for bird and wildlife hazards at airports. Learn how deer and other animals create runway risks for pilots.

In Plain English

AIM 7-5-5 addresses the growing hazard of large animals — like deer — on or near airport runways. These collisions are increasing and aren't just a rural problem; they've occurred at major airports too.

Key points to know:

  • Airports often publish wildlife hazard information through the Chart Supplement and the NOTAM system. Always check both during preflight planning.
  • When advisories warn of wildlife presence, pilots must exercise extreme caution during takeoff and landing.
  • If you spot deer or other large animals near movement areas (runways and taxiways), report it promptly to FSS, the tower, or airport management.

Operationally, this means scanning the runway environment carefully on short final and during taxi, especially at dusk, dawn, and night when wildlife is most active. A go-around is always the safer choice if you see animals on or near the runway. Reporting sightings helps protect the next pilot inbound. Remember, the AIM is informational — this is recommended practice, but solid airmanship demands you take wildlife threats seriously.

AIM Source Text
FAA AIM ¶ 7-5-5
7-5-5. 7-5-5. Pilot Advisories on Bird and Other Wildlife Hazards Many airports advise pilots of other wildlife hazards caused by large animals on the runway through the Chart Supplement and the NOTAM system. Collisions of landing and departing aircraft and animals on the runway are increasing and are not limited to rural airports. These accidents have also occurred at several major airports. Pilots should exercise extreme caution when warned of the presence of wildlife on and in the vicinity of airports. If you observe deer or other large animals in close proximity to movement areas, advise the FSS, tower, or airport management.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1Where can pilots find information about wildlife hazards at an airport?
Per AIM 7-5-5, many airports advise pilots of wildlife hazards through the Chart Supplement and the NOTAM system.
Q2If you observe deer or other large animals near the runway, what action should you take?
Per AIM 7-5-5, if you observe deer or other large animals in close proximity to movement areas, you should advise the FSS, tower, or airport management.
Q3Are wildlife strikes only a concern at rural or small airports?
No. Per AIM 7-5-5, collisions between aircraft and animals on the runway are increasing and are not limited to rural airports — they have also occurred at several major airports, so pilots should exercise extreme caution whenever warned of wildlife presence.
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
7-5-4
Bird Strike Reporting
7-5-6
Flights Over National Parks
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AIM 7-5-5 — Wildlife Hazards on Runways