Migration season is the increase bird strike reason Published Sept. 10, 2015 By Maj. Erica J. Weaver Air Force Safety Center Public Affairs KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Fall is just around the corner. It won't be long before we see migratory flocks of birds heading south to warmer weather. This can be a major concern to aircrew and airfield managers because bird migrations increase the risk of bird strikes. Monthly trends recorded by the Air Force Safety Center's Aviation Safety Division from 1995-2014 indicate that the number of strikes generally increases from about 7,500 in July to more than 11,000 in September and October. The Air Force reported a total of 108,670 strikes costing more than $932 million from 1995 to 2014. BASH Most Costly Species Posters In 2014, there were 4,289 bird strikes reported, resulting in more than $55 million in damages. One incident alone with an HH-60 cost the lives of four aircrew members and a loss of a $41 million aircraft. The preponderance of bird strikes are caused by smaller birds, such as perching birds, Horned Larks, and American Mourning Doves. Between 1995 and 2014, these specific birds were responsible for 9,452 strikes costing more than $32.7 million in damage. Larger-bodied birds such as Canada Geese, however, tend to cause more damage to aircraft. In the same period from 1995-2014 there were 55 reported Canadian Geese bird strikes, costing more than $80 million in aircraft damage. Statistics show that the majority of bird strikes occur below 3,000 feet above ground level (AGL), and typically during takeoff, landing, and while in the pattern. Flight operations around airfields account for 42.5 percent of all reported strikes and 49 percent of all damage costs. They also tend to be heaviest from 10 a.m. to noon and 8 to 11 p.m. which accounts for 28 percent of all bird strikes. "Bird movements and timing fluctuate year to year, based on climate change, weather, and wildlife behavior," said Dan Sullivan, acting chief of the AFSEC Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Safety Hazard (BASH) Team. "We track these variations and manage a mitigation program to help prevent mishaps and preserve combat capability." The AFSEC BASH team provides Air Force installation safety offices technical assistance in control techniques, habitat management, coordination with outside agencies, and objective bird strike data analysis. There are several valuable tools available to aid aircrews in understanding the migratory patterns and activity of birds. Helpful web-based programs include the Aviation Hazard Advisory System (AHAS) and Bird Avoidance Model (BAM).