Bird Strike Prevention Exam

ADVANCE FLYING ACADEMY

Bird Strike Prevention Exam

The Bird Strike Prevention Exam evaluates your knowledge of bird strike risks, preventive measures, and protocols for handling incidents involving wildlife during flight operations. Understanding these principles is critical for pilots, air traffic controllers, and ground operations staff to ensure the safety of aircraft and passengers. Below is a detailed study guide.

Key Topics to Study

1. Understanding Bird Strikes

Definition:
A collision between an aircraft and a bird or flock of birds during any phase of flight.
Common Occurrence Phases:
- Takeoff
- Landing
- Low-altitude flight
Impacts on Aircraft:
- Damage to engines, wings, windshields, or control surfaces.
- Potential for catastrophic failure, especially with engine ingestion.

2. High-Risk Factors for Bird Strikes

Environmental Factors:
- Proximity to wetlands, landfills, and wildlife reserves.
- Seasonal bird migration patterns.
Aircraft-Related Factors:
- Low-altitude operations.
- Propeller- or jet-driven aircraft, which can attract birds due to noise.
Time of Day:
- Higher risk during dawn and dusk when birds are more active.

3. Bird Strike Prevention Strategies

Airport Wildlife Management Programs:
- Habitat modification to make airport areas less attractive to birds (e.g., grass height control, water drainage).
- Use of wildlife deterrents such as pyrotechnics, lasers, or trained falcons.
Radar and Detection Systems:
- Avian radar systems for real-time detection and tracking of bird activity.
- Automated alerts to pilots and air traffic controllers.
Flight Planning:
- Adjusting flight paths to avoid known bird migration routes or areas with high bird activity.
- Scheduling flights to avoid peak bird activity times when possible.

4. In-Flight Bird Strike Management

Recognition of a Bird Strike:
- Immediate signs: Engine vibration, loss of thrust, or windshield impact.
- Indicators: Unusual sounds, alarms, or visible bird remains.
Immediate Actions:
- Maintain control of the aircraft (Aviate).
- Assess the extent of the damage (Navigate).
- Communicate with ATC and declare an emergency if needed.
Engine Failure Protocols (if ingestion occurs):
- Follow emergency procedures for single or multiple engine failure.
- Execute a safe landing at the nearest suitable airport.

5. Post-Bird Strike Actions

Landing and Inspection:
- Conduct an immediate landing if the aircraft's integrity is compromised.
- Aircraft inspection for damage, including engine borescope inspections.
Reporting the Incident:
- Notify authorities (e.g., FAA, ICAO, local wildlife agencies).
- File a Bird Strike Report to help improve safety databases.

6. Bird Strike Mitigation Technologies

Aircraft Design Features:
- Reinforced windshields and engine components to withstand bird impacts.
Lighting Systems:
- Pulsing lights to deter birds from approaching aircraft.
Bioacoustics:
- Sound systems that mimic predator calls to scare birds away from flight paths.

7. Regulatory and Operational Guidelines

Regulations:
- ICAO and FAA guidelines on wildlife hazard management.
- Requirements for airport wildlife hazard assessments.
Training:
- Regular training for pilots and ground crews on bird strike response protocols.
- Wildlife management certifications for airport staff.

Sample Questions

Multiple Choice:
During which phase of flight are bird strikes most likely to occur?
- A. Cruise
- B. Takeoff and landing
- C. Climb above 30,000 feet
- D. Descent at high altitudes
(Correct Answer: B - Takeoff and landing)
Scenario Question:
While climbing out after takeoff, you experience a bird strike that causes engine vibration. What steps should you take immediately, and how would you communicate with ATC?
True/False:
Avian radar systems can detect and track bird activity to warn pilots of potential hazards.
(Correct Answer: True)
Practical Problem:
You are a wildlife hazard management officer at an airport. Outline a plan to reduce bird activity around the airport perimeter using both passive and active deterrents.
Fill-in-the-Blank:
After a bird strike, pilots must file a __________ report to help aviation authorities track and manage bird strike data.
(Correct Answer: Bird Strike Report)

Study Tips

Familiarize Yourself with Local Wildlife:
- Learn about bird species common to your airport's area and their behavior patterns.
Review Aircraft Damage Reports:
- Understand how bird strikes impact different parts of the aircraft.
Practice Emergency Scenarios:
- Simulate bird strike scenarios in flight simulators to practice decision-making and recovery.
Study Wildlife Deterrent Methods:
- Learn about the tools and techniques airports use to manage wildlife hazards.
Analyze Case Studies:
- Review notable bird strike incidents (e.g., US Airways Flight 1549) to understand real-world applications of prevention and response.