# Bird Strike Risk

> Risks associated with bird strikes and mitigation strategies.

- **Subject:** 070 — Operational Procedures
- **Section:** 071-02 — Special Operational Procedures and Hazards (General Aspects)
- **Topic code:** 071-02-03
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-04-01
- **Author:** Pablo Asensio Martínez
- **HTML version:** https://pilotsyllabus.com/en/operational-procedures/special-operational-procedures-and-hazards-general-aspects/bird-strike-risk/

---

## Risk Factors
*   **Altitude**: 90% of bird strikes occur below 3,000 ft AGL. Greatest risk during Take-off and Landing.
*   **Season**: Higher risk during migration periods (Spring/Autumn).
*   **Time of Day**: Higher risk around dawn and dusk.
*   **Location**: Landfills, water bodies, and grass areas near airports attract birds.

## Impact Physics

![F16 after bird strike](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/de/F16_after_bird_strike.jpg)

The energy of the impact is proportional to the mass of the bird and the **square of the speed**.
$$ E_k = \frac{1}{2} m v^2 $$
Doubling the speed quadruples the impact energy. Below 10,000 ft, speed is restricted to 250 kt to reduce impact severity (among other reasons).

## Pilot Actions
*   **Avoidance**: Delay take-off or landing if bird activity is reported.
*   **Reporting**: Pilots must report bird strikes or significant bird activity to ATC.
*   **After Strike**: Monitor engine parameters (vibration, EGT, N1/N2). If handling allows, climb to safe altitude before assessing damage.

---

Free study notes from pilotsyllabus.com. Not a substitute for training at an approved ATO.