An Analysis of Department of the Air Force Bird Strikes and Precipitation

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between precipitation, the amount of time between precipitation events, bird strike risk, and the agricultural zone related to Department of the Air Force (DAF) aircraft operations. Certain bird species demonstrated a relationship between agricultural zones, precipitation, and length of time after a precipitation event and when an aircraft strike occurred. The types and frequency of bird strikes depend highly on the region and species struck. The Poisson regression revealed Cathartiformes as significantly struck by the DAF aircraft more often and can be predicted based on agricultural zone and precipitation. A binary regression did not demonstrate a significance for total bird strike risk, most likely due to a skewing of strike count due to the number of Passerines struck. This study showed a predictive relationship between precipitation, agricultural zone, and bird strike count that can help improve wildlife hazard management.

Author

• Powell, Jason, MAS, CFMEI, ATP Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Keywords

• Bird/wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH)
• Bird Strike
• Weather influences on Bird Behavior
• Avian Hazard
• Risk Analysis
• Animal Studies
• Ornithology