BASH: An Autumn Reminder

Flying Safety, Oct, 2001 by Gene Leboeuf

BIRD AIRCRAFT STRIKE HAZARD

October is already upon us. It is a time of fall colors, Halloween, cool weather and, for aviators, a time of bird migrations and other wildlife visitations. By now all bases with flying missions should have already had, or should have on their immediate schedule, their Bird Hazard Working Group (BHWG) meeting. The BHWG is the best opportunity for all the diverse groups who have anything to do on or near the airfield to sit across the table from one another to discuss plans that may affect flight operations. This could include any subject from construction projects planned by CE to the Golf Course manager's plans to keep geese away from his precious greens. If you are a tenant sharing the airfield with civilian operations, it's a good time to schedule a meeting with the host operations office to discuss protocol for dealing with wildlife hazards.

This is also the time to review personnel changes to identify any new recruits that may not be "up-to-speed" on BASH procedures. The middle of an assault from our feathered friends is no time to work out disconnects. Review office procedures; make sure everyone understands response protocols. Revisit Bird Watch Condition (BWC) codes (low moderate and severe) and who is responsible for changing the code those tasked with strike reporting should be familiar with the latest Safety Automated System (SAS) reporting. It is also wise to walk new employees through a good review of the airfield. Take them around the airfield to familiarize them with those areas frequented by birds and other wildlife.

A quick check of all appropriate equipment should be done at this time to make sure your gear is ready when the time comes to employ it. If you have propane cannons, inspect the hoses for dry rot. Inspect propane cylinders to make sure they are safe for use and full of gas. If any other devices are used, such as remote control aircraft, check to be sure they are functional and peripheral supplies are on hand.

Perform an inventory of your pyrotechnics. You should have a supply of 12 gauge "cracker shells," 15 mm pyrotechnics and a launcher. A good starting amount would be to have two boxes of cracker shells and 100 rounds each of racket bombs (screamers) and bird bangers. Remember that cracker shells are fired from a 12-gauge shotgun, so you must have access to one. There may be one assigned to the flight line, or you may have to check one out from the Security Forces Squadron armory. A single-shot gun is best, but a pump action will work; just remember the pump will require more intensive cleaning. If pyrotechnics are used, plan a trip out to the airfield for a currency check to assure those tasked to use pyrotechnics are familiar with proper use.

If lethal control methods are employed, you will need a federal depredation permit. Although these permits were suspended for a period of time for federal employees on federal lands, they are once again, required before shooting any migratory bird. A depredation permit may be obtained from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). Contact information for the FWS Regional office in your area may be found in AFPAM 91212, BASH Management Techniques. State permits for any non-migratory bird or resident animal, where applicable, may also be necessary but will vary by state. Remember: You must document why a depredation permit is necessary. In other words, you must try non-lethal techniques before applying for a depredation permit. You should only use lethal control methods after non-lethal techniques have been exhausted without achieving an acceptable level of safety.

With all the electronic products available from the BASH Team, it is worthwhile to refresh your memory on how to access these sites. Visit the Web site, and familiarize yourself with where to find information, from regulations to actual control techniques. Visit the Bird Avoidance Model for your airfield. By checking through the 26 two-week periods, you have a window into 30 years of historical data of when migratory birds come and go at your particular location. This information can be used when assigning your Phase 1 and 2 time periods. Our Avian Hazard Advisory System (AHAS) should now be up and running, covering the entire CONUS This on-line service provides bird activity predictions based on NEXRAD weather radar on a near real-time schedule.

If you follow this list of checks and reviews, you should be ready for this year's migratory season. Being prepared will always make for a safe, professional operation. Just keep in mind that wildlife hazard management is not a perfect science, and persistence is an absolute necessity. The best program is one that is flexible and functional. Remember this, too. Even the best program may result in a BWC warning to pilots that now is not the time to fly. We cannot eliminate the wildlife in and around the airfield but by being prepared and vigilant we can reduce the hazard.