Bird Strike Committee Proceedings
Date of this Version
August 2001
Abstract
The German Military Geophysical Office (GMGO) issues BIRDTAM (Bird Warning to Airman) on the basis of current bird observations in order to reduce bird strike danger during low-level military missions. BIRDTAM force pilots to avoid or leave airspaces with high bird densities at the specific time period, therefore reducing bird strike danger significantly. However, BIRDTAM are depending on the actual observation of bird movements, are issued often unexpectedly, disturb the flight missions and can only display the risk situation with a validity of about 2 or 4 hours in advance. In order to be aware of possible bird related restrictions air staff and pilots need a forecast of bird strike risk for an at least 24 hour period, so that missions can scheduled under consideration of probable bird hazard avoidance aspects.