FAA Seeks Public Comment on Wildlife Strikes

The proposed advisory circular reduces the minimum acceptable size for reporting animal collisions.

Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 11:37 AM ET

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When it comes to bird strikes, authorities want to know what kind of animal was hit and where the collision took place, including the altitude. [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

The article highlights the common uncertainty pilots face regarding reporting procedures after a wildlife aircraft strike, as illustrated by a personal encounter with a red-tailed hawk.
The FAA is seeking public comment on Draft Advisory Circular (AC) 150/5200-32C, which aims to clarify and update guidelines for reporting collisions between aircraft and wildlife.
Proposed changes in the AC include lowering the minimum acceptable size for reporting strikes (to 1 pound for most animals), introducing guidelines for reporting multiple small animals, and phasing out mail-in reporting in favor of electronic submissions.
The updated reporting system seeks to collect detailed data, such as animal type, altitude, and location, to help the FAA evaluate risks, track wildlife patterns, and enhance aviation safety.

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“Uh-oh!”

This is not a phrase you want to hear in an airplane, but that was what the learner said when we encountered the red-tailed hawk on downwind. Before myself or the learner could react, the bird, flapping wildly and heading toward us belly first, struck the Cessna 172 on the left side of the windscreen where it meets the wing. A shudder went through the airplane as the bird—or what was left of it—tumbled over the aircraft.