How close to a bird strike?

[Cluemeister]

One thing that has surprised me in training is how many times we've maneuvered away from birds. So my questions for you more experienced aviators:

1. How often do you have to take action to avoid birds?

2. Have you ever had a bird strike?

[FastEddieB]

To the best of my recollection, I was instructing in a C172 in S FL when we took out a buzzard. Hit near the right wing root and dented the skin. Even watched him spiral down to his demise.

I think - it was a LONG time ago.

Other than that, maybe a half dozen evasive maneuvers over the years.

[CharlieTango]

Flying my CT northbound near over the Mojave Dessert I passed through a gaggle of condors that were southbound. By the time I saw them they were passing me above, below, on the left and on the right. Closing speed looked like a million miles an hour. I had to leave collision avoidance totally up to the condors who took it all in stride.

[3Dreaming]

I don't ever remember taking evasive action. I have hit a few small birds during take off and landings but there was no damage, at least not to the airplane. For larger birds I try to make sure I am not going to fly directly under them, because I feel that is when you will most likely have a collision.

[MrMorden]

I make a turn or other maneuver to avoid birds if I see them in time, but lots of times I see them pretty late and they always seem to get out of the way or otherwise miss. They are usually just a little close, not an immediate hazard.

I only had one "almost strike" -- I was looking in the cabin in response to a question by my passenger (he is a pilot too). When I looke back out the windshield there was a huge crow *right* in front of the plane, closing fast. I issued an expletive beginning with the letter "F" and pushed pretty hard on the stick. The bird went over the top of the plane, a foot or so away. My buddy said "what happened??" and I replied "you almost won a free feather coat."

It must have missed the tail too, because there were no bird guts or dings on it when we landed.

[3Dreaming]

I make a turn or other maneuver to avoid birds if I see them in time, but lots of times I see them pretty late and they always seem to get out of the way or otherwise miss. They are usually just a little close, not an immediate hazard.

I only had one "almost strike" -- I was looking in the cabin in response to a question by my passenger (he is a pilot too). When I looke back out the windshield there was a huge crow *right* in front of the plane, closing fast. I issued an expletive beginning with the letter "F" and pushed pretty hard on the stick. The bird went over the top of the plane, a foot or so away. My buddy said "what happened??" and I replied "you almost won a free feather coat."

It must have missed the tail too, because there were no bird guts or dings on it when we landed.

I have always been taught that you should pull instead of push to avoid a bird if possible. A bird when spooked will fold up it's wings and dive. It is better to be above than below if that happens.

I do know someone who took a bird through the left side windshield in a Beech Baron. It happened at night, so there was no see and avoid. It happened while descending over the Mississippi river going into STL. He was pushing 190 kts when it happened, and thought the airplane was having a structural failure. The bird grazed his head and went all the way to the rear cabin bulkhead. He declared an emergency and landed safely, even though his glasses that he needs to see were covered in blood and laying in the seat next to him. It wasn't until he was on the ground that they figured out what had happened.

[MrMorden]

I have always been taught that you should pull instead of push to avoid a bird if possible. A bird when spooked will fold up it's wings and dive. It is better to be above than below if that happens.

Generally decent advice, but general. In this case the bird was in a line for the upper half of the windshield; if I'd pulled instead it would have gone right through the prop and the remains would probably hit my CT right in the radiator.

I chose "avoid impact" over "proper technique".

[3Dreaming]

Generally decent advice, but general. In this case the bird was in a line for the upper half of the windshield; if I'd pulled instead it would have gone right through the prop and the remains would probably hit my CT right in the radiator.

I chose "avoid impact" over "proper technique".

It might have went through the prop, but at this point we will never know for sure.

[dstclair]

I hit a bird early in my PP training right after take-off. Bird went through the prop unharmed (no bird residue on the prop) and smacked into the Warrior's windshield. Scared my CFI who was amazed there was no damage. I didn't know enough at the time understand what bad stuff could've happened. Nothing remotely close to this in the 25 years since.

[MrMorden]

It might have went through the prop, but at this point we will never know for sure.

Those of us who were there are pretty sure.

Why do you want to argue with me over something that had a good outcome? Would I have somehow "not hit the bird more" if I'd pitched down?

[MackAttack]

This is one of the bird strike reports that is amazing to me - Australian pilot took an eagle through the windscreen, into his face... injured, could barely see, and got down in one piece ...

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article ... creen.html

The pictures are crazy ... but the guy's dog seemed to be pretty calm!

Cheers!

[3Dreaming]

Why do you want to argue with me over something that had a good outcome? Would I have somehow "not hit the bird more" if I'd pitched down?

Andy, I was trying to use your incedent as a teaching point, and you replied with the statement and emocon, " I chose "avoid impact" over "proper technique". ". The way it came across just kind of rubbed me the way.
I'm glad the outcome was good.

[MrMorden]

Why do you want to argue with me over something that had a good outcome? Would I have somehow "not hit the bird more" if I'd pitched down?

Andy, I was trying to use your incedent as a teaching point, and you replied with the statement and emocon, " I chose "avoid impact" over "proper technique". ". The way it came across just kind of rubbed me the way.
I'm glad the outcome was good.

Sorry for that...that smiley was meant to mean I was NOT being confrontational. Just goes to show once again the internet is tone deaf!

It's all good. I think we all do what we need to do (or at least try to!) in a given situation.

[Cluemeister]

We have not had to do any abrupt maneuvers, but in my 35 hours we have definitely taken avoidance maneuvers a minimum of 3 times. It seemed like a lot, and that's why I asked.

[Flocker]

We have not had to do any abrupt maneuvers, but in my 35 hours we have definitely taken avoidance maneuvers a minimum of 3 times. It seemed like a lot, and that's why I asked.

Move the training area away from the bird sanctuary! I've only come close a few times. No evasion necessary.