First and foremost , the Air Force uses an avian detection radar system called MERLIN which aids aircrew and personnel to recognize when there are an abundant of birds and waterfowl in the DCR area . The MERLIN radar system has a confidence level in detecting bird activity within four nautical miles ( NM ) of DCR and up to 20,000 feet AGL . Using MERLIN , the military is able to establish a warning system which advises pilots in real time of local bird conditions . The following classifications and descriptions for bird activity are used and executed by MERLIN :
LOW : No restrictions
MODERATE : Flights will avoid Moderate reported areas by + 300 feet or 2 NM laterally .
SEVERE : Flights will avoid Severe reported areas by + 500 feet . Lateral deconfliction is not authorized .
When MERLIN indicates bird activity is severe , the top of the severe area ( that altitude ) must be avoided by 500 feet vertically . However , if bird activity is low while MERLIN is active , then the altitude restrictions revert to the DOD guidance .
When MERLIN is not operational , pilots follow a different set of altitudes and guidelines for executing their training :
5.4.3.1 LOW : No restrictions on low‐level flight . Aircrew will constantly assess bird activity during low altitude flying and adjust profiles to mitigate bird strike potential .
5.4.3.2 MODERATE : Flights may plan / fly at 500 feet AGL . For non TF flights , the maximum airspeed is 400C ( 480C from IP to target only ). For TF flights , the maximum airspeed is the greater of 400C or 420G ( 480C IP to target only ). For FTU syllabus training using TF , 450G will be
permitted when necessary to achieve re Aircrew will constantly assess bird activ altitude flying and adjust profiles to mit potential .
5.4.3.3 SEVERE : Flights are restricted to feet AGL . If this places the flight outside route structure , fly the appropriate VFR altitudes and slow to airspeeds IAW AF
When bird activity is categorized as Severe and pilots must maintain an altitude of 4,500 feet A flight out of the low‐level MTR structure . Conve of MERLIN and during low risk conditions of bird altitude flight restrictions other than those requ
Department of Defense Noise Working G Bulletin – Effects of Aircraft Overflights The Department of Defense Noise Working Gro technical bulletins on the effects of noise on wi including domestic fowl . In the DNWG ’ s Techni December 2013 , the DOD identifies that aircraf “ panic ” reactions in “ naïve ” domestic fowl . The fatal . However , in all the literature reviewed , th where domestic fowl died due to claims from a very small percentage ( one percent or less ) in c of other types of birds and domestic fowl that h noise . It should be noted that it is very rare tha kill domestic fowl ; rather it tends to be a combi management practices , health of the birds that
Background Report