An additional tool used in determining the BWC, is the AHAS, which provides
near real‐time information and provides predictions for areas that are
experiencing, and / or are expected to experience high levels of bird activity
during a 24‐ hour period. The Plan encourages the use of the AHAS for
predicting bird activity up to 24 hours in advance for aircraft operations,
especially for evening training activities.
U.S. Avian Hazard Advisory System
The USAHAS is a geographic information system‐based bird avoidance model
developed by the U.S. Air Force used for “analysis and correlation of bird
habitat, migration, and breeding characteristics, combined with key
environmental and man‐made geospatial data.” The model provides up to
date information – “near real‐time” – about bird activity and movements to
assist pilots and flight planners in the scheduling and use of flight routes. The
model can also be used as a forecasting tool to estimate bird strike risk.
Information from the North American Breeding Bird Survey, Audubon
Christmas Bird Count, bird refuge databases, and the U.S. Air Force Bird
Aircraft Strike database as well as public domain information regarding
landfill locations is used to formulate the bird activity and movement data.
The model is available for use by agencies and the general public, accessible
from the USAHAS website at http://www.usahas.com. The website allows
searches by MTR and MTR segment providing real‐time status of BASH risk
and hazard uses such as landfills, dams and golf courses.
Findings
The Dare County Land Use Plan does not acknowledge or
communicate the importance of coordinating with the military on
minimizing BASH hazards within the County.
Seymour Johnson’s BASH Plan provides measures of avoidance for
minimizing bird strike hazards, but does not include representatives
from local jurisdictions in identifying strategies for minimizing BASH
hazards.
Background Report
Page 5.21‐29