MEMORANDUM FOR A1 - Air Force E-Publishing

(Add) 7.3.1.5.6. Develop a Bird Hazard Warning System to inform aircrews of possible flight
hazards due to wildlife activity in local areas. Bird Watch Condition (BWC) codes will be used
to communicate local wildlife activity along with location, number and type of wildlife.
Installation BASH plans will specify aircrew notification procedures for BWC changes. The
most expeditious means of communicating the status change should be used, e.g., ATC or SOF
radio transmissions combined with ATIS updates or other broadcast medium. BWC codes are
defined as:
(Add) 7.3.1.5.6.1. SEVERE. Wildlife activity on or immediately above the active runway or
other specific location representing high potential for strikes. Supervision and aircrews must
thoroughly evaluate mission need before conducting operations in areas under condition
SEVERE.
(Add) 7.3.1.5.6.2. MODERATE. Wildlife activity near the active runway or other specific
location representing increased potential for strikes. BWC MODERATE requires increased
vigilance by all agencies and supervisors and caution by aircrews.
(Add) 7.3.1.5.6.3. LOW. Wildlife activity on and around the airfield representing low potential
for strikes.
NOTE: BWC codes are based on observations of local airfield wildlife activity and are
independent of Bird Avoidance Model (BAM) or Avian Hazard Advisory System (AHAS) risk
hazard levels.
NOTE: BWC SEVERE or MODERATE requires action from the installation’s wildlife
dispersal team to reduce the BWC to LOW as soon as possible.
(Add) 7.3.1.5.7. Designate Phase I and Phase II periods of wildlife activity based on historical
wildlife activity information. Phase II represents times of significant increases in local wildlife
activity, normally associated with migratory movements, seasonal increases of local wildlife
populations, or local land use practices (farming, ranching, or hunting). Establish flight and
scheduling procedures to minimize risks based on local hazards associated with Phase I and II.
Publish Phase I and II designations in the appropriate DoD Flight Information Publications.
Critical updates may be made using Notice to Airman System.
(Add) 7.3.1.5.8. Regardless of Phase designation, the highest levels of daily wildlife activity
normally occur +/- one hour of sunrise/sunset as birds move to and from their roosts. Flight
operations should be avoided during these periods unless mission essential. A risk analysis shall
be completed to determine the potential risk to operations during these periods. Appropriate
measures should be taken to mitigate the risk if required. Maintain a zero tolerance toward large
free-roaming animals on or adjacent to the aircraft movement area (free-roaming animals are, but
not limited to, deer, canines, geese, etc).
(Add) 7.3.1.5.9. Grass Height. Mow aircraft movement area (AMA) to maintain a grass height
between 7 and 14 inches. The AMA, as defined in UFC 3-260-01, Airfield and Heliport
Planning and Design, is that area of the airfield encompassed by the Primary Surface and the