Helicopter Bird Strikes- What can we do to minimize the risk?

[gulfair-cavalry-tango]

Great video! ... I've only had one bird strike. It was a barn swallow that was barely visible until the last instant. The strike was on a main rotor blade. There was no recoil or change in mr rpm. When I landed, there were a few small feathers still glued to the leading edge of the blade. I fly mostly around Dauphin Island AL, and there are many migratory and resident birds here. When I see small flocks on the ground, on the water, or on the beach I yield to them by dodging cyclic left or right. If I plan to overfly a birdy habitat at low altitude, I make one pass at higher altitude first to let the birds get a chance to notice me. ... I'm much more worried about potential blade strikes by a clueless and myopic drone pilot than birds. Most birds have better situational awareness than drone pilots on the ground twiddling their thumbs on their transmitters.

[lorendjones]

Good video, Paul. FYI, the audio disappeared for a bit around 1:04.

[TimToussaint]

What’s about flashing or alternating landing/ taxi lights?

[rotarywing]

If you do a video on helmets, what do you think of the Sky Cowboy Supply Co. use of the Team Wendy SAR Backcountry helmet for helicopter use? Not a certified helicopter helmet but better than nothing, or don't bother?

[alainbrouillette]

I am concern about bird strike to a rotor ! Insight ??

[barryg]

This is an outstanding video! Many excellent points come to light. It was disturbing to see the photography of the bird strike and especially the fragmented glass inside the aircraft cabin after the wire strike cropdusting. So here’s the question I have… Would it not be a prudent measure to wear a flight helmet with the impact resistant goggles built within the helmet as you see EMS crews wearing?

[larrymangold]

buzzards are a problem in my area. I had to turn hard left to avoid a flock 100' over my home runway. Thankfully my AR-1 has a polycarbonate windscreen and it won't shatter into sharp edges like plexiglass, but it will deflect and I'll still eat the bird!

[ashokmnagaral]

Why helicopters do not have BIRD REPELLANT ULTRASONIC SIGNALS GENERATOR ( like mosquito repellant) ? ! Ashok India

[Patriottoo]

What does a duck or goose do to a rotor?