What to Do If Your sUAS Collides with Wildlife

When Birds Attack: What to Do if Your sUAS Meets Wildlife

Picture this: You're piloting your sUAS, soaring high above the treetops, workers below are marveling at your skills, and everything feels absolutely magical—until, out of nowhere, a bird swoops in, and your peace is shattered. A thrilling flight can quickly become a moment of panic when you realize you've had a collision with wildlife. So, what's the first thing you should do if your sUAS—and perhaps your day—gets interrupted by a feathery friend?

First Things First: The Importance of Wildlife Strike Reporting

Believe it or not, when it comes to focusing on your sUAS after such a collision, you're not just checking for damage—you're entering a realm of responsibility. Yes, it’s crucial to ensure your aircraft is still airworthy, but the most important action you need to take is to file a wildlife strike report with the FAA. Wait, what? Reporting? Isn’t that a bit too formal for an unfortunate incident? Well, hang on to your hats, because this step is all about navigating the safety landscape of aviation today.

Why Reporting Is Key

So, let's break this down. When a collision with wildlife occurs, it's not just a personal hiccup in your flying adventure. These incidents can have broader implications for aviation safety and wildlife management. The FAA tracks all wildlife strikes through reports to analyze trends and understand how to mitigate risks for everyone—both humans and wildlife alike. By reporting the incident, you're not just following the rules; you’re contributing to a larger safety net that keeps the skies a bit safer for everyone.

You might be wondering: “But what if I don't see any damage?” Well, here's the rub. Just because your sUAS looks fine on the outside doesn’t mean everything’s copacetic. Continuing your flight as if nothing happened could lead to serious problems later on if the collision did cause damage that’s not immediately visible. Ever had a door that looked fine but didn’t latch properly? Yeah, same principle.

Steps to Take After a Wildlife Encounter

After filing that all-important report, your next course of action should be to conduct a thorough inspection of your sUAS. This isn’t just an afterthought; think of it as a pre-flight check on steroids. Make sure to look for:

• Structural Damage: Any dents, cracks, or anything that seems amiss.

• Propeller Integrity: A damaged propeller can be a hidden danger!

• Electronics: Carefully check all wiring and connections—birds can pack quite a punch!

And if, during your inspection, you discover that something’s off, now’s the time to ground the sUAS until repairs are made. Better safe than sorry, right?

What About Local Authorities?

You may think that reporting to local authorities is a good move too, and you’re not wrong! Depending on the severity of the collision, informing local wildlife agencies might also be prudent, especially if there's visible wildlife harm. But remember, the FAA report is a must for wildlife strikes, while a local authority call is more of an optional layer in certain situations.

A Bit of Context to This Collision

Step back for a moment and consider the bigger picture. With wildlife and drones sharing airspace, it's a modern-day dance of sorts. Each year, thousands of birds and other animals find themselves in an uncomfortable tussle with aircraft—both manned and unmanned. By reporting strikes, you’re not just helping out your own sUAS but contributing valuable data that the FAA can use to make critical decisions. Who knew that flying could be such a noble endeavor, right?

The Safety Impact: Your Role in the Bigger Picture

Now, talking about this might sound a tad serious, but don’t let that dampen your spirits when flying your sUAS! Drones open up a world of possibilities—from photography to agriculture and even emergency responses. Part of responsibly engaging in these exciting fields is understanding your role in the overall safety equation.

By keeping the skies clear of potential hazards, you're doing your part in preserving an ecosystem that directly affects people's lives. It’s a win-win situation: You get to enjoy your drone while ensuring both human and wildlife safety. Isn't that great?

Wrapping It Up with a Beautiful Bow

In conclusion, the next time your sUAS has a close encounter of the furry kind, remember—reporting that wildlife strike isn’t just a good idea; it’s a responsibility. Inspect your aircraft thoroughly for any damage and take appropriate action based on your findings. And if you ever doubt the importance of it, just imagine being part of a community working toward a common goal of safer skies.

So, the next time you’re floating through the air with your trusty sUAS, just keep in mind that you’re part of something bigger. That knowledge can bring a sense of pride to your flying experience. Happy piloting, and may your skies always be clear!