AN INVESTIGATION OF THE COLLISIONS OF BATS AND BIRDS WITH HIGH PERFORMANCE AIRCRAFT.
Abstract
Serious aviation hazards are presented by the collisions of high performance aircraft with animals. Studies undertaken at Randolph AFB, Texas, indicated that most aircraft-animal strikes on summer nights were attributable to bats. Emergence of large numbers of Mexican Freetailed bats from caves were observed with radar. Aerial observations indicated two concentrations of bats flying at night. Large numbers were within 1,000 feet of the ground. A second concentration, apparently flying great distances in search of food, was between 2,500 and 10,000 feet. Aspects of a bat control program are evaluated. Hazards to aircraft may be reduced by determining bat concentration areas and times of year, and avoiding these areas during periods of bat activity. Nondisturbance of large bat caves was advocated. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0690558
Entities
People
- Janet M. Williams
- Timothy C. Williams
Organizations
- Smithsonian Institution