Birds in Antarctica

[FAS]

dal sito dell'ATS Secretariat of the Antartic Teatry

Fixed and rotary wing aircraft operations have the potential to cause disturbance leading to
changes in the behaviour, physiology and the breeding success of wildlife. The level of impact
will vary according to the intensity, duration and frequency of disturbance, the species involved
and the phase in their breeding season. Most species are particularly sensitive to disturbance
between late September and early May-the period when Antarctic helicopter and fixed wing
operations usually occur.
There are many variables affecting noise levels received on the ground during aircraft operations,
including: flight height; the type of aircraft and engine; the flight profile; the weather; and the
geography of the location. Pilots have to make the final judgement regarding aircraft operations
based on the aircraft type, task and safety considerations. Such judgments should also pay due
consideration to potential wildlife impacts, noting that Annex II of the Protocol on Environmental
Protection to the Antarctic Treaty defines that "harmful interference" means flying or landing
helicopters or other aircraft in a manner that disturbs concentrations of birds and seals".
Minimum recommended separation distances for aircraft operations close to concentrations of
birds are set out below. These recommended distances should be maintained to the greatest extent
possible, unless greater separation distances are specified for the area of operation, for example
by an ASPA or ASMA management plan or guidelines already developed by national operators to
suit their own particular needs and circumstances. These distances are only a guide and if wildlife
disturbance is observed at any separation distance, a greater distance should be maintained
wherever practical:
- Penguin, albatross and other bird colonies are not to be over flown below 2000ft (~ 610 m)
Above Ground Level, except when operationally necessary for scientific purposes.
- Landings within 1/2 nautical mile (~ 930 m) of penguin, albatross or other bird colonies should
be avoided wherever possible.
- Never hover or make repeated passes over wildlife concentrations or fly lower than necessary.
- Maintain a vertical separation distance of 2000 ft (~ 610 m) AGL and a horizontal separation of
1/4 nautical mile (~ 460 m) from the coastline where possible.
- Cross the coastline at right angles and above 2000ft (~610 m) AGL where possible.
Location of aircraft operations (other considerations)
- Where practical, avoid overflying concentrations of birds.
- Be aware that concentrations of birds are most often found in coastal areas. Snow petrel and
Antarctic petrel colonies are also frequently found inland on nunataks. Minimum vertical
separation distances should be maintained in these areas.
- Where practical, landings near to concentrations of birds should be downwind and/or behind a
prominent physical barrier (e.g. hill) to minimise disturbance.
- Avoid Antarctic Specially Protected Areas, unless authorised to over-fly and/or land by a permit
issued by an appropriate national authority. For many ASPAs there are specific controls on
aircraft operations, which are set out in the relevant Management Plans.
- Follow aircraft flight heights, preferred flight paths and approach paths contained in the
Antarctic Flight Information Manual (AFIM), in station aircraft operation manuals and on
relevant charts, maps and any Wild Life and Low Flying Avoidance Maps for the major airstrips
in the Antarctic (e.g. Marsh, Marambio,
Rothera, McMurdo).
- Particularly avoid flying toward concentrations of birds immediately after take-off and avoid
steep banking turns in flight as these significantly increase the amount of noise generated.
Timing of aircraft operations
- Most native bird species breed at coastal locations in Antarctica between September and May
each season. During the planning of aircraft operations near to concentrations of birds,
consideration should be given to undertaking flying activities outside of the main breeding and/or
moulting periods.
- Where aircraft operations are necessary close to concentrations of birds, then the duration of
flights should be the minimum necessary.
- To minimise bird strikes, especially in coastal areas, avoid flying after dark between September
and May. At this time of year, prions and petrels are active. These birds are nocturnal when
breeding and are attracted by lights.
- Aircraft operations should be delayed or cancelled if weather conditions (e.g. cloud base, winds)
are such that the suggested minimum vertical and horizontal separation distances given in these
guidelines cannot be maintained.

[sardinian aviator]

Curioso vero? Il problema dei rapporti fra fauna selvatica ed aviazione ...visto dalla parte della fauna.
In verità regole analoghe ci sono anche in alcune aree della Svizzera in certi periodi dell'anno.

[atalanta89]

molto interessante!! grazie!!