Findings
High tension power lines are located in the South CZ by the approach
and departure flight path for approaching aircraft.
Aircraft interaction with high tension power lines can cause arc
flashes, potentially resulting in high risks to people and military
equipment.
Gulf of Mexico and Central and South America. Because the Gulf of Mexico
is the last stop for many migratory birds, the installation may experience the
overflight of migratory bird species, which contribute to the risk of Bird /
Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazards (BASH) at Keesler AFB. Figure 5‐15 shows the
general routes that migratory birds may take during through the Mississippi
Flyway.
Figure 5‐15
Mississippi Flyway Migration Routes
AFI Land Use Compatibility guidance recommends that utilities not be
located in the CZs.
Bird Attractants near Runway
ISSUE
SA‐4
The flight path from Keesler AFB Runway (3/21) extends
out over the Gulf of Mexico and Back Bay of Biloxi. Bird
attractants, such as wetlands and tree canopies, are
located on and around the installation and along with the
Mississippi migratory bird flyway, creating the potential
for bird aircraft strikes.
Wildlife attractants near Keesler AFB Runway 3/21 are a concern in a region
that supports populations of resident and migratory bird species. Bird
aircraft strikes can cause significant damage to aircraft and in some cases,
may render aircraft completely irreparable resulting in delayed air missions,
and may result in injury or loss of life to pilots and citizens.
Biloxi is located within the Mississippi Flyway, a migratory route for more
than 325 species of birds. The Mississippi Flyway includes states between
the Canadian border and Gulf of Mexico: Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Illinois,
Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio,
Tennessee, and Wisconsin. Each year, birds migrate between their breeding
grounds in Canada and the northern U.S. to their winter grounds along the
Page 5‐98
Source: http://www.birdfeeders.com/
Background Report