Analysis of models and algorithms used operationally in methods for the continuous monitoring of bird collision hazards

Abstract

The results of the analysis of factors influencing the emergence of dangerous situations in the air (in short, aviation incidents) in the Polish Army show a significant negative impact of the environment on the flight operations performed. The most common cause of an aviation incident in the area of the environment is the collision of the aircraft with birds. The lack of methods for the continuous monitoring and forecasting of the level of risk of collision between aircraft and birds makes a significant gap in a proactive approach to the safety of flights in the Air Force of the Republic of Poland. This paper presents an overview of the most important methods for detection and forecasting of bird flight intensity, which have been used for construction of systems aiming to prevent collisions with birds and which are employed by the air forces of the United States, the Netherlands, Belgium and Israel. An accurate analysis of the models and algorithms used in the selected methods shows contemporary trends in research on the negative impact of the environment on flight safety. These methods show incomplete usefulness in Poland’s conditions, which justifies the need to develop a more appropriate method.