Notam info'

[Pune]

Hi Folks,
Could someone explain exactly what this Notam means...in terms of aircraft operations and why it is posted if nothing is coming/going.
Thanks
Pune
U2601/16 - BIRD HAZARD - DURING PHASE II BIRD WATCH CONDITION RAISED TO
MODERATE +/- 1 HOUR EITHER SIDE OF SUNRISE/SUNSET. 01 OCT 00:01 2016 UNTIL 30
NOV 23:59 2016. CREATED: 11 AUG 07:19 2016

[uk-heliman]

Basically it is warning to any aircraft that may use Fairford that there will be more birds than usual 1 hour each side of sunrise and sunset - every day from October through to the end of November.

More info para 2.5.4.6 here: http://static.e-publishing.af.mil/produ ... 91-212.pdf

[Pune]

Thanks uk heliman I'll take a look.

[bizfreeq]

I would imagine it is to do with the vastly increased numbers of migratory birds around the local lakes at that time of year and is a standing notice for anyone flying into and out of the airfield so they are pre-warned about the danger

[skywatch]

This usually is about the Canada Geese migration to the area. You don't want one of those up your engine!

[WannabeMKII]

This usually is about the Canada Geese migration to the area. You don't want one of those up your engine!

Or in your garden! They make loads of noise and mess!

[Pune]

Ah yes, of course with all of the lakes around that area, I understand now, thanks guys.

[graham luxton]

Not surprised this has gone up as I've been present at Fairford many times when wave after wave of migrating geese have overflown the base at low level almost certainly heading to Slimbridge to winter on the river Severn estuary. Whenever I've seen them and its been year after year, its always been from the South East over the bomb dump followed by the B-2 hangars although I doubt if these significant landmarks have any relevance to the way they navigate!

Seeing them reminds me of another geese connection with Fairford, when SAC's 11th Strategic Group was based there with rotational KC-135's - its emblem featured a flight of 3 geese and its Command Post call sign was "3 Geese Control"

[Pune]

Thanks Graham, I do love a bit of history...and of course the info' on the geese...

[chantry222]

Thanks for re-kindling that memory Graham - you and I spent many an hour listening to the wonderful deep rumble audible behind each voice transmission from the CP - happily I still have a number of recordings from those halcyon SAC days.

[sgtangel]

[quote="graham luxton"
Seeing them reminds me of another geese connection with Fairford, when SAC's 11th Strategic Group was based there with rotational KC-135's - its emblem featured a flight of 3 geese and its Command Post call sign was "3 Geese Control"[/quote]

I used to be the 11th SG and we knew those three Geese as Huey, Dewey and Lewie

[spenmorg11]

Off topic sorry guys. I drove past Fairford today to find all the runway lights on a couple of hangars open and all the fire trucks were out. But no notam was up, could of this just been a test

[09andrew]

Probably out of boredom

[Sylar]

Stops the dust from becoming to thick a layer.