You get a light for free on the front of your helo - use it all the time, why don't you?
Isn't the price of a burnt out bulb 2 to 3 times a year worth it?
I have been flying in and around the hills and cliffs here for 11 years and (touch wood) never had a bird strike. Atleast half of that time I've been 'low level' trying to keep out of the way of bigger metal birds!
I've gleaned the following:
Birds definitely 'see' my lights - they abruptly manouevre well before I'm in their airspace.
Kestrels and Buzzards in particular will NOT move for you!
Anywhere a thermal is formed, you can guarantee there will be birds (well in excess of 'low level').
Cliffs are a magnet to birdies.
Most birds fold their wings and dive to avoid you.
Swans fly at 25,000
