You don't have to be airborne.
15 Sep 1995, S61 on the deck of the S712.
Tony Bull looking chirpy 'cos he's inside and warm, me outside for the refuel.
Small bird (Dunlin) seen heading for the disc has me thinking of supersonic beak going across the deck so I do a fair impression of John Seargent's dirty dancing on speed (BBC) as I try to disappear into my boots
.
Fortunately it missed everyone and didn't do anything noteworthy to the blade, apart from the obvious splatter.
Connie in ops was not overly impressed when presented with a birdstrike form and selotaped leg. It was all I could recover before the deck crew threw the rest over the side
A helmet and visor could have been good protection
Cheers,
H-D