What Every Aviation Expert Should Know About Bird Strikes

Birdstrikes refer to collisions between birds and aircraft, typically occurring during takeoff, landing, or while the aircraft is in flight. These incidents are most common near airports, with approximately 90% of birdstrikes happening in close proximity to these areas, making the takeoff and landing phases particularly vulnerable.

The impact of birdstrikes on aviation safety is significant, as these events can cause damage to aircraft engines, windshields, and structural components. While modern aircraft are designed to withstand such incidents, severe birdstrikes can still lead to costly repairs, flight delays, and, in rare cases, emergencies that compromise the safety and wellbeing of passengers and crew. To mitigate these risks, airports implement various wildlife management strategies, including habitat modification, bird monitoring, and the use of deterrents, all aimed at reducing the likelihood of birdstrikes and ensuring safer air travel.

Contributing factors

Several factors contribute to the bird-aircraft interactions either near airports or on the aircraft flight paths. Some of the significant contributory factors of birdstrikes are:

Flight Paths

Birds typically fly at altitudes between 0 to 3,000 feet, particularly during the takeoff and landing phases of flight. When climbing or descending, aircraft are likely to intersect with bird flight paths, increasing the risk of collisions.

Habitat Near Airports

Airports located close to lakes, rivers, marshes, agricultural fields, or other natural habitats are more susceptible to bird strikes. These areas provide food, nesting sites, and shelter for birds, drawing them into the vicinity of airport operations.

Migration Patterns

Many bird species migrate seasonally, often travelling in large flocks. During migration seasons (spring and fall), the concentration of birds near airports can spike, creating a higher risk of collisions as birds navigate through the airspace.

Weather Conditions

Adverse weather conditions in the flight path, such as storms, fog, or rain, can reduce pilot visibility, making it harder to spot birds. Additionally, birds may fly lower or change their flight patterns in response to changing weather, increasing the likelihood of encounters with aircraft.

Risk Factors

Bird Strike, a common and significant threat to aircraft safety, is associated with several risk factors. Some of these factors are:

Airport Location

Airports situated near natural bird habitats or along migratory routes are inherently at higher risk. The geographic and environmental context plays a significant role in attracting birds, which can lead to more frequent strikes.

Aircraft Type

Different aircraft types have varying levels of vulnerability. Smaller, general aviation aircraft often operate at lower altitudes and speeds, making them more susceptible to damage from bird strikes. In contrast, larger commercial jets may withstand strikes better but still face risks, especially during critical phases of flight.

Time of Day

Birds are often most active during dawn and dusk, known as crepuscular activity. This increased activity coincides with times when pilots' visibility can be lower, heightening the risk of strikes during these periods.

Bird Species

Certain species are more prone to collisions due to their behaviour, size, and flight patterns. For example, larger birds like geese or vultures can cause significant damage upon impact. At the same time, smaller species may be more numerous but less damaging. Knowing which species are prevalent in an area can help airports implement targeted management strategies.

Operational Practices

Inadequate wildlife management practices, such as failing to monitor and mitigate bird populations, can lead to increased risk. Effective practices include habitat modification, implementing bird deterrent systems, and regularly monitoring bird activity around the airport.

Noise and Light Pollution

Airports generate noise and light, which can attract birds. Lights may draw birds at night, while aircraft noise may disrupt their standard flight patterns, causing them to take off or land in areas where they are more likely to encounter aircraft.

Mitigation Strategies

Airports are responsible for managing birds and must have proper wildlife control in place. If large birds or flocks are spotted near the runway, the flight crew should:

• Delay takeoff or landing if fuel allows, inform the control tower, and wait for the airport to take action.
• Use a different runway free from bird activity, if available.

To minimise the risk of bird strikes, the flight crew should:

• Discuss bird strikes during takeoff and approach briefings when operating at airports with known or suspected bird activity.
• Be highly vigilant if birds are reported on the final approach. If birds are expected on the final approach, plan an additional landing distance to account for the possibility of no thrust reverser use if a bird strike occurs.

Case studies and Real-life examples

One of the most well-known bird strikes in recent years involved US Airways Flight 1549. On January 15, 2009, pilot Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger was flying an Airbus A320 from LaGuardia Airport, heading to Charlotte, North Carolina. Shortly after takeoff, the plane hit a flock of Canadian geese, causing both engines to fail. With no other viable options, Sully safely landed the aircraft on the Hudson River, saving all 155 people on board.

Another bird strike occurred on August 15, 2019, when a Ural Airlines Airbus A321 took off from Moscow's Zhukovsky Airport. The plane collided with a flock of gulls, forcing Captain Damir Yusupov to land it in a cornfield. Though 70 people were injured, only one needed hospital care. Yusupov was praised for his actions, with images of passengers standing safely in the field reminding many of the survivors of Flight 1549 on the wings of the plane in the Hudson. The incident led officials to investigate, uncovering two illegal landfills nearby that attracted the birds.

Advances in birdstrikes prevention technology

Radar systems

One of the most advanced and reliable technologies for bird strike reduction is radar, which can detect and track bird movements around airports and provide real-time information to air traffic controllers, pilots, and wildlife managers. Radar systems can help identify high-risk areas, monitor bird activity patterns, and alert operators to potential conflicts. Some radar systems can also integrate with other technologies, such as acoustic or visual deterrents, to automatically activate them when birds are detected. Radar systems are expensive to install and maintain, but they can provide significant benefits in terms of safety and efficiency.

Deterrent devices

Another standard technology for bird strike reduction is deterrent devices, which aim to scare or repel birds from airport areas using various stimuli, such as sound, light, lasers, or pyrotechnics. Deterrent devices can be stationary or mobile and operated manually or remotely. Some examples of deterrent devices are bioacoustic speakers, which emit distress or predator calls of birds; strobe lights or lasers, which create visual disturbances; and propane cannons or fireworks, which produce loud noises. Deterrent devices are relatively easy to use and deploy. Still, they have some limitations, such as habituation, interference, and environmental impact.

Habitat management

A more proactive and sustainable technology for bird strike reduction is habitat management, which involves modifying or eliminating the factors that attract birds to airport areas, such as food, water, shelter, or nesting sites. Habitat management can include various measures, such as mowing or removing vegetation, draining or covering water sources, removing garbage or carcasses, or using repellents or sterilants. Habitat management can reduce the presence and diversity of birds around airports and, thus, the probability and severity of bird strikes. Habitat management is a long-term, cost-effective solution requiring careful planning, coordination, and monitoring.

Bird strikes are a severe issue in aviation; a bird strike can cause economic damage, loss of human lives, and damage to airport operators' and airlines' reputations. So, bird strikes shall be avoided. First of all, there should not be any meat shops near the aerodrome. All the sweet water bodies shall be far away from the aerodrome. Regular grass-cutting shall be done in the aerodrome. Zone guns shall be placed to create noise to deter birds entering runways.

Bird detection dogs

A more novel and innovative technology for bird strike reduction is bird detection dogs, which are trained to locate and chase away birds from airport areas using their keen sense of smell and sight. Bird detection dogs can be deployed on foot or in vehicles and can cover large areas quickly and efficiently. Bird detection dogs can also adapt to different situations and environments and work in all weather conditions. Bird detection dogs are a natural and humane way to deter birds, and they have proven to be very effective in some airports. Bird detection dogs are relatively affordable and accessible to train but require regular supervision and care.

Bird strike reporting?

A more indirect but essential technology for bird strike reduction is bird strike reporting, which is the process of collecting, analyzing, and sharing data on bird strikes and their causes, consequences, and solutions. Bird strike reporting can help improve the understanding and awareness of the problem, identify the most vulnerable aircraft and airport areas, evaluate the effectiveness of existing technologies and methods, and develop new strategies and best practices. Bird strike reporting can be done through various platforms, such as online databases, mobile applications, or social media. Bird strike reporting is a simple and inexpensive way to enhance the knowledge and collaboration on bird strike reduction.

Regulatory and industry guidelines

To address bird strike risks, international and national regulators have set rules and guidelines for managing wildlife near airports. These include tracking and controlling wildlife around airport areas, creating bird hazard management programs, and reporting bird strikes to the right authorities.

Airlines and airport operators must follow these rules to maintain safety. This involves setting up bird hazard programs, keeping a close watch on bird activities near airports, and using measures like habitat control, bird deterrents, and careful air traffic procedures to reduce risks.

Reporting bird strikes is essential. Airlines and airports are required to log these incidents with organizations such as the FAA's Wildlife Strike Database or ICAO's Bird Strike Information System (IBIS). These databases collect vital data, helping experts spot trends, find high-risk areas, and develop better prevention strategies.

When flying to or from airports with bird activity, it's important to discuss the risk of bird strikes during takeoff and approach briefings.

Conclusion

Birdstrikes represent a notable hazard in aviation, with potential implications for safety, economic costs, and wildlife conservation. As air traffic continues to grow, the need for effective mitigation strategies becomes increasingly crucial. Advances in technology, improved airport management practices, and collaborative efforts between aviation authorities and wildlife organizations are essential to minimizing these incidents. By prioritizing research and implementing comprehensive measures, we can enhance aviation safety while fostering a harmonious coexistence with wildlife, ultimately ensuring that the skies remain safe for both aircraft and birds alike.