Airport bird control

Hi Academia,

Some bird strikes incidents to have occured this 2023 causing some Airlines made their Return to Base ( RTB )

Bird strikes, the collision between birds and aircraft, pose a serious safety hazard in aviation. These incidents can cause significant damage to the aircraft, leading to costly repairs and even fatal accidents. The danger of bird strikes is particularly high during takeoff and landing, when planes fly at lower altitudes and are more likely to encounter birds in their flight path. In fact, the FAA estimates that bird strikes cost the aviation industry over $1 billion annually in damages and delays. To mitigate this risk, airports and airlines use various measures such as bird control programs, radar systems, and aircraft designs that minimize the risk of bird strikes. Nevertheless, the threat of bird strikes remains a significant concern for aviation safety.

Bird strikes are particularly dangerous because they can occur at any time during a flight, and they can happen with little or no warning. The most common types of birds that are involved in bird strikes include gulls, pigeons, geese, and vultures. These birds can cause significant damage to aircraft, especially if they are ingested by the engine.

One of the primary dangers of bird strikes is the damage they can cause to the aircraft’s engine. When a bird is sucked into the engine, it can cause the turbine blades to break off, which can lead to a loss of power and possible engine failure. This can be especially dangerous during takeoff and landing when the aircraft is at a low altitude and has less time to recover from an engine failure.

Another danger of bird strikes is the damage they can cause to the aircraft’s windshield and other critical components. If a bird strikes the windshield, it can shatter the glass and obstruct the pilot’s view, making it difficult to fly the aircraft. In addition, if a bird strikes other critical components such as the wings or tail, it can cause structural damage that can compromise the aircraft’s stability and control.

Incidents of Bird Strikes

1. US Airways Flight 1549: On January 15, 2009, US Airways Flight 1549 struck a flock of Canada geese shortly after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport in New York City. The bird strike caused both of the aircraft’s engines to fail, and the pilot was forced to make an emergency landing in the Hudson River. Fortunately, all 155 passengers and crew on board survived.

2. Air India Flight 113: On May 26, 1996, Air India Flight 113 struck a flock of birds shortly after takeoff from Mumbai Airport. The bird strike caused both of the aircraft’s engines to fail, and the pilot was forced to make an emergency landing in a nearby field. Unfortunately, 16 of the 116 passengers and crew on board were killed in the accident.

3. Royal Air Force Nimrod XV230: On September 2, 2006, a Royal Air Force Nimrod reconnaissance aircraft crashed in Afghanistan, killing all 14 crew members on board. The crash was caused by a fuel leak that was triggered by a bird strike on the aircraft’s fuel system.

Factors Contributing to Bird Strikes:

Bird strikes can occur for a variety of reasons, including bird behavior, airport location, and weather conditions. Some factors that contribute to bird strikes include:

• Habitat: Airports located near bodies of water or open fields are more likely to attract birds, as these areas provide food and shelter for bird populations.
• Time of day: Birds are most active during dawn and dusk, which are also peak takeoff and landing times for aircraft.
• Weather: Birds are more likely to be active during clear weather conditions, which can increase the risk of bird strikes.
• Aircraft speed: The speed of an aircraft can influence the likelihood of a bird strike, as birds may not be able to avoid a fast-moving object.

Mitigation Measures Used by Airports:

To mitigate the risks of bird strikes, airports use a variety of measures to keep birds away from runways and other critical areas. Some of the primary methods used by airports include:

1. Habitat Management:

One of the most effective ways to prevent bird strikes is to manage the habitat around airports. This can involve removing or altering vegetation that attracts birds, installing barriers to prevent birds from accessing critical areas, and using bird deterrents such as fireworks or pyrotechnics.

2. Acoustic Deterrents:

Acoustic deterrents are devices that emit sounds that are unpleasant or frightening to birds. These devices can include sirens, speakers, or other noise-making devices that are strategically placed around the airport to keep birds away from critical areas.

3. Visual Deterrents:

Visual deterrents are designed to scare birds away from critical areas using visual stimuli. These can include flashing lights, brightly colored flags, or other visual cues that are designed to mimic predator behavior.

4. Aircraft-Based Measures:

Aircraft-based measures are designed to reduce the risk of bird strikes by modifying the design or operation of aircraft. This can include using radar to detect birds and avoid collision, modifying engine design to make them less attractive to birds, or changing flight paths to avoid known bird habitats.

In conclusion, Bird strikes are a serious problem for airports worldwide, and can pose a significant risk to the safety of passengers and crew. To mitigate these risks, airports use a variety of methods to keep birds away from critical areas, including habitat management, acoustic deterrents, visual deterrents, and aircraft-based measures. While

And ofcourse by continuing to research and develop new technologies and strategies for preventing bird strikes, the aviation industry can help to ensure the safety.