Bird Strikes and Wildlife Hazards

Wildlife hazards, including bird strikes, pose significant risks to aviation safety. Birds and other animals can damage aircraft, disrupt operations, and threaten passenger safety. This guide explains the risks, prevention strategies, and actions pilots can take to mitigate wildlife-related hazards.

1. Understanding Bird Strikes

A bird strike occurs when a bird collides with an aircraft. These incidents are most common during takeoff, climb, approach, and landing phases of flight—when aircraft operate at lower altitudes.

1.1 Common Risks

• Engine Damage: Birds ingested into engines can cause partial or complete engine failure, especially in jet engines.
• Windshield or Structure Damage: High-speed impacts can shatter windshields or damage control surfaces.
• Loss of Control: Bird strikes on critical components (e.g., control cables, pitot tubes) can impair the aircraft’s handling or instrumentation.

1.2 Statistics

• Approximately 97% of reported bird strikes occur below 3,500 feet AGL.
• Most strikes occur near airports, where birds are attracted to open spaces, water, and food sources.
• Large birds (e.g., geese, vultures) pose the highest risk due to their size and weight.

2. Wildlife Hazards Beyond Birds

Other wildlife can also pose risks to aviation safety, especially on or near the runway. Ground-based wildlife hazards include:

• Mammals: Deer, coyotes, and other animals crossing runways can cause collisions during takeoff or landing rolls.
• Reptiles: Turtles and other slow-moving animals can obstruct runways or taxiways.
• Bats and Insects: Swarms of bats or insects can reduce visibility, clog pitot tubes, or interfere with engine performance.

3. Preventing Wildlife Hazards

Pilots, airport operators, and aviation authorities can work together to reduce the risk of bird strikes and wildlife hazards. Key prevention strategies include:

3.1 Pilot Actions

• Check NOTAMs for wildlife activity or hazard advisories at departure and destination airports.
• Be especially vigilant during takeoff and landing, when wildlife encounters are most likely.
• Use landing lights, especially in low visibility, to help scare birds and animals away from the aircraft’s path.
• Avoid low-altitude flight near bird habitats, such as wetlands, garbage dumps, or agricultural fields.

3.2 Airport Wildlife Management

• Maintain clear runways and taxiways by removing food sources, standing water, and vegetation that attract wildlife.
• Use bird-scaring devices, such as pyrotechnics, lasers, or sound cannons, to deter birds from airport areas.
• Install fencing to keep mammals off runways and taxiways.
• Employ wildlife biologists to monitor and manage wildlife populations around the airport.

3.3 Regulatory Requirements

• The FAA requires Part 139-certified airports to have a Wildlife Hazard Management Plan (WHMP) if hazardous wildlife is observed.
• Report bird strikes and other wildlife incidents to the FAA using the FAA Wildlife Strike Database.

4. What to Do If a Bird Strike Occurs

Despite preventive measures, bird strikes can still occur. Pilots should be prepared to respond effectively:

4.1 During Takeoff

• If a bird strike occurs before liftoff and engine performance is in doubt, abort the takeoff if sufficient runway remains.
• If the strike occurs after liftoff, assess engine performance and climb to a safe altitude before troubleshooting.

4.2 In Flight

• Maintain control of the aircraft and avoid abrupt maneuvers that could worsen the situation.
• Monitor engine instruments for signs of damage (e.g., vibrations, unusual temperature or pressure readings).
• Communicate with ATC to declare an emergency if necessary and request a priority landing.

4.3 During Landing

• Continue the approach if the aircraft is controllable and engine power is sufficient.
• After landing, inspect the aircraft for damage before further operations.

4.4 Reporting Bird Strikes

Report all bird strikes to the FAA using the FAA Wildlife Strike Reporting System. Include details such as:

• Time, location, and altitude of the strike.
• Type of bird (if identified) and any damage caused.
• Phase of flight when the strike occurred.

5. Conclusion

Bird strikes and wildlife hazards are a persistent threat to aviation safety, especially at low altitudes and near airports. By staying vigilant, following prevention strategies, and knowing how to respond during an encounter, pilots can minimize risks and ensure safer operations. Collaboration between pilots, airports, and regulatory agencies is key to mitigating the dangers posed by wildlife.