What is a bird strike - and why is it dangerous?
A Bird strike (engl. bird strike) is the collision of a flying bird with an aircraft. This usually occurs at low flight altitudes, especially during take-off and landing - i.e. in the particularly sensitive phases of flight. According to the EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency), bird strikes are one of the most frequent safety-relevant incidents in civil aviation. In Europe alone, several thousand such incidents are registered every year.
The consequences can be serious - even for small aircraft:
- Shattered windscreen with risk of injury to pilot and passengers
- Blocked engine or cooling air inlets
- Damaged pitot tubes and sensors
- Cracks or dents on wings, tail units and fuselage
- Brake system failures due to damaged lines
- Damage to propellers or rotors
In commercial aviation, bird strikes cause millions in damage every year. In the general aviation the damage is no less serious - especially because smaller aircraft generally do not have redundant systems or reinforced structures.
Seasonal increase: Why more birds are on the move right now
The danger increases with the Spring and summer significantly. The reason: the Fledglings of the current breeding season are beginning their first attempts at flight and are not yet familiar with the risks of airspace. Wide, open landscapes - often in the immediate vicinity of aerodromes - are particularly affected.
In addition, the number of flights is significantly higher in the warmer months - training flights, aerodrome circuits, excursions and events ensure heavy traffic in the lower airspace. The Collision risk increases on both sides.
Behaviour in the event of a bird strike: what to do?
Despite all precautions, a bird strike can happen to anyone. Then the following applies: Keep calm and structured approach.
During the start:
- Cancel start immediatelyif there is sufficient piste length available.
- Keep speed under control, no abrupt manoeuvres.
In the air:
- Stabilise the aircraft, continue flying, maintain controlled speed.
- Via radio Report bird strikedeclare an emergency if necessary.
- Fly to the next aerodrome and land for inspection.
After landing:
- Thorough visual inspection of the aircraft (engine inlets, wing leading edges, landing gear, sensors, propellers).
- Document damage, if necessary. Switch on maintenance mode.
- Notification to airport operator and according to Regulation (EU) 376/2014 to the national reporting system (in Switzerland, for example, via the FOCA).
Prevention: How can bird strikes be avoided?
Avoid instead of react - This is the most effective strategy. The key lies in a conscious approach to flight planning, airspace structure and environmental conditions.
Practical tips:
- Avoid bird sanctuaries and wetlandsespecially during the breeding season.
- For flight preparation Ornitho-Radar (www.ornitho.ch) or other bird migration information.
- Emergency landing exercises do not fly in protected areas below minimum flight altitude - these are taboo.
- In case of uncertainty or increased bird numbers: better evade or move.
Technical aids:
- Many places now rely on acoustic or optical deterrent systemslasers or dummy birds of prey.
- Aerodromes work closely with Bird protection expertshow the Swiss Ornithological Institute Sempach, together.
- The Bird Strike statistics (e.g. from the FOCA) provides information on hotspots and time windows with increased risk.
Maps and data sources for protected areas
On map.geo.admin.ch relevant layers such as ICAO maps and AuLaV areas can be displayed simultaneously. This makes it easier to recognise protected areas. Particularly protected species such as the lapwing in the Wauwilermoos are dependent on consideration. Nature has priority, even during training.
Conclusion
Bird strikes are an underestimated risk in general aviation - especially in the warmer months of the year. Anyone who recognises the signs of nature, avoids protected areas, prepares well and acts correctly in an emergency is actively contributing to flight safety. After all, as with many things in aviation: Dangers cannot always be avoided - but they can be managed well.
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