Emergency Preparedness: How Airports Respond to Bird Strike Incidents

Hey, aviation lovers! In today’s blog, we’re going to talk about how airports respond to bird strikes. 🦜🛬

Bird strikes are a major concern for airports worldwide, as collisions between birds and aircraft can result in significant damage to the plane, leading to a loss of millions of dollars or even worse, a fatal crash. Hence, it is essential to be equipped with proper emergency preparedness and precautionary measures.

Let’s dive in and explore the ways airports respond to bird strike incidents!

Importance of Bird Strike Prevention

Bird strikes are one of the most common hazards that pilots face due to the increasing population and movements of birds within the surroundings around the airports. In 2019, there were over 17,000 confirmed bird strikes in the United States alone, resulting in nearly $950 million worth of damage.

All airports, including pilots, air traffic centers, and airlines, strive to reduce these occurrences to ensure safety to passengers and employees. This prevention requires a comprehensive approach, including everything from habitat management to aircraft design, management operations, and bird detection technology.

Bird Hazard Management System

To mitigate bird strikes, there is a bird hazard management system that every airport follows. The system includes the following components:

Bird Detection Systems

Airports have installed bird detection systems, which alerts to the air traffic controllers if they detect birds near airport terminals. These systems include radar, Doppler radar, thermal imaging, closed-circuit television systems, microphones, etc.

Bird Presences on the Runway

Bird presences on the runway is the most significant threat to aircraft. Airports have personnel who patrol the runways to eliminate bird habitats, such as grassy areas, and dispose of any food that birds can scavenge upon. For example, airports also have portable cannons which emit loud noise to deter birds.

Aircraft Design and Engine Technology

Initially, aircraft were not designed to resist and survive bird impact. But, with a lot of research and development, bird strike-resistant technologies are now added to airplanes’ designs, making them less prone to damage due to bird strikes.

Emergency Responders

Although airports take all precautions to prevent bird strikes, it is not always possible to avoid them. Therefore, emergency responders are trained to handle any bird strike incidents that may occur. These responders, who have received extensive training and certifications, assist with coordinated emergency management and operations.

Most airports have also developed highly trained teams of wildlife officers that can quickly respond to bird strike incidents. This team helps to reduce the chances of human beings and encourages birds to fly away from the airport.

Conclusion

In conclusion, airports take every measure to prevent bird strikes and ensure safety to passengers and employees. Prevention through detection, control, and hazard management is essential in decreasing bird strike incidents. Along with it, proper emergency preparedness and coordination among emergency responders play a significant role in responding to an incident.

So, always remember, be cautious and vigilant when you see birds around the runway at the airport and allow trained professionals to handle the situation. Better safe than sorry! 🛬🦢