Air strikes

air strike with goose

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Millions of people around the world depend on air travel but do not realize the risks associated with bird strikes.

  • >8,000 bird strikes with civil aircraft were reported in the USA in 2008
  • >300 had substantial damage to aircraft
  • FAA estimates that only 20% of strikes are reported

The cost to the commercial airline industry alone is estimated to be >1.1 billion dollars per year, and lives can be lost (a Sikorsky helicopter incident in Louisiana killed 8 people).

Data on bird strikes provide fundamental information on the frequency and timing of strikes as well as the species involved, geographic origin, and migratory trajectory relative to airport locations and routes. This knowledge can help minimize strikes between birds and aircraft.

References

  1. Marra, P.P., C.J. Dove, R. Dolbeer, N.F. Dahlan, M. Heacker, J.F. Whatton, N.E. Diggs, C. France, and G.A. Henkes. 2009. Migratory Canada geese cause crash of US Airways Flight 1549. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 7:297-301.

HOME| connecting populations | seasonal interactions | climate change | disease | urbanization

energy extraction | agriculture | invasive species | air strikes