Bird Strikes, PETA, real solutions?
01-31-2009, 08:52 AM
#1
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Bird Strikes, PETA, real solutions?
OK so we all know that birds cause serious problems for aircraft. If you have not had aircraft damage from a bird strike, you surely know someone who has. I know that engine manufacturers are beefing up their engines to withstand some bird strikes, but it seems that only a few airports are really dong something about the bird problems. Some airports use ultrasonic noisemakers, some use large trained hunter birds like Falcons, etc. Does anyone know if airports are required to have a certain level of bird deterrent based on airport volume?
On a funny note, here is a quote from a Yahoo article that is sure to make PETA angry:
"Since January 2007, at least 26 serious birdstrikes were reported. In some of them, the aircraft's brakes caught fire or cabins and cockpits filled with smoke and the stench of burning birds. ...In some cases reported to the NASA database, crews said they could smell birds burning in the engines — "a toxic smell like burning toast (or) popcorn" wrote a flight attendant on an MD-80 airliner that had just taken off last March."
Since PETA values animals and single celled life forms more than humans, I'm surprised they aren't suing the entire aviation industry over this problem.
On a funny note, here is a quote from a Yahoo article that is sure to make PETA angry:
"Since January 2007, at least 26 serious birdstrikes were reported. In some of them, the aircraft's brakes caught fire or cabins and cockpits filled with smoke and the stench of burning birds. ...In some cases reported to the NASA database, crews said they could smell birds burning in the engines — "a toxic smell like burning toast (or) popcorn" wrote a flight attendant on an MD-80 airliner that had just taken off last March."
Since PETA values animals and single celled life forms more than humans, I'm surprised they aren't suing the entire aviation industry over this problem.
Last edited by proskuneho; 01-31-2009 at 09:32 PM.
01-31-2009, 09:25 AM
#2
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I have read that airports are getting some sort or radar that can track large flocks of birds and I guess will then have us fly around them. Also the pulsating landing lights are another good preventative against bird strikes. As far as I know I don't think there is a written requirement for airports having certain facilities based on their traffic volume...
01-31-2009, 01:30 PM
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FAR 139.337 is the only guidance I know of that addresses wildlife management at airports. Here's the link:
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations:
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations:
01-31-2009, 02:48 PM
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Some one commented on an ABC News story about Capt. Sullenberger, saying "Airlines should have retractable screens on their engines when they arent running, like during landings"
01-31-2009, 02:58 PM
#6
A Second Past V1
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01-31-2009, 09:38 PM
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01-31-2009, 09:50 PM
#8
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Google Image Result for http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/75/MiG-29_Fulcrum_B_Luftwaffe.jpg/800px-MiG-29_Fulcrum_B_Luftwaffe.jpg
USMCFLYR
01-31-2009, 10:11 PM
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The Russians have figured out an efficient way to reduce the chances of FOD - at least while the jets are on the ground for a few of their fighters. Check out the louvers on the top of the engines on the Mig-29 for instance.
Google Image Result for http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/75/MiG-29_Fulcrum_B_Luftwaffe.jpg/800px-MiG-29_Fulcrum_B_Luftwaffe.jpg
USMCFLYR
Google Image Result for http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/75/MiG-29_Fulcrum_B_Luftwaffe.jpg/800px-MiG-29_Fulcrum_B_Luftwaffe.jpg
USMCFLYR
01-31-2009, 11:39 PM
#10
Are we there yet??!!
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