bird menace in aviation

BIRD MENACE IN BIRD MENACE IN AVIATIONAVIATION

PRESENTED BYPRESENTED BY

KUTTAPPA.I.GKUTTAPPA.I.G..

CONTENTSCONTENTS

• INTRODUCTION.INTRODUCTION.• OVERVIEW OF BIRD STRIKE.OVERVIEW OF BIRD STRIKE.• ENGINE DAMAGE DUE TO BIRD ENGINE DAMAGE DUE TO BIRD

ATTACK.ATTACK.• VARIOUS APPROACHES TO DEAL WITH VARIOUS APPROACHES TO DEAL WITH

BIRD HAZARD PROBLEMS.BIRD HAZARD PROBLEMS.• THE ROLE OF RADAR IN AVOIDANCE THE ROLE OF RADAR IN AVOIDANCE

OF ANY BIRD STRIKES.OF ANY BIRD STRIKES.• CONCLUSION.CONCLUSION.

Bird menace in aviation.Bird menace in aviation.

• From the past few decades man’s machines have From the past few decades man’s machines have invaded the domain of birds. This conflict is expected invaded the domain of birds. This conflict is expected to grow, since the human population is increasing to grow, since the human population is increasing rapidly.rapidly.

INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION

• Bird attack to an aircraft is the most Bird attack to an aircraft is the most challenging ecological problem, since both challenging ecological problem, since both birds and man are competing for the same birds and man are competing for the same air space.air space.

• It has become a worldwide problem resulting It has become a worldwide problem resulting in human fatalities & aircraft damage.in human fatalities & aircraft damage.

• From the past few decades man’s machines From the past few decades man’s machines have invaded the domain of birds. This have invaded the domain of birds. This conflict is expected to grow, since the human conflict is expected to grow, since the human population is increasing rapidlypopulation is increasing rapidly. .

Introduction Introduction

• Many serious incidents of bird/plane crash Many serious incidents of bird/plane crash have occurred in recent years resulting in have occurred in recent years resulting in loss of human life as well as major loss of human life as well as major damages to the aircraft.damages to the aircraft.

• Birds are a serious menace to aviation.Birds are a serious menace to aviation.• Bird collision with aircraft is commonly Bird collision with aircraft is commonly

known as ‘ bird strike ’known as ‘ bird strike ’• Birds normally move around in flocks, so Birds normally move around in flocks, so

whenever a bird strike has occurred it is whenever a bird strike has occurred it is usually due to a flock of birds.usually due to a flock of birds.

Introduction Introduction • Most affected part in an aircraft is the engine or the Most affected part in an aircraft is the engine or the

Fuselage which involves expensive structural and Fuselage which involves expensive structural and mechanical damage to the aircraft. Thus it has mechanical damage to the aircraft. Thus it has become a serious economic problem. become a serious economic problem.

• During the early days of aviation , bird strikes were During the early days of aviation , bird strikes were infrequent when aircraft flew at slow speeds, birds infrequent when aircraft flew at slow speeds, birds had little difficulty in getting out of the way. The loss had little difficulty in getting out of the way. The loss of an aircraft or human lives were very remote.of an aircraft or human lives were very remote.

• With the development & introduction of faster & With the development & introduction of faster & more efficient aircrafts, bird hazards became a more efficient aircrafts, bird hazards became a serious & a costly problem.serious & a costly problem.

• Faster speeds mean birds have very less time to Faster speeds mean birds have very less time to react to approaching aircraft. The birds get panic and react to approaching aircraft. The birds get panic and normally dive into the oncoming aircraft. normally dive into the oncoming aircraft.

Introduction Introduction

• The force generated by bird impact The force generated by bird impact with a fast moving aircraft is with a fast moving aircraft is tremendous. The newer turbine tremendous. The newer turbine engines use light weight, high speed engines use light weight, high speed mechanical parts which are mechanical parts which are vulnerable to bird strike damage.vulnerable to bird strike damage.

Overview of bird strikeOverview of bird strike

AIRCRAFT ENGINE AIRCRAFT ENGINE DAMAGE DUE TO BIRD DAMAGE DUE TO BIRD

ATTACKATTACK

AIRCRAFT ENGINE DAMAGE AIRCRAFT ENGINE DAMAGE DUE TO BIRD ATTACKDUE TO BIRD ATTACK

• Birds have been a potential hazard to aircraft since the beginning of air travel.

• Despite their relatively small size, birds can cause considerable damage to aircraft when the two collide, mainly due to the high speed of the aircraft.

•In the engine of the attacked aircraft compressor failure usually occurs when the impact of the bird dislodges inlet guide vane, which in turn becomes a foreign object entering the engine. The resulting damage to the engine is massive, and the engine ceases to function.

Aircraft engine damage due Aircraft engine damage due to to

bird strikebird strike

Crash on takeoff resulting from engine Crash on takeoff resulting from engine damage caused by gulls damage caused by gulls

Aircraft engine damage due Aircraft engine damage due to bird attackto bird attack

Destroyed windscreens due to bird strikeDestroyed windscreens due to bird strike

Aircraft damage due to bird Aircraft damage due to bird strikestrike

AIRCRAFT ENGINE AIRCRAFT ENGINE DAMAGE DUE TO BIRD DAMAGE DUE TO BIRD

ATTACKATTACK

Destroyed jet engine due toDestroyed jet engine due to

bird strikebird strike


Destroyed wing of Destroyed wing of aircraft during takeoffaircraft during takeoff

The potential for multiple strikes from small flocking birds also contributes to the migratory problem, usually resulting in damage to the airframe by producing dents on leading edges of wings, tail assemblies & the nose of the aircraft.


Bird ingested into a engineBird ingested into a engine

Engine completely damaged Engine completely damaged due to bird strikedue to bird strike

The analysis of these The analysis of these strikes may reveal strikes may reveal

information on:information on:

• vulnerability of different aircraft vulnerability of different aircraft component component

• different type of engines different type of engines • time of occurrence time of occurrence • bird species involved bird species involved • height of occurrence height of occurrence • flight phase flight phase • Geographical area etcGeographical area etc

Various approaches to deal Various approaches to deal with bird-hazard problemswith bird-hazard problems

There are different methods to solve There are different methods to solve the bird hazard problemthe bird hazard problem

• An on board device to get rid of An on board device to get rid of birds in front of the aircraftbirds in front of the aircraft

• Getting rid of birds at airportsGetting rid of birds at airports• Avoiding birds away from airportsAvoiding birds away from airports• With the help of radars.With the help of radars.

Various approaches to deal with Various approaches to deal with bird-hazard problemsbird-hazard problems

An on-board device to get rid off birds.An on-board device to get rid off birds.

If an on board device could cause birds to turn quickly out of the If an on board device could cause birds to turn quickly out of the flight path of an approaching aircraft, bird strikes could be flight path of an approaching aircraft, bird strikes could be avoided.avoided.

Such a device would be required to:Such a device would be required to:

• Be effective on birds of all species under all conditionsBe effective on birds of all species under all conditions• Have no effect on human beingsHave no effect on human beings• Have no adverse effect on aircraft performanceHave no adverse effect on aircraft performance• Be readily installed, operated and maintainedBe readily installed, operated and maintained• Be of reasonable cost and weight, when installed in existing Be of reasonable cost and weight, when installed in existing

aircraftaircraft

Various approaches to deal with Various approaches to deal with bird-hazard problemsbird-hazard problems

Getting rid of birds at airportsGetting rid of birds at airportsOne can get rid of birds at and around airfields by scaring, trapping or killing the birds or by making the airports itself less attractive to them (by changes in the airport or by the habitat manipulation).

Various Various approachesapproaches to deal with bird- to deal with bird-hazard problemshazard problems

Habitat Manipulation: Habitat Manipulation:

• Realizing that scaring or killing of birds would only be Realizing that scaring or killing of birds would only be

temporarily effective whereas habitat changes would have temporarily effective whereas habitat changes would have more permanent results. more permanent results.

• Ecological surveys were done to find out what bird species Ecological surveys were done to find out what bird species were present at what parts of the airfields during what part of were present at what parts of the airfields during what part of the day and of the year, and for what reasons. the day and of the year, and for what reasons.

Consequent efforts to make airports less attractive to Consequent efforts to make airports less attractive to birds have included:birds have included:

• Removal of garbage dumps both from Removal of garbage dumps both from

the airport and from its vicinity.the airport and from its vicinity.• Removal of ponds by drainage, and Removal of ponds by drainage, and

reducing the water surface of ditches reducing the water surface of ditches and streams by providing an adequate and streams by providing an adequate gradient and rapid flow.gradient and rapid flow.

• Any cultivtion of crops which attract Any cultivtion of crops which attract birds should not be carried on in or birds should not be carried on in or around the vicinity of airportsaround the vicinity of airports

Consequent efforts to make airports less Consequent efforts to make airports less attractive to birds have includedattractive to birds have included

• Maintaining the grass or equivalent Maintaining the grass or equivalent vegetation on the airport to the optimum vegetation on the airport to the optimum height, under local conditions, for the height, under local conditions, for the minimum attractiveness to birds.minimum attractiveness to birds.

• Removal of tress, shrubs and other Removal of tress, shrubs and other plants within 600 feet from the runway plants within 600 feet from the runway or any approach path.or any approach path.

• Bird-proofing of all airport buildings so Bird-proofing of all airport buildings so that no bird could nest in any hollow, that no bird could nest in any hollow, hole, or crevice.hole, or crevice.

Common birds near Common birds near airportsairports

Various Various approachesapproaches to deal with bird-hazard to deal with bird-hazard problemsproblems

Scaring of birds at airports:Scaring of birds at airports: Many scaring methods were employed to drive away the Many scaring methods were employed to drive away the

birds from the airports. Most efforts to frighten birds at birds from the airports. Most efforts to frighten birds at airports operate on the bird’s faculties of sight and airports operate on the bird’s faculties of sight and hearing. Scaring methods can be categorized as followshearing. Scaring methods can be categorized as follows

• Visual scaring: Visual scaring: bird corpses, bird modelsbird corpses, bird models• Acoustical scaring: Acoustical scaring: ultrasonic sounds, non-natural ultrasonic sounds, non-natural

sounds, sounds, natural sounds, and natural sounds, and synthetic soundssynthetic sounds

• Combined visual and acoustical scaring: Combined visual and acoustical scaring: pyrotechnics (fire pyrotechnics (fire works), remote works), remote control model aircraft.control model aircraft.

• Trapping and killing birds at airports:Trapping and killing birds at airports:

Acoustical scaring Acoustical scaring devicesdevices

Exploding & whistling cartridgesExploding & whistling cartridges Long range rockets Long range rockets

These are called These are called ruggieri rockets ruggieri rockets

which have 400mts range. which have 400mts range.

Acoustical scaring Acoustical scaring devicesdevices

• Sound generators to scare away birds from the runwaySound generators to scare away birds from the runway

• pyrotechnics (fire works) are also used to scare away birds from the airport pyrotechnics (fire works) are also used to scare away birds from the airport premises.premises.

Trapping and killing birds Trapping and killing birds at airportsat airports

• When big birds in small numbers pose a serious When big birds in small numbers pose a serious problem at an airport and cannot be scared away, problem at an airport and cannot be scared away, it is sometimes possible to live-trap, band, it is sometimes possible to live-trap, band, transport, and release the birds at considerable transport, and release the birds at considerable distance away from the airport. distance away from the airport.

• This is obviously no permanent solution because This is obviously no permanent solution because the released bird returns or the vacant habitat is the released bird returns or the vacant habitat is used by other birds of the same species, and used by other birds of the same species, and therefore only feasible for “rare” or otherwise therefore only feasible for “rare” or otherwise “interesting” bird species.“interesting” bird species.

• Many major airports have obtained special permits Many major airports have obtained special permits to kill birds for improving flight safety. This is done to kill birds for improving flight safety. This is done only when all the scaring and trapping methods only when all the scaring and trapping methods have failed.have failed.

Visual scaring techniqueVisual scaring technique• Green laser beams Green laser beams

could beat deadly bird could beat deadly bird threat at airports threat at airports

• 'This is brand new 'This is brand new technology and totally technology and totally different to traditional different to traditional methods of dealing methods of dealing with birds at airports with birds at airports such as acoustic and such as acoustic and pyrotechnic systems.pyrotechnic systems.

• bird corpses, bird bird corpses, bird models are also used models are also used to scare birds to scare birds

The TOM500 laser bird repellent, developed by Lord Ingenierie, is to be showcased at the Airport Build & Supply Exhibition in Dubai

Visual scaring techniqueVisual scaring technique• Laser beams sweeping airport runways to scare away birds Laser beams sweeping airport runways to scare away birds

could help civil aviation authorities in the Middle East beat could help civil aviation authorities in the Middle East beat a big threat to aircraft safety at take off and landing a big threat to aircraft safety at take off and landing

• Around 50,000 bird strikes on civil aviation aircraft are Around 50,000 bird strikes on civil aviation aircraft are recorded worldwide every year, with 11 per cent affecting recorded worldwide every year, with 11 per cent affecting the flight and some of the incidents leading to fatal crashes. the flight and some of the incidents leading to fatal crashes.

• The threat is greatest when birds crash into windscreens or The threat is greatest when birds crash into windscreens or are sucked into jet engines, but a French idea to be are sucked into jet engines, but a French idea to be unveiled in the Middle East later this year could help solve unveiled in the Middle East later this year could help solve the problem. the problem.

• Lord Ingénierie has developed the first automatic laser Lord Ingénierie has developed the first automatic laser system in the world to tackle the threat posed by birds to system in the world to tackle the threat posed by birds to aircraft, and the TOM500 will be introduced at the Airport aircraft, and the TOM500 will be introduced at the Airport Build & Supply Exhibition in Dubai June 2006. Build & Supply Exhibition in Dubai June 2006. TOM500 laser bird repellent

Visual scaring techniqueVisual scaring technique

• The TOM500 laser automatically begins scanning runways at regular The TOM500 laser automatically begins scanning runways at regular intervals on pre-programmed paths once light levels go below a certain intervals on pre-programmed paths once light levels go below a certain point.point.

• Birds are frightened away by the stick-like effect of the laser. Birds are frightened away by the stick-like effect of the laser. • The beam is close to the ground, causes no visual problems for pilots and The beam is close to the ground, causes no visual problems for pilots and

is harmless to eyes and skin. is harmless to eyes and skin.

• According to figures released by the International Civil Aviation According to figures released by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 2003, air accidents caused by bird strikes had up Organization (ICAO) in 2003, air accidents caused by bird strikes had up until then resulted in the loss of 400 lives and completly destroyed 420 until then resulted in the loss of 400 lives and completly destroyed 420 aircrafts.aircrafts.

• Ninety per cent of all bird strikes happen at or around airports. Ninety per cent of all bird strikes happen at or around airports.

BIRD STRIKE BIRD STRIKE INCIDENTSINCIDENTS

The number of bird strike incidents being shown in Bangalore & Trivandrum airports in a span of 15 The number of bird strike incidents being shown in Bangalore & Trivandrum airports in a span of 15 years.years.

PRECAUTIONS TO BE PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN BY PILOTSTAKEN BY PILOTS

• Birds may be encountered at considerable heights Birds may be encountered at considerable heights although generally they are found in the vicinity of although generally they are found in the vicinity of towns at height below 2000 ft. towns at height below 2000 ft.

• Pilots are advised to be careful and make every effort Pilots are advised to be careful and make every effort to avoid collision with birds, particularly when to avoid collision with birds, particularly when approaching or leaving aerodromes located close to approaching or leaving aerodromes located close to towns. As birds when frightened, are apt to dive. towns. As birds when frightened, are apt to dive.

• Pilots are advised to invariably switch ‘ON’ the Pilots are advised to invariably switch ‘ON’ the aircraft landing lights while landing or taking off aircraft landing lights while landing or taking off from the aerodrome to scare away birds from the from the aerodrome to scare away birds from the flight path. flight path.

• Pilots are also advised to delay their take off when Pilots are also advised to delay their take off when there is a known bird hazard on the runway area there is a known bird hazard on the runway area until dispersal action by the concerned authorities until dispersal action by the concerned authorities has cleared the area.has cleared the area.

THE ROLE OF RADARS IN THE THE ROLE OF RADARS IN THE AVOIDANCE OFAVOIDANCE OF BIRD-AIRCRAFT BIRD-AIRCRAFT

COLLISIONSCOLLISIONS The bird-aircraft problem can be treated as The bird-aircraft problem can be treated as

three separate problems:three separate problems:• The problem of birds in the airport premisesThe problem of birds in the airport premises• The problem of birds in areas adjacent to or The problem of birds in areas adjacent to or

surrounding the airport.surrounding the airport.• The problem of bird hazards en route of an The problem of bird hazards en route of an

aircraft.aircraft. Depending upon the particular nature of the Depending upon the particular nature of the

problem, possible solutions to hazards that problem, possible solutions to hazards that birds pose to aircraft cover the spectrum from birds pose to aircraft cover the spectrum from habitat manipulation& bird scaring habitat manipulation& bird scaring techniques to radar monitoring of local & techniques to radar monitoring of local & migratory movements of birds near airports.migratory movements of birds near airports.


COLLISIONSCOLLISIONS With regard to the biological aspects of the With regard to the biological aspects of the

bird/aircraft collision problem, approaches to bird/aircraft collision problem, approaches to remedy the problem have followed three major remedy the problem have followed three major lines:lines:

• Ecological alterations within the aerodrome to Ecological alterations within the aerodrome to render the airport environment less attractive to render the airport environment less attractive to birdsbirds

• Scaring devices to eliminate birds from the Scaring devices to eliminate birds from the airfield & anti-collision devices on the aircraft to airfield & anti-collision devices on the aircraft to make birds to avoid the aircraft while in flight.make birds to avoid the aircraft while in flight.

• Radar(radio detection & ranging) & direct visual Radar(radio detection & ranging) & direct visual detection of hazardous concentration of birds in detection of hazardous concentration of birds in & away from the airport & warning pilots of & away from the airport & warning pilots of potential danger.potential danger.


COLLISIONSCOLLISIONS

• The radar systems that are useful in The radar systems that are useful in studies of bird movement are listed studies of bird movement are listed below. below.

• Short range radars: within Short range radars: within 18.5 kms.18.5 kms.

• Intermediate range radars: within Intermediate range radars: within 111.2 kms.111.2 kms.

• Long range radars: within Long range radars: within 463.3 kms.463.3 kms.

Short range radarsShort range radars• Since a majority (90%) of bird –aircraft collisions Since a majority (90%) of bird –aircraft collisions

involving civil airlines and a quarter to a half of the involving civil airlines and a quarter to a half of the bird impacts involving military aircrafts occur at or bird impacts involving military aircrafts occur at or very near the airport. Short range radars are of very very near the airport. Short range radars are of very greater importance.greater importance.

• A high resolution X band radar with a antenna at A high resolution X band radar with a antenna at height of 20-30 m would meet the requirements of height of 20-30 m would meet the requirements of radar which would display an airfield map showing radar which would display an airfield map showing the presence and magnitude of bird groups on the the presence and magnitude of bird groups on the runway and shorter vegetation in all weathers expect runway and shorter vegetation in all weathers expect in very heavy rain. in very heavy rain.

• Therefore the use of airport bird detection equipment Therefore the use of airport bird detection equipment (ABDE) radar with direct visual surveillance when (ABDE) radar with direct visual surveillance when possible should greatly reduce bird impacts.possible should greatly reduce bird impacts.

Intermediate range Intermediate range radars:radars:

• Intermediate range radars: within 111.2 kms.Intermediate range radars: within 111.2 kms.• ASR-4 is the only type of Intermediate range radars. It ASR-4 is the only type of Intermediate range radars. It

is often used in the study of bird migration. is often used in the study of bird migration. It has three important characteristics. It has three important characteristics. • Firstly the short pulse length, the pulse repetition Firstly the short pulse length, the pulse repetition

frequency (1200per second) gives the ASR-4 good frequency (1200per second) gives the ASR-4 good resolution of close-in targets. Bird targets within a resolution of close-in targets. Bird targets within a mile of the transmitter are clearly displayed on the mile of the transmitter are clearly displayed on the plan position indicator.plan position indicator.

• Secondly, the radar is equipped with MTI circuits that Secondly, the radar is equipped with MTI circuits that eliminate ground clutter so that only moving targets eliminate ground clutter so that only moving targets are displayed.are displayed.

• Thirdly, the radar completes a sweep in 4 seconds. Thirdly, the radar completes a sweep in 4 seconds. This fast sweep rate does not permit a given echo to This fast sweep rate does not permit a given echo to fade completely before the next echo is painted on the fade completely before the next echo is painted on the PPI.PPI.

Long range sensors:Long range sensors:• Long range radars: within 463.3 Long range radars: within 463.3 • ARSR-2 & WSR-7M are the two radars that are ARSR-2 & WSR-7M are the two radars that are

normally used to monitor en route air traffic & weather, normally used to monitor en route air traffic & weather, respectively, within a range of 200 nautical miles have respectively, within a range of 200 nautical miles have been shown to readily detect birds. been shown to readily detect birds.

• The ARSR-2 (air route surveillance radar) network The ARSR-2 (air route surveillance radar) network consists of 89 radars. The radar has a wavelength of consists of 89 radars. The radar has a wavelength of 23 cm, a peak power of approximately 5000kw, a pulse 23 cm, a peak power of approximately 5000kw, a pulse repetition frequency of 360 hz.repetition frequency of 360 hz.

• The radar has a range of 200 nautical miles 7 is The radar has a range of 200 nautical miles 7 is equipped with a number of specialized circuits equipped with a number of specialized circuits including MTI, staggered PRF, point target,& including MTI, staggered PRF, point target,& distribution target attenuation. distribution target attenuation.

• Because of its power and sensitivity the radar is ideal Because of its power and sensitivity the radar is ideal for study of bird movements at greater ranges. A for study of bird movements at greater ranges. A serious limitation of this is its inability to measure the serious limitation of this is its inability to measure the altitude of bird movements because of the large altitude of bird movements because of the large vertical beam width. vertical beam width.

ConclusionConclusion• Zero bird strike rates are an achievable target.Zero bird strike rates are an achievable target.• Killing of birds is not necessary to save an aircraft.Killing of birds is not necessary to save an aircraft.• Bird aircraft strike prevention has to be a people’s Bird aircraft strike prevention has to be a people’s

program with active indispensable participation of all program with active indispensable participation of all sections of society. sections of society.

• Human sectioned such as destroying other species Human sectioned such as destroying other species and striving for luxuries at the cost of their basic and striving for luxuries at the cost of their basic needs, instead of showing stewardship towards them, needs, instead of showing stewardship towards them, is too demeaning and may finish the web of life. is too demeaning and may finish the web of life.

• If the population of scavenging raptors declines If the population of scavenging raptors declines abysmally, it is advisable to set up feeding stations in abysmally, it is advisable to set up feeding stations in protected Areas and country sides but far away from protected Areas and country sides but far away from aerodromes and power installations to avoid aerodromes and power installations to avoid collisions collisions

BibliographyBibliography

• www.airsafe.comwww.airsafe.com• www.birdstrike.orgwww.birdstrike.org• www.birdingfaqs.comwww.birdingfaqs.com• www.geo-marine.comwww.geo-marine.com• www.wildlifedamage.unl.eduwww.wildlifedamage.unl.edu• www.google.comwww.google.com• www.sciencedirect.com www.sciencedirect.com

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bird menace in aviation

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