Bird Strikes Pose Major Threat to Aviation Safety
Bird strikes pose a significant threat to aviation safety, with incidents occurring every 24 minutes worldwide. Despite their small size, birds can cause substantial damage to aircraft, leading to delays and disruptions. EU Regulation 261/2004 classifies bird strikes as extraordinary circumstances, exempting airlines such as United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and American Airlines from flight compensation obligations.
Lukas Raščiauskas, CEO of Skycop, a company specialising in mitigating bird strike risks, highlights the severity of these incidents. A collision with a bird can seriously damage a plane, with engines being particularly vulnerable. In 5% of cases, the entire turbine needs replacement. Moreover, drones pose an even greater threat due to their rigid components, causing more severe damage to these airlines.
Bird strikes can also damage aircraft sensors, such as the Pitot tube, which measures the plane's speed. Most European birds migrate twice a year, with migration periods starting earlier due to global warming, increasing the risk of bird strikes near airports, mainly during takeoff and landing. As air traffic grows, so does the number of bird strikes worldwide, affecting these airlines.
Bird strikes and drone incidents pose significant challenges to aviation safety. While EU regulations exempt airlines from compensation in such cases, the industry and authorities must work together to mitigate these risks. Further research and implementation of preventive measures are crucial to ensure the safety of passengers and aircraft for these airlines.
