Proctologo

Number 9

Bird Strikes
As the population of birds has increased in North America, so has the number of reported aircraft bird strikes. But in all of the data that is published, not much is said about how to handle one. Fortunately, a little preparation, common sense, and thoughtfulness can help you avoid a “fowled-up” flight. The Numbers Despite the rise in bird strike reports, many collisionsstill go unreported; one estimate claims 60% of bird strikes never find their way to the FAA database. If that total is to be believed, over 145,000 strikes have occurred since 1998. But let’s face it: Numbers alone won’t prepare you for the actual event. So what should you do when you’re about to pick up an uninvited feathered passenger? Unlike an engine failure or a stall, an aircraft-meetsbirdevent is not something that’s easily practiced. But preparation for the possibility can help. If a collision with a bird is imminent, protect your eyes while maintaining situational awareness. Assume that any impact will result in a shattered windshield. Excuse the pun, but duck below the glare shield. Prepare yourself for a lot of confusion, but above all else, fly the airplane! There will be alot of wind and noise, and Hello Birdie On August 21, 1997, Southwest flight 1907 was descending through 4000 feet msl when the Boeing 737 struck a “large bird.” The force of the impact shattered the windshield and drove glass into the cockpit and forward galley. The captain and first officer landed the aircraft safely, but both crewmembers spent time that afternoon in the hospital having glassfragments removed. debris will probably be flying around. Wearing shatterresistant sunglasses will help avoid eye injury and keep your vision from being impaired by the slipstream. If the bird hits one of the airfoils, it’s best to assume there’s damage. Slow down to maneuvering speed and maintain control as best you can while you assess the situation. If the damage is significant, or you suspect itis, land as soon as practicable. Although you might be tempted to continue on to your destination, don’t be lulled into a false sense of security. You may not be able to see the extent of the damage, and pushing the flight further than necessary may cost you dearly. Don’t hesitate to declare an emergency, and don’t rule out an off-airport landing if you believe that the airframe has sufferedmajor damage.

Safe Pilots. Safe Skies.

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Upon landing, thoroughly inspect the airplane. If there’s any damage, have a mechanic look things over. You may be able to fly it back to your home airport, but don’t take any unnecessary chances. Know Before You Go Remember that whole ‘ounce of prevention’ axiom? Pay attention to available information prior to launch anden route; Notams may have been issued for bird activity. If the destination field has an automated terminal information service (ATIS), give it a call before departing. If hazardous bird activity is high, the ATIS will report this. Or consider calling the FBO at your destination and asking them about birds on the field. Geography may clue you in to potential bird activity. Birds tend tocongregate in low-lying areas or marshlands where food is more abundant. Landfills are also a big attraction for birds. Take these areas into account when scanning the sectional to determine if an airport is a likely candidate for excessive bird traffic. According to an FAA report on bird strikes, more collisions occur between July and October – prime migration time. Take extra care when flying duringthese months, especially near one of the major On February 18, 2010, the pilot of a Cessna 208B lined up for final approach into Sacramento International Airport. About 300 feet agl, he felt something hit the airplane, and the aircraft rolled to the right. He recovered and managed to land, but upon inspecting the damage he found that some of the sheet metal had been ripped from the right wing, and...