II. Birdstrike

An aircraft hitting a bird may create an emergency situation, known as Birdstrike.

The seriousness of this emergency depends on:

• the size of the bird

• the speed of the aircraft at impact

• where it hits the aircraft.

Its effects may be very severe. The most dangerous strikes are to the

• windshield

• engine

A strike of this nature may lead to the ultimate loss of the aircraft.

Strikes other than windshield and engine may impair the flying characteristics of the aircraft, making levels and headings difficult to maintain and safe landings difficult. They may ultimately lead to loss of control, or even structural failure.

The likelihood of birdstrike varies depending on the level, the location and the time of year. The greatest risk of birdstrike is below 1000 ft above GND, with decreasing risk between 1000 ft and 5000 ft.

The risk above 5000 ft is much less but there is still some risk from migrating geese or other large birds, which have been encountered above 20000ft. The risk is also higher in spring and autumn.

Birdstrike on windshield

• loss of visibility

• may need nav, and landing assistance

• may require to operate by IFR

• loss of pressure / emergency descent

• pilot injury

• poor communication owning to noise

• may need to terminate flight and land at next suitable aerodrome

Birdstrike on landing gear

A birdstrike on the gear, or undercarriage, can cause serious problems and structural damage

• damaged landing gear may collapse when plane lands

• if the strike happens on take-off it may not be possible to retract the landing gear

• if gear cannot be retracted, the aircraft must terminate flight and land as soon as possible

• handling may be restricted owning to speed limits on extended landing

Birdstrike on fuselage

• smaller aircraft are more endangered

• stability may be reduced

• urgent landing be necessary

Birdstrike on engine

• engine may shut down

• engine may catch fire

• turbine engines more sensitive to damage

• single engine aircraft are more vulnerable

Birds on hydraulics

• this situation is complex

• may affect multiple systems:

flight controls

gear extension

brakes

flaps / rudder / elevator

nosewheel steering

ATC

In the event of birdstrike, Remember:

• Follow the ASSIST code of practice

A “Acknowledge – S “Separate” – S “Silence” – I “Inform” – S “Support” – T “Time”

• Find out if the pilot can still control the aircraft

• Allow a Long Final if requested

• Check RWY if birdstrike is during or after take-off

I. If …

… the pilot intends to land at the next suitable aerodrome

… the pilot reports limited vision owning to a dirty or damaged windshield

… the pilot reports problems controlling the aircraft

… a pilot reports a birdstrike during or after take-off or landing

II. If the pilot intends to land at the next suitable aerodrome …

- Recommend one or more suitable landing options as soon as possible

- Assess all of the following requirements carefully to avoid missed approaches:

- ACFT type and configuration

- aerodrome conditions

RWY in use: length, surface, elevation

ILS & navigational frequencies

any other facilities required, weather

III. If the pilot reports limited vision owning to a dirty or damaged windshield …

- If required, provide navigational assistance, radar monitoring and guidance to touchdown

- ACFT may require to be landed in accordance with instrument Flight Rules.

a long approach would be advisable

- RWY / Approach lighting

IV. If the pilot reports problems controlling the aircraft …

This means that the manoeuvrability of the ACFT is limited. As a result, flying procedures may not be executed as normal

You may assist the ACFT by:

If required, provide navigational assistance, radar monitoring and guidance to touchdown

increasing separation from other traffic

informing all appropriate units

arranging technical assistance by appropriate specialists

V. If the pilot reports a birdstrike during or after take-off or landing

- The birdstrike may have caused damage to the aircraft. Parts of the aircraft and / or bird may be lying on the RWY, endangering departing or arriving aircraft.

- Address this by arranging a RWY inspection

- Arrange technical assistance as necessary

CREW