Avoiding and Surviving Bird Strikes

According to the FAA, pilots are asked to report encounters with all birds, bats, and terrestrial mammals larger than 2.2 pounds.

Meg Godlewski

Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 11:03 AM ET

Verified

When it comes to bird strikes, authorities want to know what kind of animal was hit and where the collision took place, including the altitude. [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

Airports face significant wildlife hazards, often exacerbated by human actions like abandoning pets, which attract predators and pose a threat to aircraft safety.
Pilots are encouraged to report all wildlife encounters, especially for animals over 2.2 lbs, to the FAA. This data is vital for developing effective wildlife management plans, enhancing airport safety, and tracking animal behavior.
To mitigate risks, pilots should avoid known wildlife congregation areas and fly at higher altitudes. In the event of a strike, the priority is to maintain aircraft control, then report the incident with detailed information to aid safety efforts.

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“What the —!” the learner cried out as we rolled out from landing.

Ahead of us some 1,000 feet down the runway there was a bald eagle standing on the centerline, scarfing down the carcass of what looked like a large white rabbit. We brought the aircraft to a stop as the bird stopped its feeding frenzy and hopped toward us, spreading its wings and obviously saying, “Come at me, bro!” in eagle.