Windshields and clear vision panels can become obscured — Page 152, Lesson 239

I want to walk you through a critical safety topic: the risk birds pose to aircraft, especially during the most vulnerable phases of flight. Let's start with the core problem. Windshields and clear vision panels can become obscured. That's the immediate, direct hazard a bird strike creates for the pilot. But the highest risk to aeroplanes is in close proximity to the ground. Why? Because when you're close to the ground, deviation from the initial or final flight path is impractical — you simply don't have the altitude or time to manoeuvre away. And at those low altitudes, power settings are crucial; you're often at high thrust for take-off or approach, and a sudden distraction or damage can be critical. Aerodromes close to coastal areas and natural areas of habitat for birds are the most vulnerable. So, to manage this risk, you need knowledge. A knowledge of the heights at which birds fly, the times of day when movement to and from roosting areas is likely, and the periods of mass migration will assist pilots, air traffic controllers, and operators to minimize the risk to aeroplanes. This isn't just a pilot problem — it's a team effort. Where birds are a continual risk to aeroplanes, airport authorities set up bird control units, or BCUs. These units employ trained operatives and techniques to actively reduce the number of birds visiting an aerodrome. Now, what happens if a bird strike does occur? In the event of an aeroplane suffering a bird strike, the commander — that's the captain — is to submit a written report of the incident after landing. This isn't just paperwork; ICAO Doc 9137 contains significant data regarding bird strikes, their effects, and ways to minimize the likelihood. Your report feeds into that global knowledge base. Finally, let's look at prevention through land use. Regulations should be placed on the use of land around airports to reduce the attractiveness to birds. The excerpt lists specific land uses that have caused problems at airports. I'll run through them: fish processing, agriculture, cattle feed lots, rubbish dumps and landfill sites, factory roofs and carparks, theatres and food outlets, wildlife refuges, lakes, golf and polo courses, animal farms, and slaughter houses. Each of these attracts birds for food, shelter, or habitat, and that attraction is incompatible with safe airport operations.