Preventing Bird Strikes: From Niche Concern to Aviation Priority
Bird strike prevention has long been seen as a niche topic—technical, peripheral, and somewhat obscure. Yet, in recent years, it has increasingly come to the forefront of aviation safety discussions. And for good reason: bird strikes remain one of the most unpredictable and potentially dangerous hazards for aircraft.
A Hidden Threat with Unpredictable Consequences
The outcome of a bird strike is inherently uncertain. Damage can range from minor to critical, affecting the aircraft’s nose, wings, cockpit, landing gear, or multiple components at once. In worst-case scenarios, a bird strike can compromise the aircraft’s stability and lead to catastrophic failure.
Statistically, over 90% of bird strikes occur during the most sensitive phases of flight—takeoff and landing. For this reason, minimizing bird presence in and around airports isn’t just advisable; it’s essential.
Recent Incidents Highlight the Risk
Just last week, two bird strike incidents occurred within 50 minutes at São Paulo airport in Brazil. Both aircraft sustained engine damage. Thankfully, no passengers were injured, but the consequences were still significant: delays, cancellations, unscheduled maintenance—and elevated safety risks.
Latam Airlines, the operator involved, was quick to point out how such incidents disrupt operations and inflate costs. More broadly, these events reignite the urgency for effective bird control measures at and around airports.
The Smart Approach: Automated Bird Detection with BCMS®
One innovative solution is the BCMS® (Bird Control and Monitoring System). This system uses advanced detection technology to automatically identify bird activity in real time and respond with deterrents—such as gas cannons, distress calls, or human intervention where necessary.
But BCMS® doesn’t just react—it learns. By collecting and analyzing data over time, the system allows airport operators to develop long-term strategies for wildlife management based on concrete patterns and insights.
Consider this: in Brazil alone, Latam reported 513 bird strike incidents last year. The company is now calling for tighter wildlife control measures around airports. And they’re right to look beyond the runway.
The Broader Picture: It’s Not Just the Airport
The risk area extends well beyond airport boundaries. Birds don’t recognize fences—they live and fly in surrounding habitats. A truly effective system must be capable of monitoring the entire airport ecosystem.
That’s where systems like BCMS® stand out. By offering a full-area overview, they enhance both aviation safety and bird conservation. Because in every bird strike, wildlife pays the highest price.
Final Thought
As air traffic continues to grow, bird strike prevention can no longer be treated as a secondary concern. It’s time for smarter, data-driven strategies that protect both lives and ecosystems—on the ground and in the sky.