Andy Hay - rspb-images.com
From 1 January any bird strike can be reported by completing a form on the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) website.
Birdstrikes can be extremely hazardous to aircraft and reporting of incidents became mandatory in 2004. To date, aerodromes, aircraft operators and private pilots have filed birdstrike reports by faxing or posting a form, but the online option makes the process much simpler, benefiting the CAA and the aviation community.
”Prior to birdstrike reporting becoming mandatory, there was a large degree of under-reporting,” said Nick Yearwood, from the Aerodrome Standards Department at the CAA.
”We believe that this automated procedure will make it quicker and easier for pilots and aerodrome officials to file reports. This will ensure that we have a more accurate record of birdstrike events that we can share with the industry in order to improve bird control procedures.”
A CAA spokeswoman told ABTN: ”This gives us invaluable information. All aerodromes have birdstrike prevention procedures in place ” bird scaring and managing of habitats ” and this will mean we can quickly send reports to land owners and aerodromes which need the data to manage the problem. It helps them target specific areas and types of birds.”
Since reporting of incidents was made mandatory, there has been a 67% increase in the number of reports received - in 2006 there were 1,780.
However, the number of birdstrikes classified as ”serious” has remained unchanged, averaging 57 per year. Modern aircraft engines are designed to be resistant to multiple strikes by birds of up to 5.5lbs (2.5kg) in weight.