Keeping the airport bird free!

A dog chasing birds

One of the biggest enemies for a large jet airliner is still a bird. Birds can get sucked into an engine and especially during a crucial time like take off can cause a lot of havoc. According to the FAA from 1990 to 2007 there have been about 80,000 bird strikes, 11 people have died from the result of bird strikes, and bird strikes have cost almost $300 million in damages.

There have been many different methods used to get rid of flocks of birds around airports (sounds, sprays, killing, etc), but Southwest Florida International Airport is one of 20 airports trying something a little different: using a dog to keep the birds in line.

Thanks Kate for the tip!

Source: USA Today Image: Mark Beaudin via USA Today

David Parker Brown

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & FOUNDER - SEATTLE, WA. David has written, consulted, and presented on multiple topics relating to airlines and travel since 2008. He has been quoted and written for a number of news organizations, including BBC, CNN, NBC News, Bloomberg, and others. He is passionate about sharing the complexities, the benefits, and the fun stuff of the airline business. Email me: david@airlinereporter.com

https://www.airlinereporter.com

2 Comments

Sidney A. Levy

March 14, 2010

why can’t engine intakes be screened?

Reply to Sidney

Richard D

March 2, 2012

Because it would block the airflow and distort it from going to the compressor blades therefore not supplying the aircraft with enough thrust and power needed. The aircraft would then fall from the sky

Reply to Richard