Airport Bird Control Solutions Minimize Birdstrike Risk for Aircrafts / Airport Hangar Bird Control

AIRPORT Bird control

The problem of birdstrikes is as old as the aviation industry. As airports grow, professional bird control solutions had to be implemented too. A combination of the most effective solutions available has proven to be most effective.

Nowadays, bird control includes habitat management, the use of natural predators, bird robots, acoustic methods, visual (LASER) methods, large nettings, the use of natural aromatic substances (Methylanthranilate) and bird houses.

Audio Bird Deterrents

Audio bird deterrent methods use predator cry and distress calls of certain bird species. Whereas, most of the distress calls only work for certain bird species, predator cry sounds usually work with most birds.

In order to reduce habituation of the birds, the distress and predator calls are played in an irregular order. Still habituation is possible with most audio bird deterrent systems available. Directional beam systems use very strong audio beams of 150 dB over long distances (up to 1,500m).

Airport Hangar Bird Control

BIRD CONTROL METHODS - Netting

Adjacent landfills/water reservoirs should be netted. Many birds also nest in the large hangers, as they are wind-protected. The netting of large hangers prevents this, and reduces the attractiveness these habitats for birds. Many airports are close to landfill sites for historical reasons. As they are an attractive source of feed for birds netting is often the only solution. 

The important characteristics of netting:

• Most netting in hangers is attached by bonding.
• Only ultralight netting, weighing 12g sq m (mesh size 50mm x 50mm) can be used. The netting is incendiary materials class B1.
• The netting is stretched tight and can be easily removed for maintenance purposes.
• The netting is also available with a special coating. This prevents dust and dirt collecting and it stays clean for a long time.
• Netting is suitable for medium to high populations.
• The netting of landfill sites is often the only possibility of preventing birds landing.

BASH-Management

Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) management describes all measures that may be used to deter birds at and around airports. A professional approach to avian birdstrike management does not stop at the available bird control measures.

By using latest radar technology, BASH-management can detect hazardous bird activity at an early stage and automatically warn incoming or outgoing aircraft. Implementing BASH management routines at airports is a very important part of managing the airports safety. BASH-management also includes up to date documentation of bird activity and near-miss birdstrikes.