Elise Leon1, Diamond Haynes2, Alan Propisnoy3, Isaiah Jamna4, Somdat Kissoon5, Andrew Singh5, Kevin Singh, Nazrul Khandaker5 (3) Brooklyn Technical High School, Brooklyn, United States, (4) Sophie Davis CUNY School of Medicine, Manhattan, United States, (5)York College of CUNY & JFKR Aviation and Aeronautics Academy Academy, Earth and Physical Sciences, Geology Discipline, Jamaica, United States
HOW CAN VARIOUS COUNTERMEASURES USED IN AVIATION TO CONTROL BIRD STRIKES BE IMPROVED TO BE MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY?
Birds at an airport.
(image by Maarten Visser)
People and birds can coexist peacefully (image: USFWS)
Hendry, Jonathan E. “How Often Do Planes Experience Bird Strikes?” Simple Flying, 3 May 2023, https://simpleflying.com/bird-strike-frequency-guide/
DeVault, T. L., Blackwell, B. F., Belant, J. L., & Begler, M. J. (2017, February). Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series. USDA APHIS | Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/wildlifedamage/sa_reports/ct_wildlife+damage+management+technical+series
Enterprises, A., & Aviancntrl, A. (2022, December 15). What smell do birds hate? 4 homemade bird repellent ideas. Avian Control. https://aviancontrolinc.com/what-smell-do-birds-hate/
Aromas, O. (2019, September 8). Is it safe to use essential oils around birds. Organic Aromas®. https://organicaromas.com/blogs/aromatherapy-and-essential-oils/is-it-safe-to-use-essential-oils-around-birds/
Allan, John R. “The Costs of Bird Strikes and Bird Strike Prevention.” United States Department of Agriculture , Aug. 2000, Date Accessed: December 9, 2023 www.aphis.usda.gov/wildlife_damage/nwrc/symposia/economics_symposium/allenHR.pdf
Nicholson, R. (2011). Strategies for Prevention of Bird-Strike Events. Strategies for prevention of bird-strike events. https://www.boeing.com/commercial/aeromagazine/articles/2011_q3/4/
Uhlfelder, Eric. “Bloody Skies: The Fight to Reduce Deadly Bird-Plane Collisions.” Adventure, National Geographic, 3 May 2021, Date Accessed: December 11, 2023 www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/article/131108-aircraft-bird-strikes-faa-radar-science
Threats to Birds: Collisions-Aircraft: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.” FWS.Gov, Date Accessed: December 9, 2023. www.fws.gov/story/threats-birds-collisions-aircraft
Civil Aeronautics Board. "Investigation of Aircraft Accident: EASTERN AIRLINES: BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS: 1960-10-04" https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/33647
References
Current Wildlife Prevention Methods
Background Expenses
An enormous thanks to The Port Authority of NY & NJ, A New JFK, York College, Delta, American Airlines, JFK Millennium Partners and The New Terminal JFK International Airport, whose research grants made this STEM project possible.
Special thanks for Isaiah Jamna for his support in creating this poster.
Acknowledgements
Importantly, this technique does not negatively affect the bird themselves. The citrus water mix serves as an effective bird repellent due to its strong scent, which is aversive to birds.
Citrus oil, while fettering birds due to its strong scent, is non-harmful to avian species, ensuring the well-being of wildlife in the vicinity. This combination of precision, eco-friendly components, and bird-friendly outcomes makes it a promising and sustainable method to enhanced aviation safety.
Why is this better for the Environment?
Bird strikes can inflict significant damage to aircrafts. One of the most dangerous events ,caused by bird strikes, was when Eastern Airlines Flight 375 flew through a flock of birds during take-off. The birds damaged all four of their engines, causing the plane to crash into Boston Harbor. 62 passengers died out of 72 passengers. This event is an example of the danger of bird strikes, and why prevention methods are necessary.
The Danger of Bird Strikes
Birds are the most common wildlife threat to airplane landing and takeoff. According to National Geographic, “The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says more than 9,000 birds are reported struck annually by planes in the U.S., a figure that is rising every year. But because pilots don't have to report [all]... bird strikes, the actual number is likely twice that.”
The Tragedy of Bird Strikes
Some airports will kill thousands of birds annually to preserve commercial airplanes.
Most of the wildlife prevention methods being used today, such as habitat modification, shooting, trapping, repellants, toxicants, and many others, do not take into consideration how it will negatively affect the birds and the environment we live in.
While the methods employed may be expedient and cost-effective, the lives of the birds are also at stake.
Why Should We Care for Birds?
Birds are a vital part of our ecosystem, they contribute to the pollination process.
Without them we would not have various fruits, medicine, and recreation.
It’s a bird, it’s a plane… (image by Maarten Visser)
While radar-based systems offer a promising solution, it’s essential to consider the ecological impact of their manufacturing and maintenance. Opting for sustainable materials and responsible production processes for these systems can contribute to an overall environmentally friendly solution.
Additionally, incorporating machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence into these radar systems can enhance their precision, allowing for more accurate bird detection and avoidance strategies. With this, we can also store this data to prevent future accidents by predicting their behavior.
Additional Ideas that Can Help
An innovative solution to mitigate bird strikes involves utilizing drones to mist bird repellent in areas prone to bird activity around airports. Depending on the repellent used, this can be an eco-friendly approach which serves as a non-intrusive deterrent that is notably better for the environment compared to traditional countermeasures.
The misting process, carried out by drones, allows for precise and targeted application, reducing the overall environmental impact. A possible example is citrus oil, a natural substance, and when diluted with water, it poses minimal ecological harm. O'Hare International Airport has used grape extract as a bird repellent.
An Environmentally Friendly Solution
An example of a small drone (image by jacilluch)
Elise Leon1, Diamond Haynes2, Alan Propisnoy3, Isaiah Jamna4, Somdat Kissoon5, Andrew Singh5, Kevin Singh, Nazrul Khandaker5 (3) Brooklyn Technical High School, Brooklyn, United States, (4) Sophie Davis CUNY School of Medicine, Manhattan, United States, (5)York College of CUNY & JFKR Aviation and Aeronautics Academy Academy, Earth and Physical Sciences, Geology Discipline, Jamaica, United States
HOW CAN VARIOUS COUNTERMEASURES USED IN AVIATION TO CONTROL BIRD STRIKES BE IMPROVED TO BE MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY?
Birds at an airport.
(image by Maarten Visser)
People and birds can coexist peacefully (image: USFWS)
Hendry, Jonathan E. “How Often Do Planes Experience Bird Strikes?” Simple Flying, 3 May 2023, https://simpleflying.com/bird-strike-frequency-guide/
DeVault, T. L., Blackwell, B. F., Belant, J. L., & Begler, M. J. (2017, February). Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series. USDA APHIS | Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/wildlifedamage/sa_reports/ct_wildlife+damage+management+technical+series
Enterprises, A., & Aviancntrl, A. (2022, December 15). What smell do birds hate? 4 homemade bird repellent ideas. Avian Control. https://aviancontrolinc.com/what-smell-do-birds-hate/
Aromas, O. (2019, September 8). Is it safe to use essential oils around birds. Organic Aromas®. https://organicaromas.com/blogs/aromatherapy-and-essential-oils/is-it-safe-to-use-essential-oils-around-birds/
Allan, John R. “The Costs of Bird Strikes and Bird Strike Prevention.” United States Department of Agriculture , Aug. 2000, Date Accessed: December 9, 2023 www.aphis.usda.gov/wildlife_damage/nwrc/symposia/economics_symposium/allenHR.pdf
Nicholson, R. (2011). Strategies for Prevention of Bird-Strike Events. Strategies for prevention of bird-strike events. https://www.boeing.com/commercial/aeromagazine/articles/2011_q3/4/
Uhlfelder, Eric. “Bloody Skies: The Fight to Reduce Deadly Bird-Plane Collisions.” Adventure, National Geographic, 3 May 2021, Date Accessed: December 11, 2023 www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/article/131108-aircraft-bird-strikes-faa-radar-science
Threats to Birds: Collisions-Aircraft: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.” FWS.Gov, Date Accessed: December 9, 2023. www.fws.gov/story/threats-birds-collisions-aircraft
Civil Aeronautics Board. "Investigation of Aircraft Accident: EASTERN AIRLINES: BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS: 1960-10-04" https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/33647
References
Current Wildlife Prevention Methods
Background Expenses
An enormous thanks to The Port Authority of NY & NJ, A New JFK, York College, Delta, American Airlines, JFK Millennium Partners and The New Terminal JFK International Airport, whose research grants made this STEM project possible.
Special thanks for Isaiah Jamna for his support in creating this poster.
Acknowledgements
Importantly, this technique does not negatively affect the bird themselves. The citrus water mix serves as an effective bird repellent due to its strong scent, which is aversive to birds.
Citrus oil, while fettering birds due to its strong scent, is non-harmful to avian species, ensuring the well-being of wildlife in the vicinity. This combination of precision, eco-friendly components, and bird-friendly outcomes makes it a promising and sustainable method to enhanced aviation safety.
Why is this better for the Environment?
Bird strikes can inflict significant damage to aircrafts. One of the most dangerous events ,caused by bird strikes, was when Eastern Airlines Flight 375 flew through a flock of birds during take-off. The birds damaged all four of their engines, causing the plane to crash into Boston Harbor. 62 passengers died out of 72 passengers. This event is an example of the danger of bird strikes, and why prevention methods are necessary.
The Danger of Bird Strikes
Birds are the most common wildlife threat to airplane landing and takeoff. According to National Geographic, “The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says more than 9,000 birds are reported struck annually by planes in the U.S., a figure that is rising every year. But because pilots don't have to report [all]... bird strikes, the actual number is likely twice that.”
The Tragedy of Bird Strikes
Some airports will kill thousands of birds annually to preserve commercial airplanes.
Most of the wildlife prevention methods being used today, such as habitat modification, shooting, trapping, repellants, toxicants, and many others, do not take into consideration how it will negatively affect the birds and the environment we live in.
While the methods employed may be expedient and cost-effective, the lives of the birds are also at stake.
Why Should We Care for Birds?
Birds are a vital part of our ecosystem, they contribute to the pollination process.
Without them we would not have various fruits, medicine, and recreation.
It’s a bird, it’s a plane… (image by Maarten Visser)
While radar-based systems offer a promising solution, it’s essential to consider the ecological impact of their manufacturing and maintenance. Opting for sustainable materials and responsible production processes for these systems can contribute to an overall environmentally friendly solution.
Additionally, incorporating machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence into these radar systems can enhance their precision, allowing for more accurate bird detection and avoidance strategies. With this, we can also store this data to prevent future accidents by predicting their behavior.
Additional Ideas that Can Help
An innovative solution to mitigate bird strikes involves utilizing drones to mist bird repellent in areas prone to bird activity around airports. Depending on the repellent used, this can be an eco-friendly approach which serves as a non-intrusive deterrent that is notably better for the environment compared to traditional countermeasures.
The misting process, carried out by drones, allows for precise and targeted application, reducing the overall environmental impact. A possible example is citrus oil, a natural substance, and when diluted with water, it poses minimal ecological harm. O'Hare International Airport has used grape extract as a bird repellent.
An Environmentally Friendly Solution
An example of a small drone (image by jacilluch)
How Can Various Countermeasures Used in Aviation to Control Bird Strikes be Improved to be More Environmentally Friendly?
Birds are a vital part of our ecosystem. They are also the most common wildlife threat to airplane landing and takeoff. Some airports will kill thousands of birds annually to preserve commercial airplanes and the lives of passengers, which are at significant risk due to bird strikes. Most of the wildlife prevention methods being used today, such as habitat modification, shooting, trapping, repellants, toxicants, and many others, do not take into consideration how it will negatively affect the birds and the environment we live in.
An innovative solution to mitigate bird strikes involves utilizing drones to mist bird repellent in areas prone to bird activity around airports. Citrus oil, while fettering birds due to its strong scent, is non-harmful to avian species, ensuring the well-being of wildlife in the vicinity. The misting process, carried out by drones, allows for precise and targeted application, reducing the overall environmental impact.
Additional ideas such as augmenting radar-based systems with artificial intelligence to allow for more accurate bird detection and avoidance strategies are considered. Using sustainable materials and production processes can contribute to an overall environmentally friendly solution. This combination of precision, eco-friendly components, and bird-friendly outcomes makes it a promising and sustainable method to enhance aviation safety.
Abstract - 1500 characters or less (with spaces)
NOTE: I’ve corrected “enchanted aviation safety” to “enhanced” in the last section, assuming it was an error and not intentional
Birds are a vital part of our ecosystem. They are also the most common wildlife threat to airplane landing and takeoff. Some airports will kill thousands of birds annually to preserve commercial airplanes and the lives of passengers, which are at significant risk due to bird strikes. Most of the wildlife prevention methods being used today, such as habitat modification, shooting, trapping, repellants, toxicants, and many others, do not take into consideration how it will negatively affect the birds and the environment we live in. An innovative solution to mitigate bird strikes involves utilizing drones to mist bird repellent in areas prone to bird activity around airports. Citrus oil, while fettering birds due to its strong scent, is non-harmful to avian species, ensuring the well-being of wildlife in the vicinity. The misting process, carried out by drones, allows for precise and targeted application, reducing the overall environmental impact. Additional ideas such as augmenting radar-based systems with artificial intelligence to allow for more accurate bird detection and avoidance strategies are considered. Using sustainable materials and production processes can contribute to an overall environmentally friendly solution. This combination of precision, eco-friendly components, and bird-friendly outcomes makes it a promising and sustainable method to enhanced aviation safety.
Source documents
Hendry, Jonathan E. “How Often Do Planes Experience Bird Strikes?” Simple Flying, 3 May 2023, simpleflying.com/bird-strike-frequency-guide/#:~:text=Almost%20fifty%20bird%20strikes%20are,those%20cause%20any%20significant%20damage.&text=According%20to%20the%20Federal%20Aviation,close%20to%20takeoff%20or%20landings.
DeVault, T. L., Blackwell, B. F., Belant, J. L., & Begler, M. J. (2017, February). Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series. USDA APHIS | Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/wildlifedamage/sa_reports/ct_wildlife+damage+management+technical+series
Enterprises, A., & Aviancntrl, A. (2022, December 15). What smell do birds hate? 4 homemade bird repellent ideas. Avian Control. https://aviancontrolinc.com/what-smell-do-birds-hate/
Aromas, O. (2019, September 8). Is it safe to use essential oils around birds. Organic Aromas®. https://organicaromas.com/blogs/aromatherapy-and-essential-oils/is-it-safe-to-use-essential-oils-around-birds/#:~:text=To%20understand%20what%20essential%20oils,Peppermint
Nicholson, R. (2011). Strategies for Prevention of Bird-Strike Events. Strategies for prevention of bird-strike events. https://www.boeing.com/commercial/aeromagazine/articles/2011_q3/4/
Threats to Birds: Collisions-Aircraft: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.” FWS.Gov, Date Acessed: December 9, 2023. www.fws.gov/story/threats-birds-collisions-aircraft#:~:text=The%20concern%20is%20largely%20that,civil%20and%20military%20aircraft%20annually.
“Eastern Air Lines Flight 375.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, Date Accessed: December 11. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Air_Lines_Flight_375.
Allan, John R. “The Costs of Bird Strikes and Bird Strike Prevention.” United States Department of Agriculture , Aug. 2000, Date Accessed: December 9, 2023 www.aphis.usda.gov/wildlife_damage/nwrc/symposia/economics_symposium/allenHR.pdf.
Uhlfelder, Eric. “Bloody Skies: The Fight to Reduce Deadly Bird-Plane Collisions.” Adventure, National Geographic, 3 May 2021, Date Acessed: December 11, 2023 www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/article/131108-aircraft-bird-strikes-faa-radar-science.
“Bird Strike.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, Date Accessed: December 11, 2023, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bird_strike.
ERIC UHLFELDER
What countermeasures are used in aviation to control bird strikes and how can
Elise Leon1, Diamond Haynes2, Alan Propisnoy3, Isaiah Jamna4, Somdat Kissoon5, Andrew Singh6, Nazrul Khandaker7 (3) Brooklyn Technical High School, Brooklyn, United States, (4) Sophie Davis CUNY School of Medicine, Manhattan, United States, (5,6,7)York College of CUNY & JFKR Aviation and Aeronautics Academy Academy, Earth and Physical Sciences, Geology Discipline, Jamaica, United States
NAMES:
Elise Leon
Diamond Haynes
Alan Propisnoy: Brooklyn Technical Highschool