Bird Strike Risk

071-02-03Pablo Asensio Martínez2026-04-011 min

Risk Factors

  • Altitude: 90% of bird strikes occur below 3,000 ft AGL. Greatest risk during Take-off and Landing.
  • Season: Higher risk during migration periods (Spring/Autumn).
  • Time of Day: Higher risk around dawn and dusk.
  • Location: Landfills, water bodies, and grass areas near airports attract birds.

Impact Physics

F16 after bird strike

The energy of the impact is proportional to the mass of the bird and the square of the speed. $ E_k = \frac{1}{2} m v^2 $ Doubling the speed quadruples the impact energy. Below 10,000 ft, speed is restricted to 250 kt to reduce impact severity (among other reasons).

Pilot Actions

  • Avoidance: Delay take-off or landing if bird activity is reported.
  • Reporting: Pilots must report bird strikes or significant bird activity to ATC.
  • After Strike: Monitor engine parameters (vibration, EGT, N1/N2). If handling allows, climb to safe altitude before assessing damage.