Why are planes afraid of birds?

The collision between aircraft and birds is a worldwide problem, which threatens the flight safety of civil aircraft and military aircraft. Planes are afraid of birds because of their high relative speed and great strength after colliding with objects. Exceeding the endurance of a certain part of the aircraft may damage the aircraft body or components and directly threaten flight safety.

For example, if a bird hits the windshield of an aircraft, it will directly affect the pilot's operation of the aircraft and even affect the pilot's life safety. The consequences of an airplane without pilot control are unimaginable. Furthermore, if the bird hits the engine, it will cause the engine to stop in the air, or even cause the engine to catch fire in the air until the whole plane is ignited.

Q: Does it often happen that birds hit planes? What are the odds?

A: Birds collide with planes frequently, especially in spring, summer and autumn. There will be more when flying at low altitude and ultra-low altitude. Birds the size of sparrows and swallows collided with planes in countless ways. It is rare for a big bird like an eagle to threaten the safety of an airplane. In the accidents of our air force in the past three years, three major accidents occurred in 200 1 year, accounting for 2 1% of the major flight accidents in that year.

Q: The plane is flying at a high altitude. Generally speaking, birds can't fly that high. Under what circumstances will the bird hit the plane?

A: Generally, when an airplane takes off, lands, flies at low altitude or ultra-low altitude, it is more likely to collide with a bird.

Q: When a pilot encounters this special situation in the air, what measures should he take to minimize the loss?

A: After a pilot is hit by a bird, it is generally necessary to conduct a comprehensive and detailed inspection of the working conditions of the aircraft and the engine, and judge that they are working normally before continuing to fly. If there is any abnormality, it is necessary to land quickly or land at the nearest airport according to the location and damage degree of the flight.

Q: What measures should passengers generally take when this special situation happens?

A: As long as it is a bird collision that does not pose a direct threat to flight safety, the crew can not tell the passengers. After landing, according to the specific situation, the ground crew can check before continuing to fly. If flight safety has been threatened, the captain and crew should explain the reasons according to the specific situation, let passengers fasten their seat belts, maintain emotional stability and cooperate closely with the crew.

Q: Have you ever encountered such a situation in your flying career for more than 30 years?

A: Ha, I met birds more than once in my flight, but all of them were near misses. Planes often smash birds into pieces, and when they land, they will see the blood left on the bodies. If it is serious, the bird will knock the fuselage out of a "small pit".