A bird strike is when one or more birds hit an aircraft.
This usually occurs at low altitude, and 79 per cent of all bird strikes are at airfields. Although a bird’s size and weight are negligible compared with those of a plane, these incidents can still cause considerable damage. In most cases this is purely superficial, but technical problems can sometimes arise as a result.
At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, special patrols inspect the runways regularly for dead or injured birds. These have probably been struck by an aircraft. If any are found, air traffic control notifies the pilot concerned so that he or she can decide whether a precautionary landing is needed. Similarly, pilots who suspect a bird strike during take-off or landing report that to air traffic control. The runway is then inspected as quickly as possible.
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