Bird strikes are a major concern for the aviation industry. Birds getting sucked into jet engines or colliding with planes can cause serious damage and safety issues. This has led to investigations into methods of reducing bird strikes, including the use of decals or stickers on aircraft.
What are bird strikes?
A bird strike occurs when a bird collides with an aircraft. This usually happens during takeoff or landing, as birds are most abundant at lower altitudes. While small birds may not cause issues, larger birds like geese can seriously damage engines or break through windshields.
Bird strikes cause an estimated $1.2 billion in damage worldwide each year. Over 220 people have been killed due to bird strikes since 1988.
How do decals work to prevent bird strikes?
Decals are stickers that can be applied to the nose cone or wings of aircraft. They feature patterns of eyes or predator shapes that are thought to scare or confuse birds:
- Eyespots: Large eye patterns may trigger an innate fear of predators in birds and cause them to avoid the area.
- False predator shapes: Silhouettes of predators like hawks, owls, or alligators could also deter birds.
- Irregular patterns: Complex and confusing patterns may disorient birds so they avoid the area.
The idea is that birds will see the decals and instinctively change their flight path to avoid the aircraft. Even if the effect is brief, it may be enough to prevent many collisions. Decals are passive and non-invasive, unlike other deterrents like sounds or lights.
What research has been done on decals?
Several studies have tested decals on aircraft or in laboratory simulations:
- A 2012 study by the USDA National Wildlife Research Center found Significant reductions in bird strikes for aircraft with decals on the nose versus aircraft without decals.
- A study in Marine Ornithology evaluated decals of different eye spots. Larger eye spots deterred gulls while smaller spots had no effect.
- Multiple lab studies using model aircraft and decals have found reduced bird collisions versus plain aircraft.
Researchers believe that eye patterns around 10cm in diameter work best for deceiving birds from a distance. The color and contrast of the eyespots also impact effectiveness.
What are the benefits of using decals?
Here are some of the main benefits of using decals to deter bird strikes:
- Non-invasive – Decals use visual cues only and don’t require sounds, lights, or other active repellants.
- Low maintenance – Once applied, decals don’t require any upkeep or batteries.
- Lightweight – Vinyl decals weigh very little, so they don’t impact fuel costs.
- Inexpensive – Decals can cost just a few dollars per plane. Much less than engine repairs.
- Simple application – Decals can be applied by ground crews in a short time.
For a minor investment, decals provide a passive and humane system to reduce the risk of dangerous and expensive bird strikes.
What are the limitations of decals?
Decals do have some potential limitations:
- Effectiveness varies between bird species. What deters gulls may not work on geese.
- Decals must be replaced every 1-2 years as they degrade from flight hours and weather.
- Some evidence shows birds can become habituated to static decals over time.
- Decals may need to be paired with other strategies like habitat management around airports.
- Positioning is important – decals must be placed correctly within a bird’s field of view.
While decals can help reduce bird strikes, they cannot prevent all collisions. Ongoing research aims to enhance the effectiveness of decals and how they are utilized.
What are the rules and guidelines for decal use?
Use of decals is regulated by aviation agencies like the FAA:
- Decals must be installed per manufacturer specifications, including correct placement and application procedures.
- Only decals that are aviation certified and bird tested can be utilized.
- Pilots should document when decals are installed or replaced on their aircraft.
- Any damage, wear, or fading issues with decals must be reported and repaired.
- Decals should be paired with nighttime lighting for low visibility situations.
Following these rules ensures decals function as intended and don’t pose other issues like interfering with sensors or visibility from the cockpit.
How widely are decals used on aircraft today?
While research shows decals can be effective, adoption across the global aviation industry has been relatively slow. Some estimates on current use include:
- 5-10% of commercial planes in the United States have decals applied.
- Under 5% of planes in Europe and Asia use decals.
- 20-25% of US Air Force planes have approved bird strike decals.
- Decal use is more common on small private and charter planes.
More data is still needed to quantify decal adoption rates. Cost, information gaps, and regulation may limit usage currently. Increased bird strike rates and research could make decals more ubiquitous in the future.
Conclusion
Decals offer airports and airlines a simple, affordable option to reduce bird strike risks. While decals alone cannot eliminate all wildlife collisions, they have proven effective at decreasing bird strikes in multiple studies when applied correctly. Wider adoption faces some challenges like varying efficacy between species and the need for standardized guidelines. As the relevant aviation agencies recognize the benefits of decals, usage rates are likely to increase across commercial, military, and private aircraft.
Pros of Decals | Cons of Decals |
---|---|
Non-invasive to birds | Can wear over time and need replacement |
Easy to install | May not deter all bird species |
Lightweight | Birds may habituate to static designs |
Low maintenance | Must be combined with other strategies |
Very affordable | Positioning is critical |
Key Statistics on Bird Strikes
Annual cost of bird strikes | $1.2 billion |
---|---|
Bird strike fatalities since 1988 | Over 220 |
Reduction with decals in USDA study | 60-80% |
Optimal eye spot size | About 10cm diameter |
Decal adoption in US planes | 5-10% |