Danger to aircraft

FISHING, BIRDS AND AIRCRAFT

Birds like fish J – birds doNOT like aircraft L - aircraft do NOTlike birds L

Who would have thought that birds are a hazard at airports? Birds and aircraft share the same airspace but they do not mix! They are a hazard because they can interfere with aircraft taking off or landing. ‘Birdstrikes’ can potentially damage aircraft and delay flights.

Birds are more of a hazard at airports on the coast because runway ends are popular fishing spots. And birds love fish! At Wellington Airport, where there is water at both ends of the runway, birds are often attracted to fishing boats which come close to the runway end. People like to fish from the shoreline near the runway end and sometimes use kites which doubles the attraction to birds.

Airport staff are constantly on the look out for birds which may interfere with aircraft and there ways to deter birds from the runway ends. They often employ methods to move on birds to a safer location.

Fishermen can also help minimise the bird hazard by avoiding fishing within 3 nautical miles of an airport, especially within the take-off or landing path of aircraft.

So – go catch that Snapper! But be aware of those mechanical birds flying overhead. Avoid fishing on the take-off or landing approach paths of aircraft. Your assistance in minimising bird activity in the vicinity of airports will be greatly appreciated by airport staff and passengers.

Jon Eyley
Airside Operations Manager
Wellington International Airport Ltd

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