A four-track approach to reduce the risk of wildlife strikes at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

Abstract

Bird strikes are a serious hazard to aviation just as much as other well-known hazards such as loss of control in flight, controlled flight into terrain and runway excursions. Bird strikes can and do present a risk that needs to be addressed and this is particularly the case at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. The risk of a collision between geese and aircraft at this airport has increased in recent years. For this reason, governmental parties together with the Schiphol Airport Authority have taken measures to reduce the risk of bird strikes. This paper describes the measures that are being taken as well as the challenges being faced. At and around Schiphol, the focus is particularly on the approach to species posing a higher risk and the possible use of bird detection radar in airport operations.