Accidents involving birds at airports, known as “bird strikes,” are more common than you might think, and they can cause significant delays or even pose serious risks to flight safety. A recent incident at the Neuquén Airport illustrates this: a flight was delayed after a bird collided with the aircraft during takeoff, forcing the operation to halt for a safety check.
These accidents typically occur during critical phases of the flight, such as takeoff or landing, and 90% of bird strikes happen near airports. To reduce these risks, many airports around the world use bird control measures like pyrotechnics or patrols. However, at the Chapelco Aviador Carlos Campos Airport in San Martín de los Andes, the approach is different and much more natural.
At Chapelco, bird control is managed using birds of prey, such as hawks and falcons, trained to chase away other species that could pose a threat to aircraft. This method has proven highly effective as these powerful birds, under the direction of expert falconer François de Grossouvre, patrol the runway and surrounding areas, ensuring that other birds, like parakeets or ibises, stay clear of operational zones.
Using these trained birds, which have adapted perfectly to the local ecosystem, guarantees precise and rapid intervention. It also aligns with a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach, avoiding more invasive or harmful methods to local wildlife. This bird control system has also been successfully implemented in other international airports, proving its effectiveness in reducing bird strikes.
In short, while bird-related incidents can create significant challenges for aviation, Chapelco has found an innovative solution that blends technology and nature, ensuring flight safety while protecting the region’s ecological balance.