Qualification of the visual signal « AIRBIRD-Birds of prey » developped by AIRBUS

The reduction of the risk of bird strikes is a major challenge for the aviation industry and for the Civil Aviation Authorities. In early 2000, AIRBUS started a project to develop new repellent techniques to disperse birds away from aerodromes and reduce wildlife hazard. In order to assess the effectiveness of a visual signal (“AIRBIRD – Birds of preys”) designed to disperse birds of preys on aerodromes, AIRBUS started a collaboration with the Civil Aviation Technical Service (STAC). As part of this collaboration, a test of qualification of visual signal “AIRBIRD – Birds of preys” has been performed at the Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées airport.  

This report presents the findings of the test, showing that the signal “AIRBIRD – Birds of preys” was able to reduce the presence of birds of prey on the aerodrome and to disperse them away from the high risk areas.