AboutPaul Ruderham Expertise I have been studying aviation for over twenty years. I know about the function of airlines, how aeroplanes fly, aviation accidents and why they happen. I am also an accomplished model aeroplane pilot, and a flight simulator expert. I have flown chipmunks and light aircraft.
Experience Hands on experience working at the airport, plus many hours of studying airlines and different types of aeroplanes.
Question How dangerous are birds to jet engines? If they are a serious problem then why don't they put something in front of the engine---(something like a cow catcher) ? If the reason is --it would reduce the air intake too much;then I don't see why they could not make a retractable device that could be retracted once the jet reaches a safe elevation. By the way, up until what elevation can a bird (or birds be sucked into the engine. And I don't mean the rarest case scenario. And why is it I have never heard of any jet plane that was brought down by a bird-(or birds) ?
Sincerely,Robert G.
Answer The engines on jets are tested to destruction. The odd bird ingested into the engine will not make any difference as it is shredded by the fans before it can do any damage.
Some engines are designed to throw the debris to the sides of the engine and pass through without damaging any major parts.
Birds can only fly so high as the oxygen runs out at around 14-15000 feet, and also the air can't support them at great height as it is too thin.
Bird strikes do happen around airfields and built up areas, which is the worst place during take off and landing. They usually strike the fuselage or windshield. the plane will usually land as a safety precaution.
It is vey rare for a bird or birds to bring down a plane. Of all the accident data bases I have not one has been caused by birdstrikes.
