Management of habitats and birds in Payam Airport to reduce birds strikes with airplanes

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Environment, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Arak branch, Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran

2 Karaj municipality, department of urban services and Environment, Office of monitoring and evaluation of environmental pollutants, Karaj, Iran

3 Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

4 Department of Environment, Iran. Tehran, Iran

5 Professor, Department of Environment, Faculty of Natural Resources, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources of Tehran University, Tehran University, Karaj, Iran

Abstract

More than 90 percent of air strikes are related to the presence of birds. Payam airport is located in the southwest of Karaj City. The proximity of this airport to Halghe-Darreh landfill has led to the attraction of birds to this airport. In this study, the risk of bird strikes with airplanes was investigated. To do so, field survey mthod was carried out in all four seasons of 2019, from spring to winter. Results showed that nine species of birds were present at the airport. The probability and the severity of strike variables were in the medium and low class, respectively; therefore, the matrix of risk assessment of bird strikes lies in the green category, which shows low risk. To minimize the probability of bird strikes with airplanes, a long-term approach is that airplanes should not be near the important areas for birds or the route of their flight. The most effective ways to control birds are those which decrease carrying capacity of airplane for birds. Moreover, frightening methods should be selected periodically to avoid birds’ habituation. Airport personnel should monitor bird’s presence and all the strikes should be recorded. Finally, the proper management of wastes in Halghe-Darreh landfill near the airport has a positive effect in lowering the number of birds at the airport.

Keywords

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