The devastating image of the Jeju plane crash on 29DEC24 at Muan International Airport in South Korea, is not easily forgotten. 179 passengers and crew lost their lives, and initial investigations confirmed that bird strikes had played a role in the accident. As a result, all South Korean airports have now been ordered to install bird detection cameras and thermal imaging radars for better bird detection and response. But is there a better way to safeguard against bird strikes? One that uses the nature of birds to help naturally deter them from airport airspace, and protect them from harm? Ece Ciğerli, a Mechanical Engineer from Türkiye and researcher into Bird Strike Prevention, believes biomimetics could hold the answer. She is CargoForwarder Global’s guest author, this week.
Biomimetics Innovation & Engineering in Aviation
Bird strikes and their impact on aviation
A bird strike refers to a collision between an aircraft and one or more birds during flight. Bird strikes impose significant financial costs on the aviation industry worldwide. The total annual cost is estimated to exceed USD 3.3 billion globally, with USD 1.1 billion in the U.S. alone. These costs include direct expenses such as aircraft repairs and indirect costs like delays and cancellations, which account for nearly 90% of the total. The risk is not limited to airplanes either, as wind turbines, drones, and UAVs also face bird strike hazards, especially at altitudes of up to 6,000 feet (1,828 meters).
There have been significant advancements in modern aircraft technology, but bird strikes remain a serious concern. Although birds and airplanes may seem fundamentally different, they share striking similarities in flight mechanics. Both follow the same principles for take-off, stable flight, and landing. Birds have long served as an inspiration for scientific research, environmental design, and structural engineering. Throughout history, numerous scientists and engineers — such as Leonardo da Vinci — have studied the connection between avian flight and aerodynamics.
Birds and aircraft: a shared airspace
Although birds have been flying for millions of years and possess remarkable intelligence, for the past 100 years or so, they have increasingly been having to navigate the skies alongside modern aircraft*. Birds and airplanes must coexist in this vast airspace without interfering with each other, especially during migration seasons. Unfortunately, thousands of birds die every year due to bird strikes near airports.
The highest bird strike ever recorded, occurred at 37,000 feet on November 29, 1973, when a commercial jet collided with a Rüppell’s Griffon Vulture over Abidjan, Ivory Coast. However, the majority of bird strike incidents happen at height of less than 500 feet, usually upon take-off or landing. According to reports from an ICAO seminar in Singapore, 38% of bird strikes occur during take-off, while 41% happen during landing, resulting in over 1,000 accidents per year. A Japanese survey in 2013 revealed that nearly 2,000 bird strike accidents had occurred at Japan’s civil and military airports, with 39% happening at night and 61% during the day. The most critical months for bird strikes are March, July, and October. A study in the U.S. revealed that seagulls alone account for 30% of bird strike incidents, followed by pigeons, ducks, storks, and flamingos.
Various solutions but a growing problem
To mitigate the problem of bird strikes, airports employ ornithologists and wildlife experts who use various deterrent techniques such as sonic repellent systems, traditional firearms, high-frequency sound waves, and even birds of prey.
Yet, despite technological advancements, bird strikes continue to rise, endangering both aircraft safety and bird populations. A collaborative effort is needed to reduce bird-related aviation hazards while protecting migratory and local bird species.
A biomimetic approach to bird strike prevention:
Before exploring solutions, let’s define ‘biomimetics’. It is a term that remains relatively unknown on a global level. Biomimetics, also known as biomimicry, is the practice of emulating nature’s models, systems, and elements to solve problems. The term originates from the Greek words ‘bios’ (life) and ‘mimesis’ (to imitate). It refers to the development of technologies inspired by nature, commonly used in engineering fields such as aerospace, automotive, and high-speed trains. Nature serves as a blueprint for many technological innovations, particularly in aircraft design, wing structures, and blade mechanics.
Incidentally, one notable example of biomimetics in architectural design is a mosque in Türkiye known as Kuşkonmaz Mosque, which translates to “Birds Don’t Perch Mosque”. Due to its unique architectural design inspired by nature, birds have never landed on it since the day it was built.
What references do birds use for navigation?
I am a mechanical engineer and innovative entrepreneur from Istanbul, Turkey. For the past five years, I have been researching bird strike incidents and bird flight dynamics. The goal of my project is to develop a bird deterrent system that prevents birds from entering critical flight zones without harming them. The system would operate at a range of 1 km (3,000 ft) both vertically and horizontally.
My research indicates that birds rely on multiple natural references while flying over the sea and land, including stars, the sun, oceans and bodies of water, and the Earth’s magnetic field. Additionally, scientific studies suggest that birds possess chemical proteins in their retinas that help them detect magnetic fields, assisting their navigation. The question is: If we can replicate these natural cues artificially, could we then guide birds away from high-risk zones?
The need for a prototype
This hypothesis needs to be tested through an experimental system that simulates low-intensity magnetic fields to observe bird behavior. If successful, this innovation could offer a non-invasive solution and prevent bird strikes without harming wildlife.
To advance this project, I have presented my proposal to leading aviation companies such as Turkish Airlines, Airbus, Lufthansa, Bird Strike Associations, and Wildlife Preservation Societies. While many organizations have expressed interest, they require a prototype or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) before committing further support.
Call for collaboration
Extensive research indicates that bird deterrent systems must be tested under controlled conditions to assess their effectiveness. Experiments should be conducted in both indoor and outdoor environments, with collaboration between electronics and aviation experts.
To move forward, I seek technical and financial support to develop a prototype that can demonstrate the feasibility of this concept. By investing in this research, we can enhance global flight safety while protecting millions of birds from unnecessary harm.
Would you be interested in joining this initiative? Let’s work together to create a safer and more sustainable aviation future.
Thank you, Ece Ciğerli.
*[BG note:] According to Reuters, the first recorded bird strike took place on 03 April 1912, “when Calbraith Perry Rodgers, who was piloting a Wright Flyer, flew into a flock of seagulls over Long Beach, California, killing him”.
If you are interested in collaborating with Ece Ciğerli on this Bird Strike Prevention initiative, please contact her via private message on LinkedIn.
