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TIA Says It Takes Steps To Lower Risk Of Bird Strikes

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By RAY REYES

rreyes@tampatrib.com

Published: January 15, 2009

TAMPA - Thursday's emergency landing of a jetliner in the Hudson River is another example of how dangerous birds can be to aircraft, but Tampa International Airport officials say the airport has taken numerous steps to prevent a similar crash from happening here.

Like LaGuardia Airport in New York, TIA is near water and can attract bird species that prefer rivers, marshes or coastal areas. Robert Burr, the director of operations at TIA, said workers there use several methods to scare them away, lowering the chances of bird strikes on airplanes.

Firecrackers and other noisemakers are common tools, and special pellets are fired to shoo away birds but not harm them, TIA spokeswoman Brenda Geoghagen said.

The airport even uses audio recordings.

"We have distress tapes," Burr said. "Sounds of birds in distress."

Birds hearing those cries are less likely to roost on airport property, he said.

Different airports use different methods. An airport in Fort Myers uses a specially trained dog that chases birds off runways, Geoghagen said.

TIA, like other airports across the country, has a plan for managing wildlife _ birds, in particular, but other wild animals as well _ that is submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration for approval. TIA's plan includes removing trees that attract birds and keeping grass at a certain length to limit bugs that birds find tasty, Burr said.

"It's a balancing act between what's best for the environment" and safety, he said.

A fleet of boats, helicopters and even personal watercraft would be launched in the rescue effort, he said.

On Thursday, Tampa Fire Rescue officials said their response to an emergency water landing would be immediate and that they are specifically trained for such a scenario. If a plane coming into or leaving TIA crashed into the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa Fire Rescue and the U.S. Coast Guard would be the first responders, Burr said.

TIA also has an agreement with emergency personnel at St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport, and rafts would be sent from there to the crash scene, Burr said.

Rescue crews would have some time if the plane is relatively intact when it hits the water, as happened Thursday in New York, Burr said.

"Most planes do float, to a point," he said. "They're hollow. If they're intact, they'll float for a certain time."

Reporter Ray Reyes can be reached at (813) 259-7920.

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