July 16, 2009

While we’re on the subject of flight, ever since that plane landed in the Hudson River a few months ago, the thought of bird-airplane collisions haven’t strayed too far from the media (or my mind each time I fly). In light of all the hoopla, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) finally gave in and opened up their bird strike database to the public.

Below is an interactive exploring this data breaking things down by bird type, location, phase of flight, and time of day. Click through to this post to view.

Beware of the Canada Goose and gulls, rats of the sea. The sparrow, Mourning Dove, and European Starling seem to get in the way plenty also, but don’t cause nearly as much damage.

On the flip side – poor birds. What a way to go.