Airports Move to Strengthen Bird Strike Prevention With Laser Guns Added to Field Equipment

South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport is moving to deploy bird-dispersal laser guns at domestic airports to reduce “bird strikes,” collisions between aircraft and birds. According to the official gazette on May 14, the ministry gave administrative notice on May 12 of a partial revision to the standards on reducing collision risks with birds and other wildlife. The revision is intended to refine detailed operating rules for the newly established Bird Strike Prevention Committee under the Airport Facilities Act, revised and in force since February 27, and to strengthen prevention activities. Laser guns had previously been banned because of concerns that they could obstruct pilots’ vision or interfere with aviation facilities. They are now expected to be permitted on the condition that safety is secured, in light of their preventive effect. They may be used alongside existing equipment such as shotguns, thermal imaging cameras, explosive-sound alarms and acoustic devices. Source: rss.donga.com