Originally Posted by
Leftexit
A question from a SLF. Further up the thread it is stated that ATC twice warned the pilots of a bird hazard.
Bird strikes often have serious consequences, the shutdown of an engine, which I assume is high on the emergency priorities.
As pilots delay departure, or even return to the gate, for apparently much less serious issues than a potential engine shutdown should SOPs not instruct a delay if birds are in the flight path?
In my outfit there was no SOP for that. I think at most operators it rests with the Commander. At some airports e.g. EDDH, they have a "bird chase away" service if you ask for, which I did a few times. They use pyrotechnics and shotguns.