We wrote about RAF Fairford last year. We said:
Aggregate Industries has assured us in the past that it's quite used to running quarry operations where there are airport safeguarding and birdstrike considerations. "Just look at RAF Fairford" we were told, where AI has nearby sand and gravel operations, as an example of how the company manages quarrying, water, aircraft and birds.
AI wanted to extend its Manor Farm Quarry near RAF Fairford, but stressed that:
due to the proximity of Fairford Airfield, water based restoration/after-use is not appropriate,
contrary to its plans for Straitgate Farm under Exeter Airport's flightpath, where it thinks water-based restoration would be appropriate.
Events at RAF Fairford this week, when a B2 Stealth Bomber hit a buzzard during its landing approach, underline just what's at stake and why the CAA and the MOD take the issue of birdstrike so seriously. The plane survived; the buzzard didn't. Cost of a B2? US$737 million - at 1997 prices.
RT @Sadlybrokeboy B2 #birdstrike taken at RAF Fairford yesterday, the moment a Buzzard and Stealth Bomber 'conflict' https://t.co/ogzq2vGD0O
— Straitgate Action Gp (@straitgateactgp) June 13, 2014
