Why Engineers Don't Put Grates In Front of Engines to Prevent Bird Strikes

Bird strikes can be dangerous, so why aren't jet engines ever shielded in the front?
Derya Ozdemir

There are approximately 14,000 reported bird strikes in the U.S. alone each year, according to an FAA report. While the birds are usually the ones that suffer the greatest damage, the possibility of a collision is still considered a big risk since airplanes may not be able to recover in time from a damage sustained during take-off or landing. A flock of birds damaging the winds or being drawn into the engines could possibly be fatal.