LETTERS

Re “LAX fends off feathered foes,” Aug. 23

I have to admire the work of biologist Todd Pitlik and others to protect wildlife and to prevent bird strikes on airplanes, but it raises the question of why plane engines are not protected from such strikes in the first place by a protective grid of metal that would deflect birds while not affecting engine performance.

Perhaps the engineering and material strengths of a protective coned grid, maybe even retractable, would be inadequate. But I wonder if it has been explored?

Bob Ladendorf

Los Angeles