EMB ERJ 145 ER/LR
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Inflight Event / Encounter Bird / Animal
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; General Maintenance Action
Environment - Non Weather Related
Upon initial departure climb from Runway 10L at approximately 50 FT AGL noted 3 large birds soaring along departure path of aircraft. One bird then glided directly into the path of our aircraft at approximately 100 FT AGL and struck the left front nose of the aircraft. As pilot not flying I immediately scanned the instrumentation and noted the handling of the aircraft was normal. I immediately instructed the First Officer flying to continue with the departure. I simultaneously notified the Tower of the bird strike and was then told to call Departure Controller. We performed our flight crew functions normally; scanning for any abnormalities; and contacted Departure Controller. I also informed Departure Control that we would continue the departure profile; as all aircraft handling and instrumentation appeared normal. Visually the First Officer pointed out a portion of the bird (mostly a few feathers) clinging to the TAT 2 probe. After reaching 10;000 FT I instructed the First Officer to engage the autopilot; to decrease workload. We consulted and performed the Bird Strike QRH. I also asked the First Officer to take all radio calls as I would be contacting Maintenance; and Dispatch. I did instruct the First Officer to immediately notify me if any changes to aircraft flight handling or instrumentation changed in anyway. After reaching Dispatch and Maintenance; we all agreed that continuing the flight to destination could be accomplished without any safety issues. We all agreed that if anything occurred or any difference in aircraft handling was noted that we would immediately land the aircraft.
We hit a really big bird on takeoff from PBI; part of the bird remains were left on TAT probe. Captain and I ran through QRH procedures and event didn't call for an air return based on QRH criteria. Called Dispatch and informed both Dispatcher and Maintenance Control. All instrumentation functioned normally aircraft handled just fine. Once we landed post flight inspection revealed damage to front nose just below TAT probe. No other damage was discovered and aircraft was taken out of service for repairs.
EMB145 flight crew experiences a bird strike at 100 FT after takeoff. After discussions with Maintenance and crew evaluations the flight continues to destination. On post flight inspection damage was noted resulting in the aircraft being taken out of service.