qT=2&tQ=The U.S. air force uses _______ to help prevent bird damage to planes.&tC=bats|falcons|eagles|horned owls&cC=2&fB=Every year the air force spends 20 million dollars to repair planes damaged by sea gulls and other birds sucked up into the engines. When a bird is caught in the engine, the motor may stop working!<br><br>Falcons have been the answer to this long-standing problem at Fairchild air force base. Before a scheduled flight, a falcon is released into the air to chase away any birds in the area. Once the falcon comes back, air traffic control gives the "all clear" signal for takeoff.