Introduction

The future of wildlife hazard mitigation. As technology advances, it also advances the techniques and methods used to deter hazardous wildlife behaviours at airports, aerodromes and other impact areas. Read on to learn more and find opinions of experts on this issue:

The actuality of wildlife hazard mitigation

Most airports combine a lot of methods to keep birds away, such as Standing Lasers, Pyrotechnics, Propane Cannons, Visual Effects, Natural Predators (i.e. Falconry), Traps and even adjusting the height of the grass at the airfield. However, the correct training of bird controllers is also essential. A true specialist knows there is not a “silver bullet” in airport bird control. A complete toolbox and well-trained professionals are needed for a successful Wildlife Control Program.

The future of wildlife hazard mitigation

According to the following graphic (Source: FAA & USDA Publication January 2019), the trend of wildlife strikes increases every year. The trend is disturbing:

At Eclipse Wildlife Control we truly believe that, as stated in this article “A complete toolbox and well-trained professionals” is where everyone at the industry should put effort and investment in order to manage effectively this issue.

Experts opinion

Improvement in tools and pro training will result on the boost we need to keep up with the escalating trend of wildlife strikes. We asked two well known experts about their opinion on the future of wildlife hazard mitigation:

I think the future lies in better training/knowledge by airport wildlife controller especially when it comes to understanding avian behaviour and using that knowledge to better manage birds at airports. No doubt we will continue to search for better tools, but the appropriate use of new and existing tools are critically important.

Gary Searing, Chair, Bird Strike Association of Canada

According to Nick Yearwood:

We’re inevitability, seeing “silver bullet” solutions (Drones, Radars, Accoustic devices) to eradicate, manage and reduce the threat posed to aviation by wildlife hazards, at the same time a drift away from investment in people, training, competencies, equipment. The answer is a systematic approach – back to basics, reinvestment in people supported by the tools the need to do the job.
The big shift we’re now seeing is air carriers being far more involved and interested in working in cooperation and collaboration with airports to help manage wildlife hazard.

Nick Yearwood, International Specialist – Aerodrome & Wildlife Hazard Management at CAA International Group (UK CAA)

Gary Searing added:

Conferences are like intensive training sessions. Through building the connections made with colleagues from around the world we progress as professionals and as a profession in general.

Questions

• The trend increases every year due to the greater air traffic?
• Or is it because of the awareness on reporting the birdstrikes?

Discuss!