29 th Annual Airport Conference Hershey, PA Wildlife Hazard Management USDA APHIS Wildlife Services
Why are we here?
14 CFR Part (a) … each certificate holder shall take immediate action to alleviate wildlife hazards whenever they are detected 14 CFR Part (a) … each certificate holder shall take immediate action to alleviate wildlife hazards whenever they are detected
WILDLIFE HAZARD ASSESSMENT (WHA)
(d) The WHA shall be submitted to the FAA for approval and determination of the need for a wildlife hazard management plan (WHMP) FAA considers: 1. WHA 2. Actions recommended in WHA 3. Aeronautical activity at the airport – frequency and size 4. Views of the certificate holder 5. Views of the airport users 6. Other known factors relating to wildlife hazards of which the FAA is aware
(e) If a WHMP is needed, the certificate holder shall formulate and implement a plan using the WHA as a basis. The plan shall… 1. Provide measures to alleviate, or eliminate wildlife hazards… 2. Be submitted to, and approved by, the FAA prior to implementation 3. …become a part of the Airport Certification Manual
(f) Plan shall include at least the following: 1. List individuals having authority and responsibility for implementation of each aspect 2. A list prioritizing the following actions identified in the WHA and target dates for their initiation and completion 3. Requirements for and, where applicable, copies of local, State, and Federal wildlife control permits 4. Identification of resources that the certificate holder will provide to implement the plan
(f) continued: 5. Procedures to be followed during air carrier operations 6. Procedures to review and evaluate the WHMP annually or following an event described in (b), (1), (2), or (3) 7. Training program conducted by a qualified wildlife damage management biologist to provide airport personnel with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully carry out the plan
Following review of the WHMP: The Plan is returned to the airport for inclusion in the Airport Certification Manual and becomes enforceable.
USDA APHIS Wildlife Services
Technical expertise Operational assistance Review of proposed developments Recommendations for reducing wildlife hazards Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between FAA and WS Wildlife Services provides:
Wildlife Services Involvement
How do you manage wildlife at airports?? Identify hazards Report strikes!!! Habitat management Behavioral modifications (harassment) Population control
Identify the hazards.
Report all strikes
Habitat management – don’t give them a place to live!
Remove habitat
Exclusion
Harassment: pyrotechnics Gas cannon - timer Bangers/screamers – manual
Is this scarecrow working?
Population Control
Trapping Pole trap Bal chatri trap Cage trap
Attention!! Lethal control of certain species requires the appropriate State and/or Federal permit.
Summary Variety of techniques to manage birds at airports Best to use an integrated approach –Includes: Technical assistance Habitat management Non-lethal techniques Lethal management
Our Goal: Safer skies for all who fly: Birds and People !