Management Program Update 2012 Pacific Aviation Director’s Workshop Wildlife Hazard Management Program Update Daniel Vice USDA, APHIS, Wildlife Services 2012 Pacific Aviation Director’s Workshop

Overview Wildlife strike background Micronesian airports review Species Attractants Project status Project needs General wildlife hazard management review

HISTROY LESSON: Wright Bros HISTROY LESSON: Wright Bros. became airborne December 17th 1903… less than two years later they also recorded the first bird strike: First Bird Strike: Orville Wright, Sept. 1905. First Bird Strike Fatality: Lt Cal Rogers, April 1912

Reported Wildlife Strikes, US Civil Aviation Total # of reported wildlife strikes in the US, from 1990-2010.

Wildlife populations are increasing worldwide

Year Aircraft 3 or 4 Engines 1969 2,100 75% American Fleet Year Aircraft 3 or 4 Engines 1969 2,100 75% 1998 5,400 30% 2008 7,000 10% The move to more efficient, two-engine aircraft: 1) less redundancy, 2) less engine noise

Airports = Attractive Habitat…There are often resources in the airport environment that provide food, water or cover. Airports are often literally islands of attractive habitat. Each airport has its own challenges to managing wildlife, and there are many similarities. The purpose of this talk is to give a brief overview of the wildlife strike problem worldwide and how airports manage them.

Although shorebirds are generally small-bodied birds, their large flocking numbers can have a serious impact on airport operations.

Although seasonal, shorebirds are the primary wildlife strike problem for Micronesian airports, given their large numbers when present in airfield environments. The figures provide info on 2 of the most abundant shorebirds found on Micronesian airports.

Egrets: residents and cattle

Forest birds

Other wildlife

Tidal channel within AOA at Chuuk airport

Pohnpei mangrove clear cut area

Wildlife attractants: Kosrae tidal reef flats

Majuro municipal reservoirs

Reservoir immediately east of Yap airport

Airai State dump, located approximately 4 miles from Palau airport

Wildlife Hazard Management Plan Based upon Wildlife Hazard Assessment and directs wildlife management for the airport Identifies resources, organizational roles, and management activities Reviewed and updated annually, or as needed (several other thresholds trigger review)

Regional WHM Status Micronesian WHMP’s reviewed by airports; currently under review by Honolulu ADO Final submission following revisions American Samoa assessment start-up in November 2011

WHMP Input Needs Resources available for management Staff Equipment Capacity Identify specific organizational roles Regulatory compliance

Wildlife Hazard Management Tools Pyrotechnics Propane cannons Vehicular harassment Live trapping Nest destruction Shooting Habitat management

Pyrotechnics Active management

Pyrotechics

Propane cannons Strategically located and timed

Keeping AOA grass areas at a prescribed height Habitat Management

Airport managers must take into account procurement and maintenance of these tools. In addition, training in the operation and maintenance of these tools is required.

Information Management and Record Keeping Operational Management Data Runway Checks Strike Reporting Training Requirements

Documentation of wildlife management activities: # of birds, where on airfield, what tool works best, what tool doesn’t work…..

Wildlife Strike Reporting The Federal Aviation Administration’s Advisory Circular 150/5200-32A stresses the importance of documenting wildlife strikes and provides guidance on reporting strikes to aircraft. A wildlife strike is considered to have occurred when any of the following conditions are met:   1. A pilot reports striking 1 or more birds or other wildlife; 2. Aircraft maintenance personnel identify aircraft damage as having been caused by a wildlife strike; 3. Personnel on the ground report seeing an aircraft strike 1 or more birds or other wildlife; 4. Bird or other wildlife remains, whether in whole or in part, are found within 200 feet of a runway centerline, unless another reason for the animal's death is identified; or 5. An animal's presence on the airport had a significant negative effect on a flight (i.e., aborted takeoff, aborted landing, high-speed emergency stop or aircraft leaves pavement area to avoid collision with an animal).

Take-Home Messages Wildlife strike mitigation is critical safety need Plan and implement safely; use the right tools Document and follow regulations Report Wildlife Strikes

Hawaii/Guam/Pacific Islands Guam District Office 233 Pangelinan Way United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services Hawaii/Guam/Pacific Islands Guam District Office 233 Pangelinan Way Barrigada, Guam 96913 (671)635-4400