Mitigating Avian Threats: A Wildlife Hazard Management Training Course

The presence of wildlife, particularly birds, poses a significant and ever-present threat to aviation safety. This training course is designed to provide aviation professionals with a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively manage and mitigate these risks. Participants will learn to move beyond reactive measures, adopting a proactive and systematic approach to identify, assess, and control wildlife hazards on and around aerodromes. This is a critical program for anyone involved in airport operations who is responsible for preventing catastrophic events and ensuring the safety of aircraft and passengers.

This program provides a practical and regulatory-compliant framework for developing and implementing a robust Wildlife Hazard Management Plan. Through a deep dive into wildlife biology, control techniques, and data analysis, the course empowers attendees to make informed decisions that reduce the likelihood of wildlife strikes. By the end of this course, you will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to build a resilient and effective wildlife management program that protects both operational integrity and human lives.

Target Audience

  • Airport Operations Managers and Supervisors
  • Airside Safety Officers
  • Wildlife Biologists and Technicians
  • Ground Handling and Ramp Personnel
  • Air Traffic Controllers
  • Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Staff
  • Airport Security and Fire & Rescue Services
  • Environmental Managers

Duration

5 days

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Explain the risks posed by wildlife to aircraft operations and safety.
  • Apply international standards and best practices for wildlife hazard management.
  • Conduct comprehensive wildlife hazard assessments and surveys.
  • Develop and implement an effective Wildlife Hazard Management Plan.
  • Utilize a variety of active and passive wildlife control techniques.
  • Understand the importance of wildlife strike reporting and data analysis.
  • Respond to and investigate wildlife strike incidents.
  • Promote a strong safety culture and awareness regarding wildlife hazards.

Course Content

Module 1: Foundations of Wildlife Hazard Management

  • The history and significance of wildlife hazards in aviation
  • International and national regulations (e.g., ICAO Annex 14)
  • The financial and safety consequences of wildlife strikes
  • The concept of a proactive, integrated wildlife management program
  • Roles and responsibilities of airport personnel and stakeholders

Module 2: Wildlife Identification and Biology

  • Common bird species involved in strikes and their behaviors
  • Mammal species and other wildlife hazards
  • Understanding seasonal and migratory patterns
  • Habitat preferences and attractants on the airport property
  • Basic ecological principles relevant to aviation

Module 3: Wildlife Hazard Assessments

  • Conducting wildlife surveys and data collection
  • Analyzing survey data to identify high-risk areas
  • The role of environmental factors and attractants
  • Interpreting historical wildlife strike data
  • Developing a site-specific risk profile

Module 4: Passive Control Techniques

  • Habitat modification and land use management
  • Removing attractants such as standing water and food sources
  • The use of physical barriers and netting
  • Designing landscaping to be less attractive to wildlife
  • Implementing exclusion zones and deterrents

Module 5: Active Control Techniques

  • The use of pyrotechnics and bio-acoustics
  • Wildlife harassment and hazing methods
  • Avian radar systems for real-time detection
  • Trapping and relocation procedures
  • The use of trained animals and other innovative methods

Module 6: Integrated Wildlife Hazard Management Plan

  • The essential components of a comprehensive plan
  • Developing clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  • Establishing communication protocols among stakeholders
  • Training and competency requirements for staff
  • Implementing a plan based on a risk assessment

Module 7: Wildlife Strike Reporting

  • The importance of a robust wildlife strike reporting system
  • Procedures for reporting a strike (pre- and post-incident)
  • Data collection and documentation for each strike
  • Analyzing strike data to identify trends and patterns
  • The role of reporting in continuous safety improvement

Module 8: Adverse Weather Operations and Wildlife

  • The impact of low visibility and severe weather on wildlife activity
  • Procedures for wildlife control during adverse weather events
  • Managing standing water and snow/ice that attract wildlife
  • Communication strategies for pilots and controllers
  • Post-weather event site inspection and cleanup

Module 9: Emergency Response and Post-Incident Procedures

  • Responding to a wildlife strike incident on the runway
  • Coordination with airport fire and rescue services
  • Evidence collection and preservation after a strike
  • Reporting procedures to national aviation authorities
  • Conducting a post-incident review and analysis

Module 10: Regulatory and Legal Aspects

  • Understanding the legal framework for wildlife hazard management
  • The role of regulatory compliance in preventing liability
  • Documentation requirements for all management activities
  • The importance of consistent and documented training
  • Working with external agencies and environmental regulators

CERTIFICATION

  • Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

  • Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

  • Airport Pick Up is provided by the institute. Accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com

For More Details call: +254-114-087-180

 

Mitigating Avian Threats: A Wildlife Hazard Management Training Course in Australia
Dates Fees Location Action