Introduction

Airport Wildlife Hazard Management is a critical and complex discipline at the intersection of aviation safety, environmental stewardship, and operational efficiency. The presence of wildlife—from birds and deer to smaller mammals—on or near airport operational areas poses a significant and perennial threat, with wildlife strikes capable of causing substantial damage to aircraft, leading to costly delays, and, in severe cases, resulting in catastrophic accidents and loss of life. Proactively identifying, assessing, and mitigating these hazards requires a comprehensive and integrated approach, moving beyond reactive measures to systematic ecological management. Effectively managing wildlife risks is not merely a regulatory requirement; it is a fundamental pillar of maintaining a safe and uninterrupted flow of air traffic. This essential training course focuses on equipping aviation professionals with the expertise to master Airport Wildlife Hazard Management.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to empower airport operations managers, wildlife biologists, safety officers, environmental managers, and ground staff with the theoretical understanding and practical tools necessary to develop, implement, and manage robust Airport Wildlife Hazard Management Programs. Participants will gain a deep understanding of wildlife behavior, learn various control and deterrent techniques, and explore strategies for habitat modification and regulatory compliance. The course will delve into topics such as wildlife strike reporting and analysis, integrated wildlife management plans, passive and active control methods, human-wildlife conflict resolution, and the importance of data-driven decision-making in wildlife management. By mastering the principles and methodologies of Airport Wildlife Hazard Management, participants will be prepared to enhance airfield safety, protect aircraft and personnel, and ensure their airport's adherence to international and national aviation standards.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Airport Operations Managers and Supervisors
• Airport Wildlife Biologists/Specialists
• Airport Safety Officers
• Airport Environmental Managers
• Airside Operations Personnel
• Ground Handling Staff
• Air Traffic Controllers (for reporting wildlife)
• Regulatory Inspectors (Civil Aviation Authorities)
• Airport Maintenance Staff
• Consultants specializing in wildlife management

Course Objectives

• Understand the risks posed by wildlife to aviation safety and the impact of wildlife strikes.
• Learn about common wildlife species encountered at airports and their behavior.
• Acquire proficiency in conducting wildlife hazard assessments and identifying attractants.
• Comprehend various passive and active wildlife control and deterrent methods.
• Explore strategies for habitat management and modification to reduce wildlife presence.
• Understand regulatory requirements and international standards for wildlife hazard management.
• Gain insights into wildlife strike reporting, data analysis, and trending.
• Develop a framework for creating and implementing a comprehensive Wildlife Hazard Management Plan.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Airport Wildlife Hazards

• The history and impact of wildlife strikes on aviation safety.
• Understanding the economic and safety consequences of wildlife incidents.
• Common types of wildlife involved in strikes: birds, mammals, reptiles.
• Factors attracting wildlife to airports: food, water, shelter, nesting sites.
• The importance of a proactive and integrated approach to wildlife management.

Module 2: Wildlife Hazard Assessment and Identification

• Conducting comprehensive wildlife hazard assessments of the airport environment.
• Identifying existing and potential wildlife attractants on and around the airport.
• Understanding wildlife behavior, ecology, and seasonal patterns relevant to airports.
• Methods for surveying and monitoring wildlife populations.
• Using data to characterize wildlife hazards and prioritize risks.

Module 3: Regulatory Framework and Standards

• ICAO Annex 14 requirements for aerodrome wildlife hazard management.
• National civil aviation regulations regarding wildlife control programs.
• Best practices and guidance from organizations like FAA, Transport Canada, EASA.
• Documentation requirements for wildlife hazard management plans.
• Compliance auditing and oversight for wildlife programs.

Module 4: Passive Wildlife Control Methods

• Habitat modification: removal of food sources, water, and shelter.
• Vegetation management: grass height, tree and shrub removal.
• Design of new infrastructure to be unattractive to wildlife.
• Exclusion techniques: netting, fencing, bird spikes.
• Discouraging nesting and roosting sites on airport structures.

Module 5: Active Wildlife Control and Deterrent Methods (Non-Lethal)

• Pyrotechnics and acoustic devices for scaring wildlife.
• Propane cannons, bird distress calls, and other auditory deterrents.
• Visual deterrents: effigies, scarecrows, lasers, kites.
• Harassment techniques: hazing, chasing, dog patrols.
• Live trapping and relocation methods (where permitted and appropriate).

Module 6: Active Wildlife Control and Deterrent Methods (Lethal - if necessary)

• Understanding the regulations and ethics of lethal control.
• Permitting requirements for lethal control methods.
• Humane euthanasia techniques.
• Role of sharpshooters and specialized personnel.
• Integration of lethal control as a last resort within a comprehensive plan.

Module 7: Wildlife Strike Reporting, Analysis, and Trending

• Importance of accurate and timely wildlife strike reporting.
• Data collection procedures for strike events.
• Analyzing strike data to identify patterns, hotspots, and high-risk species.
• Utilizing databases (e.g., ICAO Bird Strike Information System - IBIS) for trending.
• Using strike data to evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation measures.

Module 8: Developing and Implementing a Wildlife Hazard Management Plan

• Components of a comprehensive Wildlife Hazard Management Plan (WHMP).
• Roles, responsibilities, and training for personnel involved in wildlife management.
• Emergency response procedures for severe wildlife strikes.
• Collaboration with local authorities, environmental agencies, and landowners.
• Continuous monitoring, review, and improvement of the WHMP.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training