WHY IS THERE A BIRD STRIKE COMMITTEE?
Bird and other wildlife strikes to aircraft annually cause well over $600 million in damage to U.S. civil and military aviation. Furthermore, these strikes put the lives of aircraft crew members and their passengers at risk: over 219 people have been killed worldwide as a result of wildlife strikes since 1988. Within the United States there was no one forum where information or concerns dealing with this problem could be addressed. Bird Strike Committee USA was formed in 1991 to facilitate the exchange of information, promote the collection and analysis of accurate wildlife strike data, promote the development of new technologies for reducing wildlife hazards, promote professionalism in wildlife management programs on airports through training and advocacy of high standards of conduct for airport biologists and bird patrol personnel, and be a liaison to similar organizations in other countries.
Bird Strike Committee USA is a volunteer organization directed by a 10- to 15-person steering committee consisting of 2-3 members each from the Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Department of Defense, aviation industry/airlines, and airports.
WHEN AND WHERE DOES BIRD STRIKE COMMITTEE MEET?
The 2009 meeting will be 14-17 September in Victoria, BC Canada
WHAT HAPPENS AT A BIRD STRIKE COMMITTEE USA MEETING?
There typically are four parts to a Bird Strike Committee USA meeting over 3 ½ days. Part 1 is practical classroom and field training sessions on wildlife control at airports which cover both civil and military aviation. Part 2 consists of the presentation of technical papers and posters. Part 3 is exhibits and demonstrations with vendors. Part 4 is a field trip which generally covers the host airport or a wildlife management area to observe management programs and habitat issues related to wildlife and aviation safety.
WHAT SUBJECT AREAS ARE COVERED DURING THE PAPERS AND REPORTS PORTION OF THE MEETING?
· wildlife strike reporting/statistics in relation to safety management systems
· bird management and control techniques
· research on new technologies to reduce wildlife hazards
· training in wildlife management on airports
· military concerns of wildlife hazards
· aircraft engines/components performance and standards related to wildlife hazards
· policies/ standards for airports and aircraft operations related to wildlife hazards
· land use and environmental issues concerning airports
· avian migration, behavior and sensory capabilities related to aviation
· remote sensing/modeling to detect and predict bird numbers and movements
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