What is wildlife hazard management in airport operations?

Wildlife hazard management in airport operations specifically refers to the strategies implemented to minimize the risk of wildlife strikes to aircraft. This management is critical because wildlife strikes can pose significant safety risks to aircraft, potentially leading to accidents or costly damage. Effective wildlife hazard management includes a combination of preventive measures such as habitat management, surveillance of wildlife activity, and the use of deterrents to keep wildlife away from runways and taxiways.

The goal is to create an operational environment where the presence of birds and other wildlife is reduced, thereby enhancing the safety of flight operations. By managing the habitat around an airport and understanding wildlife behaviors, airport operators can significantly lower the chances of dangerous encounters between wildlife and aircraft, thus ensuring safer travel for passengers and crew.