The Impact on Aviation Operations at Polish Civil Airfields Caused by Mammals

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The Impact on Aviation Operations at Polish Civil Airfields Caused by Mammals

Journal Title: Safety & Fire Technology - Year 2016, Vol 42, Issue 42

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact on aviation operations caused by four free-living species of mammals, which dwell on Polish civil airports property. Method: Raw data from official records of the State Commission for Aircraft Accident Investigations was used to identify the influence of animals on flight operations at 7 Polish civil airports. An analysis was performed on 117 flight disruption incidents involving: deer, hares, foxes and boars during the years 2006-2009. The evaluation focused on the time of day and season. Results: Roe deer and hares were the species, which disrupted aviation operations with the highest frequency. Most incidents occurred during landings and the largest number of incidents took place during winter (34.2%), especially in the month of January. The lowest number of incidents were recorded during autumn (12.5%). Roe deer and foxes disrupted flight operations most frequently during winter and in case of hares, disruptions took place mostly during spring, especially in April. Disruption by roe deer herds was most frequent during the autumn-winter period compared with spring-summer. Roe deer and hares were also the species, which most often collided with aircraft. The greatest number of collisions with aircraft occurred during spring (March-May). However, the highest frequency of serious collisions between deer and aircraft occurred during winter. The majority (66.7%) of analysed collisions with animals took place during landings. Apart from the risks, some benefits were identified with the presence of red foxes at airports, linked to their potential interaction with birds. Animal carcases, which are not removed from runways, attract carrion eaters and can escalate the level of disruption caused at airports. Therefore, it is important to remove carcases from runways in accordance with FOD procedures. Conclusions: The study revealed that, in contrast with birds, mammals pose the biggest threat at airports during winter. Mammals disrupted landings more frequently than take-offs. This study identifies misconceptions and difficulties encountered during attempts to reduce the impact of animals on airport flight operations.

Authors and Affiliations

Ignacy Kitowski, Ph. D.

Keywords

flight safety wildlife strikes airfields Risk Management bezpieczeństwo lotów kolizja z udziałem zwierząt lotnisko zarządzanie ryzykiem

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EP ID EP90838
DOI 10.12845/bitp.42.2.2016.5
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