An integrated approach to wildlife hazard management
Cerian S Henshaw
Director of Operations
Aviaire Limited
Newlands, Sion Hill, Bath, BANES, BA1 2UW, United Kingdom
(44) 7879999437
cerian.henshaw@aviaire.co.uk
and
Isabel C. Metz
Institute of Flight Guidance
German Aerospace Center DLR
Lilienthalplaty 7, 38108 Braunschweig, Germany
+49531295366
1isabel.metz@dlr.de
Abstract: Traditionally, aerodromes have been considered the key party for coordinating Wildlife Hazard Management (WHM) on and within 13km of airfields. However, strike risks are not the exclusive management problem for aerodromes since wildlife strikes are a low altitude airspace problem. This requires a holistic approach from more stakeholders than just aerodromes. Minimisation of strike risks needs improved quantitative approaches to strike risk assessments and mitigation planning. This strategically and proactively reduces the likelihood of aircraft and wildlife being in the same place at the same time. It also supports time and cost optimisation throughout the whole process of WHM. Within the presented project, guidance is being developed for all stakeholders to provide an easy-to-follow approach to wildlife strike risk assessments for all phases of aircraft flight. The guidance material highlights the areas requiring improved stakeholder collaboration to reduce the likelihood of wildlife strikes for all types of aircraft – fixed wing, rotary, electrical take-and landing (eVTOL) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). As such, all areas of business in and surrounding aerodromes and low altitude flight corridors will benefit from a move towards more effective, efficient and sustainable processes in WHM and the minimisation of strike risks.
Cerian S Henshaw
Cerian S Henshaw is Co-Founder and Director of Operations with Aviaire Ltd. She has more than 25 years of experience with notable successes in strategic planning, process development and operational delivery. Her expertise in wildlife hazard management includes specialisation in aerodrome safeguarding through improved practice in design, construction and maintenance of buildings, infrastructure and landscape. Her successes to date are paving the way to a safer operating environment for UAM, rotary and fixed-wing aircraft in the commercial, military and private sectors.
Isabel C. Metz
Dr. Isabel C. Metz received her M.Sc. degree in Mobility and Transportation (cum laude) from the University of Technology in Braunschweig, Germany and her PhD degree from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. In her current position at the German Aerospace Center’s Institute of Flight Guidance, she investigates the safety aspects of Urban Air Mobility operations with emphasis on the prevention of bird and drone strikes. Isabel is a member of ICAO’s Wildlife Hazard Management Expert Group.