Safety Management of Wildlife Hazards to Aviation: An Analysis of Wildlife Strikes in Part 139 Airports in Florida 2011-2020

The purpose of this research project is to analyze the difference between seasonal patterns and reported bird strikes in Part 139 airports in the state of Florida (2011-2020). This data obtained from this research will be used to calculate a wildlife strike index using the total number of wildlife strikes per 100,000 operations at the selected airports. The calculated index will be used in a comparison with the different seasons, times of day, types of operator, and level of damage to the aircraft. The findings of this research study will add to the current knowledge of bird strikes on a regional level, specially as they relate to the state of Florida. The clearer understanding of local wildlife strikes along with an analyzes of Safety Management Systems (SMS) and Wildlife Hazards Management Programs (WHMP) can be used by flight crews, aviation regulators, and airport managers to increase risk management techniques and procedures relating to regional wildlife strikes. Keywords: Wildlife Strikes, Wildlife Hazards Management Programs, Part 139 airports, wildlife strike

Investigating Seasonal Patterns: An Analysis of reported wildlife strikes in Part 139 airports in Florida 2011-2020

A vital step toward mitigating the risk of aircraft accidents due to wildlife strikes is the collection, analyses, and understanding of wildlife strike data considering regional factors such as bird migration patterns, local wildlife populations, and seasons of the year as they may be different in individual regions. Those factors, in addition to wildlife habitat conditions at and around the airports, for example, vary drastically across the United States, demanding an approach that will look at the specific patterns as they relate to a specific region. The purpose of this research project is to develop empirical information obtained from the analyses of wildlife strikes at Part 139 airports in the state of Florida (2011-2020). Specifically, the purpose of this study is twofold: 1) to discover new information based upon the findings of relevant data analyzed that can be used for the safety management of wildlife; 2) to determine if there is a statistically significant difference in the likelihood of a strike among the four seasons of the year. Findings of this project can be used as the groundwork during the development and assessment of safety programs to prevent aircraft accidents due to wildlife strikes in Florida

Safety Management of Wildlife Hazards to Aviation: An Analysis of Wildlife Strikes in Part 139 Airports in Florida 2011–2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study was threefold: (1) to investigate wildlife strike reporting trends in Part 139 airports in the state of Florida (2011–2020); (2) to evaluate the existence of a difference in the rate of reported wildlife strikes between the seasons of the year (2011–2020); and (3) to develop information based upon the data analyzed that can be used for the safety management of wildlife hazards in Florida.Design/methodology: The researchers in this study answered the research questions through the analyses, revision, and evaluation of existing wildlife strike and aircraft operations data. The data analyzed in this study were collected between May 1 and May 20, 2021. The researchers used the Federal Aviation Administration Air Traffic Activity System and the National Wildlife Strike Database to collect information on aircraft operations and reported wildlife strikes, respectively. Findings: There were 8,977 and 458 wildlife strikes and damaging strikes, respectively, at and around Part 139 airports in Florida from 2011 through 2020. The majority of strikes (62.6%) and damaging strikes (62%) occurred during the arrival phases of flight. The number of strikes increased almost 37% from 2011 (N 5 614) to 2020 (N 5 837). Additionally, the number of strikes per 100,000 aircraft operations (wildlife strike index) increased from 18.6 to 28.62 during the same period. Aggregate data indicated the risk of strikes is higher during the fall and summer seasons of the year.Originality/value: This study provides valuable information by addressing a gap in published wildlife strike government reports and studies using wildlife strike and aircraft operations data at a regional level. Information obtained from the scientific analyses of wildlife strike data is vital for effective wildlife hazard management programs of aviation stakeholders. Findings of this study can be used by airport operators to improve their wildlife strike mitigation efforts. Also, findings can provide the empirical foundation for integrated research and the development of national and regional standards to enhance aviation safety