Around 80 people, representing numerous sectors of the aviation industry, attended the 2009 AAWHG “Education and information sharing forum”.

The forum allowed the industry to discuss the challenge of managing wildlife hazards in aviation and also provided an opportunity for delegates to share ideas and information on aviation safety.

The Forum was kindly hosted by Brisbane Airport and was also sponsored by the Australian Airports Association and Adelaide Airport.

Forum Overview

Presentations were made at the forum by a number of experts in the field of bird and animal hazard management. The keynote address was provided by the chair of the International Bird strike Committee, Dr John Allen, who provided an international perspective on Wildlife Hazard Management. His excellent presentation was well received by the delegates. Other presentations included:

• a joint presentation on “Revised National Bird Management Template for Airports” provided by the Australian Airports Association and Avisure;
• an airline perspective from Virgin Blue on the hazards of wildlife strikes to aircraft;
• an update from Qantas on the new “Required Navigation Procedures (RNP’s)” and their potential to provide more flexible flight paths for aircraft to avoid areas of hazardous wildlife activity;
• an update by CASA on the new advisory circular for “Wildlife hazard management at aerodromes”;
• an update for the Department, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government (DOITRDLG) on the responses to the “Safeguards for Airports and the Communities Around Them” discussion paper;
• case studies from Brisbane, Cairns and Rockhampton Airports; and
• An update on the AAWHG activities for 2009.

An open discussion forum, with an expert panel, wrapped up the day. Questions raised were able to be answered by the panel and attendees in the audience who had a great deal of collective experience and expertise.