The 2015 Australian Aviation Wildlife Hazard Group forum was held at the Australian Museum in Sydney on 5th & 6th November.

This years forum aimed to address wildlife hazard management issues and challenges that face the Australian and International Aviation industry. There was an impressive speakers program which covered many issues that affect our industry in relation to wildlife hazard management, drawing not only from industry experience and expertise but also providing case studies highlighting best practice experiences and the latest in research and products.

The forum provided not only a platform for delegates to hear from industry leaders but also a social networking function through the lunches and especially the cocktail function held on the terrace of the Australian Museum.

Day 1

Session 1

Mark Skidmore AM – CASA – Enhancing Safety benefits through collaboration presentation
Wendy Weir – AAWHG/BAC – update presentation
Ashley McAlpine – AAWHG/CASA – Recommended Practices update presentation
Brian Greeves – AAWHG/AusALPA – Recommended Practices: Flight Crew Training presentation

Session 2

Gary Cooke – Bird Strike Committee USA – Update from the USA & beyond
Pak Wayan Nur – Juanda International Airport, Surabaya Indonesia – The implementation of Wildlife Hazard Management
Lizzie McGregor – Auckland Airport – Innovation at Auckland Airport

Session 3

Dr Linda Neaves – Australian Museum – Metagenomics for dietary DNA analysis
Dr Anja Divljan – Australian Museum – Biology of winged mammals: bats in urban areas
Dr Ed Herricks – University of Illinois – Avian radar improving situational awareness

Session 4

David Wiman – AAWHG/Airservices Australia and Brian Greeves – AAWHG/AusALPA – Runway Safety and Wildlife Incursions: Changing Attitudes

Day 2

Session 1

Mathew Hill (Qantas), Dave Selby (Brisbane Airport), Phil Shaw (Avisure) – Mud wasps and aircraft pitot tubes – issues, management and communication
Dave Selby (Brisbane Airport), Fiona Ryan (Virgin Australia), Ash McAlpine (CASA) – Racing pigeons and aircraft movements
Jeff Follett – Ecosure – Ibis Management Coordination Group (IMCG) presentation

Session 2

Catriona Dowling – Combat Support Group – Australian Department of Defence case study
Richard Robinson – R2A – Legal due diligence training on wildlife hazard management
Captain James Rorke – Regional Aviation Association of Australia – Regional Aviation and wildlife hazards

Session 3

Chris Fox – Perth Airport – Perth Airport case study
Callista Cameron – Naturecall – Moranbah Airport case study
Will Jamieson – Avisure – Vancouver International Airport case study

Session 4

Barney Jones – Remote Piloted Systems – Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and applicability for wildlife hazard monitoring
Brett Eaton – Adelaide Airport – Aerolaser trial – Adelaide Airport
Wendy Weir – AAWHG – Forum Reflections