Abstract

Using GIS to Map Wildlife Hazards at Airports
Track: Aviation
Authors: Jason Kougher

Nationally, wildlife strikes with aircraft has resulted in human fatalities and substantial financial losses. After US Airways Flight 1549 ingested geese into both engines and landed in the Hudson River, the Federal Aviation Administration has mandated all scheduled passenger airports to conduct a 1 year wildlife hazard assessment documenting wildlife activity. By using GIS and GPS mobile mapping techniques, we are able to better understand, manage, and educate airports about wildlife hazards.