About the AAWHG

What is a wildlife strike?

A bird or animal strike results when a bird or animal and an aircraft collide.

Historically, over 90% of reported strikes have occurred on or in close proximity to airports (ICAO, 1999). Since 1998, there have been over 219 human fatalities due to bird strike (Dolbeer 2008), and it is estimated that bird strike can cost the civil aviation industry US$1.2-1.5 billion per annum (Allan 2006). Such high costs result from more than just damage to engines and airframes, it also includes residual impacts on airline operating costs such as delays, rescheduling, reduced customer satisfaction and insurance claims.

The consequence and severity of bird strike is largely determined by the number and size of animals struck, phase of flight and aircraft part hit. Large birds are capable of destroying engines and strikes that involve more than one animal (multiple strikes) can be more serious, potentially disabling engines and/or resulting in major accidents.

 

References

• Allan, J. O., 2006. A Heuristic Risk Assessment Technique for Birdstrike Management at Airports Risk Analysis, Vol. 26, No. 3, pp. 723-729, June 2006
• Dolbeer R.A. 2008. Bird-strike Committee USA website. www.birdstrike.org
• ICAO 1999. The need to strengthen the provisions of ICAO annex 14, Volume 1, relating to bird control on and in the vicinity of Airports. In Bird Strike '99. Vancouver, Canada

Who are the Australian Aviation Wildlife Hazard Group?

The Australian Aviation Wildlife Hazard Group (AAWHG) was formed as a result of a recommendations from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau Report The Hazards Posed to Aircraft by Birds (261kb).

Since its beginnings in 2003, the group has continued its work in promoting awareness of aviation wildlife strikes. The group also aims to bring together both government and industry to support a national approach to this important aviation safety issue.

In July 2010, the Department of Infrastructure and Transport formally recognised the AAWHG under the Aviation Implementation Group as being a key player in the development of future aviation policy related to wildlife hazard management.

Terms of Reference

• To enhance awareness of the safety issues surrounding bird and animal strikes.
• To provide an opportunity for bird and animal strike information, knowledge and advise to be shared.
• To determine directions for future research, regulations and procedures to mitigate the risk posed by birds and animals to aircraft.

Charter

Further information about the Australian Bird and Animal Hazard Working Group can be found in the Statement of Purpose and Charter (101 kb).

The AAWHG Executive

Contact information for the members of the Executive has been provided.