Airport Wildlife Planning and Management (Canada)

Competencies Obtained

On completion of this course participants will be able to:

• Describe the nature of wildlife hazards and their impact on aviation safety at Canadian airports. 
• Identify the key regulations, standards, and guidance material relevant to airport wildlife management in Canada. 
• Identify the highest risk wildlife species that should be of primary concern for airport operators in Canada. 
• Describe how wildlife risks are managed both on and off the airport.
• Outline the main approaches used to manage wildlife hazards, including habitat management, land use planning, and wildlife dispersal and removal techniques. 
• Summarize the key elements of an effective Airport Wildlife Management Plan.

Who Should Enrol?

• All personnel with responsibilities related to the airport’s Airport Wildlife Management Plan, including responsible Senior Managers, Wildlife Management Officers, Wildlife Control Personnel and members of the airport’s Wildlife Management Committee.
• Personnel seeking to improve their knowledge and understanding of wildlife hazard management within an airport environment.
• Other airport stakeholders, service providers, and consultants who wish to improve their knowledge and understanding of wildlife hazard management within an airport environment.

Course Content

The Airport Wildlife Planning and Management (Canada) course covers the following topics:

1. Introduction

• The nature and extent of wildlife hazards in aviation.
• Key concepts involved in wildlife management.

2. Wildlife Ecology, Biology, and Identification

• Wildlife ecology and biology. 
• Bird and mammal species that pose the greatest hazard to aircraft in Canada.
• Wildlife identification, including the use of field guides.
• Key considerations when managing species of concern or species at risk.  

3. Canadian Regulations, Standards, and Guidance

• The regulatory framework governing wildlife management in Canada. 
• Key Transport Canada guidance documents. 

4. Developing an Airport Wildlife Management Plan

• The purpose and key components of an Airport Wildlife Management Plan (AWMP).
• Roles and responsibilities within the airport’s wildlife management organizational structure. 

5. Habitat Management and Off-Airport Land Use

• On-airport habitat management.
• Managing off-airport wildlife hazards, including through land-use planning.

6. Active Wildlife Management and Removal Techniques

• Wildlife dispersal techniques and their relative effectiveness. 
• Wildlife removal (live capture and lethal measures).

7. Wildlife Management Equipment and Operational Safety

• Safety principles for the use of wildlife management equipment.
• Pyrotechnics and firearm safety. 

8. Wildlife Monitoring, Reporting, and Evaluation

• Wildlife monitoring.
• Recording and reporting wildlife hazards and strikes. 
• Evaluating the effectiveness of the AWMP.

9. Communication, Awareness, and Training

• Communication procedures for reporting wildlife hazards and strikes. 
• Promoting wildlife hazard awareness. 
• Training requirements. 

Assessment

This course includes an integrated online assessment.  Candidates must successfully complete the assessment to receive a Certificate of Completion.