2.3 The Operating Environment and Aircraft Performance

I'm actually surprised that I may be the first to mention bird and/or wildlife strikes for this assignment.  Since humans now share the skies with birds, mid-air collisions are inevitable.  One of the most famous examples would be US Airways Flight 1549 in 2009, where Captain "Sully" Sullenberger successfully performed a controlled water landing on the Hudson River in New York City.  His aircraft suffered catastrophic dual engine failure after striking a flock of geese.

Even though bird strikes are the most recognizable, wildlife strikes by aircraft on the ground during taxiing, takeoff, or landing can be just as crippling.  According to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association website (2019), "Bird and wildlife strikes can be serious and have resulted in more than 350 fatalities. The aviation industry spends nearly $330 million and suffers 500,000 hours of down time each year from strikes." (Statistics section, para. 1)

The FAA website (2019) states they are "undertaking an aggressive research program to mitigate wildlife strikes with aircraft by providing practical solutions as well as timely, critical information to pilots and airport managers." (Research and Development section, para 2.)  These solutions focus on Habitat Management, Detection Methods, Wildlife Control Techniques, Systems Integration, and working with Research & Development Partners (one of which is ERAU-Prescott, Center for Wildlife and Aviation!)


References:
Retrieved from https://static01.nyt.com/images/2010/05/05/nyregion/05ntsb_CA0/05ntsb_CA0-popup.jpg

Retrieved from https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/active-pilots/safety-and-technique/bird-and-wildlife-strikes

Retrieved from http://heartalaska.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Eielson-AFB-Moose-1625.jpg

Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/airports/airport_safety/wildlife/rd/