history

Bird Hazard is a worldwide problem that has gone on for many decades. Orville Wright reported the first bird strike, next to Dayton, Ohio, USA, five years after his first flight in 1903. In 1912, Calbrait Roger died after his plane collided with a bird, being the first person who dies as consequence of impact with Birds. According to the International Bird Strike Committee, between 1912 and 2002, birds have caused approximately 231 deaths and more than 80 civil aircrafts were seriously affected. On the contrary, The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) registered 22935 wildlife strikes to civil aircraft (most bird strikes) for a 9 year period, which means an average of 2548 impacts per year. As a result, bird strike generates millions of dollars in annual losses to the aviation industry. In accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) statistic, during the year 2000 there were 8458 reports of bird strikes, based on reports received from 30 countries through the International Bird Strike Information System (IBIS).

mission statement

CAR/SAM Bird and Wildlife Hazard Prevention Committee is a non-profit entity whose main purpose is to coordinate and integrate actions in order to minimize the number of aircraft incidents / accidents resulting from Bird/ Wildlife Strike with aircrafts in the Region.

The main work of the Committee shall focus on the identification, analysis, development and investigation of Bird and Wildlife strike with aircrafts and the reproduction and dissemination of informative material with the intention of giving support to pilots, aircraft operators and facilities and air navigation services providers in the activities of prevention an decrease of Bird Hazard.

objective

With the aim of achieving the Committee goals and objectives, a group of activities were analyzed and discussed in the First Meeting. These activities were put together in a General Program, together with the specific responsibilities for each of the Coordinators that integrate CAR/SAM Bird Hazard Prevention Committee Board.

The most outstanding goals drawn up for the region are as follows: encourage the States for the creation of Bird Hazard Committees, both nationals and Airports; increase records and notification of Bird/ Wildlife Strike with aircrafts; create a web page and develop a Committee Official Bulletin; strengthen the exchange of experiences and technical knowledge among specialists.