Why CAAs Must Work with Airports on Wildlife Hazards

Defining Operators & Regulations

When referring to “operators” in the context of wildlife hazard management (WHM) at airports, who exactly are we talking about? Does this term apply exclusively to groups such as airports, airlines, air traffic control (ATC), air navigation service providers (ANSPs), or ground handling organisations? While there is no universally agreed definition, for the purposes of this article, the focus is on airports and airlines.

Wildlife hazard management regulations in Annex 14 are tailored for airports—referred to as ‘aerodromes’—to identify hazards, manage risks, and ensure the safe operation of aircraft.

In the regulatory landscape, it is essential to understand who the regulations and guidance are intended for—and why. Safety standards, rules, and regulations are designed to safeguard infrastructure, equipment, employees, passengers, and the general public. While compliance with these standards does not guarantee zero harm or aircraft damage, it demonstrates that operators are taking all reasonable steps to mitigate wildlife risks. However, the performance of the teams responsible for WHM can influence the effectiveness of these measures, regardless of compliance.

The CAA’s Role in Wildlife Hazard Management Oversight

A key question arises: how do Civil Aviation Authorities (CAAs) ensure their staff possess the necessary skills and competencies to oversee, inspect, and audit WHM practices? Many CAAs struggle to answer this, though some regional rule-makers are now requiring authorities to demonstrate their staff’s expertise in the field.

Historically, CAAs were often staffed by individuals with limited experience in aviation or wildlife hazard management. This sometimes resulted in regulations that were disconnected from operational realities. These regulations—often developed through a rigid, military-style lens—tended to focus on administrative compliance rather than addressing the practical needs of operators.

For example, checklists that ask whether an operator has a WHM manual or records of amendments might demonstrate compliance on paper, but do not necessarily indicate whether the actions within those documents effectively mitigate wildlife hazards. In the aftermath of incidents, investigations often reveal whether safety regulations were genuinely effective or merely followed in a procedural, box-ticking manner.

Making Rules Understandable

A common challenge with regulations is their accessibility. If a 14-year-old can understand them, then perhaps the document is well-written. Regulatory material should be tailored to the audience—whether airport managers, airside workers, or other stakeholders.

With a generational shift in airport personnel—including Gen Z, Gen X, and Millennials—it is vital for CAAs to use clear, modern language. Guidance written in outdated or overly formal styles may confuse the very people responsible for implementing it.

The Importance of Communication, Consultation & Outreach

A successful regulatory framework depends on collaboration between CAAs and operators. It is not sufficient for regulators to issue mandates from afar—they must engage with operators to understand their challenges and secure buy-in. Many CAAs have established partnerships through consultative groups, birdstrike committees, and forums where both regulators and operators can jointly explore solutions.

These collaborative platforms also give operators the opportunity to review and comment on proposed rules or guidance, ensuring that any changes are grounded in operational experience. Such efforts help to prevent regulatory “ivory towers” and promote more effective safety outcomes by aligning policy with practice.

Why CAAs Must Engage with Operators

This is not merely a "should"—it is a "must." CAAs need to understand the day-to-day challenges faced by operators and ensure their regulations remain relevant and practicable. By engaging with operators and encouraging them to share their insights, CAAs can enhance safety and cultivate stronger relationships within the aviation community.

Breaking down barriers between regulators and operators fosters a shared sense of responsibility for safety. The mindset of “we’re all in this together” is key to developing effective wildlife hazard management strategies.

Building a Collaborative Community of Experts

Rather than regulating at operators, CAAs should invite them into the regulatory process. By building a community of experts—be they biologists, data scientists, or subject matter experts in habitat management—CAAs can deepen their understanding of WHM.

Engaging with these “tribes” allows regulators to gather insights, refine practical guidance, and develop a more effective and unified approach to aviation safety. Operators, in turn, can offer feedback on what works, what doesn’t, and how to improve it.

Examples of Existing Collaborative Platforms

Australia has their very own birdstrike forum called AAWHG.

Several forums already exist where CAAs and operators engage in meaningful dialogue on wildlife hazard management. These include:

• State and regional Birdstrike Committees (e.g. North American Birdstrike Committee)

• World Birdstrike Association Conferences

• EASA Safety Promotion Conferences

• FAA InfoShare

These platforms offer CAAs direct access to operators, helping them to better understand challenges on the ground and adjust policies accordingly.

Final Thoughts

CAAs must embrace collaboration with airport operators and other stakeholders to ensure that wildlife hazard management regulations are both effective and grounded in operational realities. By fostering open communication, clarifying guidance, and building a network of experts, regulators can help create a safer, more cohesive aviation environment.

Finding the right “tribe” of contributors benefits everyone—regulators and operators alike.

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About the Author:

Nick Yearwood is a seasoned expert in regulation, oversight, policy, and bird strike risk management with a demonstrated history in the airport and aviation industry. He possesses extensive skills in compliance, policy decision-making, and collaboration with airport operators such as ICAO, global air carriers, and ground handling organizations. He contributed significantly to the industry, including authoring critical documents like ICAO’s Doc 9137 Airport Services Manual Part 3. With over 36 years of service at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, Nick now works as a freelance consultant under International Birdstrike.