Recent Projects

 

Canine Dispersal Program - Gold Coast Airport, 2011

Gold Coast Airport has engaged an innovative and creative new initiative to help prevent bird strikes, by training and employing a dog to join the team.

Provided by leading bird strike management experts, Avisure, Joe the wonder dog is the latest weapon in managing the risk of  bird strike at the Gold Coast Airport and is now an integral part of the airport’s bird mitigation and management operations.

Bird strikes pose a significant risk to aircraft operations around the world. The consequence of bird and other wildlife collisions with aircraft can be very serious, costing the commercial civil aviation industry an estimated US$1.2 billion per annum. Even apparently minor strikes which result in no damage can reduce engine performance, cause concern among aircrew and add to airline operating costs.

Avisure has been training Joe and his handler, wildlife biologist Martin Ziviani, since August 2010. During this time  Joe and Martin have been put through strict training by  internationally certified specialist dog trainer Craig Murray to produce a team able to work safely and effectively around the airport.

The training allows Joe to operate under three levels of control, voice control, whistle control and electric collar. These controls allow Joe to work at different distances, with ambient airport noise and activity and without harming the bird.

The concept of using man’s best friend to humanely move on birds is based on the natural threat of predation and is likely to be more effective than scaring birds with  blasts from cannons and blank shells from rifles.

 

Other Avisure projects

Avisure have completed many projects and delivered training all over the world (see list below). Browse through examples of our project experience on the Avisure project experience map (see Avisure home page).