Wingin' It - Arlington Municipal Airport Newsletter Wingin' It - Issue 6 - December 2015 | Page 2

Wingin’ It
Wildlife Hazard Management Plan Update
Arlington Municipal Airport conducted a Wildlife Hazard Assessment in 2013 to
meet the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements provided by Federal
Aviation Regulation Part 139.337. As required by the Wildlife Management Plan,
Airport Operations employees completed their annual training in December.
Wildlife Hazards at Arlington Airport
Red-tailed Hawk at GKY in AOA Area
The end of the migration season is nearing for waterfowl heading south for the
winter. GKY is in the middle of the Central Flyway that geese and ducks use to
make the journey. Cormorants (ducks) remain in the area during the winter, and
travel between Joe Pool Lake and Lake Arlington daily. The route brings the ducks
over, or very close to the Airport, leaving Joe Pool Lake at dawn, flying to Lake
Arlington, and making the return trip at dusk.
Gulls are an issue anytime it rains and water begins to pond. The large expanse of concrete looks similar to sand.
Along the coast, gulls land on sand, and remain during stormy weather. The birds perceive the Airport as a safe
shelter when storms arise. If you see a flock settling in the Airport Operations Area, inform ATCT or Airport
Operations and the birds will be dispersed.
If a strike does occur, please report it to Operations staff immediately (817-459-5571). If possible, Ops personnel
will collect the remains - (technically referred to as “snarge”), and submit a report to the FAA Wildlife Strike
Database. If the type of bird can’t be determined onsite, a sample will be sent to the Smithsonian Institute for
identification. Determining the species is very important to researchers. Data collected is used to help develop
better methods of preventing bird strikes. Pilots are encouraged to also file a report, to give the FAA as much data
on the strike as possible. The FAA Wildlife Strike Database is located at
http://wildlife.faa.gov.
Another potential threat to aircraft is the coyotes on
the airfield that have learned to use the drainage
system in the AOA to roam freely. We have identified
six currently roaming the airport. While the number of
sightings seemed to be dwindling; mating season has
begun, and they are highly active at dawn and dusk.
If you spot coyotes in the AOA please alert ATCT or
Airport Operations.
Comments or Suggestions for
Upcoming Newsletters?
email airport @arlingtontx.gov or call Trudi loy at 817-459-5570
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