Scarecrow B.I.R.D. Tab™
The Industry Standard for Bird Strike Avoidance
Scarecrow’s flagship Airside product is the Scarecrow B.I.R.D. Tab™ - this is two systems in one, in that it provides not only a Bird Dispersal method as a vehicle-mounted system solution, but also provides Data Logging/Analysis/Reporting Software for helping airports to make and take informed choices on action to mitigate future bird strike risk – whether that be by deploying resources in a more informed way at key times, or taking steps to reduce the bird numbers seen in the first instance.
B.I.R.D. Tab can be installed in any airport vehicle, and consists of a tablet computer, a GPS satellite navigation unit, a pair of loudspeakers, a processor and a touchscreen control interface for the operation, which includes bird dispersal via the broadcast of digitally cleansed natural bird distress calls – the calls are available from within the extensive Scarecrow library, and the system is built to the bespoke needs of each individual airport.
Scarecrow’s digitally cleansed natural bird distress calls have been the backbone of success in Airfield Wildlife Management for 32 years
Due to the growing difficulties airports face with birds and the growing requirement for accurate data to be easily logged by the Operators, Scarecrow developed the Scarecrow B.I.R.D. Tab™ Software following the success of its predecessor Ultima.
B.I.R.D. Tab is the next generation of bird dispersal and data logging using the Panasonic Toughpad tablet PC, which has an integrated camera to enable photographic evidence to be included in reports for improved due diligence.
Some features of B.I.R.D. Tab include:
• Up to 20 calls as required, programmed from the Scarecrow well established Bird Distress Call library
• Efficient data collection in line with ICAO recommended best practices
• Ability to define the information collected in line with individual airport requirements
• Detailed regular reporting available at the press of a button
• Easy data analysis for managing areas of concern at airports, to then take steps to mitigate the risk of future bird strikes
• Provide validated due diligence/evidence in the event of litigation by the airlines and/or their insurers, against the cost of repair and inconvenience/loss of aircraft use when bird strikes occur
• Runway Inspection module
BIRD Tab System Training
Initial Training:
Given the nature of the software product, system training is strongly recommended. There are two separate parts to the software:
Tablet Software: This is not only the data logging software, but the software can also be used to trigger the broadcast of the bird call for a controlled dispersal of the birds where the full BIRD Tab System has been purchased.
Reporting/Analysis Software: Once the collected data as above is transferred into this Reporting Software, then reports can be run and on screen risk analysis undertaken.
The normal on site training over 2 days at the time of purchase covers not only initial system configuration, but also the day to day use in both parts of the software. The Tablet Software is designed in a way that the screen flow "manages" the user to ensure all items are logged as they should be; part of the training would include where possible going out on patrol with a system user to ensure that data is being logged correctly.
The Reporting/Analysis software is where the bulk of the training time is spent, given the many different features the software has to really assist in analysing and managing bird strike risk.
To view an example of the training agenda please click here
Refresher Training:
In addition to the above initial on site training, Scarecrow also run, twice a year at a location very near to London, Gatwick Airport, a one day "Refresher" training course. This is mainly focused on the Reporting/Analysis software.
For each system purchase, the airport qualify for one free place at this training course, which can be taken at any stage during a valid warranty period (as standard is valid for 36 months). If the free place has been used, or if an airport wish to send more than one person, then other places can be booked subject to a fee, currently £250 per person. Costs of transport, accommodation and sustenance are the airport's responsibility, but guidance is provided regarding suitable hotels, of which there are plenty given the close proximity to London, Gatwick Airport.
Attendance at this course may be beneficial should an airport have a change in key staff personnel for example; another hidden benefit often reported is the ability to spend a day with like minded people from other airports and the exchange of best practices and ideas.
To view an example of the refreshers training agenda please click here