Effectiveness while using distress calls is great. It is easy to use. Until recently we have had limited training however the latest training just received has given a greater insight on how to make updates and changes to make it more site specific- Ian FaulknerManager of Fire and Airfield Operations

Christchurch International Airport is the main airport that serves Christchurch, New Zealand it first opened in 1940 and became New Zealand’s first international airport in 1950. It is the second busiest airport in New Zealand and serves around 6 million passengers annually through c100,000 aircraft movements

Christchurch Airport were the first users of the original Scarecrow Data Logging system Ultima back in 2007.

We spoke to Ian Faulkner, Manager of Fire and Airfield Operations about the Scarecrow systems and how they form a part of their overall Wildlife Hazard Management Plan

Question & Answers

Which of Scarecrow’s products have been used in the past and what is used now?
The Ultima was our original computerised recording system; we replaced this with the updated version - B.I.R.D Tab which we have been using since Feb 2016.

How, if any, have changes in legislation in recent years impacted the airport in terms of maintaining safety standards? Has Scarecrow BIRD Tab assisted in any way in terms of improving standards and/or audit outcomes?
From our understanding there have been no legislation changes however the CIAL landscape has defiantly changed though and that has impacted on us to keep maintaining high safety standards. For example -the campus and surrounding area have become busier which has led to a higher risk when using lethal tools or pyrotechnics so the B.I.R.D Tab distress calls are useful in these areas and the data collected to analyse these areas.

How effective has Scarecrow BIRD Tab been? How easy is it to use? Have you required much training?
Effectiveness while using distress calls is great. It is easy to use. Until recently we have had limited training however the latest training just received has given a greater insight on how to make updates and changes to make it more site specific.

System reliability which is key as part of daily safety practices - How robust is Scarecrow’s equipment? How important is it to have good reliability?
Reliability is important. The tablet we use to run B.I.R.D Tab seems fairly robust but it is housed in a cradle in the vehicle and is never taken out.

Do you use any other systems in addition to bio-acoustics? Explain why either way.
In terms of bio - acoustics the sounds in the Scarecrow system offers a wide range of frequencies that cover all our needs and is the only system we use; in addition we have a full range of lethal and non – lethal methods

Use of system has reduced Bird Strike Risk (and therefore costs of Bird Strike??) - compare to cost of a single bird strike incident?
The system hasn’t single handily help reduce bird strike but it does play its role and is one of many tools we use to minimise this occurring. The cost of a bird strike leading to significant damage and loss of life will be higher than the financial outlay of continuing to use this system.

Integral part of Wildlife Safety Management System -How important is collecting accurate airside safety data? How is that data used? Is a system that provides fully traceable evidence of standards and safety maintenance a priority now? Why?
The system is an integral part of our daily use. It is important collecting airfield activity data. The key is to have it accurate as possible. The data that has been collected over a number of years is used for adhoc graphs but not for fully traceable evidence of standards and safety maintenance. It is capable of providing this but up until now has only been used for basic operation and gives evidence of the Wildlife Hazard Management programme.

In the unlikely event of an issue, good support from Scarecrow - Should you need any assistance, how responsive do you find Scarecrow to be?
Our IT department mostly deals with Scarecrow and contacts them when and where any support is needed. After the recent training and knowing more about the system we feel comfortable contacting for any support needed in the future.