He controlled use of fireworks This is one of the measures implemented to scare away birds in the area of ​​José Joaquín de Olmedo Airport in Guayaquil. Thanks to this, so far in 2024 there were no incidents with birds in the airport approach area.

This was reported by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of Ecuador (DGAC), which has worked in collaboration with other institutions. According to the Deputy Director of the Coastal Zone, Hernán Carrera, since February 4, 2023 the use of firecrackers or flares was implemented.

It is an effective method that allows dispersal of birds by sound waves on El Palmar islet, one of the recommendations made by the Canadian experts.

The DGAC explained that the use of fireworks is carried out in accordance with international regulations and civil aviation safety standards. For this reason, we work closely with wildlife control experts. Periodic studies are also conducted to assess and update risk mitigation measures.

“In addition, it promotes awareness and education on the importance of aviation safety with airline operators and air transport users,” Civil Aviation sources said.

The actions

Among the actions carried out by the Direction Générale de l’Aviation Civile due to the bird hazard in the approach area from Guayaquil airport are:

• Definition of a roadmap and it was agreed to form a Bird Hazard Committeeon November 15, 2022.
• Sending communications to those who have been invited and participated in the National Committee. The goal was that send alternative solutions in a list of immediate actions that can be considered to mitigate the bird hazard.
• THE National Wildlife Danger Prevention Committee, CNPPFSon December 1, 2022. The objective was to provide solutions to the bird hazard at the José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport, in Guayaquil.
• Coordination of visits canadian experts.
• Technical meetings with different institutions.
• Participation in the Airport Risk Prevention Committee Wildlife from Guayaquil airport.
• Training with volunteers from the DGAC and the Ministry of the Environment on the use of laser equipment, portable bird dispersal system and fireworks management with their respective practice.

Visit to the islet of El Palmar with personnel from the DGAC and the Ministry of the Environment to use fireworks with a special tripod. It was carried out by taking all security measures to disperse the birds.

Homework has been done coordination with the control tower for the landing and take-off of aircraft at Guayaquil airport on February 4, 2023, which gave good results.

Bulletin #DGAC 📝The actions implemented by the DGAC guarantee air safety at the airport of #Guayaquil. Know the details ⏩ https://t.co/eePCT1JvCV pic.twitter.com/ePkvSdlzdc

– DGAC Ecuador (DAC) (@DGAC_Ecuador) May 19, 2023

Expert recommendations

With reference to the visit made by wildlife management experts from Airports Council International – ACI World and Falcon Environmental INC., of Canada, was given from December 4 to 8, 2022.

The goal was to diagnose the situation of the approach area of ​​Guayaquil airport. The following recommendations were made:

• Incursion into the area of ​​the islet of El Palmar to determine the location of bird nests and the destruction of their eggs.
• Fumigation with an airplane loaded with vinegarso that vegetation does not grow.
• Laying nets on El Palmar islet to prevent the stay of these birds.
• The use of laser equipment to disperse the birds.
• Use of pyrotechnic devices for airports and sound equipment.
• controlled hunting of patillos and marias.

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