Air cannon deployed to mitigate wildlife at the airport

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (18 May, 2016) The Cayman Islands Airports Authority (CIAA) has deployed “Zon Gun” propane cannons, better known as “air cannons” to help scare birds away from the runway at the Owen Roberts International Airport (ORIA). The bird migration season has started and at any given time between 15-25 cattle egrets gather inside the airport perimeter fence, creating a hazard to aircraft.

Other bird scaring techniques have also been used, however the loud popping noise from the air cannon has proven to be the most effective method for scaring the cattle egrets away and keeping them from the runway and airport operating areas.

While the loud noise may be distracting for residents in the surrounding areas, CIAA’s Chief Safety Management Officer Andrew McLaughlin says, “The air cannons are only deployed on an as needed basis and only in response to dangerous bird concentrations on the airport.”
Mr. McLaughlin added that, “Bird strikes are a very serious problem for airports all over the world, however through the CIAA’s consistent and proactive approach we are able to maintain an acceptable level of safety for flight operations.”

The public can also do its part to help reduce wildlife strikes by reporting any wildlife sightings to airport staff at (345) 244-5835, covering trash cans in the surrounding areas, picking up garbage and not feeding the birds in the areas near the airport.

PHOTO CAPTION:
Image of Zon Gun Propane Cannon

CIAA Seeks Volunteers for Emergency Exercise

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (May 17, 2016) The Cayman Islands Airports Authority (CIAA) needs your help! The CIAA is looking for volunteers who would be willing to wear special make-up and act as injured passengers in the upcoming Full Scale Airport Emergency Exercise scheduled for Wednesday, 25 May 2016. The CIAA organizes this event to test the readiness of emergency responders to handle an aircraft accident and form an organized response in those critical moments that could mean the difference between life and death. The Cayman Islands Red Cross (CIRC) is coordinating all volunteer activities and interested members of the public are being asked to contact the CIRC Volunteer & Resources Manager at (345) 949-6785 Ext, 1 or (345) 925-2251 or CIRC Volunteer & Resource Manager [email protected] Further details on roles and activities will be provided to interested parties.

PHOTO:
Airport Emergency Exercise “The Real Deal” held on Thursday, 6 November 2014