Weather and local environmental conditions continue to affect safety in gliding operations.
Participants noted more wildlife activity near some aerodromes, including changes in animal behaviour linked to seasonal movement and urban growth. This increases the risk of bird and animal strikes, especially during launch and low-level flying.
We also discussed changing weather patterns. Variations in thermals, storms, wind and fast-changing conditions can have a major impact on flight planning and decision-making.
We also found growth in nearby urban areas as a concern. Expansion of housing or industry can reduce suitable landing areas and increase risk to people and property on the ground.
What you can do
You can reduce environmental risks by:
- improving weather training
- managing local wildlife risks
- including changing conditions in planning and risk assessments.
You should:
- identify and manage local wildlife hazards through aerodrome and operational procedures.
- improve weather understanding, decision-making, and planning for abnormal operations
- include changing environmental conditions in risk assessments and flight planning
- review out-landing options and risks to people and property near expanding urban areas
- encourage reporting of wildlife and weather-related hazards and incidents.
What we have done
We continue to publish and promote education material to help pilots:
- better understand weather risks
- make safer decisions
- manage operational risk.
This includes guidance on:
- changing weather
- reduced visibility
- wind effect
- the importance of conservative decision-making.
We support national wildlife hazard programs with industry and aerodrome operators, recognising the ongoing risk of bird and wildlife strikes, especially during take-off and landing.
We also use environmental and weather-related data in safety analysis, surveillance, and industry engagement to:
- find trends
- set safety priorities
- support risk reduction activities.
Weather safety resources are also available.