Title: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Author: Preferred Customer
Last saved by: Janel Showalter
Company: Dell Computer Corporation

C E R T A L E R T 

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ADVISORY  *  CAUTIONARY  *  NON-DIRECTIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT AIRPORT WILDLIFE SPECIALIST, AAS-317 (202) 267.3389
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DATE:		February 1, 2001                                                              NO. 01-01

TO:	Airport Operators, 
FAA Airport Certification Safety Inspectors

TOPIC:	Deer Aircraft Hazard
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Between 1990 and 1999, 420 deer-aircraft collisions were reported to the FAA.  Of these reports, 335 indicated the aircraft was damaged as a result of the collision.  Reported aircraft damage from deer-aircraft collisions totaled $6,186,401.  It is estimated that the white-tailed deer population in the United States exceeds 26 million animals.

In light of the recent incident at the Troy, Alabama airport where a Learjet owned by the Dallas Cowboys struck two deer while landing and was destroyed in the resulting crash and fire, airport operators are reminded of the importance of controlling deer on and around airfields.  

Proper fencing is the best way of keeping deer off aircraft movement areas.  Deer can easily jump the current FAA minimum standard 6-foot security fence.  An 8-foot chain link fence with 2-foot barbed outriggers is the minimum recommended fencing to keep deer off aircraft movement areas and improve airport security.  In some areas where deer populations are particularly high, a 10- or 12-foot chain link fence with barbed wire outriggers may be needed. 

Regardless of its height, all fencing must be properly installed and maintained.  Fencing should be buried at least 2-feet into the ground to prevent animals from digging under the fence and reduce the chance of washouts.  The fence line right-of-way must be kept free of excess vegetation.  The fence line should be patrolled at least daily, and any washouts, breaks or other holes in the fence repaired as soon as they are discovered.  If deer are observed on or near the aircraft movement area, immediate action must be taken to remove them.  

Airport operators can contact the nearest USDA, Wildlife Services Offices or the State Wildlife Management Agency for assistance with deer problems. 

__________ _ ____________________                               
Benedict D. Castellano, Manager
Airport Safety and Operations