Aircraft-Wildlife Collision Mitigation: A Predictive Wildlife Hazard Forecast Tool for Enhanced Aviation Safety

The Wildlife Hazard Forecast Tool (WHFT) uses near real-time data collection and analytics to predict the occurrence and movement of critical species to enhance the safety and operational efficiency of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft. In its full development, the WHFT will map and communicate existing wildlife hazard levels and predict emergent hazards using machine learning and real-time wildlife hazard data. Phase I activities have outlined the preliminary Concept of Operations and initiated testing of the proof-of-concept to determine if it meets operator expectations. Phase II will further refine the concept and continue to ensure overall stakeholder approval with additional acceptance testing. Phase II activities will be organized using a systems engineering approach. This approach recognizes the iterative process of WHFT development with feedback loops between definition and integration stages. Each step of the WHFT progression informs the previous and next stage of development. The Phase II deliverable will be the WHFT prototype. The development and implementation of the WHFT will contribute to the modernization of current and future air mobility operations by enhancing the efficiency, safety, and scalability the National Airspace System (NAS) through provision of wildlife hazard separation information for AAM operations. The tool will contribute to NASA’s Sky for All vision through safety assurance of AAM aircraft, empowerment of operators, and conservation of airborne wildlife. The WHFT will provide economic benefits such as reduced accidents, optimized flight paths and better traffic management, and improved operational outcomes for potential customers that include AAM aircraft operators, Air Traffic Control authorities, federal, state, and local governments, and airport and vertiport operators.