Bird sanctuary a threat to Millville airport, AOPA says
By AOPA ePublishing staff
Think about a blast of bird feathers and blood on the windscreen of your airplane. Now think about the thousands of dollars of damage that a bird strike can do.
Makes you wonder why the city of Millville, N.J., thinks it would be a good idea to create grassland bird habitats over 100 acres of land surrounding the city's airport.
AOPA has raised its concerns about the proposal with the FAA. The agency provides specific guidance to airport sponsors on land uses that might create hazardous conditions to aircraft.
"Birds pose a significant threat to aircraft arriving and departing airports," said Greg Pecoraro, AOPA vice president of regional affairs. "And the FAA is clear on this point. The agency recommends that areas that attract hazardous wildlife should not be located within 5,000 feet of an airport serving piston-powered aircraft."
The sanctuary would be part of an agreement the city made in 2005 to settle a lawsuit concerning the motorsports park at the airport.
November 8, 2007
