ASC 97-001
1997.11.07
Subject
Bird Feather Identification Process
Purpose
This Aerodrome Safety Information Circular is being issued in order to inform Canadian Airport operators of a service that has been made available for the identification of bird feather remains resulting from bird strike incidents or accidents.
Background
Prior to the National Airports Policy, Transport Canada funded the Electrophoresis Feather Identification Program, and airlines, DND, or airport operators could send feather remains to Ottawa and have them identified free of charge. Since the implementation of the NAP, the Electrophoresis process has been available at the Alberta Fish and Wildlife forensics laboratory, but there is a cost associated with the feather identification service (please see Airport Wildlife Management Bulletin #17).
Information
Transport Canada’s Aerodrome Safety Branch has been working to find a feather identification service for the Canadian aviation industry that would be free of charge. We have recently formalized an agreement with the United States Air Force and the Smithsonian Institution, Division of Birds, to have feathers from Canadian bird strike incidents/accidents identified free of charge. In order to make use of this service, please seal feather remains in a plastic bag, and send them to the Smithsonian Institution along with the completed Species Identification Form. The analysis report will be returned directly to you. Also, it would be appreciated if a copy of the report were sent to:
Civil Aviation
Communication Centre (AARCB)
330 Sparks Street
Ottawa ON
K1A 0N8
North America: 1-800-305-2059
Fax: 613-957-4208
Civil Aviation Communications Centre contact form
Original signed by:
Harvey Layden (1997.11.07)
Director, Aerodrome Safety