Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Janelle Drennan, Senior
Lead Presenter's Name
Janelle Drennan
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Aviation
Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. Flavio Antonio Coimbra Mendonca
Abstract
Part 139 airport operators are required to conduct a wildlife hazard assessment (WHA) whenever a wildlife strike occurs on or near the airport. The WHA is a formal assessment conducted by a qualified airport wildlife biologist to observe and identify wildlife species, their numbers and behaviors; and to identify locations around the airport that could attract wildlife. The current approach, however, has several limitations that could be mitigated with innovative applications of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The researcher will explore the use of UAS technologies at night to support data collection during a WHA. The researcher will use a DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual with both visual and thermal cameras, and a spotlight and a Matrice 210 with a Zenmuse-XT2 thermal camera to collect data. Data will be collected in a farmland area located two nautical miles south of Daytona Beach International Airport. Our team will apply multiple strategies to mitigate the risks associated with UAS operations in an airport environment. Findings are expected to suggest that UAS technologies can streamline the WHA process during periods of darkness. Additionally, the researcher is expecting to develop benchmark safety protocols that can facilitate the effective integration of UAS into the airport environment.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
Yes, SURF
Unmanned Aircraft Systems for Wildlife Hazard Assessments During Nightfall
Part 139 airport operators are required to conduct a wildlife hazard assessment (WHA) whenever a wildlife strike occurs on or near the airport. The WHA is a formal assessment conducted by a qualified airport wildlife biologist to observe and identify wildlife species, their numbers and behaviors; and to identify locations around the airport that could attract wildlife. The current approach, however, has several limitations that could be mitigated with innovative applications of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The researcher will explore the use of UAS technologies at night to support data collection during a WHA. The researcher will use a DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual with both visual and thermal cameras, and a spotlight and a Matrice 210 with a Zenmuse-XT2 thermal camera to collect data. Data will be collected in a farmland area located two nautical miles south of Daytona Beach International Airport. Our team will apply multiple strategies to mitigate the risks associated with UAS operations in an airport environment. Findings are expected to suggest that UAS technologies can streamline the WHA process during periods of darkness. Additionally, the researcher is expecting to develop benchmark safety protocols that can facilitate the effective integration of UAS into the airport environment.