Flightline scare tactics
Wildlife hasn’t taken over the airfield — the safety office has just placed some animal
decoys out near the flightline to drive away some of the birds that can pose a threat to
aircraft and their crews. Andrew “Ski” Przytarski, 81st Training Wing flight safety manager, said that two coyote and three fox decoys are being used to try to reduce the 3½ bird strikes the base averages each month. Keesler has a unique airfield with unique bird strike problems, with water at the end of the runway and a marina, golf course and ball fields nearby that create a great habitat for wildlife. Bird strikes can be catastrophic, leading to loss of life and severe damage to aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin Cooper)