Landowners tour McConnell

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Armando A. Schwier-Morales
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  McConnell hosted 27 Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard program supporters for the annual landowner's association dinner Nov. 16, 2010.

The BASH program uses humane methods to prevent birdstrikes by keeping birds away from aircraft flight paths. McConnell is located in the Central Flyway which is a migratory route for northern birds traveling south.

The landowners were given a tour of the base and were able to talk to Airmen about the impact their partnership has on the base.

"[The event] helps the base establish solid community ties and demonstrates that we care about our neighbor's thoughts, feelings and opinions," said Maj. Glenn Clark, 22nd Air Refueling Wing chief of safety.

The tour offered landowners the opportunity to experience landing a KC-135 Stratotanker in the flight simulator, and a bird's eye view of McConnell from the air traffic control tower.

"I like the opportunity to visit the base," said Chris Streckfus, one of the landowners. "I know you guys are trying to give back to us, but I hope that we are doing our part to protect McConnell's Airmen."

Taking care of Airmen is accomplished with the help of the BASH supporters who allow McConnell's border collie Vasi to scatter the birds off their land.

"Border collies are effective because they have a natural herding instinct, that helps them chase away the birds," said Lauren Caister, 22nd Air Refueling Wing base wildlife manager and animal behavior expert. "This prevents both flocks and individual fowl from endangering aircraft engines and the aircraft."

While the landowners met Vasi, McConnell's safety officials and Mrs. Caister expressed gratitude for their support.

"[The landowners] asked valued questions concerning the BASH program," said Major Clark. "Having safety professionals present from various specialties really aided in providing distinct perspectives. By providing surrounding land owners information concerning our BASH program, they are more likely to allow our BASH contractor, Lauren Caister, access to their land."

With the help of the landowners and Vasi McConnell's BASH program has not had any majorly damaging bird strikes.