Peace Parks Foundation has a fleet of aircraft as part of their conservation management tools. These aircraft play a critical role in the protection of the parks and therefore continued maintenance is important to ensure safe and efficient aerial operations. Wouter Steyn and Hannes van Wyk, gives us a quick overview of some of the recent work that has been done by the dedicated maintenance team in Limpopo National Park.
In these remote areas, the runways are not tarred and instead, a small area is cleared that will allow for the landing and take-off of the lighter, smaller fixed-wing aircraft routinely used in aerial patrols which is seen in the above video. Although these aircraft are built for the tough African conditions that come with being in the bush, it remains necessary for the runways to be cleared of tall grasses and other obstacles that could hinder a pilot’s field of view. This was no small task in Limpopo National Park, as Wouter explains that it took the maintenance team a week to carry out.
Another obstacle that can sometimes pose as an issue when taking-off or landing in these wilderness areas, is the presence of wild animals. Although this sounds quite exciting, coming into land while a pride of lazy lion are having their afternoon siesta on the runway is a risk to both the wildlife and pilots. With the perimeter fence now having been repaired, Hannes can safely land and take-off knowing that no obstacles, such as a herd of grazing buffalo, will be of concern.
Fixed-wing aircraft involved in aerial surveillance have proven to be one of the most effective tools for protecting wildlife and people. It is important for leading counter-poaching operations by locating illegal activity on the ground and helps to guide field rangers toward an incursion. It also helps with game counts and wildlife research monitoring which is vital to effective park management.
Peace Parks Foundation is very grateful to all our pilots that act as the eyes in the sky, helping to keep our wildlife safe.
