Two sandhill cranes stroll across an airport runway on April 22, 2009, at the Kissimmee Gateway Airport.A bill that gives airports more leeway to shoo critters off runways got the governor’s signature on Thursday.
Called the Airline Safety and Wildlife Protection Act, it was prompted by the emergency river landing of a plane that struck a flock of geese over New York in January. It prevents airports from being penalized if they accidentally harm an animal that’s interfering with a flight.
Environmentalists have questioned how authorities will determine whether an animal injury or death was accidental or intentional.
The act was welcomed by the Orlando Sanford International Airport, where chief executive officer Larry Dale said it can be difficult for his employees to manage wildlife.
At that airport, workers often shoot paint balls to frighten away eagles. Dale said workers never aim for the eagles, but shoot around them. The new bill protects the airport from penalties if an eagle were accidentally shot.