b'60 SGRAIRFIELD MAINTENANCE In fact, SGR is currently working on a new Safety Managementaway from aircraft, hangars and other buildings. (Check out System program. the Oct. 2022 issue of Airport Improvement for the article that inspired the project.) Unexpected Reactions In a poignant example of technology and nature working side Much to Durbins surprise and delight, morale is up since SGRby side, the airport uses its new autonomous mowers in the area implemented its new mowing system. He reports that maintenancewhere the apiary was established. We have to set the mowers employees no longer fear losing their jobs to the automatedwhen the bees are dormant, Durbin notes. Our apiary manager equipment and they enjoy and take pride in commanding the fleetalso mows in a bee suit.with a cell phone. Public reaction to the robot fleet has also been fun for him toCulture Changewatch. We have stopped traffic on Highway 6 with these on theCity leaders support Durbins move to leverage high-tech field, and a pilot even got out of his Citation to take a picture whileequipment at the airport.they were mowing, laughs Durbin.From our perspective, the airport really jump-started innovation Interestingly, the futuristic mowing bots play a key role in thein our city and they have been a shining star that has inspired airports wildlife management program because keeping grassother departments to try their own new ideas, says Owens. trimmed removes and/or helps disrupt food sources for the 140That influence may be spreading to other airports as well. In species of wildlife at the airfield, which include alligators, hogs andlate February, Miami Homestead General Aviation Airport (X51) birds of prey. As such, mowing and clearing overgrowth accountsheld a demonstration of three autonomous units from Honda for a significant amount of the maintenance staffs time. mowing grass and spraying pesticides. The event marked the end A swarm of bees also proved to be a problem when it tookof a three-month pilot program to test the equipment at the 960-up residence on the wing of an aircraft. We had to call aacre airfield. Prototypes of two different models, a work vehicle maintenance guy to remove a fairing on a trailing edge, Durbinand a mower, operated four days a week after being programmed recalls. The airport also brought in a local bee wrangler towith autonomous navigation and obstacle avoidance technology. remove the bees, and then established an apiary to draw them EXPERIENCED | TIME-TESTEDFULLY INTEGRATED HANGAR & DOOR SYSTEMSENGINEERS & PLANNERSMORE THAN A CONSULTANTHANGAR A trusted partner, passionate about aviation, &DOOR dedicated to the industry, and committed to your airportEXPERTS 1957 2023START TO FINISH EXPERTISESingle-source for Design, Manufacturing, & On-Site Services1-888-AVCON-99www.avconinc.com 800.274.0144|FULFAB.COMMarch | April 2025AirportImprovement.com'