qawbtraining.com

TRAINING INFORMATION

Hosted by : Jacksonville International Airport, Jacksonville, Florida

Date: October 6th - 8th, 2025

Time: 8am - 5pm

Cost: $TBD

Register online: CLICK HERE (link is currently inactive, please check back soon)

Course Overview

Designed to meet the requirements of FAA Advisory Circular 150/5200-36B and 14 CFR Part 139, this course is ideal for wildlife biologists seeking QAWB certification, airport personnel, BASH program staff, and anyone responsible for managing wildlife hazards in aviation environments.

Led by a team of experienced FAA-Qualified Airport Wildlife Biologists, Certified Wildlife Biologists®, NRA Firearms Safety Instructors, and subject matter experts, this course goes beyond the minimum by blending classroom instruction with real-world, hands-on training.

Participants will gain practical experience in:

Wildlife identification and hazard assessment
Avian and mammal trapping techniques
Pyrotechnics and firearms safety
Snarge collection and strike reporting
Writing and implementing WHAs and WHMPs

The agenda includes in-depth coverage of aviation safety regulations, applicable wildlife laws, airport operations, and the FAA’s National Wildlife Strike Database. You’ll also complete a capstone class project, take part in field training, and leave with essential tools and resources to support your ongoing work.

Whether you’re advancing your certification, renewing qualifications, or expanding your on-the-ground skills, this course offers the comprehensive, FAA-compliant training you need to support safe airport operations and effective wildlife management.

Participants:

This training course is designed for a wide range of attendees; Wildlife Biologists pursuing the FAA Qualified Airport Wildlife Biologist (QAWB) certification, airport operators and staff that implement a wildlife hazard management program or conduct wildlife management, aviation students, state and federal aviation agencies, military personnel involved in BASH, and aviation stakeholders.

Travel Information

Where to Stay

There are several hotels we recommend based on what you are looking for.

Proximity to the Airport:

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jacksonville Airport

Distance: 0.2 miles (about 200 yards from the terminal)
Located onsite with 24‑hour shuttle, an outdoor pool, business center, on‑site restaurant, and complimentary cookies at check-in.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Jacksonville Airport

Distance: Approximately 4 miles from the airport
All-suite, pet-friendly hotel offering free airport shuttle, Wi‑Fi, breakfast, fitness center, outdoor pool, and kitchenettes in every suite.

Hampton Inn & Suites Jacksonville-Airport

Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles from the airport
Free hot breakfast, outdoor pool, fitness center, business center, and complimentary airport shuttle service.

Proximity to the River:

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jacksonville Riverfront

Distance: Approximately 15 miles from the airport
Rooftop lounge and spectacular river views, , on-site restaurants, outdoor pool, complimentary cookies at check-in, no airport shuttle service

Proximity to the Beach:

Hampton Inn Jacksonville Beach – Oceanfront

Distance: Approximately 27 miles from the airport
Steps from the beach, heated pool with waterfalls, hot breakfast, Wi‑Fi, and ocean-view comfort, no airport shuttle service

What to Do

Jacksonville’s west bank, near the airport, offers a mix of local culture and relaxation. You can explore Riverside’s art and food scene, walk along the Riverwalk to Friendship Fountain, and enjoy river views from rooftop bars like River & Post. Just across the river, Jacksonville Beach provides a seaside escape with ocean breezes, coastal dining, and casual nightlife. After training, take a walk along the pier at sunset, try local spots like North Beach Fish Camp and TacoLu, or a view at The Lemon Bar and Casa Marina’s rooftop lounge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at qawb@bbch-llc.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

After this course, what else do I need to do to become a QAWB?

The FAA-Qualified Airport Wildlife Biologist certification is now under The Wildlife Society.

Eligible Certified Wildlife Biologists® may add the Qualified Airport Wildlife Biologist (QAWB) designation to their credentials. Applicants must meet the qualifications laid out in FAA’s Advisory Circular 150/5200-36B regarding education, training and an approved Wildlife Hazard Assessment.

To obtain the QAWB designation through TWS, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Be approved by TWS as a Certified Wildlife Biologist®
Take and pass an airport wildlife hazard management training course acceptable to the FAA Administrator
Under the direct supervision of a QAWB mentor, provide documentation of either:
- Having conducted at least one Wildlife Hazard Assessment acceptable to the FAA Administrator
- Having conducted at least one year of continual wildlife hazard monitoring at a certificated airport using FAA-approved methodology

To maintain this designation, applicants will need to complete at least one of the following within five years of initial FAA-approved airport wildlife hazard management training course, and every five years after:

Airport wildlife hazard management training course that is acceptable to the FAA Administrator
Attendance, as a registered participant, at a Aviation Wildlife Management Conference (Bird Strike Committee USA or Canada) meeting
Other training acceptable to the FAA Administrator

Note: QAWBs previously approved by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University will be grandfathered into the TWS QAWB program (regardless of any other TWS certification) but must continue to complete FAA-approved training courses and maintain membership in TWS to retain the designation.

For questions about the QAWB designation or how to apply for QAWB status, contact Jennifer Murphy, Certification and Outreach Manager, at certification@wildlife.org.

When should I book my flights?

Please plan on arriving the day before training starts as we will begin promptly at 8:00 am. Training will end at 5:00 pm on the final day.

Is there a dress code?

No, there is not. Casual or field attire is acceptable as we will have both outdoor-field and classroom sessions. Please wear closed-toe shoes.

What should I bring?

All necessary PPE will be provided; however, you are encouraged to bring eye and ear protection; laptop (preferred not required)

FAA-Qualified Airport Wildlife Biologist Training