Preventing bird strikes near airports requires a variety of methods. One relatively new method that appears to be effective is patrol by trained Border collies. Even a lone dog and its handler can significantly impact the bird population or number of runway incursions by deer, according to airports which have incorporated the collie into their wildlife control programmes.

Several of the feature articles in this edition focus on training, including training in aviation language proficiency. The recent introduction of more stringent requirements for pilots and air traffic controllers highlights the need for effective and efficient language training programmes delivered by qualified teaching professionals.

The 11th ICAO Air Navigation Conference that will convene in September represents a timely opportunity to address critical technical issues. Several articles in this edition review issues that will come under scrutiny at the conference, including an overview that starts on page 5.

While 2002 witnessed some improvement in airline traffic and financial results compared with the sharp downturn of 2001, the air transport industry remained embroiled in crisis last year. Our summary of major developments in 2002, as well as airline traffic and financial forecasts for the 2003-05 period, begins on page 5.

Our feature articles this month focus on security-related topics including the recent implementation of a programme of universal, mandatory and regular aviation security audits.

Civil aviation makes an important contribution to economic prosperity. Newly developed ICAO guidance material can help States determine the extent of this contribution to their local, regional and national economies.

Feature articles in this edition focus on safety oversight developments. Included is an overview of the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP): five years after its launch, USOAP is preparing to widen its focus to all safety-related provisions contained in the annexes to the Chicago Convention.

Both controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) and approach and landing accidents are known to be major contributors to the aircraft hull loss and passenger fatality statistics. As the article on page 5 indicates, a new "tool kit" for approach and landing accident reduction provides material that can be directly" used in developing training and accident prevention programmes.

An action plan for strengthening aviation security worldwide was recommended by ICAO's Contracting States at a conference in Montreal in February. ICAO has been called on to adopt the plan of action not later than 14 June 2002, and to implement it within the shortest feasible time frame.

A newly designed ATM system that will soon be in place at oceanic facilities in the United States will employ a high level of automation to reduce controller workload significantly. As explained in the article beginning on page 18, the advanced technology will permit an increase in air traffic capacity and the provision of non-separation-related services, without compromising safety.

Several articles in this edition of the Journal focus on the line operations safety audit, a new safety tool that is already having a positive impact on operations at the airlines where it has been introduced.

As an integral part of global security, aviation security strategy is focused on creating a security net that is global in nature. Our feature articles this month examine security developments, and ways to restore public confidence in air transport.