Dr. Flavio Mendonca is an assistant professor and researcher at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He is a Brazilian Air Force retired officer, a pilot, a Flight Safety Officer, and a senior aircraft accident investigator.
His research agenda focuses on investigating how UAS technologies could be effectively applied to identify hazardous wildlife species to aviation operations as well as potential wildlife attractants within the airport jurisdiction. In addition, Dr. Mendonca has conducted research utilizing wildlife-strike and aircraft operations data. Findings of these studies can provide the scientific foundation for national policies and other safety efforts by aviation stakeholders, and for refinements in the development and implementation of integrated research and operational efforts to mitigate the risk of wildlife strikes to aircraft.