How, you may wonder, can a small dog keep big planes safe?
“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” — Thich Nhat...
Posted by Airport K-9 Team on Thursday, August 10, 2017
Piper's job is to control, or chase away, birds and wildlife that could impact flight operations, CBS News reported. Over his career, he has chased 6,156 birds and counting over his 5,400 hours worked and 1,507 miles he's patrolled.
K-9 Piper vs A-10 WarthogGentlemen, let's plow the road! Here, Pipe provides close ground support to this A-10 driver from the "Red Devils" of the 107th Fighter Wing. How awesome is that?! ------ Eye Pro: Rex Specs K9 Vest: http://k9storm.com (Donated by Spike's K9 Fund) Aircraft: United States Air Force Air National Guard Recruiting ✈️🇺🇸
Posted by Airport K-9 Team on Thursday, August 3, 2017
Piper has done quite a job and has developed a following.
He has fans on Reddit according to the Cherry Capital Airport K-9 Team.
His story, usually showing him with his flight goggles and other safety gear strapped on, has also been featured on CNN, NBC and Fox News.
Piper's protection includes his goggles, ear protection, an aerial insertion vest, a tracking harness, shoes to keep his paws safe in the cold or heat and a K-9 trauma kit. Most of his gear was donated by various groups and businesses, according to the airport team's website.
Piper has been on the job with his partner Brian Edwards for years, and it only took a year for the dog to get acclimated to the noise and other distractions on the tarmac, CBS News reported.
Luckily, the birds that Piper is tasked to keep away from aircraft haven't gotten used to the aviation guard dog. Normally airports use shotgun blanks to scare animals away, but the birds and other wildlife can become accustomed to the noise. But Piper hones in on their fight or flight instinct when he chases them away and away they go, CBS News reported.
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