Do you know that many airports are focusing on optimizing existing space rather than expanding their physical footprint.?
For example, Denver International Airport is undergoing a $1.3 billion Great Hall expansion project, which involves enlarging and renovating the existing terminal rather than expanding outward.
Land acquisition for major airport expansion in the USA has become increasingly challenging due to urban development, environmental concerns, and community opposition. Most large-scale airport developments in recent decades have focused on improving existing facilities.
One of the leading factors is the jet blast from aircraft engines, as it has an impact on the amount of land needed to support airport operations.
In terms of safety, the following considerations must be taken into account:
Jet blast can create hazardous conditions for personnel, equipment, and other aircraft on the ground. It is therefore essential to plan airport layouts with great care in order to guarantee sufficient separation between aircraft and other objects or personnel.
Taxiway and parking bay design: Airport taxiways and parking bays are designed with sufficient space for aircraft to maneuver safely, taking into account the potential effects of jet blast, even at low power settings.
Blast Barriers or deflectors JBD: Several airports are installing curved walls or fences, known as blast barriers, to direct engine exhaust upwards and thereby reduce potential risks. It is important to note that the new generation structures are providing additional space in the airport layout due to new level of performance or protection against blast and noise.
Separation distances: Jet blast can be felt well over 100 meters from the rear of an engine, which has implications for the minimum separation distances required between aircraft, buildings, and other airport facilities, so new JBD with leading aerodynamic performance are getting installed in the most modern airports.
Specialized areas are designated for engine testing. Airports often have designated areas for engine run-ups with top performance aerodynamic jet blast fences and noise mitigation walls. This allows the takeoff and landing strip to be free to be used for flights instead of being used for testing, which is a more efficient use of the facility.
Operational procedures: The potential for jet blast damage affects operational procedures, such as aircraft positioning during pushback or push back operations, which can impact the overall space requirements and layout of gate areas.
Mixed aircraft size considerations: When larger jet aircraft operate in proximity to smaller aircraft, additional space may be needed to prevent jet blast damage to lighter planes.
We will make a contrast using the Image with colors of the Boeing 747 Jumbo to a Beaufort Wind force scale (a table of wind force from breeze to hurricanes) and also to Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, this last scale estimates potential property damage.
The red zone with winds up to 322 km/h that’s a lot more than Beaufort scale 12 or Saffir-Simpson scale 5 (Catastrophic, for instance Andrew USA 1992, Otis October 2023 Acapulco Mx)
Orange zone as destructive as red zone
Yellow zone with impact up to 500 ft or 152 m with devastation damage or extreme dangerous, as a Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale 2 -3
Light yellow: Saffir-Simpson scale 1 and strong gale /storm at Beaufort 9 scale
The light green is a strong breeze, not a hurricane, but is above the value to walk or stand still safely.
Jet blast not only affects safety and operations but also has environmental implications. The turbulent airflow can stir up dust, debris, and pollutants, contributing to air and noise pollution in the vicinity of airports. By controlling jet blast, airports can mitigate these environmental impacts and promote sustainable aviation practices.
Key Targets: SDG 11 has several targets to be achieved by 2030, including:
It is essential to guarantee access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services by reducing the impact and noise of the Jet Blast on nearby communities. This objective is beneficial for all parties involved.
Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all, so next generation airports with friendlier relation to communities is key.
Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory planning, where the noise is reduced to a law approved level.
One of the key challenges facing modern cities is the need to reduce their adverse environmental impact. In this context, the development of quieter airports represents a significant opportunity to make a positive contribution.
The photo displays a new generation jet blast deflector, which enhances operational safety by reducing up to 20 dB of noise and providing three times the aerodynamic protection for ground operations. This increases the efficiency of the area and benefits airport operations, airport staff, and the surrounding community. It represents a significant advancement over previous technology.
Brilliant articulation of the effects from a jet engines’ air blast and its impact on the environment.
What are the % savings for fuel consumption and/or an airports efficiency by implementing the JB at airports, please?
Excellent article! Very clear and relevant nowadays. Thank you, Felipe!