|
Lightning poses a significant threat to airports, airfields, and general aviation operations
throughout the United States. Many airports
experience significant damage from direct lightning strikes
and power surges. Damage and destruction to airport facilities,
aircraft, and equipment can wreak
havoc on flight operations and passenger/cargo movement.
When this occurs, aircraft
flight operations can be significantly
impaired for extended periods of time. This flight
operations degradation can
cause a negative ripple effect at other airports and
airfields across the United
States and internationally.
It is estimated
that annual lightning damage to property exceeds 20 million
dollars. In addition to property and equipment
damages, lightning claims nearly 500 American deaths and
over 2000 personal injuries yearly. The majority of
these incidents occur within the east and central parts of
the country with Florida being the #1 state for direct
lightning strikes.
In order to minimize damage to facilities, aircraft,
equipment, and injury/death to personnel, airports must
adequately protect property and personnel from the effects
of lightning.
Lightning protection measures must be supported by reliable, capable equipment and
technologies. Buildings that
stand alone (such as aircraft hangars) are at greater risk
than ones surrounded by larger buildings, which offer some
protection.
A steel
aircraft hangar, passenger terminal, or support facility
significantly reduces its vulnerability to lightning damage
if the building's steel work is carried to the top of the
structure. Another way to greatly reduce lightning
damage vulnerability is via an effective lightning rod
system attached to the steel framework and properly
grounded. Otherwise, almost any airport structure is
subject to damage by lightning if not protected by properly
installed lightning rods.
Protecting
Airports from the Forces of Nature
The National Aerospace Organization is hosting a
symposium and exposition on November 15th, 2012 to address
new technologies and innovations for effectively protecting commercial airports
from hurricanes, tropical storms and other common
destructive natural forces. Exciting presentations
will be provided to explain and demonstrate the most
effective technologies, construction innovations, and equipment for
minimizing the destructive forces of nature upon airports
and general aviation.
Go to
Event Page for more Information
|