Cork Airport Air Traffic Control Tower and Operations Building - Wind Turbulence Assessment

Irish Aviation Authority

Cork, Co. Cork, Ireland

LEAPP were retained by the Irish Aviation Authority to assess the potential wind effects on aircraft operations due to the location and architectural design of a new ATC Tower and ATC Operations Building at Cork Airport.

The project involved a unique theoretical computer modelling technique for assessing the effects of wind turbulence created by structures on low level aircraft operations as experienced during takeoff and landing. The airport site was modelled in its existing state without the new facilities, and then modelled with the addition of the new structures. The results were then compared to determine the extent and effect of wind turbulence arising from the new structures. From this, it was possible to demonstrate that aircraft operations would not be affected by any turbulence due to winds flowing over and around the new ATC facilities.