Hazard- High Wind
Variable Winds at Madeira Airport
MAD Winds system the base to address the strong and variable winds
Keywords
Madeira Airport, officially known as Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport, is located in the civil parish of Santa Cruz in the Portuguese archipelago of Madeira. Positioned 13.2 km east-northeast of the regional capital, Funchal, the airport is a vital hub for both passenger and cargo traffic, primarily connecting to European metropolitan destinations. Madeira Airport is renowned for its challenging approach and unique runway construction, which includes a section built on stilts to accommodate the island’s rugged terrain. This engineering marvel has earned the airport recognition for its innovative design and operational complexity.
To address the strong and variable winds that frequently affect the region, Madeira Airport has implemented a comprehensive wind hazard mitigation plan. A key component of this plan is the installation of the MADeira Winds (MAD Winds) system, which includes an X-band radar, a LIDAR system, and an advanced processing platform capable of analyzing meteorological data with high precision and near real-time accuracy. This state-of-the-art system collects precise meteorological data within a 10 km range, providing near real-time insights into local weather conditions. The system is designed to detect critical meteorological phenomena such as windshear, turbulence, and microbursts, which are particularly hazardous during the approach, landing, and take-off phases of flight. The system’s alerts are automatically transmitted by air traffic control to aircraft, empowering crews to make informed decisions based on real-time weather data and by delivering detailed weather, the MAD Winds system enhances operational safety and efficiency, ensuring that pilots can make well- informed decisions in challenging condition.
Evidence of the Solution(s) Effectiveness or Potential Impact
The system is currently undergoing a 365-day pre-operation period, during which it will be continuously evaluated and adjusted to optimize its performance. This period allows for comprehensive analysis in different weather conditions, consolidating the data needed for even safer and more efficient operations.
