The Melbourne Airport Authority is currently working with the Ivey’s Construction, Inc., AVCON, INC., and Blast Deflectors, Inc. Design-Build Team to design and install a Ground Run-up Enclosure (GRE) at Orlando Melbourne International Airport (MLB).
What is a Ground Run-up Enclosure?
While required and regulated as part of standard aircraft maintenance, engine run-ups can be a disturbance to the community as testing is often done at high power. A Ground Run-up Enclosure (GRE) is a three-sided, open top facility, able to accommodate an aircraft while maintenance mechanics conduct high-power engine run-up inspections. Acoustically and aerodynamically designed, a GRE can dramatically dampen the acoustic impact from engine runups. The steel framed structure is fully lined with acoustic panels designed specifically for the purpose of absorbing engine sound and reducing noise impacts on the surrounding community.
GRE at MLB
Orlando Melbourne International Airport (MLB) reconstructed all three of their runways in 2018; was recently selected by Aerion Supersonic to develop its worldwide headquarters and integrated campus for research, design, assembly and maintenance of the company’s supersonic aircraft; and in 2022 will start receiving its first transatlantic flights from British Airline TUI.
Rob Hambrecht, PE, Project Manager, has been working with MLB since 2013 and will be leading the AVCON Design Team on this project. “This is another one of the more unique projects I’ve been fortunate to be a part of with AVCON. This project also showcases the capabilities of AVCON’s Aviation, Civil, Structural, and Electrical Design groups. Working with MLB, Ivey’s and BDI has been a great experience”.
A siting study has already been completed, and the site was selected and approved by the FAA. Design for this $4M project is currently underway and includes Sitework; Concrete; Structural Steel; Miscellaneous Metals; Mechanical; Plumbing; Doors, Frames and Hardware; Interior Finishes; Signage and Markings; Roofing; Low Voltage/Data Communications; Electrical; and Lighting. The GRE is scheduled to be complete and operational in 2021.
For more information on Ground Run-up Enclosures, check out our teammate’s, Blast Deflectors, Inc., recent article.
Sources:
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport