National Aviation Day: Technology Takes Flight

Eppley Airfield Parking Garage. Photo credit: Hausmann
Eppley Airfield Parking Garage. Photo Credit: Hausmann Construction

The modern airplane is made possible by the hard work of aviation engineers. But to make the modern airport a success, that’s where technology, telecommunications, and acoustical engineering take center stage. To help provide context (and to celebrate National Aviation Day, August 19), let’s take a closer look at the systems our engineers design to meet the needs of the modern flyer.

Largely, airports have evolved through the use of technology. Flight Information Display Systems (or FIDS) are distributed throughout the airport. These screens allow for real-time updates to be delivered to airline flyers, and employees, so that they can conveniently know flight changes, wait times, and additional information.

Whether it is the holidays, a weekend, or other popular travel time, airports must be able to accommodate thousands of visitors each day. Through the use of acoustical designs,  airports can include systems that mitigate noise and allow for flyers to hear announcements made over the audio systems.  Whether you are walking around the terminal or waiting to board your flight, vital information is constantly being shared over airport loudspeaker systems. Sometimes this includes pre-recorded messages or announcements from the gate. This information must be shared at a high and clear enough level so that the listener can understand what is being said. An AV system sounds only as good as the room allows it to, so this means that background noise and room acoustics must be considered and designed for gated areas. The idea is to minimize outdoor noise from planes taking off and add enough acoustic material to have a low enough reverberation time to prevent ambient noise from bouncing around continuously and make the loudspeaker system sound clear and free from an echo.

Eppley Airfield Parking Garage. Photo Credit: Hausmann Construction

Navigating airports is one thing, but getting to and from the airport is another important piece of a traveler’s overall experience. Recently, IP Design Group provided telecommunications, electronic security, and audiovisual design for the Eppley Airfield parking garage. This new garage added 3,000 stalls and enabled the continued operation of rental car parking. Andrew Hanrath, a systems integrator and Project Manager at IP Design Group who worked on the project, shares why airports should invest in their parking garages: “Aviation projects are an exciting opportunity to enhance the customer experience of the traveling public. Unlike more conventional buildings, parking garages and terminals typically host many thousands of unique occupants each day, requiring accommodation of a wide range of users. They also act as a cornerstone of our national infrastructure, seamlessly connecting people and things to all corners of the county and the world.”

How will you be celebrating national aviation day? Whether it’s reading up on Amelia Earhart or watching the movie “Airplane!,”, just make sure your folding trays are in their full upright position.

 

IP Design Group has participated in over 150 aviation-related projects over the last ten years through the design of telecommunication systems, electronic security systems, and audiovisual systems. Want to know more? Read about our work on Eppley Airfield and Will Rogers World Airport today.

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