Revolutionary Wind Detection System Enhances Safety at Madeira Airport

Major Investment for Enhanced Safety

NAV Portugal has recently implemented a €3.5 million wind detection system at Madeira Airport, referred to as the MADeira Winds system (MAD Winds). This cutting-edge technology includes an X-band radar, a LIDAR system, and a sophisticated processing system that provides high-precision meteorological data in near real-time.

Addressing Wind Challenges

Situated on the east coast of Madeira, the airport faces operational challenges due to strong winds, with a wind limit set at approximately 36 miles per hour for most commercial flights. The MAD Winds system positions Madeira as one of the few airports globally to utilize such advanced technology, similar to systems in Hong Kong and Palermo.

Commitment to Safety

According to Pedro Angelo, CEO of NAV Portugal, this investment underscores the company’s dedication to operational safety and enhancing the efficiency of air operations, providing essential support for controllers, pilots, and airport operators.

Improving Meteorological Analysis

The primary aim of the MAD Winds system is to improve the analysis and forecasting of critical weather phenomena that impact airport operations, including windshear, turbulence, and microbursts. It enhances the understanding of wind conditions during crucial flight phases: approach, landing, and take-off.

Future Prospects

Currently, around 80% of wind-driven divergences are within 3 knots of the limits. With the precise data collected by the MAD Winds system, there is potential for future revisions of these wind limits. The system is undergoing a year-long pre-operation period for evaluation and adjustments based on the island's specific conditions.