MAY 2011
Canada’s first Ground Run-up Enclosure
community:
Cyclists have their say
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aircraft:
China Southern’s new route page
6 In another YVR “first,” Vancouver Airport Authority recently announced plans to build Canada’s first state-of-the-art Ground Run-up Enclosure (GRE), to reduce aircraft noise in the community. The GRE is designed to minimize noise from engine run-ups that are conducted as part of regular aircraft maintenance work. A common-use facility to be located adjacent to the South Terminal, the
airlines
Cathay’s contest winner page
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GRE is one of only a handful of similar facilities in North America. This giant three-walled, openroofed enclosure will be roughly the size of a football field and as tall as a five-storey building on one side. Constructed with noise-absorbing materials, the GRE is expected to reduce noise currently heard in neighbourhoods south of the airport by up to 50 per cent. Airlines operating propel-
Runway replacement project races the clock
restaurants:
ler aircraft such as the Dash 8, Beech 1900, Saab 340, Otter and Metroliner out of YVR’s South Terminal will be the primary users of the enclosure. The new facility’s benefits are not limited to noise management. Because of its strategic south-side location, operators stand to gain time and fuel efficiencies as aircraft no longer have to taxi to designated run-up areas. The GRE will also function
as a glycol recovery and containment area during winter de-icing operations. “We’re committed to managing airport noise wherever possible, while balancing the community’s desire for safe, convenient, 24-hour air travel with urban living,” said Anne Murray, vice president, community and environmental affairs for the Airport Authority. “We have been studying the potential social, economic and
environmental benefits of an engine-testing enclosure for the past three years as part of our comprehensive Noise Management Program.” Other noise management initiatives underway at YVR include published noise abatement procedures, community noise information seminars, an airport noise monitoring and flight tracking system and a complaint management and response system.
It’s a small world after all
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
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car talk:
2012 Lincoln MKX
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Photo: Jeff Gin
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YVR’s airside operations team underwent an ambitious race against the clock recently as part of a project to replace concrete slabs on its 15-yearold north runway. The unique project saw the replacement of 11 concrete slabs—each equivalent in size to a small bachelor apartment—in a mere 37 hours to reduce impact to airport operations. After survey and advance preparations were completed,
the project team proceeded to saw, cut and demolish the slabs, and install dowel and rebar before pouring new concrete. Typical concrete takes 28 days to cure, so the team utilized a specially-formulated, highstrength concrete that cured in just 12 hours. Based on air traffic data, April is the optimum time of year to undertake a project of this scope, which is part of the Airport Authority’s ongoing commitment to safety.
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On May 2, Disneyland’s favourite couple was on hand to bid farewell to passengers headed for the Happiest Place on Earth. WestJet is now offering daily non-stop service between YVR and Orange County, California. For more information, visit westjet.com.
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