Airfield Operations Area Expo

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Airfield Operations AreaExpo Conference

• April 18, 2005

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Cost/Benefit Analysis of High-SpeedMulti-Functio
nSnow Equipment
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Case StudyDetroit Metropolitan Wayne County
Airport
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Study Objectives

• Assess the purchase and implementation of
  high-speed multi-function equipment for snow
  removal
• Maintain 3 runways operational during snow event
  with least amount of snow accumulation
• Conduct cost/benefit analysis to justify purchase
  of additional high-speed multi-function snow
  removal equipment

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Study Objectives (cont.)

• Reduce aircraft operational delays due to snow
  removal
• Increase customer level of service during and
  after a snow event
• Strive to never close the airport as a result of
  inadequate snow removal operations
• Maintain a safe and highly efficient snow removal
  plan that meets or exceeds FAA standards

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(No Transcript)
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Cost/Benefit Analysis Assumptions

• Review monthly and daily aircraft operations
  activity during winter months (Oct.15-March 15)
• Design day flight schedule was developed using
  OAG flight schedule for a peak month average day
  (1,370 operations)
• Peak hour operations (arrivals and departures)
  occur between 0800-0900

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Cost/Benefit Analysis Assumptions

• Model a six hour snow event between 0800-1400
  hours
• First and last 2-hrs. snow accumulation is ½ inch
  per hour
• Middle 2-hrs. snow accumulation is 1 inch per hour

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Aircraft Operating Costs

• Develop average airline operating costs based on
  detailed fleet mix
• Cost include crew, fuel and oil, rents,
  insurance, taxes, airframe and engine
  maintenance, maintenance burden and depreciation
• Weighted average aircraft operating costs equal
  27.23 per minute

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Runway IFR Flow Rates

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Snow Equipment Scenarios

• Existing Snow Equipment
• One High-Speed Team
• One High-Speed Team Existing Equipment
• Two High-Speed Teams

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Snow Equipment Scenarios

• Insert 11x17 chart of four scenarios

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High-Speed Multi-Function 200 Wide Runway Team
MF High-Speed Multi-Function DS
Deicer Sprayer/Spreader BR Broom HS
High Speed Plow B Blowers HSB High
Speed Blower F Friction Tester FR
Foreman Vehicle SA Sanders
11 MF 22 Drivers 4 HSB 8 Drivers
2 DS 4 Drivers 3 FR 6 Drivers 2
SA 4 Drivers 1 F 2 Drivers 23
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Existing Equipment Additional Equipment
Number of drivers reflects two-12 hour work shifts
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Runway Availability During Snow Event
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Summary of Delay Benefits
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Snow Equipment Cost Payback Period
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Recommendations

• Develop one runway team composed of all
  high-speed multi-function equipment and
  high-speed/capacity blowers
• Supplement with 3 taxiway teams composed of
  existing conventional equipment
• Annual operational delay savings is approximately
  981,300

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Quantifiable Benefits

• Reduced airline delays due to reduced runway
  closure times
• Reduced passenger delays
• Increased passenger level of service
• Reduced airline lost revenues and operating costs
• Enhanced safety due to less equipment on the
  runway

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Quantifiable Benefits (cont.)

• Ability to clear additional pavement surfaces
  (cross-wind runways)
• Reduced staffing requirements

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Questions and Answer