Announcement: Installation of lightning detection system
With April’s showering soon bringing May’s flying hours, those utilizing The Ohio State University Airport (KOSU) can now stay up to date on lightning risk with The Earth Networks Total Lightning Network detection system that was recently installed. This system is part of a national network of other detectors that provides real-time information, increasing the safety of lives and allowing for the protection of important property. This system can detect both in-cloud and cloud-to-ground lightning, while directly pinpointing the lightning itself and any other potential hazardous weather events nearby.
Details
With precise location accuracy, KOSU has customized the lightning detector’s siren to go off when lightning is detected within a seven-mile radius. When lightning has moved within a five-mile radius, KOSU’s staff and flight education students will exit the ramp and a 15-minute timer will start. At that time it is highly encouraged that everyone immediately exit the ramp and seek shelter indoors. If there is another lightning strike detected within the 15-minute window, the countdown will automatically reset. If lightning is not detected after 15 minutes, activity on the ramp can carry on as usual. The countdown will be shown on the monitor in the main terminal lobby or can be accessed through notifications on cell phones. There will also be an announcement over KOSU’s two-way radio, notifying both customers and line service. If there are aircraft on the ramp, it will be announced on Unicom frequency 122.950.
Register now!
No more waiting around watching the radar with unanswered questions. Any flight education student or tenant can sign up for email or text notifications alerting when lightning is detected within a five-mile radius and receive updates on ramp reopenings or continued suggestions to shelter. To sign up for email or text notifications, email the FBO Assistant General Manager Brian Watson at watson.1399@osu.edu. Please include in the email: your phone number, cell service provider and the preferred email address where you would like to receive notifications.
With this new detection system, KOSU will now be able to keep students, staff and customers better protected from any potential lightning damage with its real-time accuracy and information reliability.
To learn more about the Total Lightning Network, visit https://www.earthnetworks.com/.
by Josie DeCaro, professional writing intern