A common problem that is prevalent at the moment with the current competitive top dressing market is weight creep on the aircraft. Every kilogram of equipment is one kilogram less product being carried and delivered adding up to thousands of dollars of lost revenue per year.
Not only that but if the equipment brings the centre of gravity too far aft, this can much more dramatically affect the maximum amount of product that can be carried in the hopper for aircraft like the Cresco, Fletcher, and the 750XL with the hopper behind the cockpit.
This effect compounds. Generally the cost to operate the aircraft is calculated per hour, and consists of fixed costs and hourly operating and maintenance costs. If the aircraft can carry less, it has to fly more hours to get a job done. This causes the cost per tonne spread to go up. If this cost is above the rate that can be charged, the aircraft becomes uneconomical to operate. In a recent cost study carried out for one particular Cresco with aft centre of gravity limitation, replacing the hydraulic system with our electric actuator can increase the aircraft payload by as much as 880lb! This benefit is particularly evident when spreading lime. Because of the higher density, and the shape of the hopper, lime tends to cause aft centre of gravity limitations to come into effect on typical Cresco Aircraft.
Since the New Zealand farmer of today is being pressed to keep prices down they only have so much money to spend on fertilizer, and this budget is not staying ahead of inflation. This means top dressers are being forced to find ways of making their operations more cost effective to stay in the industry.
Aero Design is dedicated to developing solutions to reduce the weight of heavy role equipment. Our most recent products are the Carbon Fibre “Gatebox” (Hopper Outlet Valve) and our Electric Carbon Fibre Gatebox Actuator. Both these units combined weigh less than 24 kg where typical steel gatebox and hydraulic actuation systems would weigh well over 100 kg.
Our carbon fibre gatebox features our proprietary wear resistant coating which protects the inner surfaces of the gatebox better than any other ceramic coating or similar coating products.
We have improved our carbon fibre gatebox design dramatically in order to improve production time and dramatically reduce the cost to the customer. The new carbon fibre gatebox design will be priced comparably with an equivalent aluminium gatebox but with a much lower weight.
Only the two vane wide outlet gatebox is shown here, but we also have configurations defined for three vane narrow hopper outlet, and three vane wide outlet (750XL). This means that we can cover a wide variety of top dressing aircraft including the Cresco, Fletcher, 750XL, Air Tractor, Ag Cat, Cessna Ag Truck, Dromader, and Thrush.
The gatebox is constructed by Aero Composites using high quality components and Aero Design and Aero Composites is dedicated to providing support to the customer for maintenance.
Electric Carbon Fibre Gatebox Actuator
Electric Carbon Fibre Gatebox Actuator
Our new Electric Carbon Fibre Gatebox Actuator replaces all of the heavy hydraulic systems required to drive a hydraulic piston. Due to the high pressure of hydraulics it is all typically steel components which are very heavy. Hydraulic systems also require additional redundancy to provide adequate safety so that the pilot can always dump the hopper contents in an emergency situation. When a hydraulic system dumps it usually dumps the entire load even if a complete dump is not required.
Our actuator replaces the physical link rod between the pilot’s mechanical hopper control lever and the gatebox meaning that if an emergency dump is required, the pilot can do this normally without the need to rely on the actuator to perform the dump. This means that if only a partial dump is required the pilot can do this exactly the same as might be done with a manual system. While the manual hopper lever is down the electric actuator opens and closes the gatebox for normal spreading operations controlled by the existing hopper outlet control system.
Aero Design developed an open controller that can easily integrate with whatever control system you are currently using, whether it be a Satloc, TracMap, or another proprietary control system.
Our actuator is capable of moving 200 to 300 mm per second with a maximum force of over 3 kN and a working load of 1.2kN. It also features an absolute linear position encoder with a precision of 5 micro meters to give your control system the fine control that it needs to perform optimally.
The actuator has been designed with reliability and ease of maintenance in mind. Rather than sending the actuator away to the manufacturer to be overhauled, all the wearable parts are replaceable by the maintenance organisation in accordance with the actuators maintenance manual. All the components can be purchased separately from Aero Composites if replacements are required and Aero Composites is dedicated to providing this support.
The actuator can be ordered in the length and stroke you require. Click on this link for more details and the order form.
Other Weight Savings
There are many areas where we can help save weight on the top dressing aircraft:
Replacing heavy and cracking fibreglass fairings with stiffer and lighter carbon fibre fairings. We have already got designs for Cresco carbon fibre aileron tip fairings and fences, carbon fibre hopper outlet fairings, and carbon fibre engine cowling.
Replacing heavy landing gear mud-guards with stronger lighter carbon fibre mud guards. We currently have a carbon fibre mud guard design for the Cresco main landing gear. This mud-flap would be easily adaptable to Fletcher and 750XL.
Certified Lithium-Ion battery installation replacing the heavy lead acid batteries in the tail of the aircraft.
Replacing plywood floor boards with carbon fibre sandwich panel floor boards. We currently have a design for Cresco carbon fibre floor boards available.
Contact us if you have any further enquires about how we can help make your top dressing operation more efficient.
Dublin Airport has many short-term parking options. Whether it's a quick drop-off or a short stay, there's something for everyone. Plan ahead for a smooth and affordable parking experience.
Drop-off and Pick-up Zones
Dublin Airport has convenient drop-off and pick-up zones near the terminals. These spots are perfect for quick access to the airport without long-term parking. They are designed for short stays, making it easy to get to and from the airport.
The drop-off dublin airport and pick-up dublin airport zones are in key spots. This ensures a smooth start and end to your journey. Passengers can quickly get to the terminals from these dublin airport drop-off and pick-up zones. It makes dropping off and picking up easy and stress-free.
Zone
Spaces
Charges
Transfer Time
Express Red Car Park
8,000
€16.50 per day
5 minutes
Holiday Blue Car Park
N/A
€14 per day
15 minutes
Car Park A (Terminal 1)
450
€40 per day
N/A
Car Park C (Terminal 1)
1,500
€40 per day
N/A
Passengers can pre-book their drop-off dublin airport and pick-up dublin airport parking. This way, they can save money and have a reserved spot. Booking ahead means no stress finding a spot when you arrive.
Shuttle Bus Frequency and Transfer Times
Travelers parking at Dublin Airport's long-term car parks use shuttle buses to get to and from the terminals. The shuttle bus service's frequency and travel times differ based on the car park's location.
The Express Red Car Park has the most frequent shuttle service, with a bus every 10 minutes. The Holiday Blue Car Park's shuttle runs every 15 minutes. The Express Green Car Park's shuttle bus comes every 20 minutes.
The Express Red and Express Green Car Parks offer the quickest travel to the terminals, taking about 5 minutes. The Holiday Blue Car Park's shuttle ride takes around 15 minutes.
Shuttle bus stops are placed for easy access. For Terminal 1, buses stop at Zones 8 and 9 of the Bus Park. For Terminal 2, the stop is Zone 21, near the departures area entrance.
Shuttle buses run 24/7, ensuring reliable transport at all times. Still, it's wise to add 30 minutes to your parking time. This is because roadworks or heavy traffic can slow down your journey.
Car Park
Shuttle Bus Frequency
Transfer Time to Terminals
Express Red
Every 10 minutes
Approximately 5 minutes
Holiday Blue
Every 15 minutes
Approximately 15 minutes
Express Green
Every 20 minutes
Approximately 5 minutes
Keep the shuttle bus schedule in mind when planning your trip to Dublin Airport. This will help make your journey smooth and stress-free.
Pre-booking Online vs. Drive-up Parking
Travelers to Dublin Airport can choose between pre-booking parking online or using drive-up parking. Pre-booking Dublin airport parking online can save money and secure a spot, especially during busy times. But, the airport's system only accepts bookings up to 4 hours before arrival. This leaves drive-up Dublin airport parking for those with last-minute plans.
The perks of pre-booking Dublin airport parking online include:
Potential savings of up to €40.00 per day compared to drive-up rates
Guaranteed parking space, ensuring a hassle-free arrival
Ability to compare prices across different car parks through tools like Airport-Parking
Transparency in final pricing, with no hidden fees or charges upon arrival
The drive-up Dublin airport parking option is good for those with flexible plans or who like spontaneity. It offers immediate parking, but costs more during busy times when spots are scarce.
Choosing between pre-booking online or drive-up parking at Dublin Airport depends on your needs and budget. Weighing the pros and cons helps make the best choice for your parking needs.
Proximity of Car Parks to Terminals
When parking at Dublin Airport, how close the car parks are to the terminals matters a lot. The short-term car parks are right next to the terminals. They offer easy access with a short walk to check-in areas. The long-term car parks, like the Express Red Car Park, are a bit further but have shuttle buses to get you to the terminals.
Closest Car Parks to Terminals
The car parks closest to the terminals at Dublin Airport are:
Multi-Storey Car Park (Terminal 1)
Terminal 2 Car Park
Express Green Car Park
These car parks let travelers park and get to check-in counters quickly. They're great for those with mobility issues or lots of luggage.
The Express Red Car Park and Holiday Blue Car Park are a bit further but have shuttle buses. They might be cheaper for longer stays at the airport.
Choosing a car park at Dublin Airport depends on your needs. Think about how long you'll stay, your luggage, and your budget. Picking the right car park ensures a smooth start to your trip.
Car Parking At Dublin Airport
Dublin Airport has many car parking options for travelers. Whether you're staying for a short time or longer, the airport's car parks are safe and secure. They have CCTV and license plate recognition to keep your car safe.
Long-Term Car Parking Options
For long-term parking, Dublin Airport has several choices:
Express Red Car Park: It has 8,000 spaces and offers a shuttle bus service. Buses leave every 10 minutes and take about 5 minutes to get to the terminals.
Holiday Blue Car Park: Shuttle buses run every 15 minutes, taking about 15 minutes to get to the terminals.
Express Green Car Park: Shuttle buses leave every 20 minutes.
Short-Term Car Parking
For short-term parking, the airport has several options. The Short Term Car Parks cost €3.00 for the first hour and €4.50 for each hour after. The daily maximum is €40.00.
Booking and Rates
You can book your parking online up to 4 hours before you arrive. Long-term parking rates vary. The Express Red Car Park costs €16.50 per day, and the Holiday Blue Car Park costs €14 per day if booked in advance. You can enter the car park up to 4 hours before your chosen time.
Dublin Airport also offers a premium car cleaning service through Crystal Valet. You can book this service by calling +353 86 170 0150.
Car Park
Daily Rate (Pre-booked)
Daily Rate (Drive-up)
Short Term
€3 for 1st hour, €4.50 per hour thereafter, max €40
€3 for 1st hour, €4.50 per hour thereafter, max €40
Express Red
€16.50
€16.50
Holiday Blue
€14
€14
You can change or cancel your booking up to 4 hours before you arrive without extra fees. For help or questions, call the parking department at +353 1 944 0440 or email parkingdublin@dublinairport.com.
Parking for Reduced Mobility Customers
Dublin Airport makes parking easy for those with reduced mobility. It has special parking spots near the terminals. Plus, there's help available to make your visit smooth.
There are over 90 parking spots for people with disabled permits. Terminal 1 has 50 spots on the lower ground floor of Short Term B. Terminal 2 has 40 spots on Levels 1 and 2 of the Short Term car park. These spots have a special surface for easy walking.
The Express Red Long Term Car Park has 5 PRM spaces in each zone. There's also a 24/7 shuttle bus for wheelchair users. You can book PRM parking online and get a discount. Or, show your PRM permit at the car park entrance.
Car Park
PRM Spaces
Parking Rate for PRM Permit Holders
Short Term Car Park
90+
€9.50 per day
Express Red Long Term Car Park
5 per zone
€4.95 per day
Dublin Airport also has other services for passengers with reduced mobility. There are PRM changing rooms, an assistance buggy service, and more. This includes a sensory room and facilities for assistance dogs.
If you need PRM assistance, tell the airport at least 48 hours in advance. Dublin Airport aims to make your travel comfortable and hassle-free.
Car Park Security and Safety
At Dublin Airport, keeping your vehicle safe is our main goal. We have 24/7 CCTV surveillance to watch over your car. We also use license plate recognition to make sure only the right cars can park.
CCTV Surveillance
Dublin Airport's car parks are watched over by CCTV cameras all day and night. This helps catch and stop any odd behavior. Our team can quickly act on any issue, keeping your car and stuff safe while you're gone.
Licence Plate Recognition
We also use licence plate recognition to boost car park security. This tech scans and checks each car coming in or out. It makes sure only cars that should be there can park, adding an extra layer of protection for your vehicle.
Security Feature
Description
CCTV Surveillance
24/7 camera monitoring to deter and detect suspicious activity
Licence Plate Recognition
Automated scanning and identification of vehicles for access control
Thanks to these top-notch security steps, Dublin Airport keeps your vehicle safe when you're not around. This gives you peace of mind as you travel.
Amending or Canceling a Booking
Passengers who have pre-booked their car parking at Dublin Airport can easily amend or cancel their booking online. They can do this through the "Manage My Bookings" section. This flexibility lets travelers adjust their plans as needed.
To amend a booking, customers can change their pick-up date, entry time, or car registration details. They can do this up to 4 hours before the selected entry date and time. This change is free of charge. For bookings made through Ryanair, personal details and car registration can also be changed in the same way.
For cancellations, bookings with Cancellation Cover can be canceled up to 72 hours before departure. A €15 administration fee will apply to all cancellations. Refunds will be made to the credit or debit card used at booking time. However, non-flexible bookings made for Savers or other non-flexible parking products cannot be canceled or amended.
Amendment and cancellation requests must be made during office hours. This is Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Once a cancellation or amendment is confirmed, it cannot be reversed.
Amendment Costs
Cancellation Costs
The day's amendment cost prior to the commencement of booking will be €10, and the cost of extra days will be on top of that.
All cancellations will incur a €15 administration fee.
Dublin Airport's car parking offers flexibility, but drive-up car park spaces are limited. They are not guaranteed during high demand periods. Travelers are advised to plan ahead and pre-book their parking for a smooth experience.
Payment Methods and Rates
At Dublin Airport, you can pay for parking in many ways. Debit and credit cards are accepted, making it easy to pay. But, the prices for parking vary a lot.
The short-term car parks, like the Short Term car park, cost more per hour and day. For example, the Short Term car park charges €3 for the first hour. For more hours, it's €4.50 per hour (or part thereof), with a maximum daily charge of €40.
Long-term car parks, like the Express Red Car Park and Holiday Blue Car Park, are cheaper. The Express Red Car Park costs €16.50 per day. The Holiday Blue Car Park is €14 per day. These parks are better value for longer stays at Dublin Airport.
Car Park
Daily Rate
Short Term
€3 for first hour, €4.50 per hour after, max €40 per day
Express Red
€16.50 per day
Holiday Blue
€14 per day
Booking parking in advance can save up to 60% on costs compared to paying at the gate. You can book up to 4 hours before you arrive. This lets you plan your trip ahead of time.
Car Park Club for Frequent Travelers
For those who travel often, Dublin Airport's Car Park Club is a great choice. It offers special benefits and lower prices. Joining the Dublin Airport Car Park Club means saving money on parking, making it a smart pick for regular travelers.
The Car Park Club has different plans for everyone. Prices range from €200 to €3,000 a year. The Green Airport Club Membership costs €1,000 and includes express Red long-term parking. The Silver Airport Club Membership is €2,000 and gives you short-term parking in Terminals 1 and 2. The top-tier Gold Airport Club Membership is €3,000 and offers executive parking and lounge access.
All Car Park Club members get a 10% discount at The Loop, except for tobacco and gift vouchers. The Fast Track Airport Club Membership also gives you unlimited access to the fast track boarding pass channel. This is a big plus for frequent traveler parking dublin airport.
The Dublin Airport Car Park Club makes parking easy with online booking and license plate recognition. It offers great long-term parking rates dublin airport. This way, regular customers can get to the airport easily without spending too much.
Directions and Access to Car Parks
Getting to Dublin Airport's car parks is easy, thanks to clear signs and directions. Travelers can follow signs to find their car park. This includes short-term spots near the terminals and long-term ones with shuttle buses.
The Express Green Car Park, Express Red Car Park, Holiday Blue Car Park, and Terminal 2 Long Term Surface Car Park are close to the terminals. Shuttle buses run often, with times changing based on the car park.
Express Green Car Park: Shuttle buses leave about every 20 minutes. It takes around 5 minutes to get to Terminals 1 and 2.
Express Red Car Park: Shuttle buses leave about every 10 minutes. It takes around 5 minutes to get to Terminals 1 and 2.
Holiday Blue Car Park: Shuttle buses leave about every 15 minutes. It takes around 15 minutes to get to Terminals 1 and 2.
Terminal 2 Long Term Surface Car Park: Shuttle buses take you straight to the terminal. It takes about 5 minutes.
Dublin Airport's car parks are made for easy access and navigation. Whether you need short-term or long-term parking, clear signs will help you. This makes your trip to and from the airport smooth and efficient.
Conclusion
Dublin Airport has many car parking options for travelers. You can choose from long-term or short-term parking, and even pre-book or drive up. This makes your trip to Dublin Airport easier and less stressful.
The airport has faced some challenges, like competition regulators blocking the QuickPark facility. But, the airport aims to keep prices and services competitive. It has over 23,000 parking spaces, ready for the busy times.
Dublin Airport is growing to meet more passengers. Its car parking will be key to a smooth travel experience. Stay updated and use the online booking options to make your journey better.
FAQ
What are the long-term car parking options at Dublin Airport?
Dublin Airport has several long-term car parks. These include the Express Green Car Park, Express Red Car Park, Holiday Blue Car Park, and Terminal 2 Long Term Surface Car Park. Each offers ample space for extended stays. They have different features, shuttle bus frequencies, and locations near the terminals.
What short-term car parking options are available at Dublin Airport?
For shorter stays, Dublin Airport has short-term car parks. These are perfect for drop-offs or quick pick-ups. They are close to the terminals and offer hourly and daily rates.
Where are the designated drop-off and pick-up zones at Dublin Airport?
Dublin Airport has zones for quick drop-offs and pick-ups. These are near the terminals. They allow easy access to the airport without needing long-term parking.
How frequent are the shuttle bus services from the long-term car parks to the terminals?
The shuttle bus service varies by car park. The Express Red Car Park has buses every 10 minutes. The Holiday Blue Car Park has buses every 15 minutes.
Can I pre-book my car parking at Dublin Airport online?
Yes, you can pre-book your parking online or park on the day. Online booking often gets you better rates and a guaranteed spot, especially during busy times.
How close are the car parks to the terminals at Dublin Airport?
The car parks' distance to the terminals matters. Short-term parks near the terminals offer easy access. Long-term parks, like the Express Red Car Park, are further but have shuttle services.
What security features are in place at the Dublin Airport car parks?
Your vehicle's safety is a priority at Dublin Airport. All car parks have 24/7 CCTV and license plate recognition for access control.
Can I amend or cancel my pre-booked car parking at Dublin Airport?
Yes, you can change or cancel your booking online. Just do it at least 4 hours before your parking starts.
What payment options are available for Dublin Airport car parking?
Dublin Airport accepts debit and credit cards for parking. Rates vary, with short-term parks costing more than long-term options like the Express Red Car Park and Holiday Blue Car Park.
Is there a car park club for frequent travelers at Dublin Airport?
Yes, the Car Park Club offers benefits for frequent travelers. It provides discounted rates for long-term parking. Joining the club can save you money on airport parking.