Abstract: When a turbine engine is operated near the ground, for example on a stationary static test stand, the ground effect as well as excessive lateral wind effects can lead to instabilities and unacceptable flow conditions of the air flow entering the air intake of the engine. A method for stabilizing or preventing such instabilities in the engine intake air flow involves preventing the generation or full development of a spiral vortex extending between the ground and the engine air intake. Specifically, by positively introducing air into the vortex core of any spiral vortex being formed, the vortex is destroyed and full development of the vortex is prevented. An apparatus for carrying out the method includes an air permeable element arranged between the ground and the engine air intake, such that a flow of air is provided through the air permeable element into the core of any spiral vortex being formed on the surface of the air permeable element.