Wind Energy
Aeronautical safety studies on wind turbines near aerodromes are essential for ensuring the safe coexistence of aviation operations and renewable energy projects. Wind turbines, given their significant height and rotating blades, can pose several risks to aviation if they are installed close to airports or flight paths.
We have the experience to understand and mitigate those risks, both from an aerodrome perspective, as well as on behalf of windturbine operators. SIG Aviation performed, for the European Aviation Safety Agency, a study on the Safety Impact of windturbines near aerodromes and air-routes. The recommendations from this study are being used to further harmonize the development of regulations on location, height, marking and lighting of windturbines.
SIG Aviation promotes an holistic view on wind energy in its safety studies. Our goal is to ensure that the aviation and wind energy domains can co-exist with a risk for airspace users that is as low as reasonable practicable. Our safety studies will clearly identify any risk, if present, but in addition also provide mitigations to reduce this risk.
Examples on our work
A small ULV helicopter manufacturer in Belgium objected to the Civil Aviation Authority against the construction of a wind turbine in close proximity to its production and test flight facility.
SIG Aviation assessed the Aeronautical Safety performed by the windturbine operator. Our conclusions and recommendations aligned and allowed for the construction of the windturbine on the planned location. Our pragmatic approach provided the helicopter manufacturer with acceptable risk mitigations. A success for both climatological goals and aviation industry.
EASA, the European Aviation Safety Agency, commissioned a study to identify possible shortcomings in the ADR Regulation related to wind turbines. In short, our recommendations were that the national certified aerodromes have a higher risk profile, compared to aerodromes certified using ADR requirements. Typically windturbines are assessed on a case-by-case basis, whilst for risk management purposes the entire environment surrounding aerodromes and routes should be considered. After delivering the final report, SIG Aviation presented the recommendations to the EASA TeB on Aerodromes, and General Aviation.