Research article: "Offshore wind development and aviation operations"
Journal: Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology: An International Journal (Volume 98, Issue 8-9)
To examine the effects of planned offshore wind energy developments in the eastern Baltic Sea on civil aviation safety, airspace structure and flight operations and identify conditions for their safe coexistence.
Aviation impacts vary according to turbine height, spatial configuration, proximity to aerodromes and flight procedures. Wind farms located within aerodrome sector altitude determination areas may require increases in minimum altitudes and redesign of instrument procedures, while more distant developments have minimal effects. Visual flight operations and search and rescue and medical evacuation flights are more sensitive to turbine installations than routine instrument operations. Impacts on communication, navigation and surveillance systems are generally localised and minor and wake turbulence effects are moderate and manageable.
Offshore wind energy projects and aviation operations can coexist safely when comprehensive pre-construction aviation impact assessments are conducted, turbine placement considers aerodrome procedures and mitigation measures such as aeronautical information publication and procedural adaptation are implemented.