Blades a threat to pilots
A veteran topdressing pilot who flew himself from Gisborne to oppose a Tararua wind farm says the turbine blades are a “very real danger” for planes.
Pilot Andrew Stevenson flew his Cessna into Napier under low cloud and drove 124 kilometres to Dannevirke to present evidence at the Waitahora wind farm hearing yesterday.
As the owner of Gisborne’s Farmers Air Limited, Mr Stevenson has been flying for 45 years and services over 25 farms in the Tararua District.
His message was clear.
“There are serious safety implications for aerial topdressers. I’ve seen far too many people killed by wires, poles and other obstructions — it’s only a matter of time.”
The spinning blades of wind turbines are “optically confusing,” Mr Stevenson said. All light aircraft flying across the ranges would place themselves in jeopardy.
“I’m a low level expert. It’s not just one object — they’re all going for it, and they’re all reaching out for you. You’re on red alert the whole time.
“A lot of traffic goes along these hills in low cloud, and that’s a very real danger.”
Usually, topdressing planes fly at levels of about 30 feet. With wind turbines in the area, this would have to lift to around 230 feet, he said.
At this level, the accuracy of spray and fertiliser would be severely impaired. At least half a dozen farms would lose out, he said.
“We are getting pretty high in the sky for the job we are trying to do.”
It is the second week of the resource consent hearing for Contact Energy’s proposed $550 million, 65-turbine wind farm on the Puketoi ranges, east of Pahiatua.
Mr Stevenson was speaking for the Waitahora-Puketoi guardians, a group of local farmers formed in protest against the wind farm.
Veterinarian Barry Drayton of Totally Vets also testified at the hearing, saying thoroughbred horses on local Kia Ora horse stud could be “terrified,” by the introduction of wind turbines.
Nearly 400 submissions were received from the Tararua District council, who is presiding over the hearing with Horizons regional council. About half supported the wind farm.
Last week, Contact Energy argued its case, with opposers to take the stand over the next few days.
By Michelle Duff
26 February 2009
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
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