June 30, 2011
Scotland

Turbine plans approved despite aviator concerns

Buchan Observer, www.buchanobserver.co.uk 29 June 2011

A wind turbine at a Peterhead farm has been given the go-ahead, despite concerns from a nearby flying club.

Concerns were raised by members of North East Aviators, whose pilots fly out of Longside Airfield, that the 80 metre turbine at Middleton of Rora farm could affect visibility causing a potential hazard.

The application from Bruce Mackie was discussed at last week’s meeting of the Buchan area committee.

He maintained his turbine would be outwith the 2,000m safety zone from any given runway.

Fraser Bailey of the North East Aviators claimed that weather conditions in the area could change very quickly and that aircraft flying from the airfield such as microlights did not have the technology to navigate through fog, making it difficult to see tall objects.

He told councillors: “There was an emergency situation recently where an pilot experienced engine failure and was forced to make an emergency landing.

“An obstacle such as this turbine could lead to disaster. We object to any object that could cause a death.”

But councillors backed the plans after Buchan area committee heard that the plans were within Civil Aviation Authority guidelines and a safe distance away from the runway at the airfield.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/06/30/turbine-plans-approved-despite-aviator-concerns/