January 5, 2013
England

Pilot worry at Bristol wind turbine plan

BBC News | 5 January 2013 | www.bbc.co.uk

An aircraft pilot has said he is “seriously concerned” for the safety of low-flying aircraft if a wind farm is built near Bristol.

Graham Clark, of Alveston, said pilots use several motorways close to the proposed site as navigational aids.

The General Aviation Awareness Council (GAAC) has also objected to the two 130-metre (426ft) turbines at Ingst.

But developers REG Windpower said other aviation bodies, including the Ministry of Defence, have not objected.

‘Aircraft just below’

“It should be noted that not only do the MoD have no objections to this application, neither do the Civil Aviation Authority, nor National Air Traffic Services, nor Bristol Airport,” the firm said.

“Should the two wind turbines be built, they will be marked on aviation charts, allowing pilots to plot a safe course.”

The windfarm, alongside the M49 and close to the M4 and M5 intersection at Almondsbury, would generate between 12.3m and 13.8m kWh of electricity per year.

Mr Clark, who has been flying planes for 50 years, the area had “important navigation features” such as the motorway and the River Severn.

“Just where they intersect is right at Ingst,” he said.

“Remember, these wind turbines will go up to 450ft and very often the cloud is around 600ft. Aircraft will be just below it.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/01/05/pilot-worry-at-bristol-wind-turbine-plan/