Every request for opinion on wind turbines is analysed with regard to its potential impact on the technical installations (Systems for radio navigation, radar and communication) that skeyes manages. It is also examined whether the installation at the requested location does not disrupt operations, more specifically the visual reporting points and the holding locations and flight procedures (Obstacle free zones around controlled airports) for the airports that skeyes manages.
The criteria that skeyes uses are based on ICAO regulations, studies commissioned by skeyes, international studies in which skeyes participated (Eurocontrol among others), international guidelines, information exchanged in various fora in which skeyes actively participates (ICAO, Eurocontrol, etc.), experience of other air navigation service providers (ANSPs) and skeyes’s own experience.
Those criteria have been translated in a simplified manner to the Wind Turbine Consultation Map. The map shows per zone which type of study is necessary and where wind turbines cannot be admitted for safety reasons. The reference criteria are shown on the map in colour (contoured, hatched and coloured areas). These zones are:
Those zones are:
This map was drawn up for wind turbines with a maximum tip height of 210 m. For larger turbines and wind farms as from 10 turbines (including turbines that have already been built and/or licensed) or for a cluster with a possible cumulative effect depending on the location with regard to the installations and procedures, an ad hoc assessment will always be necessary.
At least 30 days before the start of the wind turbine works, the prime contractor has to contact skeyes so as to allow the new obstacle to be published in the AIP (Aeronautical Information Publication).
