CAP 764 - CAA Policy and Guidelines on Wind Turbines

The DfT White paper "The Future of Air Transport" presented to Parliament in Dec
2003, recognised the value and importance of aviation to the UK in terms of its
contribution to the national economy and in meeting social demands. The White
Paper set out a strategic framework for the development of airport capacity in the
United kingdom over a 30 year period, against the background of wider developments
in air transport. An abridged Executive Summary of the White paper is included at
Appendix 1.

However, whilst recognising the need for further aviation capacity in the UK, the
strategy is based on the requirement for a balanced approach, which also addresses
the wider impacts and the need for sustainable development.

The Government is also committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions within the
UK and, in turn, this means there is now a shift towards economically viable
renewable energy sources rather than carbon fuels. It is Government policy that 10%
of the UK's electricity supply should come from renewable sources by 2010 and this
target is expected to further increase after this, as the UK is likely to become subject
to more stringent emission controls. Further background on the Government's
renewable energy policy is at Appendix 2.

It is anticipated that wind energy will provide a significant contribution to renewable
energy targets. In order to harness this energy supply, both on-and offshore wind
turbine developments are being constructed, which range in size from single
structures to developments encompassing over one hundred wind turbines. The
physical characteristics of wind turbines coupled with the size and siting of the
developments can result in effects which can impact on aviation.

Both wind energy and aviation are important to UK national interests and both
industry sectors have legitimate interests that must be balanced carefully. It is
important, therefore, that the aviation community recognises the increasing role that
wind turbine developments will play in the national economy. As such, the aviation
community must engage positively in the process of developing solutions to potential
conflicts of interest between wind energy and aviation operations. In a similar vein,
wind turbine developers need to understand the potential impact of developments on
aviation, both at a local and a national level.

Those involved in addressing wind energy and aviation issues must do so in a
positive, cooperative and informed manner. Whilst the aims and interests of the
respective industries must be protected, a realistic and pragmatic approach is
essential for resolving any conflicts between the Government's energy and transport
policies.

2 Aim of this Publication

The aim of this CAP is to provide assistance to aviation stakeholders when addressing
wind energy related issues, thereby ensuring greater consistency across the whole
aviation industry in the consideration of the potential impact of proposed wind turbine
developments.