Wind farms:
A danger to ultra-light aircraft?
Research
News Aug 01, 2012
Airfields
for ultra-light aircraft are typically constructed on level ground – and so are
wind farms. However, do wind power plantsgenerate turbulence that could
endanger lightweight planes? A simulation can compute how these power plants
influence aircraft at various wind speeds and wind directions.
For a
motorized hangglider or a one-seater weighing 300 kilograms: the business of
flying by ultra-light aircraft is booming. That is also why numerous airfields
are applying for the license to host these lightweight gliders. Most of these
airfields are located on flat land, which is also the preferred terrain for wind
power plant. However, these facilities could turn out to be a risk factor for
aviators, especially when it comes to takeoff and landing: On the one hand, the
power plants “pilfer” the winds from the planes, because wind speeds aft of
such facilities are considerably lower
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