wind farm developments and the potential impact on inwind farm developments and the potential impact...

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Wind Farm Developments

and the Potential Impact on

Aviation in DeKalb County IN

Clockwise from upper left: Wind Turbines in nearby Van Wert County Ohio (http http://jimkane.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/2011‐2‐119.jpg), Farming

in DeKalb Co (http://www3.ag.purdue.edu/counties/dekalb/PublishingImages/Tractor.jpg), Rural DeKalb Co Farmhouse (Photo by Assessor’s Office),

Sunset at the DeKalb County Airport (http://www.avweb.com/newspics/potw/1714/large/18.jpg) & DeKalb County Courthouse (Photo by Brad Stump)

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Wind Farm Developments and the Potential Impact on Aviation in DeKalb County

“Aviation in itself is not inherently dangerous. But to an even greater degree than the sea, it is terribly

unforgiving of carelessness, incapacity, or neglect.” ‐ Anonymous

Although weather, other aircraft or the occasional avian can and do cause aircraft accidents, most

accidents occur when an aircraft collides with some ground‐based object or with the ground itself. Tall

structures have historically been one of the most serious hazards to aerial navigation. The hazards presented

by tall structures are significant enough that numerous rules and regulations exist at the Federal, State and

local level to specifically regulate the placement and marking of tall structures. Federal rules regulate the

placement, marking and lighting of tall structures through Federal Aviation Regulation Part 77 (aka CFR Title 14

Part 77) and a series of related Advisory Circulars created by the FAA. The State of Indiana regulates the

placement of tall structures through IC 8‐21‐10 (the Tall Structures Act). DeKalb County regulates the

placement of tall structures through the Airport Zoning Ordinance and through the provisions of the Unified

Development Ordinance (UDO). While the regulation of tall structures is most critical in those areas

immediately surrounding an airport, tall structures pose a hazard to low‐flying aircraft no matter where the

location.

The attention paid to tall structures is significant with regards to wind turbines because, much like

telecommunication towers, they are typically a very tall structure relative to their surroundings. In fact, while

telecommunication towers are often limited to a height of less than 200’ above ground level (AGL) in order to

avoid FAA lighting requirements, wind turbines are generally more than twice that height when measured at

maximum blade height. Wind farm developments composed of many individual turbines are most easily

characterized from an aviation standpoint as little more than a number of tall structures closely grouped

together over areas ranging from several hundred acres to several dozen square miles. For that reason it is

important to look at the real and/or potential impact of wind farm development on aviation and the hazard(s)

it may pose to aerial navigation in DeKalb County.

The following report looks at the impact on the following areas:

‐ Air Ambulance Operations

‐ Aerial Crop Seeding and Spraying

‐ Radar Impacts and Military Operation Areas

‐ General Aviation and Existing Airports in DeKalb County

Note that this report does not address the non‐aviation aspects of wind farm development with the exception

of one emergency services‐related concern voiced by an air ambulance pilot and included at the end of this

report.

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Air Ambulance Operations

and Wind Farm Developments

Clockwise from upper left: Samaritan (http://www.alecbuck.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=2005112623314555), Lutheran Air

(http://www.lutheranhospital.com/images/lutheran_air/flying.jpg), Lutheran Air (http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5064/5618996216_5851966631_z.jpg) &

Samaritan (http://www.inaams.com/images/graphics/parkview.jpg)

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Air Ambulance Operations and Wind Farm Developments

Following is a synopsis of discussions with air ambulance providers operating in our area or in areas of the

State with existing/proposed wind farm development. Representatives from those providers were asked

if/how their air ambulance operations are affected in the areas in and/or around the wind farm development

areas. In all cases the representatives were active air ambulance pilots. Individuals from the following firms

provided their professional input. Note that Air Methods provides services to both Lutheran and Parkview

Hospitals however an individual from each flight department did provide comments.

‐ Air Methods (Parkview)

‐ Air Methods (Lutheran)

‐ Promedica (Defiance, near wind farms in Defiance and Paulding Counties OH)

‐ PHI Air Medical (Lafayette, near existing wind farms in Benton, Newton & White Counties IN)

The following information is a general consensus of the information provided unless otherwise indicated.

Not all opinions were held by all respondents. Note that the terms “helicopter” and “aircraft” were used

interchangeably during the conversations however the term “helicopter” is used below to minimize confusion

among non‐aviation readers. When the term “aircraft” is used below it is meant to include both fixed‐wing

airplanes and rotary‐wing helicopters.

Ability to Operate within or Near Wind Farms

Air ambulance operations within or near wind farm development will not generally be prohibited but may

need modified based on weather conditions and/or visibility.

‐ Good weather conditions with high visibility will generally not impact operations at landing zones.

‐ Some weather conditions will not be severe enough to ground the helicopter but may prohibit the

helicopter from landing at some or all of the sites within a wind farm development. This will require

ground transportation to move the patient(s) to an alternate landing zone (LZ), possibly even one

outside the boundary of the wind farm development. These weather conditions could range from one

or more of the following: higher than desired wind speeds, rapidly changing wind direction, lowered

visibility, etc.

‐ Rapidly changing wind direction can rotate the towers and change the path of the rotating blades. For

this reason a pilot may choose to operate his helicopter and use a landing zone at a greater safety

distance than might normally be the case under better wind conditions.

‐ Flights that cross wind farm development sites are not affected because the helicopter will fly over the

site at an altitude much higher than the maximum tower height. The only possible exception could be

the very rare circumstance when a low cloud ceiling would be high enough to fly but still low enough

to force the helicopter to fly at lower than normal altitudes. At least one Air Ambulance provider

noted an FAA requirement that they fly a minimum of 300‐500 feet above the tallest obstacle in the

area so company policy prevents them from flying in weather that would cause the towers to become

a concern (although they have heard other air ambulance providers take calls when weather

conditions have caused them to refuse the mission).

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‐ The main thing is for pilots to be become and remain situationally aware of nearby tower locations at

all times during low‐level operations.

Lighting Concerns and Nighttime Operations

Night operations within or near wind farm development are potentially affected by lighting concerns and

limitations although this will not be the case in all instances.

‐ Night operations within wind tower sites are challenging because the high‐intensity lights required by

the FAA are not visible in the night‐vision goggles (NVGs) the pilots use during nighttime operations.

Some communities have required tower companies to install a secondary light/IR emitter if the

primary light type is not visible by through NVGs. Alternatively, the tower could be marked with a light

type that is visible to both the naked eye and the NVGs. The towers in Benton, Newton and White

county use lights that do show up on NVGs.

‐ Per FAA requirements, lighting on wind farm sites are required to pulse or flash simultaneously so as to

convey the impression of a much larger object rather than a single point obstruction. It was unknown

whether or not having tens or hundreds of lights pulsing at the same time could possibly overwhelm

the NVGs used by the pilots and cause the NVGs to shut down and go dark. This has not been an issue

with the tower farm(s) in Benton, Newton and White counties as flying over them has been compared

having the same effect as flying over a small city/town.

‐ Lighting is typically placed only on the nacelle and not on the blade tips so the actual maximum height

of the tower is not evident to pilots. Blade lengths can typically add 120’ to 200’ of additional height

above the lighted nacelle. To make night operations safer it might be beneficial if the tower

companies were required to mark the blade tips with a reflective material that is visible to NVGs. It

was not known how long this material would remain effective or how difficult it would be for the

tower companies to re‐apply once the material lost its effectiveness.

‐ Possibly of a larger concern than existing towers are towers that are under construction. Those towers

are not yet identified on aerial charts, they are typically not mentioned on NOTAMs (Notices To

Airmen) and are typically not lighted until they are in operation. This is a concern the FAA should take

steps to address.

‐ It may not be practical but it would be beneficial if the obstruction light could be raised to the

maximum height of the blade using an antennae or similar small structure on top of the nacelle. Is this

possible? Would it overly complicate maintenance of the obstruction lighting? Should it be a

secondary light and not the primary light?

‐ Danish turbine manufacturer and wind energy system provider has purchased the technology assets of

Radar Specialist OCAS (Obstacle Collision Avoidance System) and is apparently using it in some areas of

Europe. OCAS is a collision avoidance system that allows tower lights to be turned off until radars

mounted on towers along the perimeter of the wind farm development sense an approaching aircraft.

If aircraft approach to within a certain distance the system will activate the tower lights. An optional

warning radio can sound an audible alarm over a VHF frequency if the aircraft continues to approach

the tower site (are dedicated radios needed and, if so, will all pilots purchase/use them?). One

concern might be that once an air ambulance is operating inside the boundary of a tower area and the

obstacle lights go out, the helicopter will not be within radar coverage area since the radars point

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outward therefore the lights will not automatically turn back on until the helicopter has left the wind

farm boundary (not an issue with continually burning lights). Do not know if this is FAA approved for

use in the US, if it is in use any in the US or if this is a viable solution to assist aerial navigation in our

area but it may bear some investigation. Also not sure if other companies have similar systems or if

they can purchase this system from Vestas.

Landing Zone Selection

Wind farm structures and weather will affect the choice of landing zones (LZs) in some instances.

‐ Local emergency responders on the ground will most likely need special training on how to locate and

identify proper LZs within or near to wind farm developments. This is provided by some air ambulance

providers but it may be prudent to have training costs covered by the Wind Farm developers. At least

one provider noted that most response locations are located on or near roads and a nearby field often

can serve as an adequate LZ except when tall crops are present.

‐ Wind direction may affect the location of a suitable LZ, especially when wind velocities are high. Some

pilots noted that the vortices downwind of a tower site might make an LZ unsuitable and require an

alternate LZ to be used. The preference would be to land upwind of a tower site to avoid post‐tower

turbulence. At least one provider has responded to a scene within a tower farm and did experience

some turbulence on takeoff but it was very manageable (although not sure how bad any turbulence

would be during windy conditions).

‐ Some wind farm providers have the ability to do an emergency shutdown (probably remotely) of one

or more windmills in the area to facilitate a safer landing if LZ is within the boundary of the wind farm.

This should be explored and protocols established between the emergency responders, the air

ambulance services and the wind farm provider(s)

‐ As noted above, wind conditions may cause a pilot to require an LZ at a greater safety distance or in a

different location than might be the case under better wind conditions.

In August 2008, Flight For Life’s air ambulance operating out of Font du Lac Wisconsin reportedly sent a

letter to local emergency responders stating that they would not fly to landing zones (LZ’s) within wind farm

clusters. This was reported on the website http://www.adamscountywind.com/index.html. Attempts to verify

the accuracy of the statement failed because there was no link to the original letter. A review of the Flight For

Life website shows the official policy as adopted in 2010 which is that operation near wind farm development

is not automatically precluded although additional training is required for local emergency responders with

regards to how to property locate and establish a safe LZ. Flight for Life also indicates that under some

conditions they might not be able to operate near wind farm development and would coordinate with

emergency responders to establish an alternate LZ and use ground transport to move patients from the scene

to the alternate LZ. Flight For Life’s official policy seems to mirror the policy followed by air ambulance service

providers in our region. For Flight For Life’s full position statement see their website at

http://flightforlife.org/FlightforLife/News/NewsArchives1/2010NewsArchives/020510Windmills.

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Existing Wind Turbine Locations

Below is a map showing an overview of existing and proposed wind turbine/met tower projects within

the region surrounding DeKalb County. The blue icons on the map indicate existing or proposed projects. The

larger black icon indicates the coordinates in Fairfield Township used as the reference point for this map.

Source of tower location data ‐

https://oeaaa.faa.gov/oeaaa/external/gisTools/gisAction.jsp?action=showWtBuildOutToolForm

Summary

When the information above is taken as a whole it appears the presence of wind farms, and the

structures associated with them, will under certain circumstances affect air ambulance operations in or around

the wind farm location but will not affect them under all conditions. They presence of wind farms will not

affect transit over the wind farm area except possibly under rare circumstances. Wind farms will likely create

some additional training and equipment costs for the County and/or local emergency service agencies,

possibly including air ambulance services.

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Aerial Crop Seeding/Spraying


Clockwise from upper left: Townsend Aviation (http://www.townsendaviation.com), Typical Aircraft of the Type seen at the DeKalb Airport

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/aa/AirTractor_402.jpg), Townsend Aviation (http://www.townsendaviation.com)

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Aerial Crop Seeding/Spraying and Wind Farm Developments

Following is a synopsis of discussions with companies providing aerial crop seeding and spraying services

operating in our area or in areas of the State with existing/proposed wind farm development. Representatives

from those providers were asked if/how their crop seeding/spraying operations are affected in the areas in

and/or around the wind farm development areas. In all cases the representatives were active pilots with

experience providing crop seeding/spraying services. Individuals from the following firms provided their

professional input.

‐ Sky Tractors (Kendallville IN, near wind farms in Defiance and Paulding Counties OH)

‐ Nick’s Flying Service (LaGrange IN, near wind farms in Defiance and Paulding Counties OH)

‐ Townsend Aviation (Monticello IN, near existing wind farms in Benton, Newton & White Counties IN)

The following information is a general consensus of the information provided unless otherwise indicated.

Not all opinions were held by all respondents. Note that the terms “helicopter” and “aircraft” were used

interchangeably during the conversations however the term “helicopter” is used below to minimize confusion

among non‐aviation readers. When the term “aircraft” is used below it is meant to include both fixed‐wing

airplanes and rotary‐wing helicopters.

Ability to Operate Within or Near Wind Farms

Aerial seeding/spraying operations within or near wind farm developments are significantly affected and

may in some cases be prohibited.

‐ All pilots have had experience flying in and around wind farm developments. All respondents

indicated that wind farms are a concern for fixed‐wing aircraft and hazards are increased. Under some

weather conditions pilots will not operate in wind farm areas but would still operate if the wind farms

were not present. Some aerial spraying firms simply refuse to operate within wind farms.

‐ The tower and blade heights often eliminate the possibility for aerial seeding and fertilizing (dry

products) because the aircraft operate at altitudes that place them at the same height as the blades.

‐ Aerial spraying is typically still possible because the aircraft fly below the minimum blade heights

however it typically takes longer to spray the field so productivity is lower because of time loss (this

affects cost to the farmer).

‐ The towers in the fields are less of a concern because they can fly around and below them but the

towers at the ends of the runs are much bigger concerns. They typically climb to a maximum height of

400’ during a turn which places them at blade height. They also typically need one‐half (½) mile at the

end of their runs to turn around. For this reason, properties near wind farms may not have towers in

them but they will still potentially be affected and this pay higher costs.

‐ Tower placement within wind farms is also a concern. It is easier for a pilot to plan and execute runs if

the towers are placed in straight line rows rather than being placed randomly throughout the wind

farm.

‐ Meteorological (or “met”) towers are placed during periods of study and occasionally left in place after

wind farm development. These towers are not required to be marked and are very, very difficult to

see during flight operations.

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‐ One company changed its operation to use helicopters for spraying operations within wind farm

developments. They will not use fixed‐wing aircraft within the wind farms. This was possible for their

firm because the owner had experience flying helicopters and the owner’s son was a former AH‐64

Apache pilot in the military. Few other firms have helicopter experience to rely on. For that reason

most firms use fixed‐wing aircraft and the use of helicopters for aerial spraying is very rare.

‐ There generally is not a concern over the vortices from the towers affecting spray distribution because

spraying typically occurs when wind speeds are 10 mph or less so vortices are minimal. Also, for the

same reason, there is little concern about changing blade speeds or changing tower facing.

‐ Wind Farm maintenance crew are constantly doing maintenance during the growing season. Spraying

cannot be done when maintenance crews are in the field. That means part or all of the mission cannot

be performed. For fixed‐wing airplanes this means hauling some/all of the product back to the field

and landing the aircraft at a heavier weight than normal (more stress on the airframe, more challenge

for the pilot). Helicopter operations may be easier because they can land and talk with the

maintenance crews to work out a mutually acceptable time to spray.

Costs to Farmers in or near Wind Farms

Aerial seeding/spraying operations within or near wind farm developments typically cost more per acre

than is the case if the wind farm is not present.

‐ As noted above, operations within or near wind farms are less productive so farmers typically pay a

higher cost per acre. Also, safety concerns can increase costs. One example noted that costs were $10

per acre but had increased to $15‐$18 per acre within wind farms. Another provider noted that he has

been told by firms in other states that they would only operate at 50% higher rates.

‐ Some wind farm companies claim they will compensate the farmer but they may not always provide

that info to farmers unless asked. Wind farm companies will not generally compensate those outside

the wind farm developments or those within the wind farm who are do not have a contract with the

wind farm company so those famers pay increased costs but don’t get assistance from the company or

any income from towers on their property to offset their increased costs.

‐ Helicopter operations do not have increased costs because of wind farms because maneuverability is

not a concern but helicopter costs per acre are already higher than is the case for fixed‐wing aircraft so

the net effect is still a cost increase to the farmer because of his limited options.

‐ Several firms noted that accidents involving aerial spraying and wind farm structures over the last

couple of years are expected to cause the insurance industry to raise premiums for those flying in or

near wind farms. Those costs will have to be passed on to the customers. There is also a concern that

the insurance companies may prevent flying within the wind farm development and impose a

minimum safe operating distance.

‐ One provider noted that he used to spray around 35k‐40k acres in the area of the wind farms in the

Ohio counties of Paulding and Van Wert but it has now dropped to a fraction of that amount.

‐ The terrain in many areas of Benton, Newton and White Counties if flat with large fields and few

wooded areas. The terrain in Paulding and Van Wert Counties is similar. That allows for longer runs

with fewer turns than is the case for areas like much of DeKalb County with its smaller fields

interspersed with more wooded and/or developed areas.

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Summary

Wind farm developments have a significant impact on aerial spraying operations in or near the wind

farm development. Safety concerns are increased, especially with regards to the meteorological towers set up

for wind speed monitoring. The cost of aerial spraying services is increased, not only for farmers within the

wind farm development but also for farmers with lands near the wind farm development. Some providers will

not operate within the confines of a wind farm which reduces competition and further contributes to

increased prices.

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Radar Impact,

Military Operation Areas (MOAs)


Clockwise from upper left: Radar Dome in LaGrange IN (Photo by Melinda Stump), Typical NexRad facility

(http://www.magazine.noaa.gov/stories/images/tobannon_nexrad_low.jpg), A‐10 from Fort Wayne ANG (http://www.visitfortwayne.com/blog/wp‐

content/uploads/2012/08/airshow2.png) & MOAs in Southern Indiana (http://www.aopa.org/images/whatsnew/newsitems/2004/041109racer.jpg)

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Radar Impact, MOAs and Wind Farm Developments

The Department of Defense (DoD) and FAA provide a screening tool allowing Wind Farm developers to

obtain a preliminary review of potential impacts to long‐range and weather radars and to the conduct of

military operations prior to official filing with the FAA office of Obstruction Evaluation/Airport Airspace

Analysis (OE/AAA).

DoD/DHS Long‐Range Radar Coverage

Below is the analysis image showing the potential for effect on long‐range radars operated by the

Departments of Defense and Homeland Security from the LaGrange IN facility. The coordinates for the

approximate center of Fairfield Township were used for purposes of the map query. The result indicates that

northwest DeKalb County is in an area that is highly likely to have an impact on radar operations while the

remainder of DeKalb County is split between areas likely to have an impact and areas not likely to have an

impact. It should be a goal to avoid creating any radar conflict rather than mitigating one after the fact.

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NexRad Weather Radar Coverage

Below is the analysis image showing the potential for effect on the NexRad weather radar operated by

NOAA from the North Webster facility. The approximate center of Fairfield Township was used as the

coordinate for purposes of the map query. The result indicates that the western 1/3 of Fairfield and Richland

Townships are in areas where some impacts are possible while the remainder of DeKalb County is in an area

that is not likely to have an impact on NexRad weather radar operations. Because wind farms apparently

always have some small potential for affecting weather radars, NOAA requests that they be notified when any

wind farm development occurs. Note that the doppler weather radar out of Fort Wayne will occasionally,

under some wind conditions, show “noise” caused by the existing towers in Paulding and Van Wert Counties.

As with DoD/DHS radars, the goal should be to avoid creating any radar conflict rather than mitigating one.

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Military Operation Area (MOA) Impacts

Below is the analysis image showing the potential for effect on Military Operation Areas in DeKalb

County. There are no existing Military Operations Areas within DeKalb County nor, to the best of my

knowledge, are any proposed for the immediate future therefore wind farm development in DeKalb County

would not appear to be any impact on any existing or proposed MOAs. The analysis shows none of the four

major branches of the armed services are affected.

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Source of DoD & NexRad radar coverage & Military Operations Area data ‐

https://oeaaa.faa.gov/oeaaa/external/gisTools/gisAction.jsp?action=showLongRangeRadarToolForm

Summary

The greatest potential for impact appears to be on the operation of an existing Department of Defense

long‐range radar installation on the south side of LaGrange IN. The currently proposed development in the

NW part of the county is in an area that is highly likely to negatively impact the operation of this radar. The

potential for impact on NexRad weather radar appears to be low however at least one weather radar

operating out of the Fort Wayne area does occasionally see impacts from towers in the Ohio counties of

Paulding and Van Wert.

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General Aviation Operations

and Existing Airports

in DeKalb County Indiana

Clockwise from upper left: Corporate jet operating from DeKalb County Airport (Photo by DeKalb County Airport Staff), Aircraft on the ramp at DeKalb

County Airport (Photo by DeKalb County Airport Staff), & FAR Part 77 surfaces for the DeKalb County Airport (DeKalb County GIS Department)

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General Aviation Operations and Existing Airports in DeKalb County Indiana

General Aviation Issues

‐ Professor Roger McEowen presented some information relating to wind farm development at a public

meeting on 10/26/2012. Generally the information presented addressed lease issues however it also

touched on several other issues such as land values, quality of life, etc. Only one part of the discussion

referenced Aviation issues. During his presentation Professor McEowen stated that the FAA requires

wind towers to be set back 10‐miles from an airport however I believe Professor McEowen’s

statement regarding the setback distance is incorrect. This belief is based on discussions with the

DeKalb County Airport Manager Russ Couchman and the Airport’s engineering consultant Paul Shaffer

P.E. (of Butler, Fairman and Seufert) and on my own personal experience of well over a hundred hours

spent researching and developing airport‐related zoning matters. Although it is possible some future

FAA regulation might address this issue, current regulations require setbacks based on the FAR Part 77

surfaces and any applicable State and local laws. The FAR Part 77 regulations determine height

limitations based on the ground‐level elevation difference between the airport and the development

site, the height of the proposed tall structure and the location of the development site relative to the

runway orientation(s) at the airport which determines the height limitation zone in which the

development is located. Although the County Airport Authority might prefer otherwise, this would

allow towers to be placed much closer than 10 miles from the airport at many points parallel to the

runway (i.e. not within a precision approach area). Note that a precision approach to a municipal

airport like that operated by DeKalb County does create an Approach Surface approximately 10‐miles

long (non‐precision approaches are typically only 10,000’ or less). This approach surface is

approximately 5‐miles wide at the end farthest from the runway tapering down to 1000’ at the runway

end. A precision approach surface like at the DeKalb County Airport also restricts structure heights at a

slope of 50:1 from the runway end so a structure located 5 miles from the end of the runway could still

be over 500’ tall. It may be this 10‐mile approach surface which has created the misconception that

wind towers must be placed 10 miles from airports. It could also be a misconception based on some

unique FAA regulation that only applies to a specific airport for safety reasons. That said, the DeKalb

County Airport Authority would most likely support a local regulation creating a 10‐mile setback from

public use airports should the Commissioners or Plan Commission propose such a law.

‐ Although the FAR Part 77 restrictions and the State’s Tall Structures Act only apply to public‐use

airports, there are several private‐use airfields located in DeKalb County. Wind farm development

could impact the safety of operations from those private‐use airfields if it occurs in close proximity to

those airports, especially it development occurs off the approach or departure ends of the runway.

Most airports are located in the eastern or southern part of the County. A map showing all existing

public‐ and private‐use airports in DeKalb County has been included at the end of this section for

reference purposes. Only the County’s legal counsel is qualified to address the issue of what liability, if

any, the County might incur relating to approval of wind farm that affects an existing airport.

‐ Tall structures such as those found in wind farms are a general concern for low‐level aviation,

especially for those private pilots who engage in what is known in the industry as “scud running”. This

practice occurs when pilots fly at very low altitudes under marginal weather conditions in order to fly

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under cloud cover and navigate using visible ground references. Many aviation professionals believe

this practice is an unsafe and unacceptable way to fly however it occurs more frequently than we

would expect. This becomes even more of a concern if/when tall structures are placed off the

approach or departure ends of a runway.

‐ Aviation plays an important role in the DeKalb County economy. The 2012 Indiana Airports Economic Impact Study, prepared by Conexus Indiana, the Indiana Dept of Transportation and the Aviation Association of Indiana (AAI), indicates that the DeKalb County Airport is responsible for over $220 million of economic activity within the region. While this figure may at first glance seem inflated, a presentation was made to AAI in early 2012 by the Vice‐President of a company headquartered in Auburn noted that the $24 million in payroll, payroll taxes, state/local income taxes and property taxes as well as the company headquarters would not be located in Auburn if the County did not possess a high‐quality corporate‐class airport such as the DeKalb County Airport. That is just one specific

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instance of the economic impact provided by the DeKalb County Airport. The other airports in the County also have the potential for some level of economic impact although it is safe to assume any annual contribution by those airports will be much lower, even when impacts for all other airports are combined, because of limits imposed by their use of grass strips, shorter runway length, etc. At a minimum, activity at all airports does generate Federal, State and local taxes through sales tax on the purchase of the aircraft, annual excise tax on aircraft registration, sales tax on the purchase of fuel and other aircraft petroleum products, property tax on private hangars, pilot licensing and registration fees, etc. If development is allowed to have a significant negative effect on the annual economic impact of aviation in DeKalb County, the County could realize a zero net gain to the local economy or tax base and could possibly see a net reduction, especially if property tax receipts are reduced should property values be decreased within the wind farm development areas.

‐ Aviation serves an important business transportation role in DeKalb County. Corporate travel relates directly to the economic impact issue discussed above. Businesses of all sizes realize the time‐value of money for their traveling employees and the ability to get their employees and/or their clients to and from a destination much more quickly than is possible when using commercial air travel, especially when either the beginning or ending destination is not conveniently located near a large, commercial‐service airport. Also, businesses value the ability of their employees to work or hold meetings while in flight, something which is difficult or impossible on commercial flights. Additionally, site selectors for new businesses benefit from the ability to fly into the local community once they have narrowed their selection down to a few candidates. The inability to fly to a community can and occasionally does result in the community being removed from consideration. While it is believed the vast majority of corporate travel in DeKalb County does occur originate/end at the DeKalb County Airport, any of the public and private airports in DeKalb County are capable of supporting the use of smaller, piston‐engine aircraft for business transportation purposes. At this time we have no way of knowing if any business activity occurs at those airports.

‐ Air travel is most typically associated with large commercial air carriers operating from larger commercial‐use airports however an important amount of air travel does occur at smaller airports, especially corporate‐class airports. The use for business travel has already been noted above however non‐business travel also is important to the community. The DeKalb County Airport has been used many times by dignitaries flying to/from the area. The Governor and Lieutenant‐Governor of the State of Indiana have flown into the airport on numerous occasions. Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert landed at the airport in late 2001 and used airport facilities to take a secure call from the President of the United States. Over the last few years the Airport has had the honorable but unfortunate opportunity to help local families receive the remains of two local servicemen who died serving their Country. Safety and security are important factors in planning those types of missions so any wind farm development seen to negatively affect the safety of those operations may result in those flights going elsewhere or being canceled.

‐ The DeKalb County airport is routinely used to support public safety operations and private health transportation and aerial data collection for several uses. The Indiana State Police frequently fly drug‐enforcement operations from the airport, Parkview hospital has based its regional air ambulance service at the DeKalb County Airport, and the airport is used by private and volunteer medical flights similar to Angel Flight or MedFlight of Indiana. The DeKalb County Airport has supported photographic flights covering the Northeast Indiana region for crop analysis, hydrological modeling analysis, flooding event documentation, GIS purposes and commercial photography. These types of flights are often overlooked during discussions on the public benefits of local airports. Development in or near local airports should not be allowed to restrict or eliminate these flights.

‐ The facilities and location of the DeKalb County Airport have combined to make the Airport a growing cross‐country fueling stop for some corporate and private flights. The Fixed Base Operator's (FBO)

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monthly report for the last several months has shown a significant increase in fuel sales to transient aircraft. This trend should continue should the runway be lengthened to 7000' as is currently in progress. A pilot's decision to use the Airport as a fueling stop will potentially be affected by any wind farm development that pilots perceive as having a negative impact on operations to/from the DeKalb County Airport.

‐ FAA Grant assurances require airports receiving federal funds to implement and follow airport‐compatible zoning regulations in the region surrounding the airport. DeKalb County has done so and, in fact, has been used by FAA personnel as a model for how to properly implement comprehensive airport‐compatibility zoning. Allowing development such as wind farms could jeopardize those grant assurances if they are allowed to be placed in area that negatively affects aviation operations. It may be possible for them to be placed in some areas of the County without significantly affecting operations at the DeKalb County Airport which should allow the County to remain in compliance with the FAA grant assurances.

‐ DeKalb County relies on Federal and State grants to fund most major development at the DeKalb County Airport. The Federal, State and local governments have all invested a considerable amount of taxpayer dollars into the development and operation of the DeKalb County Airport. It is important to protect those investments and ensure that the taxpayers continue to receive the benefits of their investment. As noted above, it may be possible for them to be placed in some areas of the County without significantly affecting operations at the DeKalb County Airport which should protect existing and future development of the airport and not jeopardize existing and future Federal and State grants.

‐ One of the most obvious uses for private aviation is recreational flying. This type of activity can take place from any size or type of airport in the NE Indiana region. It is the most common type of activity on the 8 privately‐owned airports in DeKalb County. Recreational flying can include sightseeing, photographic flights, gliding, hot air ballooning, skydiving, and simply flying for enjoyment. With the exception of the Walker‐Rowe Airport on US 6 East of Waterloo, the number of annual operation from these 8 airports is not known. INDOT estimates for the number of annual operations at the Walker‐Rowe airport was over 2,700 for 2010, the most current year available. As shown on the map provided earlier in this section, those 8 airports are located in the eastern and southern parts of DeKalb County. As noted above, private airports are not protected by the requirements of FAR Part 77, Indiana's Tall Structures Act or the provisions in the DeKalb County UDO. Also as noted above, the County's responsibilities and any ensuing liability for development that affects flight operations from these privately‐owned airports is a legal question beyond the scope of this report. Legal counsel for the County Commissioners and for the County Plan Commission should be consulted regarding any questions on those matters.

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Non‐Aviation Issues and Report Conclusion

Non‐Aviation Emergency Responder Issues

One individual with an air ambulance provider also provided a comment that was not related to aviation but

does address an emergency response concern as noted below.

‐ A hidden non‐aviation cost relates to what happens when someone on a tower is injured. Local

emergency responders are expected to provide services but will lack the unique capabilities needed to

respond to a high‐altitude emergency. An attempt to respond to a high‐altitude emergency without

adequate training and equipment may endanger the responders and the victim. To address this

possibility, one or more departments in the County may be required to have a high‐altitude rescue

team in order to be able to respond to such emergencies including all equipment and training costs

associated with that capability. The County and the various departments should be the ones making

the decision on what departments will develop and maintain that capability. The initial and any

recurring annual costs for that capability should be the responsibility of the wind energy system

company including training, equipment and any other cost deemed necessary by the DeKalb County

Commissioners.

Conclusion

DeKalb County communities and the citizens within them benefit from the many different facets of

aviation such as public safety purposes, business aviation flights, photography/data collection operations, air

travel and recreational flying. Aviation brings known economic development to the communities in the

County, tax revenue to local government and services to local businesses and individuals. The tall structures

inherent in wind farm development are not automatically an impediment to aviation or to radar operations

under all weather conditions but will negatively impact aviation and radar operations under certain weather

conditions. Also, the tall structures inherent in wind farm development are not automatically an impediment

to aviation or to radar operations at all locations within the County however they will negatively impact

aviation and radar operations if placed in the wrong areas. This will have to be addressed on a case‐by‐case

basis as the required studies cannot occur without first having a specific proposal to evaluate. All

developments should be required to submit to and pay for any requested studies by an independent third

party before receiving any local approvals. Any doubt or potential for impact should be resolved in favor of

the aviation community as safety must always take precedence over other factors. The existing known

economic impacts and public benefits of local aviation operations should take precedence over some proposed

but yet unproven future economic impacts or benefits related to wind farm development(s). Developments

that are clearly proven to not have any negative impacts on aviation and radar operations should not be

restricted by unsubstantiated and unproven public claims that such impacts exist.

As noted in the opening section of this report, the information and conclusions contained herein are

limited to aviation‐related matters and do not attempt to address any of the non‐aviation concerns that may

or may not apply to wind farm developments. Information relating to those non‐aviation concerns should be

obtained from non‐biased sources qualified to address those areas of concern.

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I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this report. As was discussed during the telephone

interviews, individual names of those providing information on air ambulance and aerial spraying operations

are not included so as to safeguard the anonymity of the respondent.

Respectfully submitted for your consideration,

Brad Stump, GISP

GIS Coordinator, DeKalb County GIS Dept

Vice‐President, DeKalb County Airport Authority

November 13, 2012

wind farm developments and the potential impact on inwind farm developments and the potential impact...

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