Wind Developers, Farm Bureau and Others Collaborating on Agricultural Aviation Safety

BLOOMINGTON -- In a coordinated effort to increase safety for agricultural aviation (often referred to as "crop-dusting), Wind for Illinois is partnering with several agricultural industry organizations to promote pilot safety when flying in the vicinity of wind projects

According to an article in Farm Week:

Illinois wind energy developers and aerial applicators are breaking new ground with safety measures that apparently are the first of their type in the nation.

Representatives of Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Agricultural Aviation Association (IAAA), and Wind for Illinois are developing a system to increase wind tower visibility and to allow pilots to learn tower locations. None of the individuals involved was aware of a similar system elsewhere in the country.

Wind for Illinois is now working closely with the IAAA, the ILFB and the Illinois Chemical and Fertilizer Association to craft a report on safety practices for wind developers and pilots. The report is slated for release this summer.

Wind Developers Working to Increase Crop-Duster Safety

SPRINGFIELD -- As wind farm developers look to put more turbines in Illinois fields, questions have been raised about the safety of crop dusters who have to navigate them.

The dilemma is a clear one to Rick Reed, who owns an agricultural aviation company in Mattoon. “The more obstacles there are, the more difficult it is for us to get our jobs done for farmers,” said Reed, who also works as president of the Illinois Agricultural Aviation Association.

It’s an issue wind power advocates say they’re working on with pilots and farmers. Kevin Borgia, executive director of Wind for Illinois, agrees wind turbines might make some crop dusters’ jobs harder, but the issue isn’t a reason to hold back on developing wind farms.

Read the full story here...