26.05.2020

In this study helicopter flight data from HeliService has been used by To70 to determine the effect of wind turbine wake turbulence on helicopters to gain more insight in the minimum safe distances for helicopter operations when operating in and near offshore wind farms. A large dataset of flight data over a timeframe of nearly 2 years has been used, which was combined with specific wind data for each flight and specific data for every wind turbine, also taking into account whether an individual turbine was in operation or not.

The data analysis showed no apparent difference between acceleration data inside and outside the wake turbulence zone behind a wind turbine or inside and outside wind farms. Therefore, the effect of wind turbine wake turbulence on offshore helicopters does not seem limiting to operations. Based on their experience with operations in these wind farms, HeliService supported these conclusions.

A summary of the study can be found HERE.