Aircraft Safety and the FAA

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Another factor to consider when installing a wind turbine is its impact on aviation. If the tower exceeds a certain height and is within a certain distance from an airport, you will need to file for a permit from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). As for height, an FAA permit is required if the tower is over 200 feet, which is extremely rare for a small wind turbine.

The second condition that requires an FAA review and permit is if the wind generator is approximately two to four miles from a “public use” or military airport. Whether you need a permit depends on the length of the runway. In such instances, the FAA will determine the height of the tower you can install. They may also require top-of-tower warning lights. Note that permits are not required when siting a turbine near private landing strips with no public access, airfields not shown on FAA maps, or landing strips that are not in use. If you’re hiring a professional installer, he or she can advise you on this matter.