Will the wind turbines have lights?

The Isle of Man Civil Aviation Administration is the division of Government responsible for regulating aviation safety on the Isle of Man. The Isle of Man Civil Aviation Administration is also responsible for ensuring aviation legislation in the Isle of Man meets International Civil Aviation Organisation ('ICAO') Standards and Recommended Practices. We have been in contact with the Isle of Man Civil Aviation Administration, and will be abiding by Air Navigation (Isle of Man) Order 2015 (SI 2015 No. 870 as amended), where any site may impact the air traffic zone.

At this stage, any onshore wind turbine must also have lighting fixtures in place (similar to those on telecommunications masts already in place on the Island) to warn approaching aircraft of their presence. This is in compliance with article 136 of the Air Navigation (Isle of Man) Order, 2015 (SI 2015 No. 870 as amended).

However, trials for Aircraft Detection Lighting Systems which can automatically turn wind turbine lights on and off depending on approaching aircraft are already in progress at UK airports. These trials are due to complete in 2024 and, if successful, we will look to incorporate such a system into the wind turbine design to minimise any visual impact as much as possible. However, it is not intended that the turbines, once constructed, would be floodlit at night, as this is not an aviation safety requirement.