Wind turbines and other systems may no longer be permanently illuminated in the future, but only if necessary. This is, for example, the case when an airplane approaches you. The National Council therefore decided to abolish mandatory night lighting.
The corresponding amendment to the law was unanimously adopted by the National Council on Thursday. The implementation is carried out by Austro Control. According to Minister of Transport and Environment Leonore Gewessler (Greens), the change in the law is intended to further increase the acceptance of wind energy among the population. Alois Stöger (SPÖ) spoke about a measure against light pollution.
The FPÖ also said that flashing can be perceived as a nuisance in densely built-up areas, but that wind turbines should be illuminated in certain situations. “Otherwise, problems will arise, for example with the use of rescue helicopters,” says FPÖ technology spokesman Gerhard Deimek.
Landing at night becomes less bureaucratic
MPs also voted on Thursday in favor of using civilian airports for rescue flights outside opening hours. “Emergency helicopter operations in Austria are carried out within a very narrow framework and with the most detailed documentation,” Green Party transport spokesman Hermann Weratschnig said in a broadcast. This makes it all the more important to create legal certainty for pilots in the Aviation Act.
According to the Greens, only a small part of Austria’s emergency medical helicopters are currently capable of night flights and operational 24 hours a day. Night flights account for approximately five percent of all helicopter missions. There would also already be a solution for rescue flights in bad weather. The new regulation will enter the evaluation phase in the coming days.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
