Anonymous

Document ID: FAA-2011-1279-0011
Document Type: Public Submission
Agency: Federal Aviation Administration
Received Date: February 06 2012, at 12:00 AM Eastern Standard Time
Date Posted: February 6 2012, at 12:00 AM Eastern Standard Time
Comment Start Date: December 7 2011, at 12:00 AM Eastern Standard Time
Comment Due Date: February 6 2012, at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time
Tracking Number: 80fae19d
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This is comment on Notice

Airborne Wind Energy Systems

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I fly gliders in remote areas of the US and the deployment of AWES will create significant hazards even below 500’ AGL. Regarding the AWES deployments: -In the testing phase the AWES have been deployed in Restricted or Prohibited areas. This is because of the significant potential for conflict with flying aircraft. -The low visibility of the tether creates barrage balloons similar to those used in WW II. -Creating more Restricted and Prohibited areas is invasive to the already crowded airspace. - If the AWES are deployed, they should be equipped with an active Collision Avoidance System – perhaps a transponder with Mode S or a Power Flarm. Increased lighting is not enough – especially on a tether or in low visibility conditions. Merely marking the presence of AWES on a chart can be exceedingly vague – especially if the AWES may drift in the wind.