Sail Plane
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 25; Flight Crew Total 11645; Flight Crew Type 145
Distraction
Inflight Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
General None Reported / Taken
Environment - Non Weather Related
I have flown from the 0L7 [for several years]. 0L7 is located about 12 miles northeast of the Ivanpah Solar Power Plant. My flying is conducted between March and October of each year during VMC conditions. My flight experience covers the time period prior to; during the construction of; and subsequent to the operational start of the power plant. Since the start of the power plant; my flight paths have been directly and obliquely toward; directly over; and around the power plant location at altitudes varying from initial launch (2;882 FT MSL; 0 FT AGL at Jean) to about 12;000 FT MSL. The glare from one of the power plant towers is visible from ground at the Jean airport. As the aircraft's altitude is increased; the glare from the other two towers as well as the surrounding mirror fields becomes visible. The intensity of the glare from the towers appears to be fairly constant once line-of-sight is obtained whereas the glare from the mirror fields varies depending on altitude; the aircraft's direction relative to the power plant; and sun angle. At worst; the glare is annoying and a distraction. To date; I have not experienced anything remotely close to flash blindness or cockpit illumination.
A sail plane pilot flying regularly from 0L7 comments on the Solar Plant glare and notes the tower glare is fairly constant whereas the mirror array glare varies with altitude; flight direction and sun angle. He has experienced no adverse effects from the array light.