Each year, the arrival of longer daylight hours signals the beginning of blade season across onshore wind farms. This period is when many wind turbine inspection and repair programmes are carried out.
For operators and service providers involved in onshore wind turbine maintenance, early planning is essential. Access requirements, site logistics and technician training all need to be coordinated before the busiest months begin.
Taking time to prepare before blade season helps reduce delays, improve safety and ensure maintenance programmes can progress efficiently once work starts.
Why Early Planning Matters for Wind Turbine Maintenance
Wind farms are often located in remote areas where access routes, terrain and infrastructure can affect how quickly work can be carried out.
Before blade season begins, maintenance teams should review:
• Working height requirements for each turbine model
• Access routes and turbine spacing across the site
• Ground conditions and crane pad stability
• Suitable equipment for wind turbine blade repair access
Many wind farms currently in operation were developed more than a decade ago. Crane pads and site tracks may not always be maintained to modern standards, which makes early assessment particularly important.
By identifying potential access challenges in advance, maintenance teams can avoid unexpected delays once technicians are mobilised.
Training and Familiarisation Before the Season Starts
Training is another important part of blade season preparation. Wind farms often require access platforms to travel significant distances between turbines across uneven terrain. Without proper familiarisation, operators may experience avoidable issues during the season.
Pre-season toolbox talks and familiarisation sessions help technicians understand:
• Safe operation of large MEWPs used for blade repair
• Best practice for travelling across uneven terrain
• Positioning equipment safely around turbine bases
• Efficient movement between turbines.
Providing this guidance before maintenance campaigns begin helps reduce downtime and improve overall site safety.
Aligning Access with Maintenance Programmes
Wind turbine maintenance programmes can include several different activities, from drone inspections to structural blade repairs.
Each of these tasks may require different access equipment. For example, leading-edge repairs may occur lower down the blade, while structural repairs closer to the hub require significantly greater working height.
Discussing powered access requirements early helps ensure that the correct equipment is available when needed.
Preparing for Peak Demand
Blade season is a relatively short window in which a large amount of work must be completed. Demand for high-reach powered access equipment increases significantly during this time. Planning a project strategy before the season begins helps ensure equipment availability and reduces pressure once maintenance activity increases across the sector.
Early preparation ultimately allows maintenance teams to focus on completing repairs efficiently rather than resolving logistical issues on site.
AFI Rentals - Supporting the UK and Ireland’s Wind Sector
AFI Rentals provides safe and sustainable work-at-height solutions for the onshore wind industry. With over 6,000 MEWPs reaching up to 75m, we support wind farm owners, operators, and service providers across the UK and Ireland with installation, inspection, and repair projects.
Our expertise spans:
• New turbine construction and installation
• Blade repair and performance enhancements (LEP and Vortex Generators)
• Routine inspection and preventative maintenance
• Emergency and breakdown response
We work closely with clients to ensure their turbines return to service quickly, reducing downtime and protecting Annual Energy Production.
Why choose AFI?
• Fleet of 6,000+ MEWPs, with truck mounts up to 75m and spiders for soft ground
• Experienced, IPAF-licensed operators with additional First Aid and safety training
• Plate load testing, RAMS, and on-site toolbox talks provided as standard.
• Over two-thirds of fleet now hybrid or electric, supporting customer sustainability goals
• Carbon offsetting scheme – 200% of delivery and 100% of collection emissions offset when hiring digitally.
AFI Rentals is trusted by leading wind-sector specialists. We combine national coverage with local expertise, delivering the right equipment and support to meet tight schedules, difficult ground conditions, and reactive repairs.
