Wind Industry Transportation Professional
Advanced Certification

There is not currently a national standardized safety training program or certification for pilot and escort vehicle operators (P/EVOs). This results in increased risks for personnel involved in the transport of over-sized and over-weight (OS/OW) cargo. A collaborative group of transportation, logistics, and safety professionals from each of the three largest wind industry manufacturers -- General Electric (GE) Renewable Energy, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE), and Vestas -- recognized the absence of wind-specific training and decided to take measures to reduce the risks around movement of wind turbine components. The group's sole goal is to increase safety and decrease risks during transportation to both transportation personnel and the general public and avoid fatalities and serious injuries in the future.

​

Once launched, the WITPAC training program will set a nation-wide safety standard. The certification is being developed specifically for the unique challenges and special skills needed by wind industry P/EVOs and truck drivers to safely move blades, towers, and other OS/OW components. This initiative is underway with the support of the Pit Row Group, Evergreen Safety Council (ESC), and the North American Pilot Vehicle Safety Alliance (NAPVSA). 

This webpage is the official source for information on the WITPAC initiative.  Check back here for updates.

WITPAC Details:

• The training program is organized into five modules. We anticipate training to be available Fall 2021.

  • Module Topics​

    1. Teamwork

    2. Route Surveys

    3. Pre- and Post-Trip Meetings

    4. High Pole & Front Escort

    5. Rear Steer & Rear Escort

• The training program will be accessible to all wind industry transportation professionals including drivers and P/EVOs (pilot/escort vehicle operators).

• Training will be delivered using a blend of Evergreen Safety Council's on-line and in-person training methods. ESC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to safety. To learn more about Evergreen Safety Council, go to: https://www.esc.org/

• Achieving certification is a two-step process.

  • Step 1: Self-Directed On-Line Study. Students can complete all five modules, associated quizzes, and a preparatory exam on-line at their own pace, and in multiple sessions if they wish. The Self-Directed portion allows the student to study when it is convenient for them, and to go back and review previous modules as they move forward in training.​

  • Step 2: Instructor-Led Training & Exam. Students must participate in a full day of training (either on-line interactive, or in-person) and pass the final exam with a score of 90% or better. The exam is "open book" and will be given at the end of the instructor-led training day.

  • Students can register for the course through either Evergreen Safety Council or through an Evergreen Safety Council authorized training provider. Get more information on classes here:  https://www.esc.org/program/pilot-car/witpac/

• The time needed to complete the Self-Directed Online Study will vary from person to person, but we recommend budgeting several hours for it. We recommend starting the Self-Directed On-Line Study at least one week before your instructor-led class day. The instructor-led class is 8 hours long, including exam time.​

• Class fee is $300 per student which includes the Self-Directed On-Line Study, the Instructor-Led Training, and the Exam.

• WITPAC certification does not replace current state P/EVO certifications/licenses; it is in addition to them.

• Certifications will expire every 3 years.

​

Carrier Responsibility:

• ​Assuring their P/EVOs and drivers are properly trained and certified.

• Tracking and keeping records of the training and certification of their personnel.