EVALUATION OF HELICOPTER STEEP SLOPE GCA OPERATIONS,

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to evaluate steep approaches flown in helicopters used for training and tactical operations, and to record data for use in the development of precision approach procedures for rotary wing aircraft. These data can also be applied to civil procedures standards and common system approach facilities. In this evaluation the following factors were considered: (a) Flyability of glide slope angles chosen; (b) Airspeed/vertical velocity envelopes; (c) Lengths of instrument approach segments; (d) Location of ground point of intercept (GPI); (e) Deceleration distances; (f) Decision height; (g) Required obstruction clearance (ROC); (h) Lead fix requirements; (i) Exposure time from decision height (DH) to touchdown; (j) Deceleration during the descent; (k) GCA procedure techniques; (l) GCA antenna alignment changes in azimuth and elevation; (m) Comparison between stabilized and unstabilized helicopters. The maximum usable effective angle was found to be 12 degrees. The flight parameters, approach procedure, and obstacle clearance requirements appropriate to steep approach angles were derived for application to Army training and tactical use. Conclusions and recommendations of particular relevance to civil procedures are noted. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1968
Accession Number
AD0676528

Entities

People

  • Allan W. Hunting
  • Russell S. Fleming

Organizations

  • Federal Aviation Administration

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircrafts
  • Airspeed
  • Army Training
  • Buildings And Structures
  • Clearances
  • Deceleration
  • Elevation
  • Glide Slope
  • Helicopters
  • Motion
  • Physical Properties
  • Precision
  • Rotary Wing Aircraft
  • Standards
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Training

Readers

  • Aviation Safety and Air Traffic Management
  • Aviation Science / Aeronautics.
  • Geodesy