Helicopter Air Traffic Control Operations.
Abstract
The problems which inhibit the integration of IFR operations in the ATC system were examined, and recommendations were made to resolve these problems. Revisions in TERPS criteria and in the ATC Handbook are necessary to minimize interference between fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. The use of 2 nm radar separation between IFR helicopters in terminal areas is recommended to increase capacity by reducing the time interval between helicopter approaches to a value consistent with the time interval between fixed-wing approaches. Helicopters have a special need for low-altitude RNAV capability and the ATC system needs to be better adapted to handle the random route traffic that helicopters will generate in exploiting their special capabilities. To this end, it is recommended that the FAA develop software to call up and display, on the ATC PPI, random waypoints and connecting routes, on an as-needed basis. Helicopters operating offshore and in remote areas are often beyond the coverage of surveillance radar, thus requiring the use of procedural control. They also operate below the coverage of VHF communications and VOR/DME, requiring alternate types of systems, several of which are recommended. The need for special controller training in procedural control, and in helicopter characteristics and limitations was made apparent during the study. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA072793
Entities
Organizations
- Federal Aviation Administration