Heliport Visual Approach Surface High Temperature and High Altitude Tests
Abstract
During the summer of 1988 flight tests were conducted at Kirkland AFB, Albuquerque, New Mexico, at an auxiliary landing field. The purpose of these flights was to examine the current heliport approach/departure surface criteria under hot climate and/or high altitude conditions as defined in the Heliport Design Advisory Circular and to verify or modify these surfaces, if appropriate. Data were collected using a Bell UH-1 helicopter for 7.125, 8.0, and 10.0 straight-in approach surfaces. Also, straight-in departure surfaces of 7.125, 10.0, and 12.0 were used. In addition to these procedures, the pilots were able to choose any angle of approach and departure. All maneuvers were tracked using an onboard Global Positioning System (GPS) system. This report documents the results of this activity. It describes the flight test and evaluation method and addresses technical as well as operational issues. It provides statistical and graphical analysis of pilot performance along with a discussion of pilot subjective opinions concerning the acceptability and perceived workload, safety, and control margins associated with the procedures flown. Keywords: Heliports; Surface properties; Flight profiles; High temperature; Approach/takeoff; Visual flight rules.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA226542
Entities
People
- Christopher J. Wolf
- Rosanne M. Weiss
- Suzanne Samph
Organizations
- Federal Aviation Administration