Rotorcraft Low Altitude IFR Benefit/Cost Analysis: Conclusions and Recommendations
Abstract
The Rotorcraft Master Plan advocates the establishment of additional communications, navigation, and surveillance (CNS) facilities, as well as the analysis and development of systems to satisfy the increasing demand for widespread instrument flight rules (IFR) rotorcraft operations within the National Airspace System (NAS). The objective of this study is to determine if there is an economic basis for improvement of these low altitude IFR services within the NAS in order to better support rotorcraft IFR operations. The findings of this study will aid FAA decision making in that regard. In view of prior implementation decisions on LORAN-C and GPS, the emphasis in this effort is on communications, surveillance, procedural changes, and avionics. This report is the last of a series of three reports that address rotorcraft low altitude benefit/cost analysis. The other two are: (1) Rotorcraft Low Altitude CNS Benefit/Cost Analysis: Operations Data, DOT/FAA/DS-89/9, and (2) Rotorcraft Low Altitude IFR Benefit/Cost Analysis: Operations Analysis, DOT/FAA/RD-89/10. This final report reviews the operational requirements and constraints for specific rotorcraft missions identified in the previous reports in this series. It also reviews all of the alternatives identified for improving rotorcraft operations. The alternatives considered include additional communications and surveillance equipment, both existing equipment and future systems identified in the Aviation Systems Capital Investment Plan (CIP), and the air traffic control (ATC) procedural changes. A benefit/cost (B/C) analysis is conducted for each communication, surveillance, and procedural improvement identified. When site specific data is available, it is used to calculate actual B/C ratios. When no data exists, a break-even analysis is provided.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA274241
Entities
People
- Edwin D. Mcconkey
- Robert B. Newman
- Robert K. Anoll