Helicopter IFR Steep and Curved Approaches Using SBAS Guidance

Abstract

The Institute of Flight Guidance of the German Aerospace Center in Braunschweig is involved in the EU project OPTIMAL with the objective to demonstrate the rotorcraft system’s 4D flight guidance capabilities. In the framework of the flight trials the practical flyability of the helicopter-specific steep and curved time referenced IFR approach procedure should be confirmed. The approach procedures were initially developed for Bremen airport (EDDW).Vertical guidance allows a precise height control throughout the final descent and reduces the risk of collision with terrain at night or in bad weather conditions. Approaches with vertical guidance are known as being much safer than laterally guided NPAs referring to worldwide aircraft accident statistics.

The paper will provide an analysis of the flight results which promise very good navigation accuracies regarding to time-based 4D-curved approaches. The Flight Technical Error (FTE) denotes the ability of the pilot to follow the displayed guidance indications. Furthermore, the paper illustrates the piloting display and the Advanced Flight Management System.