In 1978 a joint NASA-FAA helicopter flight test was conducted to examine the use of weather-mapping radar for IFR guidance during landing approaches to oil rig helipads. The following navigation errors were measured: total system error, radar-range error, radar-bearing error, and flight technical error. Three problem areas were identified: (1) operational problems leading to pilot blunders, (2) poor navigation to the downwind final approach point, and (3) pure homing on final approach. Analysis of these problem areas suggests improvement in the radar equipment, approach procedure, and pilot training, and gives valuable insight into the development of future navigation aids to serve the off-shore oil industry.
Navigation errors encountered using weather-mapping radar for helicopter IFR guidance to oil rigs
Annual Forum of the American Helicopter Society ; 1980 ; Washington, DC
1980-01-01
Miscellaneous
No indication
English
Aluminum helicopter rigs are at work in jungle
Engineering Index Backfile | 1964
Airborne Radar for Helicopter Navigation
NTIS | 1966
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