Accession Number:

ADA326987

Title:

Helicopter Visual Segment Approach Lighting System (HALS) Test Report.

Descriptive Note:

Technical note for period ending Aug 88,

Corporate Author:

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION TECHNICAL CENTER ATLANTIC CITY NJ

Personal Author(s):

• Billmann, Barry R.
• Shollenberger, Scott

Report Date:

1989-06-01

Pagination or Media Count:

317.0

Abstract:

The establishment of precision instrument approaches to heliports is hindered by the visual segment guidance which currently exists at most urban area heliports. In the visual segment area, inside and below the decision height DH location on precision approach, the pilot normally operates the helicopter uncued through visual reference to the landing environment. The unique handling qualities of helicopters may require enhanced visual segment guidance. The Heliport Versus Segment Approach Lighting System HALS has been developed to meet this requirement. However, until now, no flight data in conjunction with MLS approaches had been collected. This Technical Note reports on a test designed to obtain pilot performance subjective pilot data on the Helicopter Visual Segment Approach Lighting System HALS. Results identify the performance measures which correlate with the pilots ability to visually acquire a HALS equipped heliport. Conclusions state that HALS can support existing minima to heliports. Pilots reported unacceptable Cooper-Harper ratings for rate of closure and workload without HALS.

Descriptors:

• *APPROACH LIGHTS
• *HELIPORTS
• HELICOPTERS
• VISUAL PERCEPTION
• WORKLOAD
• LANDING LIGHTS

Subject Categories:

• Terminal Flight Facilities
• Air Conditioning, Heating, Lighting and Ventilating

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE