Helicopter Physical and Performance Data

A determination of physical and performance data for eight civil helicopters was made. The helicopters used in the study were chosen to exhibit a wide range of characteristics representative of the current civil fleet. Flight manual data as well as certification, flight test, and computer generated performance data were used to complete the study. Approach and departure profiles were developed for several gross weights and ambient conditions and translated into graphs. A menu-driven database was designed to provide easy access to the data. The airspace required for approaches is dependent upon pilot skill and desired approach slope. Pilots can fly approaches steeper than the current standard 81 surface if required though pilot workload tends to increase and comfort levels tend to decrease. The airspace required for departures is a function of aircraft performance and ambient conditions. Three types of departure procedures were studied optimum with respect to airspace, manufacturers recommended, and Category A. Results show that minimum VFR heliport airspace requirements are dictated by departure profiles. Current flight manual departure procedures often break the 81 surface described in Heliport Design, Advisory Circular 1505390-2. Implications are considered in detail in Heliport VFR Airspace Based on Helicopter Performance, DOTFAARD-904.