Rotorcraft master plan

The Rotorcraft Master Plan contains a comprehensive summary of active and planned FAA vertical flight research and development. Since the Master Plan is not sufficient for tracking project status and monitoring progress, the Vertical Flight Program Plan will provide that capability. It will be consistent with the Master Plan and, in conjunction with it, will serve to ensure a hospitable environment if the industry presents a practical vertical-flight initiative

Flight test and evaluation of Omega navigation for general aviation

Cover titleOriginally presented as the author's thesis (E.A.A.), M.I.T. Dept. of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 1975NASA CR- 132677"--stamped on cover. -- "R75-5"--handwritten on coverIncludes bibliographical references (p. 263-266)A seventy hour flight test program was accomplished to determine the suitability and accuracy of a low cost Omega navigation receiver in a general aviation aircraft. An analysis was made of signal availability in two widely separated geographic areas. Comparison was made of the results of these flights with previous work focused on VOR/ DME. Conclusions are drawn from the test experience that indicate developmental system improvement is necessary before a competent fail safe or fail soft area navigation system is offered to general aviation.Prepared by Massachusetts Institute of Technology for National Aeronautics and Space Administratio

A perspective on the FAA approval process: Integrating rotorcraft displays, controls and workload

The FAA is responsible for making the determination that a helicopter is safe for IFR operations in the National Airspace System (NAS). This involves objective and subjective evaluations of cockpit displays, flying qualities, procedures and human factors as they affect performance and workload. After all of the objective evaluations are completed, and all Federal Regulations have been met, FAA pilots make the final subjective judgement as to suitability for use by civil pilots in the NAS. The paper uses the flying qualities and pilot workload characteristics of a small helicopter to help examine the FAA pilot's involvement in this process. The result highlights the strengths of the process and its importance to the approval of new aircraft and equipments for civil IFR helicopter applications. The paper also identifies opportunities for improvement

Analysis of Adverse Events in Identifying GPS Human Factors Issues

The purpose of this study was to analyze GPS related adverse events such as accidents and incidents (A/I), Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) reports and Pilots Deviations (PDs) to create a framework for developing a human factors risk awareness program. Although the occurrence of directly related GPS accidents is small the frequency of PDs and ASRS reports indicated there is a growing problem with situational awareness in terminal airspace related to different types of GPs operational issues. This paper addresses the findings of the preliminary research and a brief discussion of some of the literature on related GPS and automation issues