Analysis of Helicopter Environmental Data: Indianapolis Downtown Heliport, Wall Street Heliport. Volume 1. Summary

Abstract : During the summer of 1987 heliport environmental data were collected at the Indianapolis Downtown Heliport and at New York's Wall Street Heliport. The purpose of this data collection activity was to obtain measures of rotorwash in the heliport environment due to maneuvering helicopters, and to obtain pilot perceptions and observations concerning maneuvering and parking separation criteria. Ten wind vector transmitters were situated at various locations around the helicopter in order to gather information to describe the rotorwash induced wind speed and direction changes. Pilot interviews were also conducted at these heliports. Volume I of this report documents the results of this activity. It describes the data collection and analysis methodology and addresses technical as well as operational issues. It provides graphical descriptions of the heliport environment and of wind speed changes due to rotorwash from maneuvering helicopters, along with analysis of pilot responses. The results of this study will be considered in future modifications of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Heliport Design Advisory Circular (AC) 150/5390-2.