Heliport Surface Maneuvering Test Results

Abstract : During late fall 1987 and early spring 1988 flight tests were conducted at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Technical Center's National Concepts Development and Demonstration Heliport. The purpose of these tests was to measure pilot perception of helicopter tip clearances for parking and taxiing maneuvers and to measure pilot performance during these maneuvers. Over 100 parking and taxiing maneuvers were conducted using a UH-1H helicopter. The parking procedures were conducted under head, tail, and crosswind conditions, both with and without an obstacle in place. the taxiing procedures were carried out with a centerline, with only side markings, and with no ground markings. A ground-based laser tracker system was used to tract the taxiing procedures. Pilot subjective data in reference to these maneuvers were collected via a post-flight questionnaire. Pilot interviews were conducted at heliports across the country. These interviews gathered pilot views concerning rotor tip clearances for parking and hover taxiing maneuvers, ground markings for parking operations, and hover taxiing heights. This report documents the results of this activity. It describes the data collection and analysis methodology and addresses objective as well as subjective issues. It provides statistical and graphical analysis of pilot performance and perception data and pilot subjective data. Keywords: Terminal flight facilities; Heliports; Heliport parking; Heliport taxiing; Rotor tip clearances.