WAAS-Enabled IFR Decelerating Approaches for Helicopters

Building upon the recently certified Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) enabled Localizer Performance with Vertical guidance (LPV) approaches for helicopters, including the Bell Model 429, Bell Helicopter is actively developing technologies to significantly improve helicopter operational capabilities in low-visibility Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) conditions. In 2011, Bell developed and flight tested autopilot-coupled LPV decelerating approaches to a hover, below the current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Decision Altitude (DA) standard of at least 200–250 ft. Through use of the WAAS infrastructure, low-speed sensors, and a 4-axis autopilot on a Bell Model 429, Bell has flown specially developed LPV procedures, which could enable safe flight in more congested areas and in low-visibility conditions directly to and from the helipad. This broader envelope of operations would enable more flights which would otherwise be canceled due to inclement weather – resulting in a safer airspace infrastructure and increased efficiency and mission capability for helicopter operators.