WAAS Rotorcraft Infrastructure Development & Public Use Next Generation National Airspace Integration

Bell Helicopter is partnering with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Program Office to develop public use criteria for Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS) for rotorcraft applications. Public use establishment of helicopter localizer performance with vertical guidance (HLPV) precision flight procedures facilitate the development of simultaneous non-interfering (SNI) low-level Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) routing infrastructure within the United States Next Generation National Airspace Plan. Our methodology for procedure verification, validation, and public use criteria development focuses on airframe modernization, operator training, efficient airspace integration, and progressive regulatory change. We expect to type certify the Bell Model 429 WAAS capability, utilizing a modernized cockpit layout and navigation solutions, at traditionally higher glidepath angles to facilitate point in space (PinS) utilization by multiple industry segments. WAAS HLPV public procedures will lead to increased safety, efficiency, and environmental sensitivity while reducing precision approach infrastructure footprints and associated implementation costs.