All-Weather Operation

Present Helicopter IFR Systems are designed to use standard FAA ILS systems as approach aids. This limits most helicopter IFR operations to airports and fixed-wing traffic patterns. The major exception is off-shore operations to over-water platforms where weather radar is used as a navigation and approach aid. Microwave Landing Systems (MLS), the Global Positioning System (GPS) and an on-board system using high resolution radar are all candidates for improved helicopter IFR systems.