oh boy....bring back my old days of being a door gunner....dealing with the guys that had doors...
by a 'pilot' program, I dont mean pilots, I mean a launch or primary customer.
there isnt a lot of info on the site, as this is a business, and one cant post all the secrets!
The profile shown is for an offshore platform, all of the different lines are what we have to use in a design with the numerous variable...and the difference you see is the performance MDA, where the aircraft operator knows the real time climb with loading and temps, and therefore knows if they have a 4% climb grad, then this is my MDA, if I have 12%, this is my MDA...its a realtime MDA....
okay here goes:
Example:
Karratha to Goodwyn offshore platform:
Using the current NDB approach to Goodwyn, you have a 500' MDA
With the proposed GPS procedure, you have a 350' MDA, and if one goes with a performance MDA (as shown on the profile on the website) one can get to a possible 250'MDA (working on 200'MDA)
With the GPS platform approach, there would be no navigation using weather radar, and the procedure would get minimums and vis below a 300' ceiling, similar situation on approach to Karratha.
From Goodwyn to Karratha:
The current NDB approach has an MDA of 880'.
The GPS approach has an MDA of 550' (note ClassA thru C) with a Class A or H, specific, it could be 250' MDA.
Benefits:
Safety. The procedures put the aircraft at the helipad, and the missed approach is in the box, with no chance of hitting the derrick.
Access. The procedures, with lower min and vis, will allow much more availability of the platform and return. Once the crew is at Karratha, they are on the clock, the Goodwyn crew is still at the clock, any weather delays add significant labor costs. Equipment deliveries and repairs can be 24/7 and potentially save significant downtime costs.
Repeatability. The procedure is set, track miles are known. This can help with costs when fuel prices rise/fall, the costs much more of a known factor.
Environmental Issues. The fuel savings of the procedures will mean carbon savings in the regulatory exchange. The aircraft can also avoid noise sensitive areas.
So....hopefully, that is a little better...