Thanks for the interesting replies!
Woolf,
Have you had a look at the (JAR/EU-OPS) GPS assisted airborne radar approach currently used within the North Sea? This is along similar lines and minimas (200' / 3/4nm).
yes I have been involved in the concepts in the North Sea area. The issue with these procedures is the offset, which is where most CFIT incidents occur.
There was an attempt to get away from using radar as a means of navigation for these approaches (as you suggest). It has been recognised however that it is very difficult to control the offshore obstacle environment and radar is necessary to guarantee a clear flight path.
Concur. The significant difference is using the radar for obstacles, not navigation. Procedures are designed with an AAO or Assumed Adverse Obstacles to take into account moving and/or temporary obstacles.
catseye,
This capability has been around for a number of years in OZ.
Concur, the capability has been available, but used little. What I am trying to do is use the procedures already created for fixed wing aircraft, and add the Class A/H for rotary wing. The govt focus has been on Class C/D aircraft for procedure design. And yes, I have significant design experience in AUS.
industry insider,
Also, I understand that Sikorsky has successfully trialled a system they call Rig Approach which is with the FAA for certifica
Yes, I am aware of the Rig Approach concept. This system requires a procedure design per rig...
floatsarmed,
Also all the graphs and charts that people ever need are already in existance anyway.
Yes, there are many charts, but my experience has been they are far too generic, with high mins/vis, usually based on fixed wing aircraft, not helo ops.
98% of the flights out of places like KTA are done in clear blue sky so spending dough on more IFR type flight planning software etc won't be on the radar at all.
Concur on KTA ops, the weather is fairly moderate, which is why this is a good place to begin, as the costs and regulatory approval will be minimal.
Having IFR procedures is very important in helo ops. The accident rates are far too high, and navigating with the weather radar creates too much crew workload.
With procedures, the rigs, approach, missed, holds are defined in the box, and will show on the display. The obstacles have been taken into account in the design, such as the 200' AAO.
Again, thanks for the response!