On the flyability and Handling Quality aspects of steep straight or curved/segmented rotorcraft IFR procedures

摘要

In the course of the EU-funded project OPTIMAL a number of rotorcraft IFR procedures wererndeveloped and tested in a simulated environment. These procedures are characterised by a steeprnglideslope of 6o or more and curves or turns on the final segment. In a first simulation exercise thernflyability and handling qualities aspects associated with the particularities of these procedures wasrninvestigated using pilot-in-the-loop simulations.rnThe presence of fly-by turns or curves in a procedure deteriorated the handling quality ratings, the lateralrntracking performance and increased workload, with fly-by turns being less detrimental than curves. Thernpresence of a flight director improved this situation. Correlating the lateral control activity with handingrnquality ratings for HQR predictive purposes was not successful. For practical applications pilotsrnrecommended to lengthen the procedures and to have a stabilised approach at least below 500 ft, if notrn1000 ft. Improved procedures should be based on a much lower deceleration rate than used.