Evaluation of Approach Path Indicator Systems for Heliports

The objective of this report was to determine the acceptability of using existing approach path indicator technology to develop the criteria for establishing production and installation requirements for approach path indicators for heliports. The approach path indicators give the pilot a visual reference as to his proximity to a specific approach angle to the heliport in visual flight rule (VFR) landing operations.

This effort required photometric testing for actual light beam characteristics, the collection of ground tracking data, and flight testing for pilot feedback as to their acceptability of the systems.

Results of the evaluation showed that all three existing approach path indicator systems provided the necessary guidance to the pilot to successfully conduct VFR landing operations, and that the data collected could be used to establish criteria for their production and installation.