Tunnel-in-the-Sky: Synthetic vision simplifies the pilot's job and enhances safety

Every year, despite today's advanced electronic guidance systems, a handful of aircraft still plough into mountains in most cases killing all occupants. Such accidents are usually caused by a combination of low visibility and difficult terrain conditions. In mountainous terrain the modern precision guidance system known as the Instrument Landing...

DME-derived positions compared with MLS- and ILS-derived positions

From recorded Distance Measurement Equipment (DME) data during Microwave Landing System (MLS) flight trials performed at London Gatwick Airport (April 21 - 26, 1989) using the NLR Fairchild Metro II Laboratory Aircraft, the position of the aircraft was determined by post-processing and compared with the MLS- and ILS-derived positions. This...

Investigation on MLS approach path interception and transition techniques: part II: flight simulator investigation

Due to the wide coverage volume of MLS, in both azimuth and elevation, the system enables the introduction of new approach and terminal area procedures. For several years the NLR has been investigating the potential of MLS with respect to the execution of non-straight-in approaches. In an earlier theoretical study four MLS-guided interception...

Investigation on MLS approach path interception and transition techniques: part I: fast-time computer simulations

MLS provides the possibility to define non-straight-in approach paths and to use more advanced interception procedures. From an ATC point-of-view it became necessary to structure this capability as a prerequisite in order to make a realistic use of the potential capabilities of MLS. Four different MLS approach path interception procedures were...

A model and experimental analysis of pilot decision making behaviour for various approach conditions

This report deals with an investigation of pilots' failure detection performance in a realistic moving-base flight simulator. The task considered was the monitoring of stabilized automatic approaches. Abnormal conditions (excessive windshears or system failures) were to be detected on the basis of unacceptable deviations of displayed variables...

A simulation investigation on the feasibility of curved approaches under MLS guidance. Revised edition