Seeing is Believing Rotorcraft Operational Safety Improvements Using Advanced Vision Systems

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Eric Moody
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2017 Rotor Safety Challenge Session Attendees

Webb, AFS-420 & Nolan Crawford, AFS-470, Flight

1 Seeing is Believing Rotorcraft Operational Safety Improvements Using Advanced Vision Systems Federal Aviation Administration Presented to: HAI Heli-Expo Rotor Safety Challenge Session Attendees Presented By: Cliff Johnson, ANG-E272, Research Engineer, FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center, Atlantic City, NJ Mike Webb, AFS-420 & Nolan Crawford, AFS-470, Flight Technologies and Procedures Division, Performance Based Navigation Branch, Washington D.C. Mar. 8, 2017

2 Briefing Outline Helicopter Advanced Vision Systems (AVS) Intro./Overview Problem Statement/Motivation Helicopter Advanced Vision Systems Proposed Concept of Operations Helicopter AVS Research Question/Focus Helicopter AVS Research Industry Partners Update on Experimental Design & Work To Date Helicopter AVS RE&D Timeline End-Products/Goals Ways to Participate Questions 2

3 Advanced Vision Systems - Overview SVS, EVS, EFVS, CVS, etc. Concept: Enable the flight crew to see in low visibility conditions. Used today by commercial airlines, military, and corporate General Aviation aircraft Goal: Improve on this concept for helicopters Related Aspect: Contribute to IFR Heliport Standards (working with Airports researchers) Note: Image Courtesy of NASA Langley via ongoing Enhanced/Synthetic Vision work with RTCA WG SC-213 3

4 Advanced Vision System = EHVS Enhanced Helicopter Vision System Sensor & Computer + Display = EHVS (FLIR, MMWIR, LIDAR, etc.) (HWD, HMD, HUD, HDD, etc.) 4

5 Problem Statement/Motivation U.S. Helicopter instrument approaches limit visibility on an instrument approach to ¾ statute mile (sm) visibility or greater (½ sm for offshore). Could advanced vision systems technology be used to: Enhance VFR? Meet current VFR Rules for Helicopters? Maintain visual references during the visual segment of the approach? Would advanced vision systems technology Increase the availability of: Onshore instrument approach procedures? Offshore instrument approach procedures? IFR Operations? 5

6 Helicopter Advanced Vision Systems Concept of Operations Visibility for the approach (Top View) EVS/CVS Vision Natural Vision MAP ATD Helipoint Final Course H ATT Visual Segment Visibility for the approach (Profile View) Approach Types: Continuous Descent = LPV Level (ATD) = LNAV MDA MAP ATD Helipoint Natural Vision EVS/CVS Vision 6

7 Helicopter Advanced Vision Systems Concept of Operations Onshore FAF Existing: Point-in-Space Current Ops MAP FAF FAF ¾ SM Proposed Concept #2: Level then Descent in the Visual Segment (i.e. LNAV) Proposed Concept #1: Continuous Descent in the Visual Segment (i.e. LPV) MAP ¾ SM MAP ATD ¾ SM 7

8 Onshore Operations Helicopter Air Ambulance (HAA) 8

9 Advanced Vision Systems CONOPS Onshore HAA Proceed Visually Visual Segment Visibility for the Approach Overhead View Visibility for the Approach Profile View Natural Vision Natural Vision Enhanced Helicopter Vision System (EHVS) Enhanced Helicopter Vision System (EHVS) Potential Key Safety/Performance Benefits: Fly with Lower Visibility Minima Utilize EHVS Technology for Obstacle Avoidance Extended distance/greater course change angles at MAP 9

10 Advanced Vision Systems CONOPS Onshore HAA Proceed VFR Visual Segment Visibility for the Approach Overhead View Visibility for the Approach Profile View Enhanced Helicopter Vision System (EHVS) Natural Vision Natural Vision Enhanced Helicopter Vision System (EHVS) Potential Key Safety/Performance Benefits: Fly with Enhanced Situational Awareness Utilize EHVS Technology for Obstacle Avoidance Better Acquisition of the Visual surface and landing site 10

11 Offshore Oil and Gas (OGP) 11

Vision Enhanced Helicopter Vision System (EHVS) X X 0.5 nm offset FAP IAF 0.

12 Advanced Vision Systems CONOPS Offshore Platform Parallel Offset Approach (OSAP) Visual Segment Visibility for the Approach Overhead View Visibility for the Approach Profile View Natural Vision Enhanced Helicopter Vision System (EHVS) MAP MAP Natural Vision Enhanced Helicopter Vision System (EHVS) X X 0.5 nm offset FAP IAF 0.5 nm offset Potential Key Safety/Performance Benefits: Fly Closer to Rig (i.e. Reduced Parallel Offset Distance) Fly with Lower Visibility Minima Utilize EHVS Technology for Safety Risk Mitigation 12

13 Advanced Vision Systems CONOPS Offshore Platform Parallel Offset Approach (OSAP) Visual Segment Visibility for the Approach Overhead View Visibility for the Approach Profile View Natural Vision Natural Vision Enhanced Helicopter Vision System (EHVS) Enhanced Helicopter Vision System (EHVS) Potential Key Safety/Performance Benefits: Fly Closer to Rig (i.e. Reduced Degree Course Change) Fly with Lower Visibility Minima Utilize EHVS Technology for Safety Risk Mitigation 13

14 Onshore/Offshore Search and Rescue (SAR) 14

Advanced Vision Systems CONOPS Offshore Search and Rescue (SAR) Visual Maneuvers

Potential Key Safety/Performance Benefits: Enhanced Situational Awareness

15 Advanced Vision Systems CONOPS Offshore Search and Rescue (SAR) Visual Maneuvers Visibility for Search Patterns (Rising Ladder, Expanding Square, Sector, Orbits, Racetrack, Drifting Target, etc.) Overhead View Natural Vision Enhanced Helicopter Vision System (EHVS) Potential Key Safety/Performance Benefits: Enhanced Situational Awareness (Visual Surface {Ocean/Land}, Terrain, Obstacles, etc.) Fly with Lower Visibility Minima Utilize EHVS Technology for Safety Risk Mitigation 15

16 FAR FAR visibility requirements apply (c) Operation below DA/ DH or MDA. Except as provided in paragraph (l) of this section, where a DA/DH or MDA is applicable, no pilot may operate an aircraft, except a military aircraft of the United States, below the authorized MDA or continue an approach below the authorized DA/DH unless (1) The aircraft is continuously in a position from which a descent to a landing on the intended runway can be made at a normal rate of descent using normal maneuvers, and for operations conducted under part 121 or part 135 unless that descent rate will allow touchdown to occur within the touchdown zone of the runway of intended landing; (2) The flight visibility is not less than the visibility prescribed in the standard instrument approach being used; and 16

17 FAR (3) Except for a Category II or Category III approach where any necessary visual reference requirements are specified by the Administrator, at least one of the following visual references for the intended runway is distinctly visible and identifiable to the pilot: (i) The approach light system, except that the pilot may not descend below 100 feet above the touchdown zone elevation using the approach lights as a reference unless the red terminating bars or the red side row bars are also distinctly visible and identifiable. (ii) The threshold. (iii) The threshold markings. (iv) The threshold lights. (v) The runway end identifier lights. (vi) The visual approach slope indicator. (vii) The touchdown zone or touchdown zone markings. (viii) The touchdown zone lights. (ix) The runway or runway markings. (x) The runway lights. 17

18 B, Attachment 1 4. An acceptable evaluation of the visual segment for flyability, obstacles, and visual references must be completed in both day and night flight conditions. The heliport or heliport visual references must be in clear view at the MAP, e.g., it cannot be completely obscured behind a building. A heliport is the area of land, water or a structure used or intended to be used for the landing and takeoff of helicopters, together with appurtenant buildings and facilities. Buildings and facilities associated with the heliport such as hangers, administration buildings, AWOS equipment, windsock, beacon, etc. located within 500 ft are acceptable visual references. Surrounding buildings and land marks are not allowable visual references, unless approved by Flight Standards. At least one of the following visual references must be visible or identifiable before the pilot may proceed visually: a. FATO or FATO lights. b. TLOF or TLOF lights. c. Heliport Instrument Lighting System (HILS). d. Heliport Approach Lighting System (HALS) or lead-in lights. e. Visual Glideslope Indicator (VGSI). f. Windsock or windsock light(s).* g. Heliport beacon.* h. Other facilities or systems approved by Flight Standards (AFS-400). *Note: Windsock lights and heliport beacons should be located within 500 ft of the TLOF. 18

19 FATO or TLOF Final Approach and Takeoff Area (FATO): A defined area over which the final phase of the approach to a hover, or a landing is completed and from which the takeoff is initiated. Touchdown and Lift-off Area (TLOF): A load bearing, generally paved area, normally centered in the FATO, on which the helicopter lands or takes off. 19

20 Heliport/Helipad Diagram 20

21 Research Questions/Focus Research Question #1: How do we quantify the human performance and safety benefits that are possible with the use of Advanced Vision Systems & Technologies (EVS, SVS, HMD, HUD) for use in civil helicopter operations? Research Question #2: What are the visual cues required by a Helicopter Pilot using an Advanced Vision Systems device? Research Question #3: How do we allow, through regulatory and guidance material revision, increased use of IFR for helicopters in lower visibility conditions? 21

22 Helicopter AVS Research Update Where are we in the research? Initial Concept Exploration Flight Testing/Demonstrations with Honeywell, Rockwell Collins, and FAA Aircraft/Rotorcraft Developed an experimental test design with associated factors Signed Cooperative Research and Development Agreements/Other Transaction Agreements with Partners Installing/Integrating Sensors and Displays onto FAA S76 Helicopter Planning for flight test activities in CY17 and simulation activities Next Steps/Needs? Outreach efforts with industry, seeking partners (EVS/SVS/CVS/EFVS manufacturers, rotorcraft manufacturers, pilots, operators, simulation vendors) for the studies Seeking input and support from the rotorcraft community on CONOPS 22

23 Test Approach Examine the visual references a helicopter pilot needs to acquire both with and without advanced vision systems VFR: 14CFR Part 91, defined as the natural horizon, surface, and clear of clouds. IFR: 14CFR Part 135, defined as existing and other references in and B. Characterize sensor performance for different sensors in various mission segments (Helicopter Air Ambulance (HAA), Offshore, Search and Rescue, etc.) and weather conditions FLIR (Cooled and Uncooled) MMWIR LIDAR Examine Display Technologies and Concepts (i.e. Head-Worn Display - HWD) at various helipads (Rooftop, Offshore, Land-Based, Accident Scene, etc.) 23

Flight Testing (FAA S-76, Industry AW-139/S-76 s, other aircraft) 2.

24 Notional Experimental Test Scenarios Scenario #1: Onshore Approach (HAA) Point In Space (PInS) Scenario #2: Offshore Approach (OGP) Experimental Approach: 1. Flight Testing (FAA S-76, Industry AW-139/S-76 s, other aircraft) 2. Sensor Characterization/Qualification Testing (ground-based and airborne) 3. Full Flight Simulator Evaluation using Helicopter Simulators (i.e. FAA, CAE, Flight Safety, etc.) for edge cases (i.e. anomalies) 24

25 Experimental Design Independent Variables EHVS Information: None, HUD-information, EVS, CVS Display: Heads-Up (HWD or HUD), Heads-Down Approach Type: Onshore: LNAV PinS & LPV PinS Offshore: Parallel Offset & Delta 30 Offset Visual Segment Type: Proceed Visually, Proceed VFR Time of Day: Day, Night, Twilight 25

26 Experimental Design Dependent Variables Flight characteristics Conformance w/ test standards Path error Control inputs Safety events CFIT Exceedances Missed approaches / go-arounds Obstacle identification Subjective ratings Workload Safety Clutter Relative preference Eye-tracking* 26

Helicopter Advanced Vision Systems Current & Potential

SC-213/EUROCAE Working Group 79 SAE G-10M Vertical

Group NASA Advanced Vision Systems Manufacturers

more, too many to list We highly value, encourage, and

27 Helicopter Advanced Vision Systems Current & Potential Future Research Partners Entities Involved: RTCA SC-213/EUROCAE Working Group 79 SAE G-10M Vertical Flight Committee on Displays FAA LED Science Working Group NASA Advanced Vision Systems Manufacturers Helicopter Manufacturers Helicopter Operators Many more, too many to list We highly value, encourage, and need industry participation in this effort in order to make it a success!!! 27

28 2016/2017 Flight Test Update FAA Rotorcraft/Aircraft Flight Tests Honeywell/FAA Rotorcraft Flight Tests Rockwell Collins/FAA Aircraft Flight Tests 28

29 FAA Flight Tests/Demonstrations Onshore PInS Approaches: Airspace: Atlantic City Class C, New York Special Flight Rules Airspace (SFRA) Class B, and Class E/G airspace, etc. Destinations: FAA Research Helipad (HPM77), Wall St. (KJRB), AtlanticCare Regional Medical Center (0NJ0) Offshore Approaches: Airspace: Class B, C, G, Oceanic Destinations: Chesapeake Lighthouse (USCGCL), Steel Pier (28NJ) Maneuvers: Comparable to ADS-C 33 List Approaches, Departures, IGE/OGE Hover, etc. Flight Test Platforms: Rotorcraft: N38 (Sikorsky S76) Aircraft: N47 (Bombardier Global 4000) 29

FAA R&D Test Flight Platform (N38) Test Platform FAA s Sikorsky S-76A Helicopter, Equipped with ADS-B Out (1090ES) HFDM /

Stratus, MEMSIC AHRS, ilevil AHRS, GoPro Cameras (6), General Aviation Airborne Recording Device (GAARD), North

30 FAA R&D Test Flight Platform (N38) Test Platform FAA s Sikorsky S-76A Helicopter, Equipped with ADS-B Out (1090ES) HFDM / HFDR Devices Appareo Vision 1000, L3 Light Data Recorder, Honeywell Skyconnect Tracker 3, Skytrac ISAT- 200A, Ballard, Stratus, MEMSIC AHRS, ilevil AHRS, GoPro Cameras (6), General Aviation Airborne Recording Device (GAARD), North FDS/Outerlink IRIS, Latitude ionode, others Recording Cameras GoPro Hero 5 Blacks/Sessions, Garmin Ultra 30 VIRB, POE cameras, 360Fly 4K, others, etc. Attitude & Heading Reference System/Inertial Navigation Unit AHRS/IRU: LCR-100N Planned Advanced Vision System Devices Displays: Thales Topmax, Elbit SkyLens/SkyVis EVS Sensors: MaxVis 1500, Elbit HeliEVS, RTA- 4212, others 30

31 Flight Test in NJ/NY Approaching Verrazano Narrows Bridge (N38) 31 31

32 Flight Test Offshore Approaches to Chesapeake Light (N38) Visual (Out-the- Window View of Chesapeake Light Weather Radar Return displayed on MFD for Chesapeake Light 32

Devices Honeywell QAR/FDR Recording Cameras GoPro

33 FAA R&D Test Flight Platform (N47) Test Platform FAA s Bombardier Global 4000 Aircraft HFDM / HFDR Devices Honeywell QAR/FDR Recording Cameras GoPro Hero 5 Blacks/Sessions, Garmin Ultra 30 VIRB, etc. 33

34 Flight Test Offshore Approaches to Chesapeake Light (N47) Weather Radar Return displayed on MFD for Chesapeake Light Visual (Out-the- Window View of Chesapeake Light 34

35 Honeywell-FAA Flight Tests/Demonstrations Demonstration of terrain and over water operations Northwest New Jersey, including obstacles NJ - NY area Large bodies of water and rivers Operations over highways and urban environment Demonstration during approach LPV approaches (standard and steep approaches) Visual approach to helipad (coupled and uncoupled) Helicopter specific operations Approach to coupled hover mode, slow/fast transitions, CatA takeoffs Demonstrations in ground or near ground operations Pedal turns, lateral maneuvering, aft maneuvering, quick stops 35

36 Jul. 13, 2016 at KMMU N38 & N139H 36

37 Combined Vision on Approach 37

38 SVS/CVS Obstacle Representation and Alerting* 38

39 Over water operations 39 39

40 Rockwell Collins FAA Flight Tests/Demonstrations Weather Radar (WxR) Technology RESEARCH for Helicopter Advanced Vision Systems (AVS) to achieve FAA Approved Operational Credit August 25, 2016 flight with RC Post Flight Slides Advanced Technology Center (ATC) Richard Jinkins Richard Rademaker 40

41 August 25 th - N601RC at FAA WJHTC Atlantic City, NJ 41

42 August 25 East Coast FAA Flight Demo Cliff Phil Mike Lorry Jim 42

Directed Hazard Assessment -Horizontal Weather Scan -Vertical Scan RTA-4212 used for helicopters Collins Commercial Systems RTA-41xx/42xx Radar SWaP-C allows use for many more applications - -

43 Directed Hazard Assessment -Horizontal Weather Scan -Vertical Scan RTA-4212 used for helicopters Collins Commercial Systems RTA-41xx/42xx Radar SWaP-C allows use for many more applications - - Helicopters - UAVs - BizJets/smaller aircraft - 12, 14 and 18 antenna 43 - Copyright 2016 Rockwell Collins, Inc. Company Official and Proprietary Size 14 H 14 W 18 D Federal Weight Aviation < Administration 17 lbs. 43 Power < 60w

44 Existing N38 Radome 44

45 Radar reflectors installed at KACY helipad 45

18nm http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?id=1691 WAAS Alaska WRS Telco Analysis Copyright 2016 Rockwell Collins, Inc.

46 ATC FY16 CRW Flight Test Radar Beacon (RACON) on platform transmits N Morse Code (Dash Dot) with the Dash is 3x the Dot length Dash Dot? Alien Radar Return? Platform/Lighthou Aug 25, 2016 Weather Radar return while Viewing the Chesapeake Light Platform from 0.18nm WAAS Alaska WRS Telco Analysis Copyright 2016 Rockwell Collins, Inc. All rights reserved. Questions? Richard.Jinkins@RockwellCollins.com <= Ownship Company Official and Proprietary Federal Aviation Administration 46

47 Helicopter AVS RE&D Timeline Phase I: Conduct a Review Current AVS Technologies Conduct a Literature review, technical/product assessment including EVS/SVS studies and current technologies relevant to AVS and discern simulation/flight test requirements for Helicopter EVS/SVS experiments Phase II: Conduct Helicopter AVS Experiments and Collect Data on AVS technologies Run the experiment(s), and through simulation and flight testing start to collect the data required to drive potential rulemaking efforts, including data in 3 different domains necessitating an understanding of human factors, equipment performance, installation, and operational approval areas Phase III: Provide Recommendations for Possible Safety Enhancements Disseminate the results of the Helicopter EVS research to the rotorcraft community at large via industry outreach events, and other committee meetings, and inform rulemaking activities (changes to 14CFR and FAA Advisory Circulars)

FAA Rulemaking End State Where are we going? Federal Aviation Regulations that will be Informed by the results of this Research 91.175 Amended for Helicopter Onshore Ops 8260.

48 FAA Rulemaking End State Where are we going? Federal Aviation Regulations that will be Informed by the results of this Research Amended for Helicopter Onshore Ops B FAA Order AC 90-80C FAA Advisory Circular (Offshore Instrument Criteria) 14 CFR Parts 27, 29, 43, 49, 60, 61, 67, 91, 135, 137, 141, and 145 AC , Enhanced Flight Vision Systems AC , Airworthiness Approval of Enhanced Vision System, Synthetic Vision System, Combined Vision System, and Enhanced Flight Vision System Equipment AC 23-26, Synthetic Vision and Pathway Depictions on the Primary Flight Display Bottom Line: FAA is looking to develop operational and performance criteria for Helicopter Advanced Vision Systems for enhancing VFR, meeting the current VFR rules, transitioning to VFR from IFR, or maintaining visual references during the visual segment of an instrument approach. 48

Benefits Sought from AVS Research Promote increased situational awareness and safety within helicopter operations in normal and low visibility operations. Reduce the helicopter fatal accident rate.

49 Benefits Sought from AVS Research Promote increased situational awareness and safety within helicopter operations in normal and low visibility operations. Reduce the helicopter fatal accident rate. Capability to mitigate weather and visibility limitations with advanced technology. Develop better landing areas and heliport standards. Encourage the industry to design helicopters that can fly slower and closer to helicopter landing areas Implement improved navigation systems to support operations closer to landing areas 49

How To Participate For More Information, or to Discuss Participation, Please Contact: FAA Research Lead Cliff Johnson Email: charles.c.johnson@faa.

50 How To Participate For More Information, or to Discuss Participation, Please Contact: FAA Research Lead Cliff Johnson Phone: (609) System Safety Section, ANG-E272 Aviation Research Division William J. Hughes Technical Center Atlantic City International Airport, NJ FAA Research Sponsor Mike Webb Phone: ( ) Flight, AFS-420 Flight Technologies and Procedures Division FAA HQ 470 L'Enfant Plaza, SW, Washington, D.C.,

51 Questions? 51

Helicopter R&D Infrastructure Data Needs

Helicopter R&D Infrastructure Data Needs Federal Aviation Administration Presented to: USHST Infrastructure Summit Presented By: Cliff Johnson FAA ANG-E272 Research Engineer & Program Manager FAA William