Eurocopter’s on-site helicopter landing pad at its German headquarters in Donauwörth has become the first helipad in Europe to make use of localiser performance with vertical (LPV) guidance.
The new procedure supplements conventional landing systems by adding the vertical component, which enables approach guidance to be displayed in 3D for the first time. “This improved guidance relieves the strain on pilots and increases safety, since obstacles can be flown over safely even when visibility conditions are poor,” says Eurocopter.
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The airframer is conducting flight tests with the new landing system using its twin-engined EC135 and EC145 T2 helicopters.
The helipad – situated around 110km (68 miles) from Munich – has around 6,000 take-offs and landings every year, and is one of the few helipads in the world to have been certificated for all weather operations, says Eurocopter.
Meanwhile, Chinese start-up Henan New Continental Business Aviation has ordered an EC145 and an AS350 B3 for its new charter operation. The AS350 is scheduled for delivery later this year, and the EC145 will be handed over around six months later. The medium-twin will be equipped with a Mercedes-Benz Style VIP interior – the first of its kind in Asia, says Eurocopter.
Source: Flight International
