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in extensive use for marine navigation utilized principles which were capable of establishing aircraft location without the use of line-of-sight signals. 29/ However, the Decca equipment then in use was not only far too large for helicopters but there had been no hard operating experience demonstrating its feasibility.

Since 1953, NYA and Decca have worked closely in the development of the Mark VIII Decca Navigator system. 30/ After 12 years of work, on February 16, 1965, New York Airways received authority from the FAA to conduct operations both enroute and at the terminal area under IFR conditions. Its importance was emphasized by former FAA Administrator Halaby as follows: (NYA 801)

"... will bring the same kind of schedule reliability to helicopter service which the air travelers has come to expect from fixed-wing operations... This improved reliability will be an important factor in attracting more passengers to helicopter service. The completion of a higher percentage of scheduled flights will also permit more effective utilization of equipment, personnel and ground facilities".

NYA is scheduling instrument operations within the next eight weeks. This development will immeasurably improve reliability and efficiency. (NYA T-1, p. 3-4) The long run implications are even more significant. The next generation of helicopters can provide city center to city center services with maximum schedule reliability utilizing air space not now occupied by any other aircraft.


29/ NYA 153. There has never been any substantial problem in keeping a helicopter straight and level. The major problem has been in low altitude precision helicopter flying. (Tr. 595) The Decca system offers the user navigational capability with a high degree of accuracy and without the limitations of line-of-sight navigational aids.  It employs low frequency signals from ground-based transmitters which are received by the airborne equipment. These signals are then fed to a moving stylus which traces the path and the position of the vehicle on a map in from of the pilot. Because of its use of low frequency, it is possible to use it in areas with tall buildings or in mountainous areas. Moreover, Decca permits IFR operations within corridors far narrower than would be possible with any other system of instrumentation. This high degree of accuracy permits IFR helicopter operations outside of the crowded air corridors of the New York area divorced from fixed-wing air traffic control.

30/ See NYA 153 and testimony of Mr. Schwarz (NYA T-7). The relative contribution of NYA and governmental research and the value of Decca to the national defense is discussed in Part VI.