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Introduction

Some years ago the International Air Transport Association first proposed specific operational criteria for the landing phase of a helicopter.1/ Since that time much has been learned in the commercial and military operation of multi-engine helicopters. Also more sophisticated aircraft capable of vertical and short field operations have arrived on the air transport scene. Any criteria for low visibility landing systems should take into consideration the special flight and control characteristics of these several different types of aircraft. However, for the next decade it is reasonable to assume that the helicopter and STOL airplane will probably be by far the most utilized aircraft in short-haul air transportation and should consequently receive priority attention. A terminal area navigation system has been developed and approved by the Federal Aviation Administration for routine day-to-day operation in a high density air traffic area.2/ There would appear to be a critical need for the development of realistic low-visibility approach and landing criteria for these types of aircraft in order to establish guidelines for airframe and engine manufacturers, the operators, the regulatory agencies, and those developing the required electronic and visual aids. The technology is available to develop a concept and define an associated signal structure which can accommodate the broad spectrum of needs.