At the end of March, SESAR members in Italy[1] successfully completed a series of flight trials that validated procedures to improve accessibility to airspace and aerodromes for rotorcraft users, while maintaining or enhancing safety levels. ENAV - the Italian air navigation service provider - and the Finmeccanica Helicopter Division (FHD) conducted the trials in the Milan terminal manoeuvring area, a medium density and complexity airspace. During the trials, the rotorcraft flew a specific advanced performance-based navigation network linking to Milano Linate, Milano Malpensa and Lugano CTR.

The flight trials specifically looked at procedures, such as low-level instrument flight rules (IFR) routes, point-in-space IFR approaches and departures to and from non-IFR installations, and simultaneous non interfering (SNI) operations at airports. These procedures have the potential to enable rotorcraft users to gain further access to airspace and aerodromes, whilst enhancing the safety levels of flight operations.

The trials were performed using an AW 189, the latest-generation high performance 8.6 tonne twin-engine helicopter,  and an AW 139 a new generation intermediate twin-engine helicopter. These rotorcraft both have a state-of-the-art navigation suite featuring a fully integrated “glass cockpit” based on a dual flight management system (FMS). The suite also features the latest GNSS-satellite-based augmentation systems (SBAS) (WAAS/EGNOS) technologies with dual GNSS receivers and an advanced digital dual-duplex 4-axis autopilot that provides lateral, longitudinal and vertical guidance.

The validated rotorcraft flight procedures are linked to the low-level IFR route that is already published and in service in northern Italy between Turin and Venice; the procedures employ the navigation infrastructure under development by ENAV in the Piemonte region.  This network, designed for rotorcraft in accordance with the PBN concept, is the most advanced IFR network of its kind in the world.

With the results of this innovative and forward-looking project, ENAV and Finmeccanica Helicopter Division aim to contribute to expanding the safe and efficient use of rotorcraft platforms in Europe, and providing a model that can be applied elsewhere in the world.

EHA (European Helicopter Association) representing the rotorcraft Airspace Users community within the SESAR Programme, was instrumental to the development of the activities as it provided valuable guidance and relevant feedback.

[1] SESAR project P04.10