Gulfstream EVS

[Fuzzy_is_Hungry]

I was showing a friend the videos of the EVS off of Gulfstream's website, and we started to wonder about flying approaches with that system. For example, you are on an ILS with low visibility. Now in a normal instance, you can't descend below the DH without the ALS, VASI, RAIL, ect in sight. If you are using the EVS and have a clear picture of the runway or lights in sight, but wouldn't be able to see anything without EVS, can you continue the approach below the DH? Is this something the pilot has to be certified to do?

 

[mzaharis]

Here's a starting point, before the experts chime in:

http://www.ainonline.com/issues/02_04/02_04_rulingallowsp1.html

"In essence, the rule says that if the pilot can see the runway environment at published minimums by using the infrared EVS image, the approach can be continued to a height of 100 feet, after which “natural vision” must be used for landing. Pilots can rely on EVS during Cat I ILS approaches, as well as straight-in nonprecision approaches, by determining their “enhanced flight visibility,” a new term defined by the FAA as the average forward horizontal distance from the cockpit “at which prominent topographical objects may be clearly distinguished and identified” using the EVS. The FAA also said the rules apply to Cat II and III ILS approaches, but only by specific prior approval."

http://www.ainonline.com/issues/11_04/11_04_cmcsemorp91.html

"Beasley said the FAA decision to allow lower approach minimums for EVS/HUD-equipped aircraft has widened the market for such systems. Flying with HUD-based EVS, pilots can descend below the 200-foot decision height on a Category I approach to 100 feet, provided they can see the airport environment through the HUD. "

http://www.ainonline.com/Features/cabinavionics.html

"The FAA recently adopted a final rule allowing the use of HUD-based enhanced vision systems for descent below published instrument approach minimums. The rule change lets pilots continue straight-in Category I and nonprecision approaches below decision height or minimum descent altitude to 100 feet above touchdown zone elevation, where they would need to be able to see the runway or approach lights unaided to be legal to land."

 

[G4G5]

EVS asumes that the guy in the left seat has the rwy prior to DH. If so he can go to 100 ft above rwy elev (baro/MDA not DH/RA).

The guy in the right seat has to see the rwy enviroment @100' or the guy in the left MUSTgo around, even if he/she has the rwy.

The big cavet here is: This rule only applies in the USA.

Example:If you are in the UK, CA rules don't allow you to begin the approach unless you have the weather to shoot the approach. The guy in the left seat very well could have the rwy in full EVS view and he can't even begin the approach.

 

[semperfido]

i've been playing with the hud for about 4 yrs and the evs for a yr and i gotta say it is neat technology but have they added that much to operational value or enhanced safety? now that's the million dollar question. i would love to hear some "war" stories that can demonstrate the benefits of hud and evs.

 

[TundraT]

The pilot using the EFVS in the left seat does not necessarily have to have the RWY to continue below the published CAT I minimums. He must have the approach lights with the EFVS before the DH for the CAT I approach. The call from the pilot flying must be "EVS lights continuing." He may then continue the approach to 100' HAT at which time the begining of the runway, REIL, rwy edge lights center line lights, runway surface must be seen UNAIDED i.e. with the naked eye to legally land.

 

[Fuzzy_is_Hungry]

That answers the question, thanks guys.

 

[AA717driver]

The representation shown on the Gulfstream website is what you see on the #3 screen (as we do it) on the Planeview system. It is NOT what you see in the HUD.

The closest I've gotten to actually using the EVS/HUD is identifying the approach lights at LFPB once. The weather was 1.5 miles vis with the typical fog/haze you get over there. It worked ok but I want to see this on a real approach. The lights looked a little blurry but I believe they will come into focus better as you get closer.TC