Microwave Landing Systems (MLS) and their Feasibility in the Hawaiian Islands

Abstract

Although most pilots will name the takeoff as the most hazardous phase of the flight operations, historically more accidents have occurred during the approach and landing operational phases. A study on executive turboprop and jets revealed that during the 20 year period from 1964 to 1984, 71 percent of corporate aircraft accidents occurred in the approach and landing phase.l A careful analysis of most landing accidents suggest that they are simply the inevitable result of a poor approach. Many landing accidents are the result of overshoots (touchdown too late on the runway) and to a lesser extent, undershoots (descending too soon or quickly). Hard landings are also uncomfortable for the passengers as well as dangerous since the impact may cause loss of control of the aircraft. Because of the potential for disaster during landing, the airline industry takes the approach and landing phase of operation very seriously. With the growing consumer airline industry in the past 20 years, there has been a growing concern for safety. As the aircraft industry began to develop more complex, heavier aircraft, more sophisticated landing aids were needed. When weather conditions are such that it is below minimums for Visual Flight Rules (VFR), aircraft cannot land at airports without precision approach guidance systems.A