Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Litchford, G. B..
The development of a system of broadcast control for improved flight safety and air traffic control is discussed. The system provides a balance of equality between improved cockpit guidance and control capability and ground control in order to provide the pilot with a greater degree of participation. The manner in which the system is operated and the equipment required for safe operation are examined.
Applications of wide range broadcast procedures to improve air traffic control and make more airspace available are discussed. A combination of the Omega navigation system and the very high frequency omnirange (VOR) is recommended as a means for accomplishing improved air traffic control. The benefits to be derived by commercial and general aviation are described. The air/ground communications aspects of the improved air traffic control system are explained. Research and development programs for implementing the broadcast concept are recommended.
The proceedings of a conference on the Omega navigation system are presented. Three significant low frequency/very low frequency possibilities are considered as follows: (1) use of Worldwide (WW) Omega, (2) use of an Omega-like system optimized for aviation in the continental United States, (3) a mix use of WW Omega and Vor, U.S. Omega and VOR, and U.S./WW Omega. It is concluded that all possibilites can be tested with current plans for WW Omega.
Concepts of increased pilot participation in air traffic control are presented. The design of an air traffic control system for pilot usage is considered. The operating and safety benefits of LF/VLF approaches in comparison to current nonprecision approach procedures and systems are discussed. With a good national system plan, flight testing and validation, and the use of local differential, or general diurnal, corrections, the LF/VLF system would provide service superior to that presently available.
Evaluation of air traffic control parameters and relationship to future of aeronautics
Very low frequency air navigation, automatic calibration of barometric sensing, and universal coordinate system for air traffic control
Advanced electronic applications to navigation, data transmission, and airborne collision avoidance in general aviation aircraft and to simulated displays for low visibility landing
Cumulative errors associated with Category 2 and 3 operations, and terminal flight paths for low visibility landings