Aircraft wake turbulence avoidance
Aircraft wake turbulence /trailing vortex systems/ avoidance during flight, describing procedures for pilots and tower operators
Mcgowan, W. A.↗
Engineering topics
Mcgowan, W. A.
Publications and source records attributed to Mcgowan, W. A..
Aircraft wake turbulence progress and plans
Aircraft wake turbulence and trailing vortices, investigating physical characteristics, hazard potential and avoidance techniques
Charak, M. T.↗
Aircraft wake turbulence avoidance
Analytical studies and flight tests are used to describe the formation and severity of trailing vortices and the spatial extent of their influence. This information is then used to outline procedures for ready application by pilots, tower operators, and others concerned with the flow of traffic. The procedures provide the necessary appreciation of the physical attributes of trailing vortices, the potential hazards involved when encountering them, and how best to avoid the dangerous portions of the wake during flight operations.
Mcgowan, W. A.↗
NASA aircraft trailing vortex research
A brief description is given of NASA's comprehensive program to study the aircraft trailing vortex problem. Wind tunnel experiments are used to develop the detailed processes of wing tip vortex formation and explore different means to either prevent trailing vortices from forming or induce early break-up. Flight tests provide information on trailing vortex system behavior behind large transport aircraft, both near the ground, as in the vicinity of the airport, and at cruise/holding pattern altitudes. Results from some flight tests are used to show how pilots might avoid the dangerous areas when flying in the vicinity of large transport aircraft. Other flight tests will be made to verify and evaluate trailing vortex elimination schemes developed in the model tests. Laser Doppler velocimeters being developed for use in the research program and to locate and measure vortex winds in the airport area are discussed. Field tests have shown that the laser Doppler velocimeter measurements compare well with those from cup anemometers.
Mcgowan, W. A.↗
Fog dispersal technology.
The state-of-the-art in fog dispersal technology is briefly discussed. Fog is categorized as supercooled fog, occurring in air temperatures below freezing, and warm fog, occurring at above-freezing temperatures. Operational techniques are available to disperse supercooled fog in the airport area. It is much more difficult to cope with warm fog. Various known concepts to disperse warm fog are evaluated as to their operational merits. The most effective concept for immediate use involves heating the air to cause fog evaporation. Use of helicopter downwash has some application, possibly complementing the promising concept of seeding with sized hygroscopic particles. These latter two concepts appear to have future application, pending further research. The concept using polyelectrolytes is of uncertain value, lacking both a scientific explanation and a substantive evaluation of reported operational successes.
Mcgowan, W. A.↗
Remote detection of turbulence in clear air.
Various concepts for remote detection of turbulence in the clear air are reviewed. It is concluded that there is at present no technique available for operational use to remotely detect and measure turbulence in the clear air. Several techniques with good potentials for future application currently being studied include a laser Doppler radar method for airborne and ground-based use and an approach utilizing ground-based ultrasensitive microwave Doppler radars.
Mcgowan, W. A.↗
Trailing vortex hazard.
Light aircraft hazards due to trailing vortex generated by heavy transport aircraft, suggesting specific procedures for takeoff, landing and flight phase
Mcgowan, W. A.↗
Environmental requirements
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Mcgowan, W. A.↗