Landing Height System for Certified Airplanes

FAQ

Operations in IMC/Cloud

The Landing Height System is not approved for use in IMC/Clouds.

Sometimes during certain IMC conditions, especially near freezing level; ice crystals or droplets develop a layer that triggers some audio announcements while flying straight & level. This is not observed in every IMC condition, as the Laser beam is very small (0.5 degrees at the exit point); a small layer that is moving can trigger an announcement. This is a limitation of the Laser technology itself and even though a “very aggressive” software filtering can be implemented, it may affect the announcements outside IMC while on an actual approach.
Our recommendation is either to ignore it, or use the “Switched Audio input” button to switch off the Audio and remember to put it back on when out of IMC; or add a reminder in your Landing/Approach checklist to check the LHS Audio is enabled. Installations that are not utilizing a Switched audio input must have either a Toggle Switch or Circuit Breaker of the Pull/Push type to use in such situations where they need to switch off the LHS per the Installation Guide.

What is the best landing technique to use with this product?

Everyone will end up developing their own technique depending on how they are used to performing landings and their energy management during the approach.  

It may work that someone follows someone else’s technique for the last few feet, but this means they also need to follow their technique for the approach as well, regarding indicated speed, descent rate, and such.

We don’t recommend approaching below 1.3 vso (+ extra speed needed depending on wind conditions) to lower the energy, and we don’t recommend that any very low approach maneuver similar to the published “low approach” video we have on this site. If the airplane reached within 5” of the runway, the system will not callout go-arounds as the airplane goes higher, this indicates the airplane reached 5” or lower.  It goes without saying, there is a huge chance that the wheels will touch the runway, probably all three wheels, at a high engine setting while trying to keep it leveled for those who are attempting to do such a very low approach maneuver.

Users need to understand that every single landing is different, depending on runway length, approach angle, descent rate, wind conditions, obstacles before the runway, and various other factors, hence why we won’t publish or suggest any specific technique at all and don’t suggest someone uses a specific technique each time.  I think once you have a chance to fly the system a couple of times, the above will make sense.

How long has this product been in the market?

The Landing Height System has been installed on many experimental airplanes across the globe with several customers in the USA, Australia, UK, Sweden, Spain, etc… for the past three years. We are very pleased to announce that our Landing Height System is now FAA approved for installations on certified airplanes.

Can this system be installed on an FAA certified airplane?

Yes. This system is now FAA approved for installation on certified airplanes.

What is NORSEE?

NORSEE is an FAA approval process for Non-Required Safety Enhancing Equipment and addresses equipment that is not required by any Federal regulation with the intent to measurably increase aircraft safety

Who and where can the Landing Height System be installed on a certified airplane?

Our FAA approval allows the Landing Height System to be installed on an access panel or inspection plate either internally or externally. This is considered a minor change and any FAA rated mechanic with A (Airframe) or A&P can install and log the entry into the airframe logbook. The installation & User’s Guide covers this section in more detail.

Why the site videos show height announcements lower than 5 ft?

The airplane shown in the videos was used for the certification process. The LHS installation instructions require the installer or pilot/owner to use the Wi-Fi to enable the “Use for Certified Airplane” option so it follows this limitation.

Can it be installed on a pressurized airplane?

Yes. However, depending on how the wires are routed, penetration of the pressurized vessel may be considered a major change by the FAA, and an appropriately rated mechanic for the type/model of the pressurized aircraft must confirm the proper procedure.

LHS NORSEE Approval letter for A&P/Installer

Our NORSEE Approval letter is HERE

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