The Loff Concept: Offshore Helicopter Flight Following Using Loran-C

LORAN-C Flight Following (LOFF) is a field test program which uses an existing radionavigation system and communications network, and current computer/display technology, to allow air traffic controllers at the Houston Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) to follow the flight progress of helicopter traffic to and from oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. Helicopters which carry personnel and equipment to the oil platforms fly at altitudes below and beyond the line-of- sight coverage of communications (VHF voice), surveillance (radar), and navigation (VOR/DME) systems, hence the need for flight following. The ultimate goals of the LOFF program are to enhance the safety of helicopter operations in off-shore areas, and to improve the efficiency of flight time through the development of a flexible route structure.