Assessment of Training Aircraft Crew Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields Caused by Radio Navigation Devices

Abstract

The paper depicts research concerning the value of the electric component of the electromagnetic (EM) energy determined by the NHT3DL meter by Microrad with the 01E measuring probe during a number of flights made by Aero AT-3 R100, Cessna C172, and Tecnam P2006T fixed wing aircrafts and a Robinson R44 Raven helicopter. The point of reference for the recorded measurement was the normative limits of the electromagnetic field (EMF), which can influence a pilot in the course of a flight. Selected studies of the maximum value recorded by the meter was E = 10.66 V/m when landing at an airfield equipped with the VHF (Very High Frequency) omnidirectional radio range (VOR) approach system. Particular attention has been paid to changes in electric field intensity during the operation and their effects on the type of radio navigation systems as well as communication with the airfield control tower. The obtained results were validated in the Statistica 13.3 software for the purpose of a detailed stochastic analysis of the tested values. Results obtained are subject to the mandatory requirements of Directive 2013/35/EU as well as to the relevant regulations in Poland.