Abstract: A system for an automated cabin-divider door for an aircraft includes a door, a motor for moving the door to an open position, a limit switch configured to detect when the door is in a fully open position and to stop the motor, and electronics coupling the motor and the limit switch to an avionics system. The avionics system determines when the door is to be opened and provides a signal to the motor for moving the door to the fully open position. A method for automatically opening the cabin-divider door includes determining whether the aircraft is on the ground or in flight, determining whether the aircraft is taxiing, and determining whether the aircraft is in a final phase of approach. When the aircraft is taxiing or in the final phase of approach, the method includes sending a command signal to the motor for opening the cabin-divider door.

Abstract: An obstacle avoidance system for an aircraft includes distance sensors mounted to the aircraft. The distance sensors each have one or more lasers for illuminating nearby obstacles and a detector for receiving laser light reflected off the nearby obstacles. A controller is configured for controlling the distance sensors and for determining distances between the distance sensor and the nearby obstacles based on data received from the detector. At least one camera may be externally mounted to the aircraft to provide images of the nearby obstacles. A user interface displays the images and the distances of the nearby obstacles.

Abstract: An obstacle avoidance system for an aircraft includes distance sensors mounted to the aircraft. The distance sensors each have one or more lasers for illuminating nearby obstacles and a detector for receiving laser light reflected off the nearby obstacles. A controller is configured for controlling the distance sensors and for determining distances between the distance sensor and the nearby obstacles based on data received from the detector. At least one camera may be externally mounted to the aircraft to provide images of the nearby obstacles. A user interface displays the images and the distances of the nearby obstacles.