Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining a potential conflict between a first aircraft and a second aircraft on an airport surface. In an embodiment, the methods include defining a first aircraft boundary around the first aircraft, based on data related to dimensions of the first aircraft, defining a second aircraft boundary around the second aircraft, based on data related to dimensions of the second aircraft, and determining a potential conflict exists between the first and the second aircraft, based on the first aircraft boundary and the second aircraft boundary.

Abstract: Methods and system are provided for alerting an aircraft crew member of a potential conflict between a first aircraft and a second aircraft on a first taxiway. Real-time positioning data related to the first aircraft on the first taxiway is monitored. Data related to real-time positioning of the second aircraft is monitored. A prediction is made as to whether the second aircraft will enter the first taxiway, based on the monitored data related to real-time positioning of the second aircraft. The potential conflict is indicated on the first taxiway, if a prediction is made that the second aircraft will enter the first taxiway.

Abstract: An airborne processor is linked to a ground-based, vehicle based, or satellite-based supplier of approaching aircraft data and/or terrain data, including airfield structures. The processor also has access to the aircraft's state, e.g. position, speed, intended route, aircraft dimensional data, or the like. Algorithms within the processor calculate a zone of protection about the aircraft in light of aircraft type, turning radius, and other identifying data. The processor combines the present and estimated future positions of the aircraft with the approaching aircraft and/or airfield structure data, and creates an alert to the crew if a threat of a ground incursion is detected. The display provides a visual of the zone of protection about the aircraft, and approaching aircraft and/or airfield structure to draw the attention of the crew to the threat.

Abstract: According to an example embodiment, a method includes receiving data about an aircraft that is moving on a surface using at least a first wheel, the data descriptive of physical characteristics of the aircraft, calculating a first path of the first wheel along the surface using the data, and displaying the first path in relation to a boundary between a first area of the surface and a second area of the surface, the first area safe for the aircraft, the second area unsafe for the aircraft.

Abstract: A method for facilitating a financial decision for 4-dimensional navigation of a vehicle includes receiving navigation information for the vehicle. A current location of the vehicle is determined. Data associated with at least one predetermined location of a plurality of predetermined locations is retrieved. A range of costs for said vehicle, representative of the at least one predetermined arrival time for the at least one predetermined location, is estimated. The range of costs is associated with a minimum value of the navigational information and a maximum value of the navigational information. An indicator representative of at least one cost of the range of costs is displayed.

Abstract: A pilot is maneuvering an aircraft on a ground surface, such as a runway or taxiway. On a cockpit display, the pilot sees a scaled aircraft symbol overlaying a moving map on a cockpit display. The aircraft symbol represents the aircraft, while the moving map represents the ground surface on which the aircraft is located. The aircraft symbol depicts its nose gear and main gear with respect to the ground surface. The nose gear on the aircraft symbol rotates based on tiller angle. The cockpit display also shows edge guidance lines that allow the pilot to line up the main gear, while providing a margin of safety. Predictive symbology also overlays the moving map to provide an indication of whether the aircraft can safely turn on the ground surface.

Abstract: A method for facilitating a financial decision for 4-dimensional navigation of a vehicle includes receiving navigation information for the vehicle. A current location of the vehicle is determined. Data associated with at least one predetermined location of a plurality of predetermined locations is retrieved. A range of costs for said vehicle, representative of the at least one predetermined arrival time for the at least one predetermined location, is estimated. The range of costs is associated with a minimum value of the navigational information and a maximum value of the navigational information. An indicator representative of at least one cost of the range of costs is displayed.

Abstract: A graphics display system is provided. The graphics display system comprises a display element, a database adapted to store thrust profile data, and at least one processing unit coupled to the display element and the database. The at least one processing unit is adapted to process thrust profile data from the database and to transmit control signals to the display element to display at least one spatial representation of thrust profile data associated with an aircraft.

Abstract: According to an example embodiment, a method includes receiving data about an aircraft that is moving on a surface using at least a first wheel, the data descriptive of physical characteristics of the aircraft, calculating a first path of the first wheel along the surface using the data, and displaying the first path in relation to a boundary between a first area of the surface and a second area of the surface, the first area safe for the aircraft, the second area unsafe for the aircraft.

Abstract: A pilot is maneuvering an aircraft on a ground surface, such as a runway or taxiway. On a cockpit display, the pilot sees a scaled aircraft symbol overlaying a moving map on a cockpit display. The aircraft symbol represents the aircraft, while the moving map represents the ground surface on which the aircraft is located. The aircraft symbol depicts its nose gear and main gear with respect to the ground surface. The nose gear on the aircraft symbol rotates based on tiller angle. The cockpit display also shows edge guidance lines that allow the pilot to line up the main gear, while providing a margin of safety. Predictive symbology also overlays the moving map to provide an indication of whether the aircraft can safely turn on the ground surface.

Abstract: A graphics display system is provided. The graphics display system comprises a display element, a database adapted to store thrust profile data, and at least one processing unit coupled to the display element and the database. The at least one processing unit is adapted to process thrust profile data from the database and to transmit control signals to the display element to display at least one spatial representation of thrust profile data associated with an aircraft.

Abstract: An airborne processor is linked to a ground-based, vehicle based, or satellite-based supplier of approaching aircraft data and/or terrain data, including airfield structures. The processor also has access to the aircraft's state, e.g. position, speed, intended route, aircraft dimensional data, or the like. Algorithms within the processor calculate a zone of protection about the aircraft in light of aircraft type, turning radius, and other identifying data. The processor combines the present and estimated future positions of the aircraft with the approaching aircraft and/or airfield structure data, and creates an alert to the crew if a threat of a ground incursion is detected. The display provides a visual of the zone of protection about the aircraft, and approaching aircraft and/or airfield structure to draw the attention of the crew to the threat.