Abstract: Techniques to increase accuracy of estimating fuel for an aircraft. A statistical analysis is performed on data for multiple past instances of flights between a departure airport and an arrival airport for multiple aircraft to determine one or more predicted real-world limitations more stringent than what is imposed by a set of regulations. A calibration flight plan is generated based on an operator flight plan and the one or more predicted real-world limitations. The calibration flight plan includes an airborne operating parameter that conforms to the one or more predicted real-world limitations. Based on the calibration flight plan, a first fuel load is calculated for the aircraft travelling from the departure airport to the arrival airport.

Abstract: An airport congestion detection apparatus includes a predictor input module coupled to a multiple airport information system. The input module obtains from the multiple airport information system weather data for a current point in time and flight information for a predetermined airport. A controller coupled to the input module determines one or more of a number of predicted flight departures from the predetermined airport and a number of predicted flight arrivals to the predetermined airport within a future predetermined time period based on the weather data for the current point in time and the flight information, and determines, from the predictions, a congestion index for the predetermined airport. A user interface coupled to the controller presents to an operator of the airport congestion detection apparatus the congestion index so that one or more of a flight plan characteristic or an aircraft loading characteristic is modified based on the congestion index.

Abstract: Techniques to increase accuracy of estimating fuel for an aircraft. A statistical analysis is performed on data for multiple past instances of flights between a departure airport and an arrival airport for multiple aircraft to determine one or more predicted real-world limitations more stringent than what is imposed by a set of regulations. A calibration flight plan is generated based on an operator flight plan and the one or more predicted real-world limitations. The calibration flight plan includes an airborne operating parameter that conforms to the one or more predicted real-world limitations. Based on the calibration flight plan, a first fuel load is calculated for the aircraft travelling from the departure airport to the arrival airport.

Abstract: Method and system for providing optimal, achievable flight plans for a flight of an aircraft and for providing accurate fuel load calculations. The method and system can check for and correct inaccurate assumptions in a flight plan. The method and system can also perform statistical analysis to recognize and account for real-world limitations on flight plans. The method and system can also perform statistical analysis to determine actual aircraft wear that can affect aircraft performance and account for such wear when calculating fuel load.

Abstract: An airport congestion detection apparatus includes a predictor input module coupled to a multiple airport information system. The input module obtains from the multiple airport information system weather data for a current point in time and flight information for a predetermined airport. A controller coupled to the input module determines one or more of a number of predicted flight departures from the predetermined airport and a number of predicted flight arrivals to the predetermined airport within a future predetermined time period based on the weather data for the current point in time and the flight information, and determines, from the predictions, a congestion index for the predetermined airport. A user interface coupled to the controller presents to an operator of the airport congestion detection apparatus the congestion index so that one or more of a flight plan characteristic or an aircraft loading characteristic is modified based on the congestion index.

Abstract: Method and system for providing optimal, achievable flight plans for a flight of an aircraft and for providing accurate fuel load calculations. The method and system can check for and correct inaccurate assumptions in a flight plan. The method and system can also perform statistical analysis to recognize and account for real-world limitations on flight plans. The method and system can also perform statistical analysis to determine actual aircraft wear that can affect aircraft performance and account for such wear when calculating fuel load.