Abstract: A flight management system is provided for generating a variable thrust cutback during aircraft departure. The flight management system includes memory storing a sound exposure level limit for a navigation flight and storing expected sound exposure levels for an aircraft, and one or more inputs for receiving sensed aircraft variables including altitude and airspeed. The system also includes a processor for processing the sensed altitude and airspeed and stored sound exposure levels. The processor further computes an engine thrust value that complies with the sound exposure level limit based on the altitude, airspeed and the sound exposure levels for controlling aircraft throttle during departure.

Abstract: A method of producing a variable thrust cutback of an aircraft during aircraft departure is provided. The method includes the steps of storing expected sound exposure levels for an aircraft in memory, and storing a sound exposure level limit for a navigation flight in memory. The method also includes the steps of determining aircraft altitude and determining aircraft airspeed. The method further includes the steps of computing an engine thrust value that complies with the sound exposure level limit based on the altitude, airspeed and the sound exposure levels, and outputting the computed engine thrust value for use in controlling the aircraft during departure.

Abstract: A flight management system is provided for generating a variable thrust cutback during aircraft departure. The flight management system includes memory storing a sound exposure level limit for a navigation flight and storing expected sound exposure levels for an aircraft, and one or more inputs for receiving sensed aircraft variables including altitude and airspeed. The system also includes a processor for processing the sensed altitude and airspeed and stored sound exposure levels. The processor further computes an engine thrust value that complies with the sound exposure level limit based on the altitude, airspeed and the sound exposure levels for controlling aircraft throttle during departure.

Abstract: A method of producing a variable thrust cutback of an aircraft during aircraft departure is provided. The method includes the steps of storing expected sound exposure levels for an aircraft in memory, and storing a sound exposure level limit for a navigation flight in memory. The method also includes the steps of determining aircraft altitude and determining aircraft airspeed. The method further includes the steps of computing an engine thrust value that complies with the sound exposure level limit based on the altitude, airspeed and the sound exposure levels, and outputting the computed engine thrust value for use in controlling the aircraft during departure.

Abstract: A required time of arrival (RTA) control system (200, 220, 240) is disclosed for use with an aircraft on-board computer system (100). The control system (200, 220, 240) is adapted to provide data for controlling aircraft flight in a manner so as to meet time of arrival constraints at selected waypoints. The control system (200, 220, 240) includes means (212) for determining a time error between an estimated time of arrival and a designated RTA. A cost index predictor (216) is utilized to determine an estimated cost index parameter for meeting time of arrival constraints, while maintaining relative minimum fuel consumption. A flight profile predictor (202) is adapted to generate requisite target air speed data based on the estimated cost index parameter. In one embodiment, the system (240) includes determination of a time window based on maximum and minimum permissible cost index and speed limiting parameters.

Abstract: A flight performance data system comprises a control and display unit operably connected to a computer. The computer has input means responsive to real air mass parameters and real aircraft dynamic measurements. The computer is programmed to respond to the incoming signals and automatically generate various output signals representing flight profile data. A mode selector is operably connected to the computer to direct the computer in different modes to determine the different flight profile data for the climb, cruise, descent and other modes of the aircraft. For various modes, a different flight schedule can be determined corresponding to the most fuel efficient flight, a long-range cruise flight, or the most economical flight. In addition, the computer produces output signals corresponding to the maximum rate of climb and the maximum rate of descent in the climb and descent modes, respectively. A display screen selectively displays the desired flight profile data.