Abstract: A flight management system may include a processor, a memory, a network communication interface, and a flexible data interface stored in the memory and executable by the processor. The flexible data interface is typically configured for providing an abstract data interface layer; retrieving, via the abstract data interface layer, data stored in the memory of the flight management system; and transmitting, via the network communication device, the data to a peripheral device in network communication with the flight management system.

Abstract: A flight management system may include a processor, a memory, a network communication interface, and a flexible data interface stored in the memory and executable by the processor. The flexible data interface is typically configured for providing an abstract data interface layer; retrieving, via the abstract data interface layer, data stored in the memory of the flight management system; and transmitting, via the network communication device, the data to a peripheral device in network communication with the flight management system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for displaying and receiving tactical and strategic flight guidance information are disclosed. A method in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes displaying at least one first indicator to an operator of the aircraft, with a first indicator corresponding to a first instruction input by the operator for directing a first aircraft behavior and implemented upon receiving an activation instruction from the operator. At least one second indicator corresponding to a second instruction for directing a second aircraft behavior at least proximately the same as the first aircraft behavior is displayed, with the at least one second instruction to be automatically implemented at a future time. The at least one second indicator is at least approximately the same as the at least one first indicator. Indicators can be hierarchically organized to simplify presentation and reduce pilot training time.

Abstract: Methods and systems for graphically displaying sources for aircraft flight control instructions are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes displaying at a display medium a map of a region at least proximate to an aircraft and displaying an aircraft indicator at least proximate to the map. The aircraft indicator can identify current location of the aircraft, and its location relative to the map can be updated as the aircraft executes a flight. The method can further include displaying at least proximate to the map an indication of a current mode by which a path of the aircraft is currently being automatically controlled.

Abstract: Methods and systems for displaying the source of aircraft control instructions are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment to the invention includes receiving a first target to which an aircraft will be automatically directed upon authorization from an operator, and receiving a second target to which the aircraft will automatically be directed upon meeting a threshold condition. The method can further include displaying the first and second targets at least proximate to each other, with a target to which the aircraft is currently being controlled being displayed in a different manner than a target to which the aircraft is not currently being controlled.

Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying a map onboard an aircraft are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes displaying a map of an area at least proximate to an aircraft at an aircraft flight deck during flight, with the map presenting a feature having a first position relative to a boundary of the map. The method can further include displaying at least one operator-selectable input element at least proximate to the display of the map and accessible to an operator of the aircraft. The method can still further include receiving via the at least one input element an operator-based request to change a position of the feature on the map relative to the boundary, and, in response to the request, updating the display of the map by shifting all points of the map so that the feature has a second position relative to the boundary, with the second position being different than the first position.

Abstract: Methods and systems for displaying assistance messages to aircraft operators are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment includes receiving an input from an aircraft operator at an aircraft flight deck, comparing a characteristic of the input to at least one target value for the characteristic, and, if the characteristic of the input differs from the at least one target value for the characteristic by at least a threshold amount, displaying an assistance message to the aircraft operator. The assistance message can include a complying input and/or an instruction for creating a complying input. The input and the assistance message can be displayed simultaneously.

Abstract: Methods and systems for handling aircraft control information are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a display medium coupleable to a flight manager, with the flight manager configured to receive and direct instructions for automatically controlling aircraft functions at a future time during flight of the aircraft. The system can further include a display controller coupled to the display medium to present at least one operator activatable element at the display medium and update information presented at the display medium when the operator activates the operator activatable element. For example, the operator activatable element can include an icon presented at a computer display screen, and can be activated by a keystroke.

Abstract: Systems and computer-implemented methods for handling incoming aircraft operation instructions are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes receiving from a source off-board an aircraft an instruction for a change in a characteristic of the aircraft during operation (e.g., a change in heading, altitude or air speed of the aircraft). The method can further include automatically determining whether or not at least a portion of the instruction is to be implemented once a condition is met. If at least a portion of the instruction is to be implemented once a condition is met, the method can further include automatically carrying out a first course of action. If implementation of at least a portion of the instruction is not predicated upon fulfilling a condition is met, the method can further include automatically carrying out a second course of action different than the first course of action.

Abstract: Systems and methods for handling incoming aircraft operation instructions are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes receiving from a source off-board an aircraft an instruction for changing a characteristic of the aircraft, and automatically displaying at least a portion of the instruction at a first display location. In response to receiving a first input signal directed by an operator onboard the aircraft, the method can further include displaying at least a target portion of the instruction at a second display location, without the instruction being manually regenerated, and without the instruction becoming part of a flight plan list. In response to receiving a second input signal directed by an operator, the method can further include displaying at least a target portion of the instruction at a third display location, again without the instruction being manually regenerated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for presenting and obtaining flight control information are disclosed. In one embodiment, information corresponding to a vertical motion of the aircraft can be displayed between information corresponding to a lateral motion of the aircraft and information corresponding to an airspeed of the aircraft. The information displayed can include a current mode for controlling the motion of the aircraft, a current target to which the aircraft is being directed and, at least proximate to both the current mode and the current target, a subsequent target to which the aircraft will be directed after attaining the current target.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for displaying and receiving tactical and strategic flight guidance information are disclosed. A method in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes displaying at least one first indicator to an operator of the aircraft, with a first indicator corresponding to a first instruction input by the operator for directing a first aircraft behavior and implemented upon receiving an activation instruction from the operator. At least one second indicator corresponding to a second instruction for directing a second aircraft behavior at least proximately the same as the first aircraft behavior is displayed, with the at least one second instruction to be automatically implemented at a future time. The at least one second indicator is at least approximately the same as the at least one first indicator. Indicators can be hierarchically organized to simplify presentation and reduce pilot training time.

Abstract: A load dispenser located at the distal end of an elongated hollow tube allows for convenient refilling of the dispenser from the proximal end of the load release mechanism. The length of the tube is dimensioned to serve as a walking stick as well.