Abstract: This invention is a method and apparatus for determining whether or not auxiliary airfoils on an aircraft wing are skewed or lost. It employs either of two types of systems and their associated computer monitor and control requirements. One system utilizes a cable and a spring-loaded mechanism with a cable displacement position sensor. The second system utilizes a drive system position sensor, proximity sensors and segmented proximity targets. These two systems are capable of skew and loss detection for adjacent or individual auxiliary airfoil arrangements. A computer electronic unit is used to perform logic functions to verify the authenticity of sensor signals, and, if appropriate, to shut down the drive system and to compute new flight control parameters including those relating to stall speed and the stick shaker, while alerting the flight crew.

Abstract: This invention is a method and apparatus for determining whether or not auxiliary airfoils on an aircraft wing are skewed or lost. It employs either of two types of systems and their associated computer monitor and control requirements. One system utilizes a cable and a spring-loaded mechanism with a cable displacement position sensor. The second system utilizes a drive system position sensor, proximity sensors and segmented proximity targets. These two systems are capable of skew and loss detection for adjacent or individual auxiliary airfoil arrangements. A computer electronic unit is used to perform logic functions to verify the authenticity of sensor signals, and, if appropriate, to shut down the drive system and to compute new flight control parameters including those relating to stall speed and the stick shaker, while alerting the flight crew.