Abstract: A piloting assistance system for an aircraft comprises a flight management computer and a guidance computer. The flight management computer transmits speed setpoints to the guidance computer so as to pilot the aircraft in accordance with an initial speed profile or in accordance with an RTA speed profile following the reception of an RTA constraint. In response to the reception of a setpoint speed selected by a flight crew member in the presence of the RTA constraint, the guidance computer pilots the aircraft at the selected speed and the flight management computer determines a deselection point for returning to a predetermined speed profile while still complying with the RTA constraint. The guidance computer commands the display, on a navigation screen, of a symbol corresponding to the position of the deselection point.

Abstract: An air turbulence analysis system and method includes an air turbulence control unit that is configured to receive a position signal from an aircraft within an air space. The air turbulence control unit determines a location of air turbulence within the air space based on the position signal. In at least one embodiment, the position signal is an automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) signal.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for optimization of an aircraft flight trajectory with shortcuts. The method comprises retrieving an active flight plan stored in a flight management system (FMS) and identifying a potential shortcut with a shortcut advisor tool. The FMS monitors the location of the aircraft with respect to an identified start point of the potential shortcut. Prior to the aircraft's arrival at the identified start point, current key performance indicators (KPI) of the shortcut are evaluated with the shortcut advisor tool. The aircrew is alerted to the potential shortcut along with a preview of the performance of the aircraft upon accepting the potential shortcut. The aircrew may accept the addition of the potential shortcut to the flight plan and request approval of the shortcut by air traffic control (ATC). The active flight plan is updated with the shortcut upon approval from the ATC.

Abstract: A system and a method for planning and flying a cost-optimal cruise vertical profile in combination with a required time-of-arrival (RTA) constraint. The method may be implemented as a single function in a flight management system (FMS). The FMS plans the aircraft trajectory with cruise vertical and speed profiles that are optimized to minimize flight cost (e.g., fuel burn) while meeting the time constraint. When appropriate under the circumstances, this integrated function is also able to degrade the cruise vertical profile in order to open the window of achievable RTAs and increase the RTA success rate. The method also monitors progress of the flight along the planned trajectory as actual flight conditions may differ from the forecasted flight conditions, and readapts the cruise speed profile when the estimated arrival time is deviating from the RTA constraint by more than a specified threshold.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatic sequencing of an ownship aircraft behind a lead aircraft on an approach to a runway. The method determines that the ownship aircraft is in an instrument approach. A pilot selection of the lead aircraft is confirmed as matching the lead aircraft identified in an air traffic control (ATC) command. The method includes calculating, an arrival time of the lead aircraft at the runway; processing the arrival time of the lead aircraft at the runway with a desired separation time to determine a target point for the ownship aircraft to merge onto a centerline of the runway; and automatically, and without further human input, generate lateral guidance, vertical guidance, and speed targets for the ownship aircraft to join the runway centerline at the target point at the desired separation time after the lead aircraft.

Abstract: Aircraft takeoff trajectory is automatically optimized to minimize Perceived Noise Level. A flight computer automatically performs all the actions to takeoff the airplane and assure that its real takeoff trajectory is compliant with the takeoff trajectory optimized. Variability of trajectory is eliminated through automation of pilot's actions during takeoff and assurance of an optimum trajectory. The system also provides for simultaneity of actions and the changing of aerodynamic configuration during takeoff.

Abstract: A jet engine has an inlet which takes in air, a combustor which combusts fuel by using the air, and a fuel control section which controls supply of the fuel. The combustor has a fuel supplying section which supplies the fuel, injectors which inject the fuel. Each injector contains openings which inject the fuel. The fuel supplying section supplies the fuel to the injector in a flow rate according to a command of an autopilot. The fuel control section controls the injectors such that the number of the openings which inject the fuel or flow-path cross-section areas of the pipes which send the fuel in case of the low-speed is more than the number of the openings which inject the fuel or the flow-path cross-section areas of the pipes which send the fuel in case of the high-speed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for managing speed-constrained vehicle operations. One exemplary method of operating an aircraft involves identifying a speed constraint associated with a navigational reference point, determining a speed envelope region en route to the navigational reference point based at least in part on the first speed constraint, identifying a target speed en route to the navigational reference point, and determining a speed profile for autonomously operations en route to the navigational reference point within the speed envelope region. The speed profile intersects the target speed within the speed envelope region and a slope of the speed profile is influenced by the target speed, for example, to effectuate or approximate the target speed by increasing the duration of time operation at or around the target speed is achieved. In one or more embodiments, multiple different target speeds associated with different flight levels or operating regions are accounted for.

Abstract: Systems and methods for UAV safety are provided. An authentication system may be used to confirm UAV and/or user identity and provide secured communications between users and UAVs. The UAVs may operate in accordance with a set of flight regulations. The set of flight regulations may be associated with a geo-fencing device in the vicinity of the UAV.

Abstract: A control circuitry includes a first filter configured to filter a gravity compensated longitudinal acceleration of an aircraft to generate a filtered gravity compensated longitudinal acceleration. The propulsor trim control circuitry also includes a second filter configured to generate a filtered speed of the aircraft based on a speed of the aircraft. The propulsor trim control circuitry includes intermediary circuitry configured to generate a filtered longitudinal control effector error based on the filtered gravity compensated longitudinal acceleration and the speed. The propulsor trim control circuitry also includes a third filter configured to generate a filtered longitudinal thrust effector command value based on a longitudinal thrust effector command value.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method for determining an aircraft minimum low pitch setting for a propeller assembly and minimum gas generator idle speed for a gas generator, in which the propeller assembly and the gas generator together comprise a gas turbine engine. The method comprises determining, via one or more controllers, an operating condition of the aircraft based at least on a weight on wheels (WoW) signal and a throttle lever position. The WoW signal produces a first mode or a second mode different from the first mode, and the throttle lever position defines at least a takeoff position and an idle power position.

Abstract: A rotary aerial vehicle (AV) includes an engine configured to rotate at least one rotor at a variable rotor speed, a full authority electronic microcontroller (FAEM) in electrical communication with the engine. The FAEM is configured to output at least one electronic engine control signal that controls operation of the engine. An electronic rotor speed microcontroller (ERSM) is in electrical communication with the FAEM, and the ERSM is configured to dynamically determine at least one mission objective of the rotary AV, and outputs an electronic rotor speed control signal that commands the FAEM to adjust the rotor speed of the at least one rotor.

Abstract: A control circuitry includes a first filter configured to generate a filtered velocity based on a component of a vertical velocity of an aircraft. The pitch trim prediction circuitry also includes a second filter configured to generate a filtered pitch attitude based on a measured pitch attitude of the aircraft. The pitch trim prediction circuitry further includes output circuitry configured to generate a predicted pitch attitude trim value for a target vertical state based on a horizontal velocity of the aircraft, the filtered velocity, and the filtered pitch attitude. The predicted pitch attitude trim value is configured to cause a flight control effector to be adjusted.

Abstract: A method and system for aircraft management for selecting a speeding profile mode for phases of a flight plan including: retrieving assigned space goals (ASG) corresponding to a plurality of achieve by point (ABP) designations for a target flight path of the aircraft wherein the target flight path is associated with a target aircraft; determining a target air speed and applicable speed profile modes by retrieving prior information of traffic history and flight plans of the target aircraft to achieve the ABP designations corresponding to an ASG retrieved; selecting from a plurality of applicable speed profile modes, at least one applicable speed profile mode for a phase of the target flight plan for the aircraft; and comparing statuses of the aircraft of at least a status of fuel remaining for a combination of the selection of the applicable speed profile mode and the phase of the target flight plan.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determine a cost-improved set of control commands for an aircraft based at least in part on deterioration costs are provided. One example computing device is configured to iteratively: input a candidate set of control commands for the aircraft into the deterioration cost model; receive, as an output of the deterioration cost model, an estimated deterioration cost associated with the candidate set of control commands; input the estimated deterioration cost into a cost function to obtain a total estimated cost associated with the candidate set of control commands; and determine an improved set of control commands based at least in part on the total estimated cost and the cost function.

Abstract: A work machine includes a vehicular controller, an IMU, an IMU controller, a hydrostatic transmission, and an operator control. The machine can move a commanded machine motion that includes movement of the machine from a first position to a second position or movement of a linkage relative to a chassis. The vehicular controller predicts an acceleration based on the commanded machine motion and communicates the predicted acceleration from the vehicular controller to the IMU controller. The IMU measures a current acceleration and the IMU controller determines an adjusted acceleration from the combination of the predicted acceleration and the current acceleration. The adjusted acceleration is communicated from the IMU controller to the vehicular controller for use by the vehicular controller. The two-way communication between the IMU controller and the vehicular controller continues while the machine is in motion for a more accurate determination of the acceleration and location of the machine.

Abstract: An example computer-implemented method for natural language mission planning includes: responsive to receiving a request to initiate mission planning for a selected mission type from a plurality of mission types, constructing, by a processing system, a mission narrative that describes a mission intent based on the selected mission type, the mission narrative comprising a plurality of fields; populating, by the processing system, the plurality of fields in the mission narrative from an autonomous mission manager based on the selected mission type with options to be selected by a mission planner; responsive to presenting the populated plurality of fields to the mission planner, filling, by the processing system, the mission narrative with the received selected options; creating, by the processing system, an optimized mission plan based on the mission narrative; and controlling, by the processing system, a vehicle based on the optimized mission plan.

Abstract: A method for computing a required speed profile for an aircraft to meet a required time of arrival (RTA) for a waypoint of a current flight is provided. During flight, the method calculates a fuel-efficient speed profile for the aircraft to meet the RTA for the waypoint, by a processor of a computing device communicatively coupled to one or more avionics systems onboard the aircraft; activates the fuel-efficient speed profile to fly the aircraft to the waypoint, by the processor; determines a priority between fuel efficiency of the fuel-efficient speed profile and time reliability, by the processor; and when the priority is the time reliability, switches from the fuel-efficient speed profile to a guidance margin control strategy to fly the aircraft to the waypoint, wherein the guidance margin control strategy increases the time reliability by enabling the aircraft to satisfy constraints of the RTA.

Abstract: A flight management system for an aircraft and method of securing open world data using such a system. The flight management system includes at least two flight management computers including one computer termed active forming part of an active guidance subsystem configured to supply data for guiding the aircraft. Another computer is termed inactive at the current time. The flight management system includes a validation subsystem that includes the inactive flight management computer and a validation unit connected to the flight management computers. The validation subsystem is independent of the active guidance subsystem and configured to validate open world data and to transmit at least to the active flight management computer data that is validated during the validation.

Abstract: A flight-time variable associated with an aircraft is determined including by determining the flight-time variable while the aircraft is flying. It is determined whether the aircraft is airworthy based at least in part on the flight-time variable. In response to determining that the aircraft is not airworthy, the aircraft is automatically landed.

Abstract: A method of controlling thrust for a gas turbine engine of an aircraft is provided. The method includes determining a fan speed required for minimum thrust to achieve an aircraft operation. The method also includes determining an excess amount of thrust generated by the gas turbine engine. The method also includes reducing the amount of thrust generated by the gas turbine engine.

Abstract: A sound system is provided with a headphone that includes a transducer and at least one microphone. The sound system also includes an equalization filter and a loop filter circuit. The equalization filter is adapted to equalize an audio input signal based on at least one predetermined coefficient. The loop filter circuit includes a leaky integrator circuit that is adapted to generate a filtered audio signal based on the equalized audio input signal and a feedback signal indicative of sound received by the at least one microphone, and to provide the filtered audio signal to the transducer.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a system is provided that includes a portable electronic device; and an application executable on the portable electronic device, the application including computer program code that (a) monitors acceleration data during a flight of an airplane; and (b) displays a representation of the acceleration data in relation to a threshold acceleration of the airplane. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling turbine blade tip-to-static structure clearance in a gas turbine engine installed on an aircraft. Mode control data are processed to determine that a fuel-saving mode is enabled, and aircraft data are processed to determine that the aircraft gas turbine engine is generating a substantially constant thrust. The turbine blade tip-to-static structure clearance in the aircraft gas turbine engine is minimized upon determining that both the aircraft gas turbine engine is generating a substantially constant thrust and the fuel-saving mode is enabled. The turbine blade tip-to-static structure clearance in the aircraft gas turbine engine is then selectively increased to a predetermined clearance, and a change in aircraft gas turbine engine thrust is prevented until the predetermined clearance is achieved.

Abstract: Provided are a travel assist device capable of producing, in a preferred manner, warning vibrations notifying deviation of a vehicle with respect to a travel path, and a method of controlling the same. A travel assist device includes a travel assist control device that notifies a driver about an anti-deviation direction or a deviation direction by making a steering angular acceleration in the deviation direction and the steering angular acceleration in the anti-deviation direction different from each other when producing warning vibrations, wherein a time-derivative value of a steering angle of a steering wheel is defined as a steering angular velocity, and a time-derivative value of the steering angular velocity is defined as the steering angular acceleration.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for guiding or otherwise assisting operation of a vehicle to intersect a stabilized approach to a destination. One exemplary method of assisting an aircraft for landing at an airport involves obtaining, from a system onboard the aircraft, a current position of the aircraft and a current velocity of the aircraft, determining a descent strategy for the aircraft from the current position to an initialization point for a stable approach to the airport based at least in part on the current position and the current velocity, and providing indication of the descent strategy on a display device. The descent strategy is determined based on one or more validation criteria associated with the initialization point so that one or more predicted values for one or more characteristics of the aircraft satisfy the one or more validation criteria at the initialization point.

Abstract: A rotorcraft includes airspeed sensors, inertial sensors, and a flight control computer (FCC) operable to provide a longitudinal control for the rotorcraft. The FCC receives a first indication of longitudinal airspeed from the airspeed sensors and receives a first indication of longitudinal acceleration from the inertial sensors. The FCC generates a filtered indication of longitudinal airspeed from the first indication of longitudinal airspeed and generates a scaled and filtered indication of longitudinal acceleration from the first indication of longitudinal acceleration. The FCC combines the filtered indication of longitudinal airspeed with the scaled and filtered indication of longitudinal acceleration to generate a determined longitudinal airspeed. The FCC generates a flight control signal to control operation of the rotorcraft, the flight control signal based on the determined longitudinal airspeed.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method of operating a rotorcraft includes operating the rotorcraft in a speed control mode, where a speed of the rotorcraft is proportional to a pilot control command; detecting a high longitudinal acceleration condition; upon detection of the high longitudinal acceleration condition, temporarily disabling the speed control mode and stabilizing the rotorcraft while the speed control mode is disabled; and reestablishing the speed control mode when a measured longitudinal acceleration of the rotorcraft falls below a first threshold.

Abstract: A method for controlling a position of a variable nozzle of an aircraft includes the following steps: setting the variable nozzle in a position P(t0) at a time t0 as a preliminary step; step A in which at each instant ti with 1<i<N, an optimal position P(ti) of the variable nozzle is determined according to magnitudes distinctive of the flight of the aircraft; step B measuring a time interval ?ti defined as a difference between ti and t0; and step C by which a displacement of the variable nozzle in a position corresponding to the optimal position P(ti) is authorized when the time interval ?ti is higher than a predetermined minimum threshold.

Abstract: A computer apparatus and method to determine aircraft fuel mileage performance. The computer apparatus including a memory and a processor disposed in communication with the memory and configured to issue a plurality of instructions stored in the memory. The instructions issue signals to receive real-time aircraft data during aircraft flight and process the real-time data to determine real-time aircraft mass data. A calculation is performed to determine the real-time fuel mileage performance for the aircraft based upon determined real-time aircraft mass data.

Abstract: A system, device, and method for a takeoff (T/O) of an aircraft are disclosed. The T/O automating system may include an autothrottle system configured with a plurality of thrust modes, an autopilot system configured with a plurality of vertical guidance modes; and a flight management computer (FMC). The FMC may be configured to perform the method of receiving of input data representative of inputs of a T/O profile selection, a first profile altitude, a second profile altitude, and/or a third altitude; generating output data representative of outputs which includes a command engaging a thrust mode and a command engaging a vertical guidance mode to provide pitch attitude guidance commensurate to a speed and/or vertical speed; and providing the output data to the autothrottle system and the autopilot system. In some embodiments, the T/O profile could be a profile designed for one or more noise abatement departure profiles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing a validated stable design for a stable electrical power system. An initial design for an electrical power system is established. The initial design for the electrical power system satisfies design requirements. The initial design for the electrical power system is simulated for a plurality of simulated operating conditions for the electrical power system to generate simulation data. Stability parameter requirements for a stable design for the electrical power system are established from the simulation data. A hardware implementation of the stable design for the electrical power system is tested to generate hardware testing data. The stable design for the electrical power system is validated using the hardware testing data to establish a validated stable design for the electrical power system.

Abstract: A computer apparatus and method to determine aircraft fuel mileage performance. The computer apparatus including a memory and a processor disposed in communication with the memory and configured to issue a plurality of instructions stored in the memory. The instructions issue signals to receive real-time aircraft data during aircraft flight and process the real-time data to determine real-time aircraft mass data. A calculation is performed to determine the real-time fuel mileage performance for the aircraft based upon determined real-time aircraft mass data.

Abstract: A device comprising a computation unit for computing, for each of a plurality of different distances relative to a threshold of a landing runway along a lateral approach trajectory, a geometric altitude, using a measured and stored barometric altitude, a computation unit for computing a terrain height, by subtracting, from the computed geometric altitude, a measured and stored height, and a computation unit for determining a terrain profile from the set of terrain heights computed for the set of different distances.

Abstract: A method for reporting aircraft data is described that includes receiving, at a processing device, data relating to a condition experienced during operation of the aircraft, determining a cost relevance for the data, comparing, with the processing device, the cost relevance for the data to a threshold, transmitting the data to an end user system if the cost relevance exceeds the threshold, and storing the data in a memory if the cost relevance does not exceed the threshold.

Abstract: A four dimensional time controlled flight management system (4DFMS) and related method generate an initial descent profile for an aircraft in flight. The initial descent profile is planned in compliance with a 1) a published arrival procedure at an airport, 2) a fuel-efficient optimized profile descent (OPD), and a required time of arrival (RTA) constraint at a metering waypoint on the published arrival. The 4DFMS maintains awareness of the changing wind conditions during cruise mode and descent mode of operation and triggers a replan of the descent profile should compliance fall outside of a 95% confidence level at a six second compliance requirement in the descent mode. The system continuously generates a total time error at the metering waypoint by projecting estimated time of arrivals at active waypoints to determine accurate altitude, airspeed, and time compliance at the metering waypoint.

Abstract: A method for controlling aircraft time of arrival at a flight trajectory waypoint decouples the various parts of the flight for flight plan, speed scheduling, and trajectory predictions. Adjustments to the speed during a first cruise phase of the flight reduce the deviations between the actual and estimated arrival times throughout the flight, and particularly reduce the amount of speed adjustments necessary during the later descent phase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of controlling the flight path of an aircraft to follow as closely as possible a predetermined four-dimensional flight path, such as when flying continuous descent approaches. A method of controlling an aircraft to follow a predetermined four-dimensional flight path is provided that comprises monitoring an actual along-track position and an actual vertical position of the aircraft relative to corresponding desired positions on the predetermined flight path. Throttle commands are generated based on deviations of the actual vertical position of the aircraft from the desired vertical position. Elevator commands are generated based on the deviation of the actual along-track position from the desired along-track position and on the deviation of the actual vertical position from the desired vertical position.

Abstract: A longitudinal control law is designed to optimize the flying qualities when aircraft is set to approach configuration, i.e. when the flap lever is set to the landing position and landing gears are locked down. Under such circumstances, the effort of trimming the aircraft speed can be extremely reduced by the usage of a momentary on-off switch or other control in the sidestick, instead of or in addition to a conventional trim up-down switch, making easier the task of airspeed selection by the pilot. This control law provides excellent handling qualities during approach and landing, with the benefit of not needing or using radio altimeter information in safety-critical applications.

Abstract: An improved stable approach monitor (SAM) system provides an audible advisory to a pilot when an aircraft is on a final landing approach. More specifically, the SAM system compares a measured airspeed of the aircraft to a predetermined flap placard speed. If the measured airspeed exceeds the predetermined flap placard speed then the improved SAM system provides an audible advisory indicating the airspeed of the aircraft is too fast. Advantageously, this audible advisory should prevent the pilot from attempting to deploy the flaps at an excessive airspeed and in turn focuses the pilot's attention on the problem at hand, which would be to reduce the airspeed of the aircraft. Once the airspeed is equal to or below the predetermined flap placard speed, the improved SAM system may provide another audible advisory informing the pilot to commence deployment of the flaps.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for managing the flight of an aircraft flying along a trajectory and being subject to an absolute time constraint (on a downstream point) or relative time constraint (spacing with respect to a downstream aircraft), the said aircraft comprising a flight management system calculating a temporal discrepancy to the said time constraint, wherein the said method includes the following steps: the calculation of a distance on the basis of the temporal discrepancy, the modification of the trajectory: if the temporal discrepancy to the time constraint corresponds to an advance, the lengthening of the trajectory by the distance; if the temporal discrepancy to the time constraint corresponds to a delay, the shortening of the trajectory by the distance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device to assist in navigation in an airport sector. The inventive method and device make it possible to automatically calculate the points of intersection between the path of the flight plan and the zones having speed limitations all around an airport and calculate a speed profile conforming to these limitations. The inventive method and device also make it possible to use an automatic guidance automatically defining flight instructions corresponding to the calculated speed profile. Furthermore, the invention calculates predictions concerning the flight parameters.

Abstract: A method and systems for controlling a speed of a vehicle are provided. The control system includes an input device configured to receive a required time of arrival (RTA) at a waypoint and a processor communicatively coupled to said input device, said processor programmed to automatically determine a dynamically adjustable range for an autothrottle control using an RTA error and a speed control tolerance, the RTA error representing a difference between an estimated time of arrival (ETA) and the RTA, the speed control tolerance representing a tolerance range about the vehicle speed profile. The control system also includes an output device communicatively coupled to said processor, said output device is configured to transmit at least one of a thrust control signal and a drag control signal to a speed control system of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and systems for controlling an aircraft during descent are provided. The control system includes an input device configured to receive a speed margin for the vehicle and a processor communicatively coupled to the input device wherein the processor is programmed to automatically determine a flight path of the vehicle that is shallower than an idle flight path for the vehicle and generate a flight control surface control signal configured to maintain the determined flight path using the received speed margin. The control system further includes an output device communicatively coupled to the processor. The output device is configured to transmit the flight control surface control signal to a flight control system of the vehicle.

Abstract: A flight control system moves elevators according to a pilot command summed with an automatic command. The flight control system monitors a set of flight parameters to determine if the flight vehicle is operating inside a permitted envelope. The flight controls system incorporates automatic protections thru the automatic elevator command if the flight vehicle is close to its envelope limits. The exemplary illustrative non-limiting implementation herein provides automatic protections in order to protect the flight vehicle from low speeds, high attitude, stalls and buffetings.

Abstract: An altitude profile representative of the terrain overflown by an aircraft is established. Thereafter, an altitude limit curve which comprises an intersection with the altitude profile upon the engagement of a terrain avoidance maneuver is determined. As soon as there is no longer any intersection of the limit curve with the altitude profile, the terrain avoidance maneuver is interrupted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for calculating an approach trajectory of an aircraft (200) to an airport The aircraft is slaveable in terms of trajectory, thrust and/or speed. The aircraft is able to advance at reduced engine revs. The airport has a runway The approach trajectory terminates in an impact point (205) on the runway and has a high-altitude descent segment (217) and an intermediate geometric segment (207), to which the aircraft is slaved in terms of trajectory and speed. A step of calculating a final approach segment (208) at reduced engine revs and a landing segment is performed with a greater thrust than the reduced revs so as to prepare a possible go-around (209), to which the aircraft is slaved in terms of thrust and speed.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a method includes displaying information corresponding to automatically controlled engine thrust levels during a reduced engine thrust period of flight of an aircraft. The information corresponds to one or more parameters associated with a flight control computer of the aircraft. In an alternate aspect, the displayed information includes alphanumeric information formatted in accordance with a sequential order of the automatically controlled engine thrust levels. In a further aspect, the alphanumeric information corresponds to first, second and third engine thrust levels.

Abstract: Guiding an aircraft to follow a four-dimensional flight path during a descent with a nominal thrust setting corresponding to idle thrust or non-idle thrust includes monitoring actual along-track position and actual vertical position of the aircraft relative to corresponding desired positions on the flight path, generating control commands based on deviations of the actual vertical position of the aircraft from the desired vertical position, and generating elevator commands based on the deviation of the actual along-track position from the desired along-track position, wherein generating control commands includes, if the deviation of the actual vertical position from the desired vertical position indicates that the aircraft is too low, generating a throttle command to increase the thrust setting to above nominal thrust, and generating a speed brake command to deploy speed brakes when the deviation of the actual vertical position from the desired vertical position indicates that the aircraft is too high.

Abstract: A method and device for generating a speed profile for an aircraft rolling on the ground. The device (1) comprises means (8) for automatically determining a speed profile which is suited to successive elements of a ground rolling trajectory and which complies with maximum speeds and particular constraints.