Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for reducing the wake vortices of an aircraft during the approach/landing phase. Spoilers are automatically ordered to deploy when lift-augmenting aerodynamic surfaces are ordered to deploy, and are automatically ordered to retract when at least one of the following three conditions holds: the angle of incidence ? of the aircraft is equal to or greater than an incidence threshold ?s; the speed Vc of the aircraft is equal to or less than a speed threshold Vs; and the aircraft is instigating a go-around maneuver.

Abstract: Automatic take-off method and device for an airplane. The device includes a device for automatically determining, using an elevation guidance objective, a vertical piloting objective which is expressed as rate of pitch, and a device for automatically determining, using the vertical piloting objective, deflection commands for elevators of the airplane.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for optimizing runway exiting. Prior to landing, the pilot may choose to input one or more new landing parameters. Then, based on current landing parameters (e.g., any new landing parameter(s) and remaining default landing parameters) and the aircraft performance parameters, predicted landing performance can be updated and indicia of the updated predicted landing performance can be displayed to the pilot on an updated airport map and display. The updated predicted landing performance can include, among other things, a display of AUTOBRAKE landing performance. When no further changes to the current landing parameters are desired, the automatic braking system can be set to provide dynamic braking to slow the aircraft to a selected velocity at a selected position on a particular runway.

Abstract: A process and device for the automatic flight optimisation of the aerodynamic configuration of an aircraft. The device (1) includes means (7, 8, 10) for determining and applying to the spoilers (6) of the aircraft commands for providing the aircraft with an optimum aerodynamic configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of automatic navigation assistance for an aircraft. A capture zone being a zone in which the aircraft can capture a predetermined vertical profile segment by applying a transition between the guidance submode which the aircraft is in and the guidance submode adapted to the following of the vertical profile segment to be captured, it comprises the step consisting in determining the width of the capture zone as a function of the height h of the vertical profile to be captured and of the speed v which the aircraft has when plumb with this height when the aircraft is not on the profile or at this height when the aircraft is on the profile.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a position indicating display system for an aircraft are provided. The system includes a map display unit configured to display a map representative of an area being traversed by the aircraft, and an overlay comprising an own ship depiction, said overlay displayed on the map for a period of time in response to an input from at least one of a user and an aircraft sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for managing a steering control of an aircraft landing gear provided with at least one wheel steerable by the steering control, comprising the following steps: monitoring one or several taxi parameter(s) (51, 54, 64, 59, 61) of the aircraft to determine whether said aircraft enters a towing situation, setting the steering control in a free steering mode of the steerable wheel, if the aircraft enters the towing situation; activating the steering control so that the steerable wheel has an angular controlled steering by the steering control if the aircraft leaves said towing situation.

Abstract: An aircraft piloting system may include information sources that provide a position indication relating to the aircraft and information that characterizes a virtual approach axis. An information processing unit processes information emanating from the information sources and includes an assisted approach mode function and a landing aid multimode receiver that implements a precision approach. A user device uses the information provided by the landing aid multimode receiver to support the guidance of the aircraft up to its landing.

Abstract: A method to assist the piloting of an aircraft in a non-precision approach during a landing phase may include a series of successive steps that are carried out interactively and automatically. The steps include verifying, in accordance with respective standards of operation, conditions relating to the correct functioning of a plurality of equipment of the aircraft and to the integrity and precision of measurements of parameters used for implementing the non-precision approach, based on information from the plurality of equipment. On the basis of the verified conditions, an appropriate approach category is selected and presented on a display screen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for assisting the piloting of an aircraft in the vicinity of a landing or takeoff point, by: determining the locus of entry and/or exit points for a given approach and/or departure altitude that are not safe for reaching the landing and/or takeoff point; and presenting a diagram including said locus on a display device.

Abstract: A system for aiding the piloting of an aircraft during a runway approach includes an information source that provides information relating to the aircraft and its environment. A computation unit determines, with the aid of information provided by the information source, an energy reference profile having a trajectory reference profile and a speed reference profile that allows the aircraft to regain a stabilized approach trajectory, if it follows the reference profile. A monitor verifies that the aircraft is following the reference profile. An indicator supplies the pilot with piloting indications for piloting the aircraft so as to follow the reference profile.

Abstract: The process improves the maneuverability of an aircraft during the approach to landing and then flare-out phases, the aircraft being equipped with air brakes. According to the process, the air brakes are put in a first deployed position during the approach phase, and as a function of a representative parameter of a given altitude and in case of a steep angle approach, they are actuated to transition to a second more retracted position than the first position so as to achieve a flare-out allowing to essentially maintain the same angle of incidence, corresponding in case of a steep angle approach to achieve a flare-out with habitual exterior piloting references during the flare-out phase.

Abstract: A process wherein an aircraft starts from a cruising position by flying at a cruising speed to reach a position that intercepts the glide slope. The process can include the steps of decelerating from the begin descent speed and the begin descent altitude of the aircraft during a first descent phase with a first flight path angle until reaching a predetermined speed corresponding to an aircraft speed at which the aircraft flaps are extended for transitioning to a first intermediate position; following a second phase of descent at a considerably constant speed with a second flight path angle; and decelerating during a third phase of descent with a third flight path angle to reach the glide slope interception position. The aircraft slats and/or flaps adopt their first intermediate position considerably when transitioning from the second to the third phase of descent.

Abstract: A method and system for preventing the control of an aircraft from the cockpit. In an exemplary embodiment, the system could be triggered externally. For example, an air traffic control (ATC) station could determine that the aircraft has deviated from its planned flight path. If personnel at the ATC station decide that the deviation is not attributable to the actions of the authorized flight crew, the personnel can transmit a signal to the aircraft that disables all normal cockpit control of the aircraft. Once normal flight controls are disabled, the aircraft may execute a preprogrammed emergency flight plan via its autopilot system, with or without the use of a flight management system (FMS). The emergency flight plan could cause the aircraft to fly to a sparsely populated area and enter a holding pattern, or it could cause the aircraft to land in a sparsely populated area or at an airport using an autoland system.

Abstract: According to the invention, high lift Leading-edge slats (13) and high lift flaps (14) are simultaneously deployed, when the speed of the aircraft is equal to and less than an AES threshold.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing supplemental drag to an aircraft are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes detecting changes in at least one throttle resolver angle (TRA). Deflections are determined for one or more flight control surfaces based on the changes in TRA, and accordingly, the one or more flight control surfaces are deflected automatically to generate supplemental drag. The one or more flight control surfaces include at least one at least one of an aileron, a spoiler, and an elevator. Additionally, in one instance, the deflections of the one or more flight control surfaces is implemented as a rated limited time lag function of the changes in TRA.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to assist in the landing of an airplane (1) in its final flight phase, following a current approach path (6) toward a runway (2), comprising the determination, at a given flight point, of a landing delay margin, called MRAmax, corresponding to an estimated delay during which the braking actions must be undertaken, after the wheels touch down, to enable the airplane (1) to stop on the runway (2). The invention also relates to a device (10) which comprises means (20) of acquiring parameters necessary to the method, computation means (30) which determine a landing delay margin MRAmax from the information received from said means (20) and means (40) of presenting the information to alert the crew, said landing delay margin MRAmax being established according to the method.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a bearing from a vehicle to a transmitting station are described. The method includes accessing a database to obtain transmitter position information for the transmitter, obtaining vehicle position information based on a GPS signal, and generating the bearing from the vehicle to the station utilizing the transmitter position information and the vehicle position information. The system includes a database storing transmitter position information identifying a position of the transmitter, a GPS receiver obtaining vehicle position information identifying a current position of the vehicle based on a GPS signal, and a controller generating a bearing from the vehicle to the transmitter utilizing the transmitter position information and the vehicle position information.

Abstract: A destination runway selection method, system and apparatus for use with a Terrain Awareness and Warning System (“TAWS”). The method involves determining upon which of a number of candidate runways an aircraft is most likely to land so that appropriate Required Terrain Clearance (“RTC”) values and other alert thresholds may be referenced. According to a first aspect of the method, a destination airport is initially selected from among candidate airports. According to a second aspect of the method, a destination runway is selected from among the candidate runways at the destination airport. In one particular embodiment of the invention, the candidate runway is selected solely on the basis of distance calculations between the runway and the aircraft.

Abstract: An aircraft control system operates during landing to suppress normal modes of flexing of the aircraft or modes of rigid rotation. The excitation of the modes are measured using accelerometers attached to the aircraft or strain-measuring devices attached to the landing gears. To suppress the modes, the controller operates the flight control surfaces, e.g., elevators, ailerons, rudders and spoilers and/or the steering angle of the nose wheel. This reduces vibration, which reduces wear and makes braking more even because the variation in load on the ground wheels caused by the excitation of the modes is reduced.

Abstract: Method and system for monitoring and comparing, in real time, performance of an aircraft during an approach to touchdown along a conventional approach path and along a contemplated modified approach path to touchdown. In a first procedure, a flight parameter value at a selected location is compared and displayed, for the planned path and for the modified path. In a second procedure, flight parameter values FP(tn) at a sequence {tn}n of measurement times is compared and displayed, for the planned path and for a contemplated or presently-executed modified path. If the flight parameter for the planned path and for the modified path differ too much from each other, the pilot in command has an option of terminating the approach along the modified path.

Abstract: A method, computer program product and apparatus for locating aircraft with respect to airport runways and environs, generating a graphical display of the aircraft position, heading and ground speed information relative to the aircraft runways and environs, and annunciating situational awareness advisories as a function of aircraft information relative to the airport runways and environs.

Abstract: An unmanned helicopter includes an altitude control device for giving a command of a collective pitch blade angle based on an altitude change rate command, etc., and performing altitude control of an airframe and takeoff device, upon reception of a takeoff start command from the ground, for causing the airframe to take off and climbing the airframe to a first altitude while increasing the collective pitch blade angle without performing the altitude control of the altitude control device and then causing the altitude control device to start the altitude control. The unmanned helicopter further includes descending device for causing the airframe to descend to a second altitude while changing descent rate command of the altitude control device and giving a descent rate command smaller than the descent rate command to the second altitude to the altitude control device for causing the airframe to descend from the second altitude to the ground.

Abstract: The method and system for automatically controlling a path of travel of a vehicle include engaging an automatic control system when the security of the onboard controls is jeopardized. Engagement may be automatic or manual from inside the vehicle or remotely via a communication link. Any onboard capability to supersede the automatic control system may then be disabled by disconnecting the onboard controls and/or providing uninterruptible power to the automatic control system via a path that does not include the onboard accessible power control element(s). The operation of the vehicle is then controlled via the processing element of the automatic control system. The control commands may be received from a remote location and/or from predetermined control commands that are stored onboard the vehicle.

Abstract: The system (1) includes braking means (2) for braking the aircraft, a braking unit (3) controlling the braking means (2) on the basis of deceleration orders, a computing unit (5) for computing deceleration orders, which determines a plurality of distance/speed pairs relating to the movement of the aircraft over a landing runway, each of said pairs indicating the speed of movement at the associated distance defined relative to the runway threshold of the landing runway, and an interface element (7) that includes means (14) displaying on a screen (15) a representation (16) of the landing runway, showing the exits, and indications illustrating the distance/speed pairs, aiding an operator in choosing one of the exits, and means (17) enabling an operator to select the chosen exit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a set of holding pattern entry algorithms used to define flight segments for entry into holding patterns. These geometries preferably describe the specific location and distance of various segments used in the holding pattern and holding pattern racetrack, with each segment defined as a curved or straight segment between endpoints. The algorithms also preferably include criteria used to determine entry extension, maximum initial turn angle, and minimum distance between a hold fix and an entry turn point. The geometry also preferably extends entry distance to avoid excessive iterative calculations. The algorithms are preferably utilized by a flight management system and method that determines segment sequencing during entry into holding patterns and the holding patterns themselves.

Abstract: Method and device to assist in the piloting of an aircraft in a non-precision approach during a landing phase.

Abstract: An aircraft flight control system is provided for reducing the likelihood of an aircraft tailstrike. The flight control system includes a pitch command provided to a pitch control device for altering the aircraft's pitch attitude. The improvement is a system of altering the pitch command to avoid an aircraft tailstrike. The improvement includes determining a current tailskid closure rate and a current tail height; comparing the current tailskid closure rate with a threshold closure rate to determine an excess closure rate amount; and adding an incremental nose-down pitch command with the pitch command to avoid a potential aircraft tailstrike. The threshold closure rate is dependent upon the current tailskid height. The incremental nose-down pitch command is calculated as a function of the excess closure rate amount.

Abstract: A taxi planning system for aircraft provides an intuitive user interface for entering and selecting taxi plans quickly and easily. The system includes predefined reduced selection menus that prompt the pilot with feasible taxi choices. Predefined standard routes allow the pilot to select a taxi route with a minimum of keystrokes and in a minimum of time. A display screen communicates the selection menus and standard routes to the pilot who makes a selection with as little as one keystroke. A database comprising a linked list structure facilitates a flexible system that is able to represent a wide variety of airport runways, taxiways, gates, ramps, and other airport structures. The selected taxi route is communicated to other aircraft systems such as head-down displays, head-up displays, flight management computers, communication systems, and the like.

Abstract: Method and arrangment in the automatic landing of an aircraft (1), comprising a unit (4) arranged on the aircraft (1) and designed to form an image of a group of radiation sources (3) located next to a runway (2), and a calculation device connected to the imaging unit (4) and designed to continuously calculate the position and orientation of the aircraft (1) in relation to the runway (2) using the image formed by the imaging unit (4), in which the radiation sources (3) are deployed at precisely plotted co-ordinates, which are stored in a memory situated in the calculation device, and in which the said co-ordinates are used in calculating the position and orientation of the aircraft (1) when landing.

Abstract: An energy systems management method includes steps of providing a hierarchically arranged, interrelated set of synoptic displays interfaced to an energy system for receiving information from and providing command inputs to the energy system. One synoptic display of the set of synoptic displays is an overall energy synoptic, and the other synoptic displays of the set of synoptic displays are synoptics displaying the status of corresponding energy systems. The method also includes steps of acquiring human inputs through the synoptic displays, for example, by means of a computer user interface device, and controlling the energy system by processing the human inputs through the synoptic displays to provide command inputs to the energy system.

Abstract: A vehicle path controller for vehicles whose path is influenced by a moving current and has manual or automatic path steering based on a steering signal (v) supplied to a servo device (102) for executing steering movements. Set path data and actual path data relative to an earth based coordinate system are supplied to the path controller (101), the actual path data being supplied by a navigation system (110). The steering signal (v) is derived from a comparison of the set path data with the actual path data and is based on a control function relating steering value (v) and deviation (&Dgr;&khgr;) of an actual path azimuth angle (&khgr;) from a set path azimuth angle (&khgr;S). The steering value (v) produces a signal (101b) for a servo device (102).

Abstract: The present method and apparatus consists of storing past values of estimated IRU error and using these past values to update the coasting filter when switching from GPS to inertial mode. Through the storage of past IRU error estimates, it is possible to avoid misdirected guidance from an erroneous GPS signal. The MMR and ground station can require up to 6 seconds to identify a failed GLS signal.

Abstract: A method and system for displaying a flight plan such that an entire flight plan is viewable through the use of scrolling devices is disclosed. The flight plan display may also include a method and system for collapsing and expanding a flight plan display, have provisions for the conspicuous marking of changes to a flight plan, the use of tabs to switch between various displays of data, and access to a navigation database that allows a user to view information about various navigational aids. The database may also the access to the information about the navigational aids to be prioritized based on proximity to the current position of the aircraft.

Abstract: A device for programming industry standard autopilots by unskilled pilots. The effect of the invention is such that when the invention is employed in a flying body comprising an industry standard autopilot with a digital flight control system, the invention provides for the safe operation of any aircraft by an unskilled pilot. The device additionally affords skilled pilots a more rapid and simplified means of programming autopilots while in flight thus reducing a skilled pilot's cockpit workload for all aircraft flight and directional steering, way points, and aircraft flight functions reducing the possibility of pilot error so as to effect safer flight operations of an aircraft by affording a skilled pilot to direct aircraft steering and function while under continuous autopilot control.

Abstract: An improvement to an aircraft flight control system is provided for reducing the likelihood of an aircraft tailstrike. The flight control system includes a pitch command provided to a pitch control device for altering the aircraft's pitch attitude. The improvement is a system of altering the pitch command to avoid an aircraft tailstrike. The improvement includes determining a current tailskid closure rate and a current tail height; comparing the current tailskid closure rate with a threshold closure rate to determine an excess closure rate amount; and adding an incremental nose-down pitch command with the pitch command to avoid a potential aircraft tailstrike. The threshold closure rate is dependent upon the current tailskid height. The incremental nose-down pitch command is calculated as a function of the excess closure rate amount.

Abstract: A method for generating a horizontal path for the avoidance of danger zones for an aircraft. The method models the contours of each danger zone by a succession of segments demarcated by points. The method determines two homing circles and two capture circles passing respectively through the initial point and final point which are tangential respectively to the initial route and to the final route and have respectively the initial and final turning radius. The method also determines tangents both to the homing circles or the capture circles and to the contour of each danger zone. Among these tangents, a pair of tangents to a homing circle and to a capture circle are selected, defining a path skeleton connecting a homing circle to a capture circle without meeting a danger zone. And, an automatically controllable evasion path that lies on the previously defined path skeleton is then determined.

Abstract: A method of changing a preselect altitude value includes receiving an input from a pilot. In response, the preselect altitude value is changed by a first amount from a current preselect altitude value toward a minimum altitude value. The first amount that the preselect altitude value is changed by is dependent upon a proximity of the current preselect altitude value to the minimum altitude value such that if a difference between the current preselect altitude value and the minimum altitude value is greater than a first predetermined interval, the first amount is equal to the first predetermined interval. If the difference between the current preselect altitude value and the minimum altitude value is less than the first predetermined interval, then the first amount is less than the first interval, for example resulting in the preselect altitude value being set directly to the minimum altitude value.

Abstract: Disclosed are a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) landing system (GLS) and methods of using the same to calculate a vertical deviation from the glide slope of the aircraft. A GNSS antenna and position determining circuitry are used to determine the position of the aircraft as a function of received GNSS positioning signals. Vertical deviation computation circuitry coupled to the position determining circuitry calculates an angular vertical deviation &agr;v from the glide slope of the aircraft as a function of the total horizontal distance between the aircraft and a GLS elevation reference point (GERP).

Abstract: A low-noise level landing apparatus for helicopters comprises a helicopter position calculator for calculating the position of the helicopter, a data input device, an air data sensor for measuring an airspeed and a descending angle, a rotor tachometer for detecting a rotor rotational speed, a memory and a fuel gauge for calculating the weight of the helicopter, a rotor rotational speed controller for controlling the rotor rotational speed, a BVI noise generating area database device for storing noise levels in accordance with parameters of descending speed, airspeed, descending angle, rotor rotational speed and weight of the helicopter. A computer selects a flight route, an airspeed, a descending angle and a rotor rotational speed wherein noise is reduced, by setting a plurality of flight routes on the basis of the helicopter position and landing point and by referring to the noise generating area database device. Low-noise level landing is then carried out by pilot manual control or automatic flight control.

Abstract: A method of providing speed protection to a neutrally-stable aircraft including the calculation of at least one of a stall protection signal and an overspeed protection signal. The aircraft includes a pitch control system having a command pitch signal received from pilot input to a control column. The protection signal is provided to the pitch control system to limit the commanded pitch signal during flight. The calculation of a stall protection signal includes differencing the aircraft's current airspeed with a reference speed and multiplying the difference by a scaling factor that corresponds to the force required by the pilot to move the control column. The calculation of an overspeed protection signal includes calculating a first signal based on airspeed, calculating a second signal based on Mach, selecting the large of the two signal and passing it through a limiter. The limiter is a function of roll attitude and corresponds to the force required by the pilot to move the control column.

Abstract: An image sensor attached to an aircraft generates an image. The image includes a runway and other objects. The edges within the image are detected and Nav Data is used to predict the coordinates defining the runway. The predicted coordinates and the detected edges are correlated to determine the location of the runway within the image. The location of the runway within the image is then used to determine the lateral and vertical deviation of the aircraft relative to the runway.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus for aiding landing of aircraft in weather conditions obscuring a pilot's view of a runway. The apparatus comprises a plurality of LED assemblies which are disposed along the runway. Each LED assembly includes a plurality of LEDs, a receiver and a plurality of drivers responsive to the receiver for energizing the LEDs. The LEDs of each LED assembly are pulsed on by signals from a transmitter disposed adjacent an end of the runway. The transmitter also sends synchronization signals to a receiver located on board the approaching aircraft. The receiver on the aircraft is coupled to a processor which uses the synchronization signals to determine when the LEDs are energized and when they are not energized. The processor controls a CCD camera mounted on the aircraft so as to obtain an unobstructed view of the approaching runway. The processor controls the CCD camera such that the camera takes images (i.e., frames) while the LEDs are pulsed on and also while the LEDs are off.

Abstract: A device for assisting the piloting of a vehicle by instruments. Various indications are displayed on an aircraft head-up view finder including a horizontal line graduated in terms of heading, a perpendicular line graduated in terms of atitude, an aircraft symbol representing the direction of the longitudinal axis of the aircraft above the horizontal line and a velocity vector symbol representing the tracking slope followed by the aircraft with respect to the ground. These are determined with respect to the tracking and atitude scales. The guidance window whose position is references with respect to the same axis is also displayed. The pilot must control the aircraft as to bring the velocity vector into the guidance window and keep it there. The window is placed on the screen at a position which is computed by the computer and which corresponds to the direction of a point of the desired path of the aircraft, this point being at a predetermined distance ahead of the aircraft.

Abstract: An aircraft automatic braking system processes the flight crew selected stopping position of the aircraft on the runway via a control display unit (30) and the aircraft's actual position, provided by a global positioning system (34), to generate a stop-to-position deceleration control signal in a provided control logic (36). If the flight crew selects the stop-to-position autobraking mode, the system determines whether or not a stop-to-position autobraking mode meets several predetermined criteria and, if the criteria are met, applies a control signal to the aircraft's braking system (62, 66) such that the aircraft is smoothly braked tending it to stop at the selected runway stopping position. The system eliminates the need for pilot lookup in a manual to determine a desired autobraking setting to choose based on altitude, temperature, approach speed and runway conditions and also operates to reduce pilot workload during limited visibility conditions.

Abstract: A dual global positioning system (GPS) receiver navigation system. The system of the present invention includes a primary GPS receiver adapted to determine a first position. The primary GPS receiver is certified to a first integrity level and is further adapted to provide GPS navigation data to an external device. The system of the present invention also includes a secondary GPS receiver coupled to the primary GPS receiver. The secondary GPS receiver is certified to a second integrity level having less stringent requirements than the first integrity level. The secondary GPS receiver is adapted to determine a second position and monitor the primary GPS receiver to detect a fault condition by comparing the first position and the second position, such that the GPS navigation data is provided in accordance with the first certification level regardless of the second integrity level of the secondary GPS receiver.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for guiding an aircraft (A) according to a prescribed vertical flight path (T).According to the invention:the vertical distance he between said aircraft (A) and said flight path (T) is determined;the difference ve between the actual vertical velocity (Vz) of the aircraft (A) and the vertical velocity (Vzth) which it would have on the flight path (T) is determined;a vertical acceleration variation Anz is calculated:.DELTA.nz=((k1.(he-hc))+(ve-vc)).k2k1 and k2 being characteristic coefficients, hc and vc being precontrol terms, and k1.(he-hc) being restricted; andsaid restricted variation Anz is applied to the aircraft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with an aircraft autopilot to prevent an aircraft part from striking the ground during near ground maneuvers by employing a protection circuit between the outer loop and the inner loop of the control chain between the autopilot and the control surface, the prevention circuit producing an output signal when there is a possibility of ground strike which output signal operates to reduce the control surface command signal from the inner loop to the control surface and thus be rapidly responsive to aircraft attitude changes that could produce ground strike.

Abstract: A number of different combinations of "true/false" conclusions of the air/ground condition of an aircraft are analyzed and compared to automatically provide a signal to a flight control system of the aircraft to indicate whether the aircraft is in the air or on the ground, particularly during transition from air to ground or from ground to air.

Abstract: A method modifying the landing pitch attitude of an airplane during landing approach and touchdown is disclosed. A reference value for a predetermined flight condition parameter is subtracted from a current value of the predetermined flight condition parameter, resulting in a difference value. Based upon the difference value, a schedule determines a corresponding deflection value for a movable surface capable of producing lift. The movable surface is automatically deflected to an amount equal to the deflection value. In alternative embodiments of the invention, the predetermined flight condition parameters include approach airspeed, attitude, and angle of attack.