Abstract: Systems and methods of the present disclosure are used to determine and display arrival, approach, and departure information on a display device in an aircraft, such as a moving map on a multi-function display. An arrival, approach, and/or departure may be received by a flight computer such that the arrival, approach, and/or departure information may be determined based on related approach procedures. Adjustments to navigational instruments may also be made. A pilot may then use the arrival, approach, and/or departure information to safely fly the arrival, approach and/or departure.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of monitoring the landing phase of an aircraft. The invention is a method making it possible to calculate and monitor the provisional landing distance and the configuration of the aircraft and flight parameters during the changes in the landing phase manoeuvre. The method consists in determining the landing runway then in analyzing the configuration and the dynamic parameters of the aeroplane, the meteorological and airport data in order to assess, from a performance database, whether the planned braking is suitable and will stop the aeroplane before the end of the runway. The result of the analysis gives rise, if the situation demands it, to appropriate visual and oral alarms.

Abstract: An aircraft landing and/or taxiing system has a plurality of landing zone, runway, and/or taxiway lights capable of receiving information signals and transmitting optically signals representative of the information signals. A processing system for providing the information signals to the plurality of lights is also used. The system also comprises a sensor tuned to receive light of a specific range of wavelengths, the light being emitted from the lights. Also, a processing system coupled to the sensor and configured with software to interpret signals received by the sensor is used. Program code runs on the processing system. The program code is configured to determine the location of an aircraft on the taxiway based on the light signal received from one or more of the taxiway lights. Also, the aircraft landing and/or taxiing system utilizes modulated lights to provide information pertinent to aircraft landing and/or taxiing operations.

Abstract: The system contains a receiver in communication with a programmable device. The receiver receives a first horizontal distance from the aircraft to a threshold of the runway, an angle of a glide path, and a threshold crossing height. The programmable device determines a projected ground distance from the aircraft to the threshold. The programmable device determines a projected ground distance from the threshold to a glide path intercept point. The programmable device determines a vertical value along the glide path relative to a projected ground distance between the aircraft and the glide path intercept point. The programmable device determines a synthetic altitude above runway for the aircraft.

Abstract: An aircraft synthetic vision system (100) is provided for increasing data input to a pilot (109) during approach and landing flight operations, and includes a runway assistance landing system (114) and a plurality of databases (106, 108, 110, 112) which may include, for example, a terrain database (106), an obstacle database (112); and a validated runway database (110). The processor (104) detects the likelihood of an error in determining the altitude from at least one of the runway assistance landing system (114), the plurality of databases (106, 108, 110, 112), and identifies the error. The processor (104) further determines augmented coordinates, and a processor (104) generates symbology commands to a first display (116) for displaying a runway environment in response to data provided to the processor (104) from each of the runway assistance landing system (114), the plurality of databases (106, 108, 110, 112), and the processor (104).

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: A distribution device for a glide guidance component, the distribution device including an array of antenna elements installed on a pylon. The distribution device includes: a first and a second input for receiving a CSB (carrier plus sideband) input signal and an SBO (sideband only) input signal respectively, a plurality of outputs connectable to the array and including a first and a second output for the first and second output signals, respectively; each of said output signals including a CSB component and an SBO component. The array of antenna elements is such as to irradiate an image-less type pattern and the distribution device is such that the outputs have an substantially equal amplitude value for each pair arranged symmetrically around a central point of the array and a phase difference which is identical for the two CSB and SBO components.

Abstract: The device relates to the signaling, to the pilot of a craft, of the risks that it incurs due to obstacles placed in its zone of deployment. This device determines, on the zone of deployment of the craft, the contours of several types of risk region as well as the contours of two lateral regions of tight deployment tied to the craft and produces alarms as a function of the types of zones at risk found in the lateral regions of tight deployment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to help a person responsible for a vehicle on an airport to follow running procedures in the airport, the vehicle including a device for using the method, including: a database including: data modelling all or some of an airport environment; one or several acquisition devices for acquiring procedures applicable to the running operation on the airport; one or several devices configured to acquire and determine vehicle status information; calculation means using the database; graphic transcription means and warning means; means of generating sound and visual alarms; wherein the assistance method includes at least the following steps: determine applicable procedures; continuously calculate deviations between the behaviour of the vehicle and applicable procedures; graphic transcription of progress of the vehicle while running and deviations from applicable procedures; trigger visual and/or sound alerts when a predetermined deviation threshold is crossed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assisting the pilot of an aircraft in making a go-around decision. Various aircraft parameters are monitored during the approach to land and a risk level assessed. When the risk level exceeds a specified threshold, an alert is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a flight management system with precision merging that may determine a rejoin turn location based upon a heading to allow proper spacing between an aircraft and an identified target aircraft. The flight management system may monitor for deviation from assigned airspace, winds, turn radius and desired airport speed profile for the approach to further refine a turn-back location. Advantageously, a delay in landing of the target aircraft may not affect the landing approach of other aircraft. This may result in more accurate spacing between aircraft which are closer to the allowed separation minima and may provide an increase in capacity especially in high-density areas.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for alerting a flight crew during landing that the tailwind exceeds acceptable limits. The system determines a base tailwind threshold speed for a candidate runway based on a performance constant associated with an aircraft and candidate runway information and determines present tailwind speed. If the tailwind speed is greater than the base tailwind threshold speed, a tailwind alert is generated. Also, the system determines if the aircraft is in a tailwind alerting mode based on configuration of the aircraft and activates tailwind alerting, if it is determined that the aircraft is in the tailwind alerting mode.

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: A method and system are provided for performing satellite-supported landings in CAT II/III type landing conditions. An exemplary system includes a communication component, a positioning system, a radar altimeter, and a processor. The communication component receives terrain data information related to an instrument landing approach. The positioning system determines position of the aircraft. The radar altimeter generates altitude information of the aircraft. The processor is coupled to the communication component, the positioning system, and the radar altimeter. The processor determines an aircraft altitude based on the determined position of the aircraft, received terrain data information, and the generated altitude information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting a taxi path by one or more acceptable taxi paths according to a taxi destination. A primary taxi path is selected according to an operation parameter and is made available as an aeronautical pilot aide.

Abstract: A taxiway approach advisory system. The system may include a computer-readable memory containing runway information and a processor in data communication with the memory. The processor may include a component for ascertaining the altitude of an aircraft, a component for ascertaining the location of the aircraft, a component for accessing runway information from the memory and determining if the aircraft is within a pre-determined runway envelope based on the altitude and location, and a component for issuing an indication if the aircraft is not within the pre-determined runway envelope.

Abstract: A packetized voice communication method and system. Techniques are disclosed for supporting communication between aircraft and ground stations using packetized digitally-encoded messages. The encoded messages, which originate from verbalized messages, may be transmitted using conventional and future radio frequency (RF) radio communication technologies. Virtual channels are employed to enable a single ground station or controller to communicate with multiple aircraft by employing different physical radio transmission channels for the aircraft. Messages sent from aircraft to controllers are received by various ground antennas and routed to an appropriate ground station identified by each message's packet header. The messages for a given ground station are inserted into a queue that is manually or automatically advanced. Upon reaching the top of the queue, the message is decoded and played back at the controller's headset. Controller-to-aircraft messages are sent in a similar manner.

Abstract: A method and device for determines a safe altitude for an aircraft. The device includes a unit that determines a clear zone corresponding to a lateral area dependent on the flight of the aircraft. A unit determines the highest altitude of the ground that is located under this clear zone. A unit determines a safe altitude, by calculating the sum of the aformentioned highest altitude and a guard height.

Abstract: A method and system for visually guiding an aircraft in its landing approach to a runway having an approach area equipped with approach lights operable in off, low, medium, and high intensity states. The lights are communicated with a secondary side of a transformer, which has a primary side with low, medium, and high taps that correspond to the light states. Off, low, medium, and high lighting intensity requests correspond to the low, medium, and high states of the plurality of lights. AC power is switched between the transformer taps in response to a request for an increase in lighting intensity. Power is sequentially applied to the taps by supplying the power to the low tap for a first predetermined time interval before supplying the power to the medium tap.

Abstract: A method and system for locating aircraft with respect to airport runways selecting as a function of aircraft state parameters one of a plurality of candidate runways that the aircraft on which it is installed is most likely to encounter, whether taxiing, preparing for take-off, or approaching to land.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product for assisting the pilot of an aircraft in making a go-around decision. Various aircraft parameters are monitored during the approach to land and a risk level assessed. When the risk level exceeds a specified threshold, an alert is provided.

Abstract: Communication devices, such as a radio and a cockpit communication panel, digitally communicate audio signals as digital data without use of a synchronizing clock signal between the devices. The communication panel and the radio function as both a receiver and as a transmitter of digital audio signals. In one embodiment, an analog audio signal is received by the transmitting device and transformed by a coder/decoder (CODEC) into a plurality of signals. The plurality of signals is received and transformed by a field programmable gate array (FPGA) into a digital signal that includes framing pulse and stop bits. The digital signal is transmitted to a FPGA in a receiving device, which transforms the signal into a second plurality of signals. A CODEC in the receiving device transforms the second plurality of signals into an analog audio signal.

Abstract: A method of guiding an aircraft in the final approach phase including imaging the ground using an imaging system onboard the aircraft to obtain an image, analyzing the image to detect an airport area, detecting an airport area and selecting a runway for landing, tracking the selected runway during the approach of the aircraft by visually tracking the selected runway in the image supplied by the imaging system, and tracking the runway when the aircraft is very close to the ground by analyzing the image supplied by the imaging system to determine the position of the aircraft relative to the runway.

Abstract: An aircraft on-board system for communicating with a ground-based radio transmitter forming a part of a Local Area Augmentation System for aiding in the navigation and landing of the aircraft, comprising a radio receiver adapted to receive signals, including identification signals identifying the Local Area Augmentation System, from the ground-based radio transmitter, a controller coupled to the radio receiver having an entry device for entering the channel number of a desired ground-based radio station and for tuning the on-board radio receiver to a desired frequency and further receiving from the radio signals, including the identification signals, and further having a signaling mechanism for providing to an operator of the aircraft on-board system a message including the identification of the ground-based radio station.

Abstract: An airfield guidance sign. The sign 100 (of FIG. 1a) includes a case (102), a multi-element light source (114) attached to the case (102) for providing light interior to the case (102), a light dispersion subsystem of the case for dispersing the light from the light source (114) substantially uniformly throughout the interior of the case (102); and a side panel (126) forming a side of the case (102) for displaying information.

Abstract: An airport map display system for an aircraft displays the airport paved surfaces and structures to a pilot or crew member. The system displays runways, taxiways, connectors, ramps, gates, and buildings. Hold and yield points may also be displayed. A compact set of specific data points and associated pavement width values is used to store unique data for each airport.

Abstract: A critical point on a runway indicates a point at which an aircraft may experience a runway overrun if landing beyond the critical point. A path projection is extended from the aircraft at a descent slope angle to determine whether the aircraft will land beyond the critical point at the current descent slope. Timely alerts may be provided by accounting for the time required to announce a distance value, and the distance traveled during the announcement.

Abstract: A method, avionics apparatus and computer program for determining a terminal flight path, including access to aircraft position information provided by a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. The method apparatus and computer program determine an Intended Touchdown Point (ITP), which is the desired landing location on an intended runway; determine a Current Touchdown Point (CTP), which is where the aircraft will land given its current glidepath and is a function of the current trajectory, configuration and engine thrust; determine a correspondence of the CTP and ITP and generate an output signal as a function of the correspondence, which is displayed on a cockpit display device, annunciated on a cockpit speaker, or both.

Abstract: A method, avionics apparatus and computer program for determining a terminal flight path, including access to aircraft position information provided by a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. The method apparatus and computer program determine an Intended Touchdown Point (ITP), which is the desired landing location on an intended runway; determine a Current Touchdown Point (CTP), which is where the aircraft will land given its current glidepath and is a function of the current trajectory, configuration and engine thrust; determine a correspondence of the CTP and ITP and generate an output signal as a function of the correspondence, which is displayed on a cockpit display device, annunciated on a cockpit speaker, or both.

Abstract: Device for determining the position of an aircraft (11) at an airport, includes a plurality of sensors (5) for detecting at least one radio signal originating from a vehicle (11), in which the plurality of sensors (5) are preferably positioned at regular intervals from one another on parts (2, 3) of the airport which are accessible to the vehicle (11). The present device is preferably used for detecting the position of an aircraft (11) on the runway system of an airport. The sensors (5) are preferably fitted in light positions of runway lighting provided at the airport on taxiways, take-off and landing runways (2, 3) and on plat-forms. The signal originating from a radio altimeter (12) of an aircraft (11) is preferably used as the radio signal.

Abstract: An approach suppressed TAWS system and method for suppressing nuisance alarms based upon a determination that an aircraft is properly aligned for landing based upon location within a safe zone defined by a glideslope component and a localizer component.

Abstract: An air traffic control support system comprises: a wake turbulence detecting unit adapted to detect a wake turbulence occurring in a runway sky due to taking off or landing of an aircraft; a decay time predicting unit adapted to predict decay time of the wake turbulence; a weather information acquiring unit adapted to acquire weather information in the surroundings around the runway; and a display unit adapted to display the decay time, wherein the decay time predicting unit predicts the decay time of the wake turbulence detected by the wake turbulence detecting unit on the basis of the weather information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for supplying information to pilots, especially in poor visibility, about, for instance, the borders of a runway (1). Along the long sides of the runway and at its beginning and end, signal means (2, 5) are arranged, which are translucent to e.g. UV radiation and which comprise a fluorescent material which converts the radiation penetrated by illumination into visible light. In the daytime, the UV radiation originates from sunlight. The converted light will then reinforce the usual light from the signal means, which originates from the sun's illumination thereof with visible light. As a result, It will be much easier to observe the signal means especially against the light. It is further suggested according to the invention that at night the signal means are illuminated by UV searchlights (34, 35).

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus, methods, and computer program products that monitor the altitude of an aircraft with respect to a selected runway. If the attitude of the aircraft is below a minimum glideslope with respect to the selected runway, the apparatus, methods, and computer program products of the present invention alert the flight crew, such that the altitude of the aircraft can be increased. This, in turn, increases time for reaction to abrupt changes in elevation near the selected runway. Specifically, the apparatus, methods, and computer program products of the present invention define a runway field clearance floor envelope about the selected runway that represents different preselected altitudes above the selected runway at respective distances from the selected runway. The apparatus, method, and computer program products of the present invention compare the altitude of the aircraft with respect to the selected runway to the runway field clearance floor envelope.

Abstract: A system and method are configured to provide a cost-effective runway monitoring tool that may be used by airports to aid in accident avoidance and investigation by generating and analyzing image data corresponding to runway areas and surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for supplying information to pilots, especially in poor visibility, about, for instance, the borders of a runway (1). Along the long sides of the runway and at its beginning and end, signal means (2, 5) are arranged, which are translucent to e.g. UV radiation and which comprise a fluorescent material which converts the radiation penetrated by illumination into visible light. In the daytime, the UV radiation originates from sunlight. The converted light will then reinforce the usual light from the signal means, which originates from the sun's illumination thereof with visible light. As a result, It will be much easier to observe the signal means especially against the light. It is further suggested according to the invention that at night the signal means are illuminated by UV searchlights (34, 35).

Abstract: An audio system that may include a flight-worthy electronics package that connects into the airborne electronics of a passenger aircraft, and to that aircraft's passenger system. The audio system may provide passengers with a variety of audio information. The audio information may include a variety of information tailored to phases of the flight plan of the aircraft. Thus, during takeoff, the system may describe the flight plan of the aircraft, whereas during descent, the system may alternately describe the distance to destination and time to destination. Other information that may be described, as desired, may include ground speed, outside air temperature, altitude, time or distance to a point of interest, and points of interest of the area that the aircraft is flying over at any particular moment. The audio system may cause these sequences of descriptions to recite automatically as determined by the preprogramming of the system. Passengers may also be provided with audio destination information.

Abstract: A power-line carrier airport facilities monitor system, comprising a host station and respective terminal for monitoring individually the object facilities via a rubber transformer are connected in series to a power line derived from a fixed current generator, wherein the host station and respective terminal create a control command for respective terminal/monitoring signal of the object facilities as text data and, on the other hand, injections said text data to the power line by FSK modulation based on the zero cross detection of the power line power source waveform.

Abstract: The present invention provides several apparatus, methods, and computer program products for predicting which one of at least two candidate runways on which an aircraft is most likely to land, such that data concerning the predicted runway may be used by ground proximity warning systems. The present invention includes a processor that receives data pertaining to an aircraft and at least two candidate runways in close proximity to the aircraft. Based on this data, the processor of the present invention determines a reference deviation angle between the aircraft and each candidate runway. This reference deviation angle may represent a bearing, track, or glideslope deviation angle between the aircraft and each candidate runway. The processor further evaluates each of the reference deviation angles and predicts which of the candidate runways the aircraft is most likely to land.

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: The present invention concerns a device for indicating the position of an aircraft (H) notably a helicopter (H) with respect to a beam (F).In accordance with the invention, said indicator includes fixed first means (6) indicating the position of said aircraft (H), movable second means (7) indicating the position of the beam (F) in a predefined direction with respect to said aircraft (H), and third means (8) indicating which way to steer the aircraft (H) in the predefined direction to capture the beam (F) to said third means (8) being activated only when the aircraft (H) has crossed the beam (F) completely and is outside it.

Abstract: A wake turbulence avoidance light system is provided including an aircraft runway with a periphery including a pair of long parallel side edges and a pair of short end edges. Also included is a plurality of light assemblies mounted along at least one of the side edges of the runway in spaced relationship. A plurality of sensors are adapted for indicating a point on the runway at which a plane has departed. Finally, control circuitry is connected between the light assemblies and the sensors for indicating a location of the point by illuminating a light assembly adjacent thereto, as detected by the sensor.

Abstract: An alternate destination planner for searching a navigation database in an aircraft and identifying a plurality of alternate destinations at which the aircraft can land in the event of an emergency. For each identified alternate destination, the alternate destination planner calculates an estimated time of arrival (ETA) and an amount of fuel remaining upon arrival at the destination. The calculation of the ETA and the remaining fuel is based on user-modifiable parameters of aircraft speed, aircraft altitude, wind direction and speed, outside air temperature, and the type of routing the aircraft will follow from a diversion point to the alternate destination. The plurality of alternate destinations are displayed to a pilot of the aircraft according to the ETA to each alternate destination, with the closest alternate destination by time listed first. The plurality of alternate destinations are also displayed to the pilot on a map of the surrounding region that is provided to the pilot on a navigation display.

Abstract: An aircraft landing determination apparatus and method for determining landing status of an aircraft by tracking arriving aircrafts and providing a unique runway assignment therefor. The aircraft landing determination apparatus includes a target processor, a track administrator, and a track reporter. The target processor culls multiple target tracks from a target data transmission provided by a target sensor. The track administrator receives the target tracks, selects at least one arrival track therefrom, and allocates a unique runway assignment to each arrival track. The track reporter receives the arrival track and runway assignment, prepares a track report thereabout, and transmits the track report to a position monitoring apparatus.

Abstract: A process and a device for detecting inconsistencies in the operation of a system with multiple phases of operation, controlled by at least one operator. The current phase of operation of the system is determined. For the determined phase, reference is made to at least one theoretical model representative of at least one feature of the system. The effective values of the variables used in the theoretical model is detected. The detected effective values are compared to theoretical data defined in the theoretical model. Any incompatibility detected during these comparisons is signaled together with the nature of this incompatibility. The detection system can be used with the pilotage of aircraft.

Abstract: An aircraft navigational facilitation system (20) and method of use thereof operates in conjunction with conventional apparatus which provides aircraft current situational information. The system includes a memory (22) for storing runway and landing information for each of a plurality runways. An input device, such as a keyboard (24), is provided for selecting a destination runway. The system further includes a video display device (28) which simulates the view from a cockpit of the aircraft, with the view including the destination runway. The video display device is driven by a processor (26) which uses the current situational information and the runway information for periodically generating display signals for the video display device. The display signals cause the video display to provide an updated and scaled simulated three dimensional view of a perimeter of the destination runway from a perspective of the cockpit of the aircraft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aiding a landing aircraft. Three differently-colored beams of laser light are produced and transmitted, one of the beams of laser light being transmitted in a plane containing the direction from which the aircraft is approaching. Another of the beams of light is transmitted on one side of the plane, and the third of the beams of light is transmit on the other side of the plane. The pilot of the aircraft can determine whether the aircraft is on the plane or to the one side or the other by the color of the light the pilot receives. If desired, at least one of the colored laser beams that is transmitted toward one side of the plane can be broken into a plurality of adjacent fan-shaped beams, the light in at least one of the fan-shaped beams being interrupted intermittently.

Abstract: A flight director command indicator for a cathode ray tube display has a single cue positioned in roll, pitch and translation by combining roll attitude and pitch attitude command signals. It includes cooperating indicia for providing visual commands to bring the aircraft to a predetermined flight path of attitude to satisfy the flight director command.

Abstract: A glide slope indicator system in which light from an incoming aircraft's landing light is shaped by spherical/cylindrical lens combination into a line image which strikes a linear photodiode array. By determining which photodiode in the array the center of the line image strikes, the glide slope angle can be determined. An appropriate signal is communicated to the pilot via a pair of indicator lights mounted on the runway depending upon whether the aircraft is above, below or on the desired glide slope angle.

Abstract: A system for providing a Head-Up Display (HUD) on board an aircraft to assist a pilot in guiding the aircraft. The display is positioned in the pilot's normal line of sight. In one mode it utilizes a radio beam landing system such as an ILS (Instrument Landing System) to generate symbols that correspond to visual ground cues which, together with an aircraft symbol display, provide the pilot with cues for aligning the aircraft on the appropriate path for approach and landing. The system moves the aircraft symbol in accordance with motion changes of the aircraft. During a landing approach the pilot "flies" the aircraft symbol relative to the simulated and/or real ground cues. By making the HUD correspond with ground cues, the abrupt transition from instrumented to visual flight is eliminated. At altitudes below which available ILS is not acceptable, the system provides a smooth transition to a mode independent of ILS and then to a flare mode.