Abstract: Methods and devices for checking the geometry of an angle-of-attack sensor belonging to an aircraft are provided. The device includes one or more stages, a stage comprising a slot the geometric dimensions of which are specifically configured to accept a portion of the said angle-of-attack sensor. The device allows a visual inspection but can also be instrumented (photoelectric cell, laser, camera) in order to verify the geometry of the sensor in detail. Developments notably describe the use of signal indicators, motorized stages, one or more image sensors, specific materials, communications with computers, or placement by drone and/or robotic arm. Software aspects are described.

Abstract: Methods and systems for instrument landing system (ILS) alerting. The method may include: receiving an ILS localizer signal and traffic information; monitoring a signal-quality of the received ILS signal; annunciating on a display system onboard the aircraft an impending ILS auto-pilot disconnect alert when the signal-quality is determined to have decreased by more than a threshold; associating the ILS signal with stored ILS antenna information to thereby construct a three-dimensional ILS envelope with a point of origination at a location of an ILS localizer; presenting a map showing the aircraft at a current location, and the runway; and, using the traffic information to monitor a location and movement of an intruder traffic and predict an infringement of the intruder traffic on the ILS envelope. Responsive to the predicted infringement, the method may annunciate an ILS alert and transmit a notification to air traffic control or the intruder traffic.

Abstract: A system for determining a heading of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a magnetometer configured to generate a magnetic heading output signal, and one or more rate gyros configured to generate a gyro angular rate output signal. The system may further include a controller configured to determine a magnetometer heading rate based on the magnetic heading output signal and a gyro heading rate based on the gyro angular rate output signal. The controller may calculate a difference value between the magnetometer heading rate and the gyro heading rate. If the difference value is above a difference threshold value, the controller may calculate an integration value between the magnetometer heading rate and the gyro heading rate, report a positive magnetometer error state if the integration value is above an integration threshold value, and report a negative magnetometer error state if the integration value is below the integration threshold value.

Abstract: A simple device for accurately measuring real-time air flows along a wall, and relating to a measuring device including an optical sensor configured to measure an illuminance distribution on a free surface of the optical sensor. A mobile member movably is mounted on the light sensor by partially covering its free surface, the mobile member being adapted to be freely directed by a local air flow pattern, thus, modulating the illuminance distribution on the free surface so as a current illuminance distribution measurement by the optical sensor indicates the current direction of the mobile member representing the current air flow pattern.

Abstract: A warning method for an aircraft includes receiving a first parameter indicative of an aircraft's flight path, calculating a stable approach value based on the first parameter, receiving a second parameter indicative of the aircraft's turbulence, calculating a turbulence factor based on the second parameter, calculating a safe landing value based on the stable approach value and the turbulence factor, comparing the safe landing value to a threshold value, and providing an aircraft warning when the safe landing value fails to meet the threshold value.

Abstract: An aircraft tailstrike warning method includes identifying a first value representing an aircraft angle of attack, identifying a second value representing a maximum aircraft angle of attack, identifying a difference between the first value and the second value, and providing a tailstrike warning when the difference between the first value and the second value is less than a threshold amount.

Abstract: A warning method for an aircraft includes receiving a first parameter indicative of an aircraft's flight path, calculating a stable approach value based on the first parameter, receiving a second parameter indicative of the aircraft's turbulence, calculating a turbulence factor based on the second parameter, calculating a safe landing value based on the stable approach value and the turbulence factor, comparing the safe landing value to a threshold value, and providing an aircraft warning when the safe landing value fails to meet the threshold value.

Abstract: An image processing system for enhanced flight vision includes a processor and memory coupled to the processor. The memory contains program instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to receive radar returns data for a runway structure, generate a three-dimensional model representative of the runway structure based on the radar returns data, generate a two-dimensional image of the runway structure from the three-dimensional model, and generate an aircraft situation display image representative of the position of the runway structure with respect to an aircraft based on the two-dimensional image.

Abstract: An aircraft tailstrike warning method includes identifying a first value representing an aircraft angle of attack, identifying a second value representing a maximum aircraft angle of attack, identifying a difference between the first value and the second value, and providing a tailstrike warning when the difference between the first value and the second value is less than a threshold amount.

Abstract: A terrain warning system includes an indicator to inform a pilot of a proposed degree of flight parameters for safely clearing terrain. An aural message may identify a vertical speed that may be used to safely traverse terrain to the pilot. A visual indicator on a display informs the pilot of a vertical speed or climb angle to traverse terrain. The display may be a vertical speed indicator also capable of displaying traffic advisories.

Abstract: A system and method for illuminating one or more sidestick controllers within a cockpit of an aircraft is described. In some embodiments, the system includes a sidestick controller having lighting components that display lighting behaviors representing the movement and/or control of an aircraft. In some embodiments, the system illuminates various different lighting components on a sidestick controller based on information received from aircraft control systems, cockpit lighting systems, and other systems associated with an aircraft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring an aircraft. A pilot control input signal is received. A response of a control surface system controlled by a flight control model is identified using the pilot control input signal. An alert is generated when the control surface system reaches a threshold with respect to the control surface system becoming saturated.

Abstract: A system and method monitor aircraft state parameters, for example, aircraft movement and flight parameters, applies those inputs to a spatial disorientation model, and makes a prediction of when pilot may become spatially disoriented. Once the system predicts a potentially disoriented pilot, the sensitivity for alerting the pilot to conditions exceeding a threshold can be increased and allow for an earlier alert to mitigate the possibility of an incorrect control input.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system for preventing collisions with a terrain. The system includes a detecting means for detecting risks of collision with the terrain after a predetermined forecasting delay. The system further includes a determining means for determining, based on a trajectory followed by the aircraft, a possible limit point for success of the vertical terrain avoidance maneuver. The system further includes indication means for giving indications on azimuth clearance sections, around the direction in which the aircraft is moving, suitable for success of the vertical terrain avoidance maneuver. The system further includes means for estimating a free-travel distance in each azimuth clearance sector on a straight distancing trajectory with constant gradient and over a distance correspond to more than one minute of flight, the free-travel distance being free of potential conflicts with the terrain.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for an actively variable shock absorbing system for actively controlling the load response characteristics of a shock absorbing strut. In one embodiment the shock absorbing system comprises a controllable valve adapted for actively varying a load response characteristic of the shock absorbing strut. The shock absorbing system further comprises an electronic control system comprising an input for receiving a signal from a sensor, an algorithm adapted to determine an optimal position for the controllable valve in view of the sensor signal, and an output for sending a control signal to the controllable valve to place the valve in the optimal position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring an aircraft. A pilot control input signal is received. A response of a control surface system controlled by a flight control model is identified using the pilot control input signal. An alert is generated when the control surface system reaches a threshold with respect to the control surface system becoming saturated.

Abstract: A vehicle system is provided. The system includes a processor configured to receive data representative of a current attitude and a desired attitude and to generate display signals associated with the current attitude and the desired attitude. The system further includes a display device configured to receive the display signals and operable to selectively render an image including roll angle alert symbology. The roll angle alert symbology includes a first curved arrow.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving pilot situational awareness during brown-over-brown display situations. An image is rendered, on a display, that includes one of, or both, rendered terrain and rendered sky. A sky veil is at least selectively rendered on a portion of the display. The sky veil, when rendered, is rendered at least partially transparent and in a manner that portions of the sky veil that overlap with rendered sky are not discernable, and rendered terrain is viewable through portions of the sky veil that overlap with terrain.

Abstract: Present novel and non-trivial system, device, and method for generating location information presented to a pilot are disclosed. A processing unit is configured to receive manual input data representative of one or more selected image location(s) on a first image data set; determine a selected geographic location for each selected image location; and update the second image data set to include location pointer data. As embodied herein, first and second images represented in the first and second image data sets, respectively, could be displayed simultaneously on the same display unit or separately on different display units. Also, the first image and second image could correspond to an egocentric view and a plan view, respectively, or vice-versa. Additionally, the first image data set and/or second image data set could be updated include first and/or second location pointer data, respectively.

Abstract: A method and device for displaying trim information on an airplane during a take-off, for determining and displaying a precise trim setpoint which enables the pilot, by following the displayed information, to carry out a manual take-off which is optimized from the performance point of view.

Abstract: A method and system for indicating a potential stall condition for an aircraft during flight. An alert lift coefficient is identified for the aircraft. The alert lift coefficient is adjusted in response to a number of changes in a current state of the aircraft. A set of thresholds is identified for use in generating an alert indicating that the aircraft has reached the potential stall condition using the alert lift coefficient.

Abstract: Present novel and non-trivial systems and methods for embedding aircraft attitude data within a pixel data set and detecting inconsistent aircraft attitude information are disclosed. A pixel data set representative of the scene outside the aircraft is generated based upon the navigation data and the terrain data, attitude-exclusive data is generated based upon orientation data, and attitude-exclusive data is embedded into the pixel data set to form an embedded pixel data set. Attitude-exclusive data is comprised of attitude-exclusive pixel data having first and second pixel locations or attitude-exclusive ancillary data. Attitude-exclusive data is compared against separately-provided reference attitude data for the purpose of detecting inconsistent attitude information.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for transmitting incursion alerts to a plurality of in-flight aircraft in accordance with preconfigured pilot preferences. The apparatus comprises a data store module containing data sets against which the pilot preferences are evaluated during flight, including weather, airspace and flight restrictions, ground delay programs, and air traffic information. The apparatus further includes a flight path module containing route and position information for each aircraft. An incursion alert processing module evaluates the flight path, data store, and pilot preferences and generates incursion alerts which are transmitted to each aircraft during flight, either directly or via ground based dispatchers or flight operations personnel.

Abstract: A display system and method for a vehicle are provided. The display system includes a processor configured to receive data representative of a waypoint and terrain and to supply display commands associated with the waypoint and the terrain; and a display device coupled the processor for receiving the display commands and operable to render three-dimensional terrain and a first symbol elevated from the terrain representing the waypoint.

Abstract: Aircraft attitude systems are provided, in which a representative system includes: an instrument face having a bank angle scale, a bank status indicator, a pitch angle scale and a pitch status indicator; the bank angle scale being fixed in position relative to the instrument face and being operative to present increments of bank angle of an aircraft; the bank status indicator being operative to move relative to the bank angle scale such that a current aircraft bank angle is indicated; the pitch angle scale being fixed in a vertical orientation relative to the instrument face and being operative to present increments of pitch angle of an aircraft; the pitch status indicator being operative to move relative to the pitch angle scale such that a current aircraft pitch angle is indicated.

Abstract: A method executes a gyroscope function to unlock a portable electronic device. A user can rotate the portable electronic device to set a predetermined rotation direction and a predetermined rotation angle for unlocking the portable electronic device. In an unlock procedure, the gyroscope detects the rotated portable electronic device and outputs detected information of the portable electronic device. If the rotation direction and the rotation angle are the same as the predetermined rotation direction and the predetermined rotation angle, the locked portable electronic device is unlocked.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pilot assistance method for giving assistance in piloting a rotary wing aircraft, the method consisting in using a scale with collective pitch graduations that is movable on a display screen to indicate the position of the collective pitch, in determining the desynchronization pitch, in using a maximum limit value and a minimum limit value for the speed of rotation of the rotor, in transforming the maximum limit value and the minimum limit value in real time and as a function of physical flight parameters respectively into a bottom limit position and a top limit position for the collective pitch, and when a determined difference appears between the real value and the reference value Nr0 for the speed of rotation of the rotor, in displaying at least one item of corrective information about the adjustment of the collective pitch.

Abstract: A display system and method for an aircraft simultaneously displays the terrain under the flight plan, or under the current track of the aircraft, as both a two-dimensional lateral situation view image and as a perspective vertical situation view image. This provides improved tactical flight planning, and that does not erroneously show the flight plan passing through the displayed terrain.

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: Disclosed is a method and device for detecting lateral dissymmetry of an aircraft. A control parameter determination unit is used to determine a current value of a control parameter representative of all roll control surfaces of the aircraft, and a control parameter comparison unit is used to compare the determined current value with a predetermined reference value. A current deflection angle of a lateral stick of the aircraft is also determined, and the determined current deflection angle is compared with a predetermined angle value. A visual alarm signal is output, when the current value of the roll control surfaces of the aircraft is greater than a predetermined reference value and the lateral stick is at a deflection angle that is greater than a predetermined angle value.

Abstract: A present novel and non-trivial system, module, and method for presenting messages to a pilot of an aircraft are disclosed. The system comprises a source for providing message data, a message generating (“MG”) processor, and a presentation system. Message data received from a message data source includes data fields for providing message location on a flight plan and one or more modes of presentation. After receiving the message data, an MG processor generates a message presentation data set corresponding to the message data; the message presentation data set represents a message object shown at the message location on a flight plan and at least one presentation mode. Then, a presentation system receives the message presentation data set and presents the information contained in such data set to one or more units of the presentation system including a visual display unit and/or an aural alert unit.

Abstract: A method is provided for automatically controlling a first vehicle (follower vehicle) that is to follow a second vehicle (leader vehicle) in a desired manner with respect to movement of the second vehicle. In the follower vehicle, bearing and acceleration control inputs are generated based on data representing bearing and acceleration control inputs made at the leader vehicle and a position of the follower vehicle relative to the leader vehicle so as to mimic in the follower vehicle the bearing and acceleration control inputs made in the leader vehicle. Adjustments may be made to the control inputs applied in the follower vehicle based on deviation between the velocity of the follower vehicle and velocity of the leader velocity, and on deviation between estimated (actual) follow distance and lateral offset and target follow distance and lateral offset between the follower vehicle and the leader vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to aircraft instrument panel equipment. According to the invention, the proposal is for an instrument panel which, in addition to a main display system for horizon and necessary piloting parameters, comprises two items of equipment identical from the point of view of hardware and the point of view of software, each provided with a display screen, automatic pilot set point adjustment buttons, computing means and standby data (standby horizon, altitude, speed). In normal operating conditions, one of the items of equipment is configured in an “automatic pilot set point display” mode; its control buttons are used to give the set points to the automatic pilot computer, and the set points are displayed on the screen. The other item of equipment is configured in “integrated standby data display” mode. It displays on the screen the standby horizon, the standby speed and the standby altitude. The mode may be switched at will or in the event of a failure of one of the two items of equipment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving landing gear alerting on a rotary wing aircraft. An example system includes a user interface device that allows a user to set a bug altitude value and a radio altimeter that produces an altitude value, both of which are in communication with a processor. The processor receives a bug altitude setting, generates a landing gear alert altitude value based on the received bug altitude setting and a predefined additive, receives a radio altitude value for the rotary-wing aircraft, and generates a landing gear alert if the radio altitude value is less than the landing gear alert altitude value and the landing gear is not in a landing position. An output device in signal communication with the processor, outputs the generated landing gear alert.

Abstract: A method is provided for automatically controlling a first vehicle (follower vehicle) that is to follow a second vehicle (leader vehicle) in a desired manner with respect to movement of the second vehicle. In the follower vehicle, bearing and acceleration control inputs are generated based on data representing bearing and acceleration control inputs made at the leader vehicle and a position of the follower vehicle relative to the leader vehicle so as to mimic in the follower vehicle the bearing and acceleration control inputs made in the leader vehicle. Adjustments may be made to the control inputs applied in the follower vehicle based on deviation between the velocity of the follower vehicle and velocity of the leader velocity, and on deviation between estimated (actual) follow distance and lateral offset and target follow distance and lateral offset between the follower vehicle and the leader vehicle.

Abstract: The general field of the invention relates to devices for controlling the two attitude reference units of the AHRS type for aircraft, each AHRS comprising at least a first set of magnetometer measurements and at least a second set of gyroscopic measurements, each AHRS having two modes of operation, the first mode, called slave mode supplying the flight system with the information coming from the first set, the second mode, called DG mode supplying the flight system with the information coming from the second set. The device according to the invention comprises a display and means for displaying within this display a control window for these two attitude reference units, said window comprising three regions, the first region dedicated to the first AHRS unit, the second region dedicated to the second AHRS unit, the third region dedicated to the simultaneous control of the two AHRS units.

Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods for assisting a pilot of an aircraft. The system includes a near-eye display and a processing subsystem. The near-eye display includes a transparent display panel that is adapted to be oriented in proximity to at least one eye of the pilot. The processing subsystem is adapted to receive aircraft data that indicates an attitude of the aircraft, and to determine whether the aircraft data indicates a potential spatial disorientation situation. When the aircraft data indicates the potential spatial disorientation situation, the processing system is adapted to cause the near-eye display to display an exterior display indicator overlying at least a portion of the windshield of the aircraft. The exterior display indicator includes a visual representation of an earth-based reference, and the exterior display indicator is oriented to indicate the attitude of the aircraft.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining center of gravity for an aircraft. An example system includes one or more load measurement devices that generate one of nose gear or main gear weight information and a processing device that determines center of gravity of the aircraft based on previously received gross weight information and the generated nose or main gear weight information. The number of gear sets with load measurement devices is one less that the total number of gear sets having distinct longitudinal positions along a fuselage of the aircraft. The processing device further determines center of gravity based on temperature and/or pitch attitude information. The system includes a user interface that allows a user to enter the gross weight information that might be included in a flight manifest or a load and trim sheet and/or a communication component that receives the gross weight information from a ground-based system.

Abstract: A terrain advisory display including a display, a processing circuit coupled to the display and wherein the display is configured to generate a three-dimensional image.

Abstract: A method for displaying an operating parameter for a mobile platform. A plurality of different graphs can be digitized to place them in electronic form. Each graph represents a different operational or environmental characteristic relating to operation of the mobile platform, and each is further related to a common parameter. A first one of the digitized graphs is selected by a user. A user positionable marker is displayed on the first digitized graph at a specific, user selected location on the first digitized graph. Next a second one of the digitized graphs is selected. The second one of the digitized graphs is then overlayed over at least a portion of the first digitized graph, with the marker remaining visible and superimposed on the second digitized graph, and without having moved relative to the first digitized graph. The second digitized graph is then aligned relative to the first digitized graph. The marker is then used to assist in reading information from the second digitized graph.

Abstract: A system and method for generating lateral guidance image data and presenting information representative of the image data is disclosed. A system is disclosed for determining lateral guidance information based upon the elevation of terrain cells and a level of terrain threat associated with the elevation. A left or right turn angle, or both could be formed between a projected flight path and a vector extending to a tangent point of a terrain boundary to the left and right, respectively. The degree of angle could be determined for each, and lateral guidance image data based upon the boundary location of a level of terrain threat with respect to the projected flight path determined. A lateral processor provides an alert signal associated with the generation of the lateral guidance information and provide such signal to a crew visual and aural alerting system.

Abstract: A reference value is arbitrarily selected from a range of possible aircraft rotation speeds. A position of a trimmable horizontal stabilizer is angled in accordance with a centering of the reference value. A deviation between the reference value and an accelerating speed value of the aircraft is determined. Elevators or the horizontal stabilizer are controlled, prior to rotation, in accordance with the determined deviation.

Abstract: An aviation yoke HSI interface and flight deck control indicator and selector safety system enhances flight safety. The system incorporates a multi-controlled HSI with a yoke heading adjustment control, a yoke VOR radial selector, and a yoke heading centering control positioned on the captain yoke. The system may also incorporate a first officer multi-controlled HSI with a first officer yoke heading adjustment control, a first officer yoke VOR radial selector, and a first officer yoke heading and course centering control positioned on the first officer yoke. An autopilot mode indicator visually indicates whether an autopilot is flying according to a desired heading or according to a VOR radial signal. A side selector-indicator control permits selection of which side controls the flight of the aircraft. A first control unit and a second control unit may be in electrical communication with both sides to fly the aircraft in autopilot.

Abstract: A flight deck display element for an aircraft includes a primary flight display rendered thereon. The primary flight display includes a primary display region having a perimeter, a perspective view of terrain corresponding to a flight deck viewpoint, and an attitude frame surrounding the perimeter of the primary display region. The perspective view of terrain is rendered in the primary display region, and the attitude frame includes a first region and a second region rendered with different visually distinguishable characteristics. The boundaries of the first region and the second region are defined by a current attitude condition of the aircraft.

Abstract: An aviation yoke HSI interface and flight deck control indicator and selector safety system enhances flight safety. The system incorporates a multi-controlled HSI with a yoke heading adjustment control, a yoke VOR radial selector, and a yoke heading centering control positioned on the captain yoke. The system may also incorporate a first officer multi-controlled HSI with a first officer yoke heading adjustment control, a first officer yoke VOR radial selector, and a first officer yoke heading and course centering control positioned on the first officer yoke. An autopilot mode indicator visually indicates whether an autopilot is flying according to a desired heading or according to a VOR radial signal. A side selector-indicator control permits selection of which side controls the flight of the aircraft. A first control unit and a second control unit may be in electrical communication with both sides to fly the aircraft in autopilot.

Abstract: The device (1) includes means (2, 3, 4) for observing the overall conditions of the aircraft and for determining whether the lateral behaviour thereof is normal.

Abstract: This simplified self powered aircraft attitude survival indicator is easily and readily transportable from one aircraft to another and provides a simple indicator which gives a visual indication of aircraft attitude and alarms when the aircraft is in a dangerous attitude. The aircraft attitude indicator includes a housing containing a power source, multiple attitude sensors, and at least one piezoelectric alarm, and a front panel display with an arrangement of light emitting elements (electric bulbs or LEDs) providing visual attitude indicators.

Abstract: A vertical situation display system for use in a vehicle such as, for example, an aircraft, is provided. A side view of an intended route of flight may be shown with altitude restrictions, airspace and instrument approach information, a projected flight path and range to airspeed symbol. The system may show terrain, weather, and traffic information along the intended route of flight. The system may be used in conjunction with a navigational display to enhance situational awareness. The system includes a computer, an electronic display device, an electronic entry device, a memory and a database. The database may contain terrain, airspace and flight planning data and may be updatable.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying aircraft glide slope includes determining a glide slope deviation that is representative of a difference between a desired aircraft glide slope and an actual aircraft glide slope. A glide slope icon that is representative of the desired aircraft glide slope and a glide slope deviation icon that is representative of the determined glide slope deviation are simultaneously rendered on a display.

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.