An autonomous flight training device

Abstract

The present application provides an autonomous flight training device, which comprises a reconfigurable aircraft cockpit having an optional main cockpit configuration and a co-pilot cockpit configuration, and comprising a plurality of main components each having two selectable operating positions, and the reconfigurable aircraft cockpit is capable of being converted between the main cockpit configuration and the co-pilot cockpit configuration by changing the operating positions of the main components.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of aviation, mainly to the field of aviation training technology, and in particular to an autonomous flight training device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the basic model for flight training at training centers both domestically and internationally involves trainees first learning basic aircraft system knowledge through courseware, then completing aircraft type theory training through classroom instruction, followed by cockpit familiarization, equipment operation, and operational procedure training using an Integrated Procedure Trainer (IPT) or Flight Training Device (FTD), and finally completing flight training learning based on flight missions using a Full Motion Flight Simulator (FFS).

[0003] Because advanced flight training equipment such as the FFS is expensive and has limited scheduling, trainees are generally required to be very familiar with the aircraft cockpit layout and proficient in all instrument equipment and operating procedures for each phase of flight before using such equipment for flight training. Therefore, several In-Process Training (IPT) sessions are usually arranged before using the FFS for cockpit environment familiarization and procedural training. However, because the IPT equipment uses a touchscreen for partial simulation, its training experience and effectiveness are not user-friendly.

[0004] Furthermore, IPT (Independent Pilot Training) equipment typically consists of a main cockpit configuration and a co-pilot configuration. Therefore, to maximize the efficiency of IPT training, a two-person crew arrangement (instructor-student or student-student) must be used for flight training. This limits the student's training time to the instructor's or co-pilot's availability, hindering flexible and independent training and significantly reducing the efficiency of autonomous flight training. In addition, once a student has completed cockpit familiarization with the current configuration, they often have to wait for a student in another cockpit configuration to complete their familiarization before proceeding with the next configuration. This increases training time and significantly raises the cost of each training session.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an autonomous flight training device that enables trainees to conduct flight training independently. This device would facilitate trainees' self-familiarization with cockpit-related knowledge of different cockpit configurations at a low cost, allowing trainees to conduct flight training independently and thus effectively freeing up instructor resources. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by this application is to overcome the problem that existing flight training equipment is expensive and trainees cannot conduct flight training independently, and proposes a new autonomous flight training equipment.

[0007] This application solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solution:

[0008] Specifically, according to one aspect of this application, this application provides an autonomous flight training device, which includes a reconfigurable aircraft cockpit. The reconfigurable aircraft cockpit has a selectable main cockpit configuration and a co-pilot configuration. The reconfigurable aircraft cockpit includes multiple main components, some of which have two selectable operating positions. By changing the operating positions of the main components, the reconfigurable aircraft cockpit can be switched between the main cockpit configuration and the co-pilot configuration.

[0009] Compared to traditional flight simulators with complete main and co-pilot cockpit structures, the autonomous flight training equipment provided in this application, based on observations of the same and different components in the main and co-pilot cockpit configurations, adopts a design concept of sharing main components and a reconfigurable aircraft cockpit. By reconfiguring the cockpit, the environmental layout of the main and co-pilot cockpits, as well as the simulation of all equipment and instruments, are realized separately. This enables single-person pilots or single-person co-pilots to become familiar with the environment, operate the instruments and equipment, and learn operating procedures, thereby greatly saving development costs and training space.

[0010] Furthermore, by utilizing the reconfigured autonomous flight training equipment, trainees can independently conduct cockpit familiarization training, normal procedure operation training, or non-normal procedure operation training, thereby achieving fully independent flight training and learning. Through the reconfigurable aircraft cockpit, the autonomous flight training equipment, while ensuring the training experience and effectiveness, can also effectively enhance trainees' self-learning space, tap into their self-learning potential, greatly improve training efficiency, and reduce training costs.

[0011] Furthermore, this autonomous flight training equipment replicates the primary or secondary cockpit environment through a reconfigurable aircraft cockpit, innovating the training cockpit concept, improving existing training models, enriching the variety of training products, and providing more customized services to meet specific needs.

[0012] According to one embodiment of this application, the autonomous flight training equipment includes a control unit for adjusting the position of major components, wherein the control unit is configured to adjust the position of the major components accordingly based on the flight training role selected by the trainee, thereby automatically reconfiguring the reconfigurable aircraft cockpit into a primary cockpit configuration or a co-pilot configuration that matches the selected flight training role.

[0013] According to one embodiment of this application, the autonomous flight training device further includes a role selection module that is communicatively connected to the control unit. The role selection module is configured to allow the trainee to input a selected flight training role and transmit the input information to the control unit.

[0014] Trainees can select either the primary or secondary pilot flight training role through the role selection module, and trigger the reconfigurable cockpit of the corresponding autonomous flight training equipment to complete the desired solo or combined flight training.

[0015] According to one embodiment of this application, the main components are configured to be manually repositioned by the trainee, thereby manually reconfiguring the reconfigurable aircraft cockpit into a primary cockpit configuration or a co-pilot configuration.

[0016] According to one embodiment of this application, a plurality of main components include:

[0017] An integrated display component is configured to be able to switch between its corresponding main cockpit operating position and co-pilot operating position by rotation;

[0018] The backup instrument control panel is configured to be able to switch between its corresponding main cockpit operating position and co-pilot operating position by rotation.

[0019] The central control console is configured to be able to switch between its corresponding main cockpit operating position and co-pilot operating position by means of movement;

[0020] The sun visor has a double-panel construction, with a first sun visor configuration on the front corresponding to the main cockpit configuration and a second sun visor configuration on the back corresponding to the co-pilot cockpit configuration; and

[0021] The instrument panel has a dual-panel construction, with a first instrument panel configuration on the front corresponding to the main cockpit configuration and a second instrument panel configuration on the back corresponding to the passenger cockpit configuration.

[0022] Based on observations and research into the configurations of the main cockpit and co-pilot, and taking into account the common components of the main cockpit and co-pilot, the reconfigurable aircraft cockpit can share major components by rotating or moving them, reducing the manufacturing workload of flight training equipment. Furthermore, for cases where the configurations of some major components differ between cockpits, such as the co-pilot's sunshade and instrument panel differing from the main cockpit's, the reconfigurable aircraft cockpit can meet the requirements of both cockpit configurations through double-panel structures for the sunshades and instrument panels, each with a different configuration. This significantly reduces production costs and effectively lowers the space requirements for training.

[0023] According to one embodiment of this application, the integrated display component is configured to rotate 180° about its own horizontal central axis to achieve switching between the main cockpit operating position and the co-pilot operating position.

[0024] According to one embodiment of this application, the integrated display component includes an angle detector configured to detect the rotation angle of the integrated display component, and the control unit configured to automatically correct the displayed content based on the rotation angle detected by the angle detector. By detecting the rotation angle of the integrated display component and correcting the displayed content, it can be ensured that students in front of the integrated display component can always see the correct displayed content.

[0025] According to one embodiment of this application, the backup instrument control panel is configured to rotate 180° about its own vertical central axis to switch between the main cockpit operating position and the co-pilot operating position.

[0026] According to one embodiment of this application, the plurality of main components also include a top plate that is rotatable about its lower bottom edge, the top plate being configured to switch between a main cockpit operating position and a co-pilot operating position by rotation.

[0027] According to one embodiment of this application, the autonomous flight training equipment further includes a recording module electrically connected to the central control console, the backup instrument control board, the top plate, and the control unit of the autonomous flight training equipment. The recording module is configured to record the points of flight procedure operations and announcements made by the trainee during flight training and send the points of flight procedure operations and announcements to the control unit.

[0028] The system records the student's flight training procedures and compares them with standard procedures to assess the correctness of the student's actions and analyze the student's operational status, making it easier to identify problems and make adjustments in a timely manner.

[0029] According to one embodiment of this application, the autonomous flight training device further includes a communication unit configured to allow multiple autonomous flight training devices to communicate with each other in order to conduct combined flight training by coordinating flight procedure operations on multiple autonomous flight training devices.

[0030] Through communication units, multiple autonomous flight training devices can communicate with each other via a network, enabling network connectivity between the reconfigured primary and secondary cockpits. This allows them to combine into a complete cockpit for two- or multi-crew flight training. Utilizing the coordination of multiple reconfigured aircraft cockpits for two- or multi-crew training breaks down the limitations of training time and location, significantly improving training efficiency.

[0031] Based on common knowledge in the field, the above-mentioned preferred embodiments can be combined arbitrarily to obtain the various preferred embodiments of this application.

[0032] The positive and progressive effects of the above-described embodiments of this application are as follows:

[0033] 1. Compared with traditional complete aircraft cockpit flight simulation training equipment, this autonomous flight training equipment adopts the concept of sharing major components and reconfigurable aircraft cockpit. By using the reconfigured cockpit, the environmental layout of the main cockpit and the co-pilot cockpit, as well as the simulation of all cockpit equipment and instruments, can be realized. This allows a single pilot or co-pilot to become familiar with the cockpit, the operation of the instruments and equipment, and the operating procedures. As a result, while ensuring the training experience and effectiveness, it greatly saves development costs and training space.

[0034] 2. By reconstructing the cockpit and installing autonomous flight training equipment, trainees can independently conduct flight mission operation procedure training for the primary or co-pilot. This allows them to flexibly arrange their learning time for flight training without being limited by the time constraints of their companions due to the traditional complete cockpit structure and training costs. As a result, they can conduct cockpit familiarization training, normal operating procedure training, or abnormal operating procedure training completely autonomously, ultimately completing fully independent flight training.

[0035] 3. Under the premise of enabling trainees to fully engage in independent learning, multiple reconfigured autonomous flight training devices can be connected via the communication unit, thereby enabling two-person and multi-person cooperative flight training, breaking the limitations of training time and training venue, and greatly improving training efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a reconfigurable aircraft cockpit with a main cockpit configuration in an autonomous flight training device according to a preferred embodiment of this application is shown.

[0037] Figure 2A schematic diagram of a reconfigurable aircraft cockpit with a co-pilot configuration in an autonomous flight training device according to a preferred embodiment of this application is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings showing multiple embodiments according to this application. It should be understood that all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments described in this application without creative effort will fall within the scope of protection of this application.

[0039] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terms "comprising," "having," etc., in the specification, claims, and foregoing description of the drawings are open-ended terms. Thus, "comprising" or "having" means, for example, one or more steps, having one or more steps, but not limited to having only these one or more steps.

[0040] A complete flight training setup typically includes a main cockpit simulator and a co-pilot mini-cockpit. For ease of explanation, when looking forward from inside the cockpit towards the front of the aircraft, a complete flight training setup is defined as follows: the main pilot sits on the left side with their corresponding operating area designated as the main cockpit, while the co-pilot sits on the right side with their corresponding operating area designated as the co-pilot cockpit.

[0041] The autonomous flight training equipment provided in this application, based on the observation and exploration of the structure and position of the same main components of the main cockpit and co-pilot cockpit, is the first to use the design concept of a reconfigurable single aircraft cockpit simulation. It utilizes the folding and sharing of the main cockpit components to realize the environmental layout of the main cockpit and co-pilot cockpit respectively, thereby realizing an autonomous flight training equipment that can complete training independently and autonomously in a cockpit with a main cockpit or co-pilot cockpit configuration.

[0042] Specifically, the autonomous flight training equipment includes a reconfigurable aircraft cockpit with selectable primary and secondary cockpit configurations. The reconfigurable cockpit comprises multiple main components, each with two selectable primary and secondary operating positions. Changing the operating positions of these main components allows the reconfigurable cockpit to switch between the primary and secondary cockpit configurations.

[0043] This application utilizes a foldable cockpit simulation and reconfigurable design to achieve independent reconfiguration of the primary and secondary cockpits on the same flight training equipment. This enables simulation of either the primary or secondary cockpit environment, reproducing familiarization with the cockpit, instrument operation, and panel displays. Trainees can then independently familiarize themselves with the desired cockpit and conduct flight training using standard, normal, or non-standard flight procedures, without the time constraints imposed by instructors or partners. It should be understood that the aforementioned cockpit simulation refers to a cockpit that replicates the aircraft cockpit environment and instrument displays and control functions.

[0044] For example, the reconfigurable flight cockpit of an autonomous flight training device, such as Figure 1 As shown, it has a main cockpit configuration. Figure 1 As shown, the main components of a reconfigurable aircraft cockpit may include an integrated display unit (IDU) 1, an alternative instrument control panel (ISI) 2, an instrument panel 3, a central control console 4, and a sunshade 5. Both the sunshade 5 and the instrument panel 3 have a double-panel configuration. The front panel of the sunshade 5 has a first sunshade configuration corresponding to the main cockpit configuration, and the rear panel has a second sunshade configuration corresponding to the co-pilot cockpit configuration. Similarly, the front panel of the instrument panel 3 has a first instrument panel configuration corresponding to the main cockpit configuration, and the rear panel has a second instrument panel configuration corresponding to the co-pilot cockpit configuration.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, in an aircraft cockpit with a main cockpit configuration, viewed from the pilot towards the sunshade 5 (which has a first sunshade configuration), the IDU1 is located between the instrument panel 3 and the ISI control panel 2, and is positioned close to the pilot. The instrument panel 3 (which has a first instrument panel configuration) is located to the right of the IDU1, and is positioned close to the pilot. The ISI control panel 2 is located to the left of the IDU1, also close to the pilot. The sunshade 5 (which has a first sunshade configuration) is coaxial with the vertical center axis of the IDU1 and is positioned away from the pilot relative to the IDU1. The central control panel 4 is movably positioned to the pilot's right, opposite the position of the instrument panel 3 (which has a first instrument panel configuration), for the pilot's convenience.

[0046] Alternatively, the autonomous flight training equipment may include a mounting frame in which the IDU1, ISI control panel 2, instrument panel 3, sunshade 5, and top plate 6 are mounted. The IDU1 is mounted on a rotation axis that allows it to be rotatably mounted on the mounting frame, and this rotation axis is parallel to the horizontal central axis H of the IDU1. Similarly, the instrument panel 3 is mounted on a rotation axis parallel to its vertical central axis V and is rotatably mounted on the mounting frame via this rotation axis.

[0047] Optionally, the main components of the reconfigurable cockpit also include a top panel 6, such as Figure 1 As shown, the top plate 6 is positioned above the sun visor 5, which is configured as a first sun visor, and its position corresponds to that of the central control panel 4, thereby facilitating operation by the driver. Preferably, the lower bottom edge of the top plate 6 is pivotally connected to the upper top edge of the sun visor 5, allowing the top plate 6 to rotate relative to the sun visor 5 about its lower bottom edge to move closer to or further away from the driver. Alternatively, the lower bottom edge of the top plate 6 may be pivotally connected to the upper top edge of the mounting frame, allowing the top plate 6 to rotate about its lower bottom edge to move closer to or further away from the driver.

[0048] It should be understood that IDU1, ISI control panel 2, instrument panel 3, sunshade 5 and top panel 6 can also be installed in the autonomous flight training equipment by other means such as detachable fastener connection, as long as in the autonomous flight training equipment, IDU1 and instrument panel 3 can be rotatably installed in the aforementioned positions, the top panel 6 can be pivotally installed in the aforementioned positions around its bottom lower edge, and the instrument panel 3 and sunshade 5 can be fixedly installed in the aforementioned corresponding positions.

[0049] IDU1 and ISI control panel 2 are rotatably mounted in the reconfigurable flight cockpit, allowing them to be controlled independently of each other. Figure 1 The main cockpit operating position shown is switched to as follows Figure 2 The co-pilot's operating position is shown. The bottom of the center console 4 is not fixed, or it is equipped with casters and can move, thus allowing the center console 4 to be moved from position such as... Figure 1 The main cockpit operating position shown is switched to as follows Figure 2 The co-pilot's operating position is shown. When in such a position... Figure 1 The IDU1 and ISI control board 2, as shown in the operating position, are rotated to the position indicated. Figure 2 The operating position is shown, and the central control panel 4 is moved to the position shown. Figure 2 After the indicated operating position, the reconfigurable aircraft cockpit can be positioned as follows: Figure 1 The shown main cockpit configuration is converted into a co-pilot configuration.

[0050] Preferably, IDU1 is obtained by rotating 180° about its own horizontal central axis from... Figure 1 The main cockpit operating position shown is switched to as follows Figure 2 The co-pilot's operating position is shown. The ISI control panel 2 is accessible from its position by rotating 180° about its own vertical central axis. Figure 1 The main cockpit operating position shown is switched to its position as follows: Figure 2 The co-pilot's operating position is shown.

[0051] More preferably, the IDU1 also integrates an angle detector electrically connected to the control unit of the autonomous flight training equipment. When the IDU1 rotates, the angle detector can detect the rotation angle of the IDU1 and feed the rotation angle back to the control unit to control the display content of the IDU1 to automatically straighten. By detecting the rotation angle of the integrated display component and correcting the display content of the display component, it is ensured that the trainee in front of the integrated display component can always see the correct display content.

[0052] Alternatively, the angle detector is configured to feed back the rotation angle to the control unit only when it detects that the IDU1 has rotated 180°, so as to control the display content of the IDU1 to automatically straighten.

[0053] Optionally, such as Figure 1 As shown, the top panel 6 of the reconfigurable aircraft cockpit can rotate around its bottom edge, and by rotating the top panel 6, it can be moved from one position to another. Figure 1 The driver's operating position shown is switched to as follows Figure 2 The co-pilot's operating position, shown, together with the sunshade 5 in the second sunshade configuration, the instrument panel 3 in the second instrument panel configuration, the rotated and fixed IDU1, the rotated and fixed ISI control panel 2, and the moved central control console 4, completes the reconfigurable aircraft cockpit. Figure 1 The main cockpit configuration shown is as follows Figure 2 The co-pilot configuration shown is reconfigured. The reconfigured cockpit with co-pilot configuration is located behind the original cockpit with main cockpit configuration.

[0054] Therefore, in the reconstructed aircraft cockpit with a co-pilot configuration, the view from the co-pilot towards the sunshade 5, which has a second sunshade configuration, is as follows: Figure 2 As shown, the rotated and fixed IDU1 is located between the rotated and fixed ISI control panel 2 and the instrument panel 3, which has a second instrument panel configuration, and is positioned close to the front passenger. The rotated and fixed ISI control panel 2 is located to the left of the rotated and fixed IDU1 and is positioned close to the front passenger. The instrument panel 3 is located to the right of the rotated and fixed IDU1 and is also positioned close to the front passenger.

[0055] Moreover, such as Figure 2As shown, in the reconfigured aircraft cockpit with a co-pilot configuration, the sunshade 5, in the form of a second sunshade, is coaxial with the vertical central axis of the rotatably fixed IDU1 and is positioned away from the co-pilot relative to the rotatably fixed IDU1. The central control panel 4 is located on the co-pilot's left side, opposite the position of the rotatably fixed instrument panel 3 for easy operation by the co-pilot. The top panel 6 is arranged above the top of the sunshade 5 in the second sunshade configuration, and after rotation, its position corresponds to the position of the moved central control panel 4, thereby facilitating the co-pilot's operation on the pivoted top panel 6.

[0056] It should be understood that a reconfigurable aircraft cockpit can also be constructed using features such as... Figure 2 The co-pilot configuration shown is converted to have, for example, a cockpit configuration as shown. Figure 1 The main cockpit configuration shown will not be described in detail here.

[0057] Optionally, the autonomous flight training equipment may also include a control unit for adjusting the position of the main components and a role selection module that is communicatively connected to the control unit. The role selection module is capable of receiving input from the trainee regarding the selection of a flight training role and transmitting the input information to the control unit.

[0058] The control unit controls the drive unit (not shown) that drives the movement of IDU1, ISI control panel 2, top panel 6, and center console 4 to change the operating positions of IDU1, ISI control panel 2, top panel 6, and center console 4, thereby automatically reconfiguring the reconfigurable aircraft cockpit into a primary cockpit configuration or co-pilot configuration matching the selected flight training role. Alternatively, the main components are also configured to be manually repositioned by the trainee, thereby manually reconfiguring the reconfigurable aircraft cockpit into a primary cockpit configuration or co-pilot configuration.

[0059] Furthermore, trainees can select roles such as pilot flight training, co-pilot flight training, pilot-co-pilot joint flight training, co-pilot joint flight training, and pilot-co-pilot joint flight training through the role selection module according to their needs, and trigger the corresponding autonomous flight training equipment to reconfigure the aircraft cockpit, thereby completing the desired solo flight training or combined flight training.

[0060] Optionally, the control unit is also configured to play a standard flight tutorial demonstration to trainees via IDU1, thereby facilitating trainees' learning of the cockpit-related instructions and standard operating procedures they should master. The standard flight tutorial demonstration includes demonstrations of cockpit equipment operation and instruction recording, flight plan development, and explanations of normal operating procedures, abnormal operating procedures, and standard flight operating procedures.

[0061] Preferably, the standard flight tutorial demonstration has both an offline learning mode and an online training mode.

[0062] In offline mode, the autonomous flight training equipment uses IDU1 to fully teach the cockpit operation and instruction recording of various aircraft systems, flight plan formulation, normal operating procedures and abnormal operating procedures, allowing trainees to learn offline.

[0063] In online mode, the demonstration of standard flight operating procedures is linked to the student's operations (or connected to the autonomous flight training equipment). The control unit receives the student's flight procedure input, and the student's corresponding input operations gradually trigger the control IDU1 to play the subsequent demonstration and explanation of the standard flight operating procedures to the student, so as to cooperate with the subsequent procedure operations and help the student correctly complete all procedure operations.

[0064] Optionally, the autonomous flight training equipment also includes a recording module (not shown) electrically connected to the central control console 4, ISI control board 2, top panel 6, and control unit. The recording module records the student's flight procedure operations and announcements during flight training and sends these locations to the control unit. For example, the recording module is a camera capable of recording the student's actions and sounds. By recording the student's flight training procedure operations and comparing them with standard procedure operations, the correctness of the student's operations can be evaluated, and the student's operational status can be analyzed to facilitate timely problem identification and adjustments.

[0065] Optionally, the autonomous flight training equipment also includes a communication unit configured to allow multiple autonomous flight training devices to communicate with each other in order to conduct combined flight training by coordinating flight procedure operations on multiple autonomous flight training devices.

[0066] Through the communication unit, the autonomous flight training equipment can communicate with other autonomous flight training equipment, such as through network communication, to conduct combined flight training by coordinating multiple autonomous flight training devices. For example, the reconstructed... Figure 1 The main cockpit shown is the same as the reconstructed cockpit. Figure 2 The co-pilot cockpit shown is connected via a network to form a complete aircraft cockpit, which can be used for training two-person and multi-person crews, including the pilot and co-pilot.

[0067] It should be understood that shared components such as the central control console 4 and the top panel 6 are effective in both configurations. For example, the first autonomous flight training device has an aircraft cockpit with a main cockpit configuration, and the second autonomous flight training device has an aircraft cockpit with a co-pilot configuration. When the first and second autonomous flight training devices are combined into a complete two-person cockpit via network connection, the overlapping areas such as the central control console and the top panel are dual-channel inputs, allowing operation input in both individual and combined use.

[0068] Optionally, to complete flight training, the autonomous flight training equipment, including the reconfigurable aircraft cockpit, also includes an intelligent instructor-assisted system (AI instructor system). The AI ​​instructor system includes a resource management and allocation subsystem, an auxiliary training subsystem, and an assessment subsystem, for the operation management, resource allocation, auxiliary training, and assessment of the entire system, thereby helping trainees to complete learning and training independently.

[0069] The resource management and allocation subsystem manages the operation and resources of the entire autonomous flight training equipment, including login management, training records, maintenance management, and resource allocation. The auxiliary training subsystem assists trainees in their learning, including role selection, training task and parameter settings, and demonstrations of standard operating procedures. The assessment subsystem includes training evaluation and assessment functions, specifically evaluating trainee operations and presenting a comparison between the actual operating procedures and the standard operating procedures using IDU1 to assess trainee operational status. This allows for the evaluation of the correctness of the training process, thereby improving the accuracy of trainees' self-learning of operating procedures.

[0070] The process of students using the aforementioned autonomous flight training equipment for flight training is described below.

[0071] Based on the available flight training roles provided for completing solo or combined flight training missions, such as pilot flight training, co-pilot flight training, pilot-co-pilot joint flight training, co-pilot joint flight training, pilot-co-pilot joint flight training, pilot-co-pilot joint flight training, and co-pilot joint flight training, trainees input information about the selected flight training role through the role selection module of the autonomous flight training equipment, and the input information is transmitted to the control unit through the role selection module.

[0072] Then, trainees can manually change the positions of the main components of the reconfigurable aircraft cockpit, or the control unit can automatically change the positions of the main components based on the information received about the selected flight training role to reconfigure the corresponding aircraft cockpit.

[0073] When a student selects a flight training role for combined flight training, such as pilot-led flight training, first officer-led flight training, pilot-first officer flight training, or first officer-first officer flight training, multiple reconfigured aircraft cockpits will communicate with each other through their respective communication units, allowing students to cooperate with each other to perform flight procedures through their respective reconfigured aircraft cockpits.

[0074] Therefore, autonomous flight training can be conducted in various scenarios using the aforementioned autonomous flight training equipment.

[0075] (1) Single pilot flight training: The trainee selects the pilot flight training role and manually or automatically changes the position of the main components of the reconfigurable aircraft cockpit in the manner described above, thereby reconfiguring the reconfigurable aircraft cockpit of the autonomous flight training into the main cockpit configuration.

[0076] (2) Single-pilot flight training: The trainee selects the co-pilot flight training role and manually or automatically changes the position of the main components of the reconfigurable aircraft cockpit in the manner described above, thereby reconfiguring the reconfigurable aircraft cockpit of autonomous flight training into a co-pilot cockpit configuration.

[0077] (3) For single-pilot primary and secondary pilot flight training, the trainee first selects the primary pilot flight training role and manually or automatically by the control unit changes the positions of the main components of the reconfigurable aircraft cockpit as described above, thereby reconfiguring the reconfigurable aircraft cockpit of autonomous flight training into the primary cockpit configuration. After the training is completed, the trainee selects the secondary pilot flight training role again and manually or automatically by the control unit changes the positions of the main components of the reconfigurable aircraft cockpit as described above, thereby reconfiguring the reconfigurable aircraft cockpit of autonomous flight training into the secondary pilot configuration. The process of single-pilot primary and secondary pilot flight training is similar to (3) and will not be described again here.

[0078] (4) Two-person pilot and co-pilot flight training. Student A chooses pilot flight training, and one autonomous flight training device is reconfigured into a pilot cockpit configuration. At the same time, student B chooses co-pilot flight training, and another autonomous flight training device is reconfigured into a co-pilot configuration. The reconfigured autonomous flight training devices are networked to form a complete cockpit, thus allowing students A and B to conduct combined flight training.

[0079] In summary, based on observations and research into the configurations of the main cockpit and co-pilot, this application, taking into account the common key components of the main cockpit and co-pilot, allows for the sharing of major components through simple rotation or movement, reducing the manufacturing workload of flight training equipment. Furthermore, for cases where the configurations of corresponding major components differ between cockpits—for example, the co-pilot's sunshade and instrument panel differ from the main cockpit's—the reconfigurable aircraft cockpit, through its double-panel structure sunshade and instrument panel with different configurations on each side, can meet the requirements of both aircraft cockpit configurations. This significantly reduces production costs and effectively lowers the space requirements for training.

[0080] Compared to traditional full-fledged aircraft cockpit flight simulation training equipment, this autonomous flight training equipment adopts the concept of sharing major components and a reconfigurable aircraft cockpit. By using the reconfigured cockpit, it simulates the environmental layout of the main cockpit and the co-pilot cockpit, as well as all the equipment and instruments in the cockpit. This allows a single pilot or co-pilot to become familiar with the cockpit, the operation of the instruments and equipment, and the operating procedures. As a result, it greatly saves development costs and training space while ensuring the training experience and effectiveness.

[0081] Moreover, by reconstructing the cockpit and installing autonomous flight training equipment, trainees can conduct flight mission operation procedure training independently as the primary or co-pilot. This allows them to flexibly arrange their learning time for flight training without being limited by their partner's time due to the two-person cockpit structure and training costs. As a result, they can conduct cockpit familiarization training, normal operating procedure training, or non-normal operating procedure training completely autonomously, ultimately completing fully independent flight training.

[0082] Under the premise of enabling trainees to fully engage in independent learning, multiple reconstructed autonomous flight training devices can be connected via networks and other means, enabling two-person and multi-person collaborative flight training, breaking the limitations of training time and training venue, and greatly improving training efficiency.

[0083] While specific embodiments of this application have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that these are merely illustrative examples, and the scope of protection of this application is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of this application, but all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An autonomous flight training device, the autonomous flight training device comprising a reconfigurable aircraft cockpit, the reconfigurable aircraft cockpit being selectably configured as a primary cockpit configuration or a co-pilot configuration, wherein, The reconfigurable aircraft cockpit includes multiple main components, each of which has two selectable operating positions. By changing the operating positions of the main components, the reconfigurable aircraft cockpit can be switched between the main cockpit configuration and the co-pilot configuration. The plurality of main components include: An integrated display assembly is configured to be able to switch between its corresponding primary cockpit operating position and co-pilot operating position by rotation; A backup instrument control panel, which is configured to be able to switch between its corresponding primary cockpit operating position and co-pilot operating position by rotation; A central control console, which is configured to be movable and switchable between its corresponding primary cockpit operating position and co-pilot operating position; A sunshade, the sunshade having a double-panel construction, having a first sunshade configuration on the front corresponding to the main cockpit configuration, and a second sunshade configuration on the back corresponding to the co-pilot cockpit configuration; and The instrument panel has a dual-panel construction, with a first instrument panel configuration on the front corresponding to the main cockpit configuration and a second instrument panel configuration on the back corresponding to the passenger cockpit configuration.

2. The autonomous flight training device according to claim 1, wherein, The autonomous flight training equipment includes a control unit for adjusting the position of the main components, wherein the control unit is configured to adjust the position of the main components accordingly based on the flight training role selected by the trainee, thereby automatically reconfiguring the reconfigurable aircraft cockpit into a primary cockpit configuration or a co-pilot configuration that matches the selected flight training role.

3. The autonomous flight training device according to claim 2, wherein, The autonomous flight training equipment also includes a role selection module that is communicatively connected to the control unit. The role selection module is configured to allow trainees to input selected flight training roles and transmit the input information to the control unit.

4. The autonomous flight training device according to claim 1, wherein, The main components are configured to be manually repositioned by the trainee, thereby allowing the reconfigurable aircraft cockpit to be manually reconfigured into either the primary cockpit configuration or the co-pilot configuration.

5. The autonomous flight training device according to claim 1, wherein, The integrated display component is configured to rotate 180° around its own horizontal central axis to achieve switching between its corresponding main cockpit operating position and co-pilot operating position.

6. The autonomous flight training device according to claim 5, wherein, The integrated display component includes an angle detector configured to detect the rotation angle of the integrated display component, and the control unit of the autonomous flight training device is configured to automatically straighten the displayed content based on the rotation angle detected by the angle detector.

7. The autonomous flight training device according to claim 1, wherein, The backup instrument control panel is configured to rotate 180° around its own vertical central axis to switch between its corresponding main cockpit operating position and co-pilot operating position.

8. The autonomous flight training device according to claim 1, wherein, The multiple major components also include a top plate that can rotate about its lower bottom edge, the top plate being configured to switch between its corresponding primary cockpit operating position and co-pilot operating position by rotation.

9. The autonomous flight training device according to claim 8, wherein, The autonomous flight training equipment also includes a recording module electrically connected to the central control console, the backup instrument control board, the top plate, and the control unit of the autonomous flight training equipment. The recording module is configured to record the flight procedure operations and call-out points of the trainee during flight training and send the flight procedure operations and call-out points to the control unit.

10. The autonomous flight training device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The autonomous flight training equipment also includes a communication unit configured to allow multiple autonomous flight training devices to communicate with each other, so as to conduct combined flight training by coordinating flight program operations on multiple autonomous flight training devices.

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