System and method for providing tail-specific fuel efficiency advisories using acars

Abstract

To provide a system and a method for providing tail-specific fuel efficiency advisories using ACARS.SOLUTION: The present disclosure provides techniques for leveraging Aircraft Communications, Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) messages to provide advisories to a flight crew in order to promote fuel savings and reduction of carbon emissions. In one aspect, a downlink ACARS message is transmitted from an aircraft in flight to a ground station. Parameter values are extracted from the downlink ACARS message. A target parameter value for the aircraft is determined based on the extracted parameter values and a tail-specific offset. The tail-specific offset indicates a deviation of an actual aircraft performance from a baseline aircraft performance of the aircraft. An uplink ACARS message including the determined target parameter value is transmitted to the aircraft in flight. An advisory suggesting the target parameter value is presented to the flight crew of the aircraft.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to techniques for providing flight crew advice using Aircraft Communications, Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) messages to promote fuel conservation. [Background technology]

[0002] Fuel efficiency and sustainability are important areas for airlines, governments, and aircraft original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Some aircraft include systems that assist airlines in saving fuel and reducing carbon emissions by providing advisories. However, such conventional systems have several drawbacks that limit their adoption and use. For example, conventional systems may utilize an Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) or a handheld electronic display, which requires the flight crew to manually enter current flight information to ultimately provide the advisory. This increases the flight crew's workload and requires a handheld device. Therefore, improved technology is needed to provide advisories to flight crews to encourage fuel conservation and carbon emission reduction. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one aspect, a method is provided that includes receiving a downlink Aircraft Air-Ground Data Communications System (ACARS) message from an aircraft in flight, determining target parameter values ​​for the aircraft based at least in part on parameter values ​​and a tail-specific offset extracted from the downlink ACARS message, where the tail-specific offset indicates a deviation of actual aircraft performance of the aircraft from a baseline aircraft performance of the aircraft, and providing an uplink ACARS message to the aircraft in flight that includes the target parameter values.

[0004] In a further aspect, in combination with any example method above or below, the method includes presenting an advisory to the aircraft flight crew suggesting target parameter values.

[0005] In a further aspect, in combination with any of the exemplary methods described above or below, downlink ACARS messages are automatically generated and downlinked from the aircraft to the ground station.

[0006] In a further aspect, in combination with any exemplary method described above or below, the parameter values ​​include a parameter value for the total weight of the aircraft, a parameter value for the static temperature, and a parameter value for the altitude of the aircraft in flight.

[0007] In a further aspect, in combination with any exemplary method described above or below, the target parameter value is a target velocity for the aircraft.

[0008] In a further aspect, in combination with any exemplary method described above or below, the target parameter value is a target altitude for the aircraft.

[0009] In a further aspect, in combination with any example method described above or below, the target parameter value is one of a plurality of target parameter values ​​for the aircraft, the plurality of target parameter values ​​including a target speed and a target altitude for the aircraft.

[0010] In a further aspect, in combination with any example method described above or below, the receiving, determining, and providing steps occur at a ground station.

[0011] In a further aspect, in combination with any example method described above or below, the method includes receiving historical flight data associated with the aircraft; and using a machine learning model to output a tail-specific offset based at least in part on the historical flight data.

[0012] In a further aspect, in combination with any example method described above or below, the method includes automatically controlling, by a computing device of the aircraft, the aircraft according to target parameter values ​​provided in an uplink ACARS message to the aircraft.

[0013] In another aspect, a ground station is provided that includes one or more processors and one or more memory devices that store programs executable by the one or more processors to perform operations including receiving a downlink Aircraft Air-Ground Data Communications System (ACARS) message from an aircraft in flight, determining target parameter values ​​for the aircraft based at least in part on parameter values ​​and a tail-specific offset extracted from the downlink ACARS message, where the tail-specific offset indicates a deviation of actual aircraft performance of the aircraft from a baseline aircraft performance of the aircraft, and providing an uplink ACARS message including the target parameter values ​​to the aircraft in flight.

[0014] In a further aspect, in combination with any of the exemplary ground stations described above or below, the parameter values ​​include a parameter value for the total weight of the aircraft, a parameter value for the static temperature, and a parameter value for the altitude of the aircraft in flight.

[0015] In a further aspect, in combination with any example ground station described above or below, the target parameter value is one of a plurality of target parameter values ​​for the aircraft, the plurality of target parameter values ​​including a target speed and a target altitude for the aircraft.

[0016] In a further aspect, in combination with any example ground station described above or below, the operations further include receiving historical flight data associated with the aircraft and using a machine learning model to output a tail-specific offset based at least in part on the historical flight data.

[0017] In a further aspect, in combination with any exemplary ground station described above or below, the operations further include generating an uplink ACARS message, the uplink ACARS message having an advisory including the target parameter value.

[0018] In yet another aspect, a computing system for an aircraft is provided, the computing system including one or more processors and one or more memory devices storing programs executable by the one or more processors to perform operations, the operations including: commanding, during flight of the aircraft, transmission of a downlink Aircraft Air-Ground Data Communications System (ACARS) message to a ground station; receiving, during flight, an uplink ACARS message transmitted by the ground station, the uplink ACARS message including a target parameter value based at least in part on a parameter value extracted from the downlink ACARS message and a tail-specific offset, the tail-specific offset indicating a deviation of actual aircraft performance of the aircraft from a baseline aircraft performance of the aircraft; and generating, during flight, an advisory indicating the target parameter value to a flight crew of the aircraft.

[0019] In a further aspect, in combination with any exemplary computing system described above or below, at least one processor of the one or more processors and at least one memory device of the one or more memory devices are embodied in a flight management computer, wherein the at least one processor of the flight management computer receives uplink ACARS messages and causes advisories to be presented to the flight crew.

[0020] In a further aspect, in combination with any example aircraft described above or below, the target parameter value is one of a plurality of target parameter values ​​for the aircraft, the plurality of target parameter values ​​including a target speed and a target altitude for the aircraft.

[0021] In a further aspect, in combination with any of the exemplary aircraft described above or below, the parameter values ​​include a parameter value for the total weight of the aircraft, a parameter value for the static temperature, and a parameter value for the altitude of the aircraft in flight.

[0022] In a further aspect, in combination with any exemplary aircraft described above or below, the operations further include generating a downlink ACARS message, wherein generating and causing transmission of the downlink ACARS message to a ground station occurs automatically during flight of the aircraft without intervention of the flight crew.

[0023] So that the above features can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the above briefly summarized description may be had by reference to exemplary embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an aircraft communicating with a remote station according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a flow diagram of a technique for providing advisories to a flight crew, such as advisories suggesting speeds and / or altitudes that may reduce fuel utilized by fuel-consuming engines of an aircraft. [Figure 3] 4 is a flow diagram illustrating operations performed by a ground station. [Figure 4] 1 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method. [Figure 5] 1 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a computing system for implementing one or more aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] The present disclosure provides techniques for leveraging Aircraft Air-Ground Data Communications System (ACARS) messages to provide flight crew with advice to encourage fuel savings and carbon emissions reduction. Traditionally, providing such advice has increased flight crew workload and typically required handheld devices. The techniques disclosed herein address these challenges.

[0026] In an exemplary aspect, an ACARS message (e.g., a position message) is downlinked by the aircraft to a ground station. Such ACARS messages can be downlinked automatically without pilot intervention and can be transmitted using an Aeronautical Radio, Incorporated (ARINC) protocol, such as ARINC protocols 618, 619, 620, 745, etc. The ground station includes a ground computing system operable to decode the downlinked ACARS message into an understandable format. The ground computing system can extract parameter values ​​of relevant parameters from the decoded ACARS message. Examples of relevant parameters include, but are not limited to, gross weight, static temperature, and altitude. The ground computing system includes an advisory module that, when executed, outputs one or more recommended target parameter values, such as a proposed aircraft speed and altitude. The parameter values ​​extracted from the downlinked ACARS message can be input to the advisory module along with a tail-specific offset. The tail-specific offset can be generated by one or more models based on past flight history associated with the aircraft. The tail-specific offset indicates a deviation of the aircraft's actual aircraft performance from the aircraft's baseline aircraft performance. Therefore, based on the parameter values ​​and the tail-specific offset extracted from the downlinked ACARS message, one or more recommended target parameter values ​​for the aircraft are generated and output from the advisory module. Furthermore, an ACARS message having an advisory including the one or more recommended target parameter values ​​is created. The created ACARS message is uplinked to the aircraft, and the advisory is presented to the flight crew. The flight crew can then input the one or more recommended target parameter values ​​and control the aircraft to fly according to the proposed recommended target parameter values.For example, an aircraft's Flight Management Computer (FMC) may receive recommended target parameter values ​​and fly the aircraft accordingly, for example, at recommended speeds and altitudes.

[0027] The technology provided herein may provide certain advantages, benefits, and / or technical effects. For example, the technology provided herein may eliminate flight crew workload, i.e., target parameter value recommendations may be entered directly into the aircraft's FMC(s), so the pilot no longer needs to enter details into a handheld device. Furthermore, the technology provided herein may eliminate the need for handheld devices and / or additional applications on such devices for flight crews to receive advisories. In this regard, the technology provided herein may provide a hassle-free solution without requiring airlines or aircraft operators (including military aircraft operators) to learn and implement additional applications. That is, advisories may be provided independently of the handheld device or a specific operating system type. Accordingly, the technology provided herein may help airlines or aircraft operators achieve sustainability and efficiency goals, such as by providing fuel savings.

[0028] FIG. 1 provides a schematic diagram illustrating a communications system 100 that enables communication between an aircraft 110 and a ground station 150. As shown in FIG. 1, the aircraft 110 includes a fuselage 112, one or more engines 114, and a cockpit 116. The cockpit 116 may accommodate a flight crew and may include various controls, instruments, flight displays, and computing devices for controlling the aircraft 110. The engines 114 (only one shown in FIG. 1) provide propulsion for the aircraft 110 and may be fuel-consuming engines. For example, the engines 114 may be gas turbine engines, such as turbofans or turboprops. In FIG. 1, the engines 114 are shown as turbofans.

[0029] Aircraft 110 includes a data link communication system 120 (e.g., ACARS) that enables transmission of messages (e.g., ACARS messages) between aircraft 110 and a ground station, such as ground station 150 of FIG. 1. ACARS messages transmitted from aircraft 110 to ground station 150 may be referred to as downlink ACARS messages, and ACARS messages transmitted from ground station 150 to aircraft 110 may be referred to as uplink ACARS messages. ACARS messages may be transmitted via airband radio (e.g., very high frequency (VHF), high frequency (HF), etc.) or satellite (e.g., SATCOM). ACARS messages are generally Short Burst Data (SBD) messages that may provide, among other things, information regarding the performance and / or flight conditions of aircraft 110 during flight.

[0030] The data link communication system 120, or ACARS, includes a transceiver 122 and a Communication Management Unit (CMU) or CMU 124, or in some cases a Management Unit (MU). The transceiver 122 may be communicatively coupled to the CMU 124, for example, via a wired or wireless communication link. Generally, the CMU 124 controls the operation of the data link communication system 120 (e.g., routing of ACARS messages) and may include one or more processors and one or more memory devices (e.g., one or more non-transitory memory devices). The transceiver 122 transmits and receives signals to and from remote units, such as a transceiver at a ground station 150.

[0031] The CMU 124 may be communicatively coupled to components of a Flight Management System (FMS) or FMS 130. For example, the CMU 124 may be communicatively coupled to a Flight Management Computer (FMC) or FMC 132, which may interface the CMU 124 with a human-machine interface device such as a Control Display Unit (CDU) or CDU 134. The CDU 134 may include a display screen and user input controls (e.g., a keyboard). For example, uplinked ACARS messages may be displayed on the display screen of the CDU 134. The FMC 132 generally functions to control the FMS 130. For example, the FMC 132 may provide navigation and flight planning guidance, trajectory prediction, performance calculations, and other functions. The FMC 132 may be constantly updated with the aircraft's position, speed, altitude, weight, etc., as well as ambient conditions such as temperature. Parameter values ​​for such parameters may be measured by or derived from one or more sensors 140. The computing devices of aircraft 110 may be configured in the same or similar manner as one of the computing devices of the computing system provided in FIG.

[0032] The ground station 150 may include one or more terrestrial transceivers 152 and a terrestrial computing system 154. The terrestrial computing system 154 may include one or more processors and one or more memory devices (e.g., one or more non-transitory memory devices), which may be embodied in one or more terrestrial computing devices. For example, the terrestrial transceiver 152 may include a satellite dish 152A (e.g., for SATCOM) and / or a cellular tower 152B (e.g., for VHF communications). The terrestrial computing device may be communicatively coupled to the terrestrial transceiver 152. The terrestrial transceiver 152 is operable to receive communications (e.g., downlinked ACARS messages) transmitted by the aircraft 110. The received communications may be routed to the terrestrial computing device. The terrestrial computing device is operable to receive the communications, extract data from the communications, and perform various operations using the data, such as determining the speed and / or altitude of the aircraft 110 to achieve fuel savings, as provided in detail herein. The ground computing device may be communicatively coupled to one or more data stores 156 that may store data including historical or past flight data for the aircraft 110 .

[0033] Communications from ground station 150, which can be automated or manually constructed, can be routed from ground computing system 154 to ground transceiver 152. Ground transceiver 152 can then transmit the communications (e.g., uplinked ACARS messages) to aircraft 110. The uplinked communications can be received by aircraft 110, for example, by transceiver 122 of data link communications system 120. CMU 124 can then route data from the received uplinked communications to, for example, FMC 132. The communications can then be presented to the flight crew, for example, via a display screen on CDU 134.

[0034] The ground computing device, data store 156, and other components may be housed in a communications center 158, such as the communications center of the airline operating the aircraft 110. The communications center 158 may also include a display and human-machine interface devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse, etc.), among other components. The ground computing system 154 may be configured in the same or similar manner as the computing system provided in FIG. 6 and the accompanying text.

[0035] It will be understood that the communication system 100 shown in Figure 1 is provided by way of example and is not intended to be limiting. In alternative aspects, the communication system 100 may have other configurations.

[0036] 1 and 2, Figure 2 illustrates a flow diagram of a technique 200 for providing advice to a flight crew, such as advice suggesting speeds and / or altitudes that may reduce fuel utilized by fuel-consuming engines of an aircraft. For context, the technique 200 of Figure 2 is described below with respect to the aircraft 110 and ground station 150 of Figure 1. However, it will be understood that the technique 200 is applicable to other aircraft and ground station configurations.

[0037] In block 210, aircraft 110 is in flight. For example, aircraft 110 may be in the cruise phase of flight. During flight, various automated ACARS messages may be downlinked from aircraft 110 to a ground station, such as ground station 150 of FIG. 1. There are various types of ACARS messages that may be automatically downlinked during flight, including, for example, Aeronautical Operational Control (AOC) ACARS messages and Airline Administrative Control (AAC) ACARS messages. AOC and AAC ACARS messages may include various information that may be downlinked. For example, downlink ACARS messages may include, but are not limited to, aircraft status, position, estimated time of arrival, diversion information (if applicable), weather observations, technical performance data, information about passengers, combinations thereof, etc.

[0038] At block 212, a downlink ACARS message may be transmitted from the aircraft 110 to the ground station 150, e.g., in an automated manner. For example, the FMC 132 may receive sensor data captured by the sensors 140 and forward measured and / or derived parameter values ​​to the CMU 124, which may organize such parameter values ​​into a standard ACARS message format and render a downlink ACARS message that may be routed to the transceiver 122. The transceiver 122 may transmit, or more precisely, downlink, the ACARS message to the ground station 150. Some of the automated downlinked ACARS messages may include a set of parameter values ​​relevant to constructing an advisory to the flight crew of the aircraft 110 that suggests a target parameter value (or multiple target parameter values) that may reduce fuel utilized by the fuel-consuming engines 114 of the aircraft 110. For example, some downlink ACARS messages may include parameter values ​​for the total weight of the aircraft 110, the static temperature (i.e., SAT), and the altitude of the aircraft 110 during flight. Such downlink ACARS messages may also include the position of the aircraft 110 .

[0039] In block 214, the downlink ACARS message is received by ground station 150. The received downlink ACARS message can then be decoded so that parameter values, if any, for relevant parameters can be extracted from the downlink ACARS message and routed to advisory module 160 of ground computing system 154. For example, the downlink ACARS message can be received by one of terrestrial transceivers 152 and routed to ground computing system 154. Ground computing system 154 can include an ACARS decoder configured to decode the downlink ACARS message and extract the parameter values ​​for the relevant parameters. The extracted parameter values ​​can be routed to advisory module 160.

[0040] At block 216, the parameter values ​​of the extracted relevant parameters may be processed by advisory module 160 along with the tail-specific offset to determine a target parameter value(s). The determined target parameter value may be a target value or a set value for the particular parameter. The target parameter value may be recommended to the flight crew in an advisory, as described further below. As an example, the target parameter value for the aircraft 110 may be a target speed for the aircraft 110. As another example, the target parameter value for the aircraft 110 may be a target altitude for the aircraft 110. As yet another example, at block 216, multiple target parameter values ​​may be determined. For example, the multiple target parameter values ​​may include a target speed and a target altitude for the aircraft 110.

[0041] Advisory module 160 may be instructions and / or programs stored in one or more memory devices of ground computing system 154. Advisory module 160 may be executed by one or more processors of ground computing system 154. The tail-specific offset may indicate a deviation of actual aircraft performance of aircraft 110 from a baseline aircraft performance of aircraft 110. The tail-specific offset may be determined by one or more models (e.g., one or more deep learning models) based on historical flight data associated with aircraft 110 (e.g., flight data from several past flights performed by aircraft 110 or the tail itself). In this regard, the target parameter values ​​are determined not only based on the parameter values ​​received in the downlinked ACARS message, but also based on the health or degradation of aircraft 110 as represented by the tail-specific offset.

[0042] In block 218, the advisory module 160 outputs the target parameter value(s), for example, to a ground communications management unit, or GCMU. The GCMU can organize the target parameter value(s) into a standard ACARS format. More specifically, an uplink ACARS message can include an advisory that includes the determined target parameter value(s). The advisory can be organized, for example, in a "free text" section of the uplink ACARS message. The uplink ACARS message can be routed from the GCMU to the ground transceiver 152. The ground transceiver 152 can then transmit the ACARS message, or more precisely, uplink the ACARS message that includes the advisory, to the aircraft 110.

[0043] 1, 2, and 3, by way of example, FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram illustrating operations performed by ground station 150, e.g., operations performed in blocks 214, 216, and 218 of technique 200 of FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3, downlink ACARS message 162 may be received by GCMU 164, which is operable to process and route ACARS messages. GCMU 164 routes downlink ACARS message 162 to ACARS decoder 166. ACARS decoder 166 may decode downlink ACARS message 162 and, in so doing, may make a determination as to whether downlink ACARS message 162 includes a set of parameter values ​​for associated parameters. If downlink ACARS message 162 does not include parameter values ​​for associated parameters, advisory module 160 may ignore downlink ACARS message 162. However, if the downlink ACARS message 162 contains parameter values ​​for the relevant parameters, the parameter values ​​can be extracted from the downlink ACARS message 162 and routed to the advisory module 160 .

[0044] 3, the ACARS decoder 166 decodes the downlink ACARS message 162 and extracts a set of parameter values ​​168 for relevant parameters. The relevant parameters in this example include the gross weight of the aircraft 110, the static temperature at the aircraft 110, and the altitude of the aircraft 110. Thus, the set of parameter values ​​168 includes a gross weight parameter value (i.e., GW 170), a static temperature parameter value (i.e., SAT 172), and an altitude parameter value (i.e., ALT 174). The set of parameter values ​​168 is input to the advisory module 160.

[0045] 3, ground computing system 154 may include one or more models, such as one or more machine learning models and / or one or more physics-based models, to determine tail-specific offset 176. In FIG. 3, the model used to determine tail-specific offset 176 includes machine learning model 178, which in this example is configured as a deep learning model, which is a neural network including multiple layers. In general, tail-specific offset 176 may indicate a deviation of actual aircraft performance of aircraft 110 from a baseline aircraft performance of aircraft 110.

[0046] The machine learning model 178 is trained to output the tail-specific offset 176 and includes an input layer, a hidden layer, and an output layer. While only one hidden layer is shown, it will be understood that the neural network or machine learning model 178 can include multiple hidden layers. The input layer includes four neurons, the hidden layer includes five neurons, and the output layer includes one neuron. It will be understood that any suitable number of neurons may be included in each layer, and the machine learning model 178 of FIG. 3 is provided for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting in any way. Various synapses are shown extending between the neurons of the input layer and the hidden layer, and between the hidden layer and the output layer. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, each synapse has a specific weight associated with it. Such weights can be adjusted during training. The machine learning model 178 can be trained to model, for example, a physics-based model.

[0047] The machine learning model 178 may receive input data, e.g., historical flight data 180 from a number of past flights performed by the aircraft 110 or the tail itself, such as the past two hundred (200) flights. The historical flight data 180 may include parameter values ​​for a number of parameters, such as parameters that affect fuel usage or fuel flow to the engines 114 of the aircraft 110. Example parameters that affect fuel flow may include, but are not limited to, gross weight, altitude, temperature (e.g., static temperature, engine temperature, etc.), aircraft speed, wind speed and / or direction, other ambient conditions, combinations thereof, etc. Based on the input data or historical flight data 180, the machine learning model 178 may output a tail-specific offset 176.

[0048] Tail-specific offset 176 may be input to advisory module 160. One or more processors of ground computing system 154 may execute advisory module 160 to determine target parameter value(s) 182 for aircraft 110 based at least in part on set of parameter values ​​168 and tail-specific offset 176.

[0049] In some exemplary aspects, the target parameter value 182 for the aircraft 110 may be a target speed 182A for the aircraft 110. As another example, the target parameter value 182 for the aircraft 110 may be a target altitude 182B for the aircraft 110. As yet another example, multiple target parameter values ​​182 may be determined in block 216. For example, the multiple target parameter values ​​182 may include a target speed 182A and a target altitude 182B for the aircraft 110. The advisory module 160 may forward the determined target parameter value(s) 182 to the GCMU 164, which may organize the target parameter value(s) 182 into a standard ACARS format and render an uplink ACARS message 184. The uplink ACARS message 184 may include an advisory 186 that includes the target parameter value(s) 182. The uplink ACARS message 184 may be routed to the ground transceiver 152 , which may then transmit the uplink ACARS message 184 to the aircraft 110 .

[0050] 1 and 2, at block 220, an uplink ACARS message (e.g., uplink ACARS message 184 of FIG. 3) may be uplinked to aircraft 110, for example, via airband radio or SATCOM communications. The uplink ACARS message may include an advisory including a target parameter value(s).

[0051] In block 222, the uplinked ACARS message containing the advisory is received by the FMC 132 and presented to the flight crew, for example, via a display screen on the CDU 134. For example, the uplink ACARS message may be received by the transceiver 122 and forwarded to the CMU 124. The CMU 124 may then route the uplink ACARS message to the FMC 132. The FMC 132 may present the contents of the uplink ACARS message to the flight crew, for example, by causing an advisory including the target parameter value(s) to be displayed on a display screen on the CDU 134. In some alternative aspects, the FMC 132 may present the advisory including the target parameter value(s) to the flight crew via other means, such as via an audible message, augmented reality glasses or helmet, a multifunction display, or a combination thereof.

[0052] In block 224, the flight crew may decide whether to implement the advisory's suggested target parameter value(s). If the flight crew decides not to implement the suggested target parameter value(s), the flight crew can simply ignore the advisory. If the flight crew decides to implement the suggested target parameter value(s), the flight crew may enter the target parameter value(s), for example, by entering the values ​​into the CDU 134. When the target parameter value(s) are implemented, for example, the speed and / or altitude may be set to a speed and / or altitude that can provide fuel savings for the aircraft 110. In other words, setting the aircraft's speed and / or altitude according to the advisory's suggested target parameter value(s) can reduce the fuel burned by the engines 114 of the aircraft 110, which can advantageously reduce carbon emissions and provide fuel savings.

[0053] In some alternative aspects, the FMC 132 may receive an uplinked ACARS message containing an advisory and automatically set the aircraft's speed and / or altitude (or more generally, one or more target parameters) according to the advisory's suggested target parameter value(s), at block 222. A notification may be presented to the flight crew to inform them of the change.

[0054] 4 illustrates a flow diagram of a method 400 for generating, at a ground station, one or more target parameter values ​​that can be suggested to a flight crew in an advisory. The target parameter values ​​are provided to the flight crew to encourage fuel savings and carbon emission reductions.

[0055] At 402, method 400 may include receiving a downlink Aircraft Air-Ground Data Communications System (ACARS) message from an aircraft in flight. For example, a ground transceiver at a ground station may receive the downlink ACARS message and forward the received downlink ACARS message to a ground computing system at the ground station. The ground computing system may process the downlink ACARS message. In some embodiments, the downlink ACARS message is automatically generated and downlinked from the aircraft to the ground station.

[0056] At 404, method 400 may include determining whether the downlink ACARS message includes relevant data. For example, the ground computing system may determine whether parameter values ​​for parameters relevant in determining one or more target parameter values ​​for the aircraft are present in the downlink ACARS message. In other words, at 404, it is determined whether the downlink ACARS message includes all relevant data for the target parameter values ​​to be calculated.

[0057] At 406, method 400 may include ignoring the downlink ACARS message if it is determined at 404 that the downlink ACARS message does not contain relevant data. The downlink ACARS message is ignored for purposes of at least determining the target parameter values, although it will be appreciated that the ACARS message may contain information that may be applicable for other purposes.

[0058] At 408, method 400 may include extracting relevant data from the downlink ACARS message if it is determined at 404 that the downlink ACARS message includes relevant data. For example, the ground computing system may extract parameter values ​​for relevant parameters. In some embodiments, the relevant parameters include a total weight of the aircraft, a static temperature surrounding the aircraft during flight, and an altitude of the aircraft. Thus, in such an embodiment, the parameter values ​​may include a parameter value for the total weight of the aircraft, a parameter value for the static temperature, and a parameter value for the altitude of the aircraft during flight. Other relevant parameters are possible.

[0059] The tail-specific offset may be determined according to 410, 412, and 414 of method 400. Generally, the tail-specific offset indicates a deviation of the actual aircraft performance of the aircraft from the baseline aircraft performance of the aircraft. In this regard, the tail-specific offset indicates the health or degradation of the aircraft relative to its performance when the aircraft was new.

[0060] At 410, in generating the tail-specific offset, method 400 includes receiving historical flight data associated with the aircraft. The flight data may be received, for example, in Quick Access Recorder (QAR) and / or Control Panel file (CPL) format. Such data may be provided by an airline or aircraft operator. The historical flight data may be data from a number of past flights performed by the aircraft or the tail itself, such as the past one hundred flights. The historical flight data may include parameter values ​​for multiple parameters, such as parameters affecting fuel use or fuel flow to the aircraft's engines. Exemplary parameters affecting fuel flow may include, but are not limited to, gross weight, altitude, temperature (e.g., static temperature, engine temperature, etc.), aircraft speed, wind speed and / or direction, other ambient conditions, combinations thereof, etc. The historical flight data may be stored, for example, in a data store and accessed by one or more processors of the ground computing system.

[0061] At 412, the historical flight data, i.e., parameter values ​​from the historical flight data that affect fuel flow to the aircraft's engines, are analyzed by one or more trained machine learning models. The one or more models may be deep learning models, such as feedforward neural networks. One or more of the machine learning models may be trained to model, for example, physics-based models. In yet other embodiments, the historical flight data, i.e., parameter values ​​from the historical flight data that affect fuel flow to the aircraft's engines, may be analyzed by one or more physics-based models and / or one or more statistical models.

[0062] At 414, method 400 may include using the machine learning models to output tail-specific offsets. For example, the one or more models, when executed by one or more processors of the terrestrial computing system, may generate and output tail-specific offsets, which may be input to an advisory module of the terrestrial computing system so that a decision may be made at 416.

[0063] At 416, method 400 may include determining at least one target parameter value for the aircraft based at least in part on the parameter value extracted from the downlink ACARS message and the tail-specific offset. For example, the ground computing system may include an advisory module executable by one or more processors of the ground computing system. The parameter value extracted from the downlink ACARS message at 408 and the tail-specific offset generated at 414 may be used by the advisory module to output at least one target parameter value. In some embodiments, the target parameter value determined at 416 is a target speed for the aircraft. In some embodiments, the target parameter value is a target altitude for the aircraft. In still other embodiments, the target parameter value is one of multiple target parameter values ​​for the aircraft. In such embodiments, the multiple target parameter values ​​may include a target speed and a target altitude for the aircraft. The tail-specific offset may be modeled as a function of the input parameter values, and the target is calculated using the model.

[0064] At 418, the method 400 may include creating an uplink ACARS message and providing the uplink ACARS message including the target parameter values ​​to the aircraft in flight. For example, the ground computing system may organize the determined parameter value(s) into a standard ACARS format. The uplink ACARS message may be constructed, for example, to have an advisory including the target parameter values. Once constructed, the uplink ACARS message may be routed to a ground transceiver at a ground station. The ground transceiver may uplink or transmit the uplink ACARS message to the aircraft. Thus, an advisory suggesting the target parameter value(s) may be presented to the aircraft's flight crew. The flight crew (e.g., pilot) may use the recommended target parameter values ​​(e.g., recommended speed and altitude) to save fuel and reduce carbon emissions.

[0065] 5 illustrates a flow diagram of a method 500 for generating, at a ground station, one or more target parameter values ​​that can be suggested to a flight crew in an advisory. The target parameter values ​​are provided to the flight crew to encourage fuel savings and reduced carbon emissions.

[0066] At 502, method 500 may include transmitting a downlink ACARS message to a ground station during flight of the aircraft. For example, an FMC may command transmission of the downlink ACARS message to a ground station during flight of the aircraft. A data link communication system of the aircraft may downlink various ACARS messages during flight, including the downlink ACARS message. The downlink ACARS message may include relevant data, such as parameter values ​​for parameters relevant in determining one or more target parameter values ​​for the aircraft.

[0067] At 504, method 500 may include receiving, from a ground station during flight, an uplink ACARS message including a target parameter value (or at least one target parameter value). The target parameter value may be determined at the ground station based at least in part on the parameter value and a tail-specific offset extracted from the downlink ACARS message, where the tail-specific offset indicates a deviation of the aircraft's actual aircraft performance from the aircraft's baseline aircraft performance. For example, the target parameter value may be determined according to method 400 of FIG. 4 and constructed into an uplink ACARS message. The uplink ACARS message may be initially received by the aircraft's data link communication system, for example, by its transceiver. The uplink ACARS message may then be routed by the CMU to the FMC. The FMC may receive the uplink ACARS message.

[0068] At 506, method 500 may include presenting an advisory suggesting target parameter values ​​to a flight crew of the aircraft during flight. For example, the FMC may generate an advisory suggesting target parameter value(s) to a flight crew of the aircraft during flight. The FMC may cause a CDU or other display to present the advisory suggesting target parameter value(s) to the flight crew of the aircraft. The flight crew (e.g., pilots) may use the recommended target parameter values ​​(e.g., recommended speed and altitude) to conserve fuel and reduce carbon emissions.

[0069] In some alternative implementations, the aircraft may be automatically controlled by a computing device (e.g., FMC) of the aircraft according to the target parameter value(s) provided in the uplink ACARS message.

[0070] 6 shows a block diagram of an exemplary computing system 600. Various systems described herein may be configured in the same or similar manner as computing system 600. For example, terrestrial computing system 154 of FIG. 1 may be arranged and configured in the same or similar manner as computing system 600. Furthermore, various computing devices or computers (e.g., FMCs) described herein may be arranged and configured in the same or similar manner as one of the computing devices of computing system 600.

[0071] 6, computing system 600 may include one or more computing devices 602. The one or more computing devices 602 may include one or more processors 604 and one or more memory devices 606. The one or more processors 604 may include any suitable processing device, such as a microprocessor, a microcontroller, an integrated circuit, a logic device, or other suitable processing device. The one or more memory devices 606 may include one or more computer-readable media, including but not limited to non-transitory computer-readable media, RAM, ROM, hard drives, flash drives, and other memory devices.

[0072] The one or more memory devices 606 may store information accessible by the one or more processors 604, including computer-readable instructions 608 that may be executed by the one or more processors 604. The instructions 608 may be any set of instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors 604, cause the one or more processors 604 to perform an action. The instructions 608 may be software written in any suitable programming language or may be implemented in hardware.

[0073] The memory device 606 may further store data 610 that can be accessed by the processor 604. For example, the data 610 may include sensor data, such as engine parameters, model data, logic data, etc., as described herein. The data 610 may include one or more tables, functions, algorithms, models, equations, etc., according to example aspects of the present disclosure.

[0074] The one or more computing devices 602 may also include a communication interface 612, for example, used to communicate with other components of the system. The communication interface 612 may include any suitable components for interfacing with one or more networks, including, for example, a transmitter, a receiver, a port, a controller, an antenna, or other suitable components.

[0075] Various embodiments are referenced in this disclosure. However, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific described embodiments. Instead, any combination of the following features and elements, whether associated with a different embodiment or not, is contemplated for implementing and practicing the teachings provided herein. Furthermore, when elements of an embodiment are described in the format of "A and / or B," it is understood that an embodiment including exclusively element A, an embodiment including exclusively element B, and an embodiment including element A and element B are each contemplated. Moreover, while some embodiments may achieve other possible solutions and / or advantages over the prior art, whether or not a particular advantage is achieved by a given embodiment does not limit the disclosure. Accordingly, the embodiments, features, aspects, and advantages disclosed herein are merely exemplary and are not considered elements or limitations of the appended claims unless expressly recited in the claim(s). Similarly, references to "the present invention" are not to be construed as generalizations of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein, and are not to be considered elements or limitations of the appended claims unless expressly recited in the claim(s).

[0076] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the aspects described herein may be embodied as a system, method, or computer program product. Accordingly, the aspects may take the form of entirely hardware aspects, entirely software aspects (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or aspects combining software and hardware aspects, all of which may be referred to generally herein as a "circuit," "module," or "system." Furthermore, the aspects described herein may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer-readable storage medium(s) having computer-readable program code embodied therein.

[0077] The program code embodied on the computer readable storage medium may be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to wireless, wired, fiber optic cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0078] Computer program code for performing operations for embodiments of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java, Smalltalk, C++, and the like, and conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as the "C" programming language or similar. The program code may run entirely on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer via any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

[0079] Aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to aspects of the present disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine such that the instructions, executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, produce means for implementing the function(s) / act(s) specified in the block(s) of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams.

[0080] These computer program instructions may also be stored on a computer-readable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to function in a particular way, such that the instructions stored on the computer-readable medium produce an article of manufacture that includes instructions that implement the function(s) / act(s) specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block(s).

[0081] The computer program instructions may also be loaded into a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause the computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to perform a series of operational steps to create a computer-implemented process such that the instructions executing on the computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device provide a process for implementing the function(s) / act(s) specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block(s).

[0082] The flowchart diagrams and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowchart diagrams or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, including one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur in a different order than noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may often be executed in the reverse or different order, depending on the functionality involved. It should also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart diagrams, can be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified functions or operations, or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0083] While the foregoing is directed to aspects of the present disclosure, other and further aspects of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, the scope of which is determined by the following claims.

[0084] Some aspects of the illustrative examples are described in the following appended clauses, which are examples of aspects and are not intended to limit other illustrative examples.

[0085] Additional notes 1 receiving a downlink Aircraft Air-Ground Data Communications System (ACARS) message from an aircraft in flight; determining target parameter values ​​for the aircraft based at least in part on parameter values ​​and a tail-specific offset extracted from the downlink ACARS message, the tail-specific offset indicating a deviation of actual aircraft performance of the aircraft from a baseline aircraft performance of the aircraft; transmitting an uplink ACARS message including the target parameter value to the aircraft in flight; A method comprising:

[0086] Additional note 2 presenting a recommendation to a flight crew of the aircraft suggesting the target parameter values; The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

[0087] Additional note 3 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the downlink ACARS message is automatically generated and downlinked from the aircraft to a ground station.

[0088] Additional note 4 The method described in Appendix 1, wherein the parameter values ​​include a parameter value of the total weight of the aircraft, a parameter value of static temperature, and a parameter value of the altitude of the aircraft during flight.

[0089] Additional note 5 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the target parameter value is a target speed of the aircraft.

[0090] Additional note 6 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the target parameter value is a target altitude for the aircraft.

[0091] Additional note 7 The method described in Appendix 1, wherein the target parameter value is one of a plurality of target parameter values ​​for the aircraft, the plurality of target parameter values ​​including a target speed and a target altitude for the aircraft.

[0092] Additional note 8 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiving, determining, and providing steps are performed at a ground station.

[0093] Additional note 9 receiving historical flight data associated with the aircraft; using a machine learning model to output the tail-specific offset based at least in part on the historical flight data; The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

[0094] Additional note 10 automatically controlling, by a computing device of the aircraft, the aircraft according to the target parameter values ​​provided in the uplink ACARS message to the aircraft. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

[0095] Additional note 11 one or more processors; one or more memory devices storing programs executable by the one or more processors to perform operations, the operations including: receiving a downlink Aircraft Air-Ground Data Communications System (ACARS) message from an aircraft in flight; determining target parameter values ​​for the aircraft based at least in part on parameter values ​​and a tail-specific offset extracted from the downlink ACARS message, the tail-specific offset indicating a deviation of actual aircraft performance of the aircraft from a baseline aircraft performance of the aircraft; transmitting an uplink ACARS message including the target parameter value to the aircraft in flight; one or more memory devices, Including ground stations.

[0096] Additional note 12 The ground station of claim 11, wherein the parameter values ​​include a parameter value of the total weight of the aircraft, a parameter value of static temperature, and a parameter value of the altitude of the aircraft during flight.

[0097] Additional note 13 The ground station described in Appendix 11, wherein the target parameter value is one of a plurality of target parameter values ​​for the aircraft, the plurality of target parameter values ​​including a target speed and a target altitude for the aircraft.

[0098] Additional note 14 The operation is receiving historical flight data associated with the aircraft; using a machine learning model to output the tail-specific offset based at least in part on the historical flight data; 12. The ground station of claim 11, further comprising:

[0099] Additional note 15 The operation is generating the uplink ACARS message, the uplink ACARS message having an advisory including the target parameter value; 12. The ground station of claim 11, further comprising:

[0100] Additional note 16 one or more processors; one or more memory devices storing programs executable by the one or more processors to perform operations, the operations including: commanding the transmission of downlink Aircraft Air-Ground Data Communications System (ACARS) messages to a ground station while the aircraft is in flight; receiving, during the flight, an uplink ACARS message transmitted by the ground station, the uplink ACARS message including target parameter values ​​based at least in part on parameter values ​​extracted from the downlink ACARS message and a tail-specific offset, the tail-specific offset indicating a deviation of actual aircraft performance of the aircraft from a baseline aircraft performance of the aircraft; generating an advisory during the flight presenting the target parameter values ​​to a flight crew of the aircraft; and one or more memory devices, A computing system for an aircraft, including:

[0101] Additional note 17 17. The computing system of claim 16, wherein at least one processor of the one or more processors and at least one memory device of the one or more memory devices are embodied in a flight management computer, and wherein the at least one processor of the flight management computer receives the uplink ACARS message and causes the advisory to be presented to the flight crew.

[0102] Additional note 18 The computing system of claim 16, wherein the target parameter value is one of a plurality of target parameter values ​​for the aircraft, the plurality of target parameter values ​​including a target speed and a target altitude for the aircraft.

[0103] Additional note 19 17. The computing system of claim 16, wherein the parameter values ​​include a parameter value of the total weight of the aircraft, a parameter value of static temperature, and a parameter value of the altitude of the aircraft during flight.

[0104] Additional note 20 The operation is generating said downlink ACARS message; further comprising 17. The computing system of claim 16, wherein generating and causing transmission of the downlink ACARS message to the ground station occurs automatically without flight crew intervention during the flight of the aircraft. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 100 Communication Systems 110 Aircraft 112 Torso 114 Engine 116 Cockpit 120 Data Link Communication System 122 Transceiver 124 Communications Management Unit (CMU) 130 Flight Management System (FMS) 132 Flight Management Computer (FMC) 134 Control Display Unit (CDU) 140 (one or more) sensors 150 ground stations 152 Ground Transceiver 152A Parabolic Antenna for Satellite Communications 152B Cellular Tower 154 Terrestrial Computing Systems 156 data stores 158 Communications Center 160 Advisory Module 162 Downlink ACARS Message 164 Ground Communications Management Unit (GCMU) 166 ACARS decoder 168 Set parameter values 170 Total Weight (GW) 172 Static temperature (SAT) 174 Altitude (ALT) 176 tail specific offset 178 Machine Learning Models 180 historical flight data 182 Target parameter value 182A Target speed 182B Target altitude 184 Uplink ACARS Messages 186 Advice 200 Techniques for providing flight crew advice 210 blocks 212 blocks 214 blocks 216 blocks 218 blocks 220 blocks Block 222 224 blocks 400 Method for generating one or more target parameter values ​​at a ground station 500 A method for generating one or more target parameter values ​​at a ground station 600 Computing Systems 602 computing device(s) 604 processor(s) 606 memory device(s) 608 Computer Readable Instructions 610 Data 612 Communication Interface

Claims

1. receiving (402) a downlink Aircraft Air-Ground Data Communications System (ACARS) message (162) from an aircraft (110) in flight; determining (416) target parameter values ​​(182) for the aircraft (110) based at least in part on parameter values ​​(186) extracted from the downlink ACARS message (162) and a tail-specific offset (176), the tail-specific offset (176) indicating a deviation of actual aircraft performance of the aircraft (110) from a baseline aircraft performance of the aircraft (110); transmitting (418) an uplink ACARS message (184) including the target parameter value (182) to the aircraft (110) in flight; A method (400).

2. providing (222) a recommendation (186) to the flight crew of the aircraft (110) suggesting the target parameter value (182); The method (400) of claim 1, further comprising:

3. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the downlink ACARS message is automatically generated and downlinked from the aircraft to a ground station.

4. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the parameter values ​​include a parameter value of a total weight of the aircraft, a parameter value of a static temperature, and a parameter value of an altitude of the aircraft during flight.

5. The method (400) of claim 1, wherein the target parameter value (182) is a target speed (182A) of the aircraft (110).

6. The method (400) of claim 1, wherein the target parameter value (182) is a target altitude (182B) for the aircraft (110).

7. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the target parameter value is one of a plurality of target parameter values ​​for the aircraft, the plurality of target parameter values ​​comprising a target speed and a target altitude for the aircraft.

8. The method (400) of claim 1, wherein the receiving, determining, and providing steps occur at a ground station (150).

9. receiving historical flight data (180) associated with the aircraft (110); using a machine learning model (178) to output the tail-specific offset (176) based at least in part on the historical flight data (180); The method (400) of claim 1, further comprising:

10. automatically controlling, by a computing device of the aircraft (110), the aircraft (110) in accordance with the target parameter values ​​(182) provided in the uplink ACARS message (184) to the aircraft (110). The method (400) of claim 1, further comprising:

11. one or more processors (604); one or more memory devices (606) storing programs (608) executable by the one or more processors (604) to perform operations, the operations including: receiving (402) a downlink Aircraft Air-Ground Data Communications System (ACARS) message (162) from an aircraft (110) in flight; determining (416) target parameter values ​​(182) for the aircraft (110) based at least in part on parameter values ​​(186) extracted from the downlink ACARS message (162) and a tail-specific offset (176), the tail-specific offset (176) indicating a deviation of actual aircraft performance of the aircraft (110) from a baseline aircraft performance of the aircraft (110); transmitting (418) an uplink ACARS message (184) including the target parameter value (182) to the aircraft (110) in flight; one or more memory devices (606), Including ground stations (150).

12. 12. The ground station (150) of claim 11, wherein the parameter values ​​(186) include a parameter value of a total weight (170) of the aircraft (110), a parameter value of a static temperature (172), and a parameter value of an altitude (174) of the aircraft (110) during flight.

13. 12. The ground station (150) of claim 11, wherein the target parameter value (182) is one of a plurality of target parameter values ​​(182) for the aircraft (110), the plurality of target parameter values ​​(182) including a target speed (182A) and a target altitude (182B) for the aircraft (110).

14. The operation is receiving historical flight data (180) associated with the aircraft (110); using a machine learning model (178) to output the tail-specific offset (176) based at least in part on the historical flight data (180); The ground station (150) of claim 11, further comprising:

15. The operation is generating an uplink ACARS message (184), the uplink ACARS message (184) having a tip (186) including the target parameter value (182); The ground station (150) of claim 11, further comprising:

16. A computing system for an aircraft (110), comprising: one or more processors (604); one or more memory devices (606) storing programs (608) executable by the one or more processors (604) to perform operations, the operations including: commanding (502) the transmission of a downlink Aircraft Air-Ground Data Communications System (ACARS) message (162) to a ground station (150) during flight of the aircraft (110); receiving (504) an uplink ACARS message (184) transmitted by the ground station (150) during the flight, the uplink ACARS message (184) including target parameter values ​​(182) based at least in part on parameter values ​​(186) extracted from the downlink ACARS message (162) and a tail-specific offset (176), the tail-specific offset (176) indicating a deviation of actual aircraft performance of the aircraft (110) from a baseline aircraft performance of the aircraft (110); generating (506) advisories (186) for presenting the target parameter values ​​(182) to a flight crew of the aircraft (110) during the flight; one or more memory devices (606), A computing system (130) for an aircraft (110).

17. 17. The computing system of claim 16, wherein at least one processor of the one or more processors and at least one memory device of the one or more memory devices are embodied in a flight management computer, the at least one processor of the flight management computer receiving the uplink ACARS message and causing the advisory to be presented to the flight crew.

18. 17. The computing system (130) of claim 16, wherein the target parameter value (182) is one of a plurality of target parameter values ​​(182) for the aircraft (110), the plurality of target parameter values ​​(182) including a target speed (182A) and a target altitude (182B) for the aircraft (110).

19. 17. The computing system of claim 16, wherein the parameter values ​​include a parameter value of a total weight of the aircraft, a parameter value of a static temperature, and a parameter value of an altitude of the aircraft during flight.

20. The operation is generating said downlink ACARS message (162); further comprising 17. The computing system of claim 16, wherein the generating and causing the transmission of the downlink ACARS message to the ground station during the flight of the aircraft occurs automatically without flight crew intervention.

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