Aircraft Navigation Chart Discrepancy Reporting via Electronic Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for updating aeronautical navigation charts are cumbersome and time-consuming, often leading to unreported discrepancies, especially for minor issues that do not affect safety, as pilots and crew may not have the time or means to report them promptly during flights.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and apparatus that allows pilots to select navigation objects in an aircraft data processing system, record discrepancies, and propose changes, which can be evaluated and stored for later reporting, simplifying the reporting process and enabling immediate identification of discrepancies during flights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional reporting methods (telephone hotline, email, fax, letter) are used to report chart discrepancies, then reports can be submitted to update navigation charts, but the reporting process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical reporting methods (telephone, email, fax, physical letters) with an electronic computing device system that allows pilots to report discrepancies directly from the cockpit using a touchscreen interface. This substitution eliminates the need for separate reporting tools and enables immediate reporting during flight operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables pilots to independently report chart discrepancies without requiring assistance from ground control or dedicated reporting personnel. The interface allows pilots to select discrepancies, view details, and submit reports autonomously through the electronic flight bag system.
2Reliability
If traditional reporting methods are used, then reports can be submitted after flights, but the reporting process delays the timeliness of chart updates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing and storing discrepancy reports in real-time during flight operations. Rather than waiting for post-flight processing, the system immediately records discrepancies with timestamps and stores them in the database for subsequent chart update processing, significantly reducing the time lag between discrepancy identification and chart correction.
3Reliability
If pilots focus only on safety-critical issues, then important safety discrepancies are reported, but minor discrepancies that could affect chart accuracy remain unreported
Solution Approach 1:
The system goes beyond traditional safety-critical reporting by capturing all types of discrepancies, including minor non-safety issues. The interface allows pilots to report any chart inaccuracy regardless of severity, creating a more comprehensive dataset that improves overall chart accuracy while maintaining focus on safety-critical items through prioritization algorithms.
4Ease of operation
If a simplified reporting interface is implemented, then reporting becomes easier and more frequent, but the system must handle and evaluate more discrepancy data
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the discrepancy reporting process into distinct modules: discrepancy selection, detail viewing, report submission, and data evaluation. The evaluation process is further segmented into automated validation rules and manual review queues, allowing the system to handle increased data volume through structured processing while keeping the pilot interface simple and intuitive.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for proposing an update for a navigation chart displayed in an aircraft data processing system. A selection of a navigation object is received in the navigation chart through the aircraft data processing system. In response to receiving the selection, a set of attributes is presented for the navigation object, wherein each attribute can be selected containing a discrepancy. In response to receiving user input to change an attribute in the set of attributes, the attribute is changed using the user input. A discrepancy report is directly sent to the data provider via a datalink.