Aircraft Holding Pattern Analysis System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial aircraft pilots are often unaware of the duration of holding patterns, leading to delays and increased workload for air traffic controllers, as well as passenger anxiety, due to the lack of real-time information on expected landing times.
Innovation Solution
A holding pattern analysis system that includes a detection unit to identify when an aircraft is in a holding pattern and a prediction unit to estimate the duration based on historical data, flight plan deviations, and current air traffic conditions, communicating this information to pilots and passengers without needing air traffic controller communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the air traffic controller verbally communicates with the pilot to inform of holding pattern requirements, then the pilot receives instructions, but the controller becomes distracted from other duties and flight schedules are delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically detecting holding patterns through flight data analysis and calculating expected durations without requiring controller-pilot communication. The system serves itself by using existing flight plan data and automated algorithms to provide information that would otherwise require human interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system acts as an intermediary between the flight management system and the pilot/controller by automatically processing flight data, detecting holding patterns, and providing duration predictions. This intermediary function eliminates the need for direct verbal communication while ensuring accurate information transmission.
2Loss of information
If the pilot periodically contacts the air traffic controller to inquire about landing clearance, then the pilot obtains information, but the controller is distracted and flight schedules are delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by calculating and providing the expected holding pattern duration in advance, before the pilot needs to inquire. This allows the pilot to know the total time upfront and understand when landing clearance will be available, eliminating the need for periodic status checks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring flight data and automatically updating the expected holding duration based on current flight plan deviations and air traffic conditions. This provides dynamic, real-time information without requiring pilot-initiated queries.
3Ease of operation
If the pilot is unaware of the holding pattern duration, then the pilot can contact the controller for updates, but the pilot cannot make informed decisions about diverting to another airport
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous feedback to the pilot about the expected holding pattern duration and any changes to this estimate. This enables the pilot to make informed decisions regarding fuel management and potential diversions based on real-time information about the holding situation.
Data Source
AI summary
A holding pattern analysis system and method include a holding pattern detection unit that is configured to detect when an aircraft is flying in a holding pattern proximate to a destination airport, and a holding time prediction unit that is configured to predict a total time of the holding pattern in response to the holding pattern detection unit detecting that the aircraft is flying in the holding pattern.