Aircraft Mode Configuration for Rapid Single-Pilot Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft configuration systems require significant downtime and complex procedures to switch between two-pilot and single-pilot modes, limiting operational flexibility and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A configuration system that acquires and authenticates mode selection orders, activates or deactivates dedicated equipment, and verifies single-pilot flight conditions, allowing for quick and automatic switching between two-pilot and single-pilot modes, including engine start prevention until all conditions are met.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration procedures are used to switch between single-pilot and two-pilot modes, then equipment can be activated or deactivated, but the aircraft must be stopped for a significant period of time and the process is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration system pre-loads all necessary equipment states and parameters before mode switching is required. When a mode change is initiated, the system automatically activates or deactivates the appropriate equipment based on pre-configured settings, eliminating the need for manual setup and reducing downtime significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration system is designed to automatically detect the desired mode (single-pilot or two-pilot) and self-configure the aircraft by activating or deactivating appropriate equipment without requiring manual intervention. The system performs verification checks and adjusts settings autonomously, making the switching process rapid and simple.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration procedures are used to switch between single-pilot and two-pilot modes, then equipment can be activated or deactivated, but the configuration process is complex and constraining
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration system automatically detects the desired mode and self-configures the aircraft by activating or deactivating appropriate equipment without requiring manual intervention. The system performs verification checks and adjusts settings autonomously, making the switching process rapid and simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration system serves multiple functions: it detects the desired mode, activates or deactivates equipment, performs verification checks, and manages the entire switching process. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise be multiple separate manual procedures into a single automated system.
3Ease of operation
If equipment is activated for single-pilot mode, then flight control by a single pilot is enabled, but verification of flight conditions is required to ensure safety
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration system implements verification means that continuously monitor and verify flight conditions before and during single-pilot mode operation. The system provides feedback to both the pilot and ground station about the operational state of safety-critical equipment, ensuring that all necessary conditions are met before allowing single-pilot flight to proceed.
Data Source
AI summary
A configuration system (80) arranged to configure an aircraft in a single-pilot mode and a two-pilot mode, comprising:acquisition means (84) and authentication means (83) arranged to acquire and authenticate a configuration order that defines the selected mode and controls the configuration system (80) to configure the aircraft in the selected mode;first activation means (85) arranged to activate equipment dedicated to piloting by a single-pilot on board when the aircraft is configured in single-pilot mode, and to deactivate dedicated equipment when the aircraft is configured in two-pilot mode;verification means (87) arranged to, when the aircraft is configured in the single-pilot mode, verify that single-pilot flight conditions are met and inform the sole pilot on board and a ground station of the results of these checks.