Aircraft Preflight Automation With Sensor-Validated Startup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft preflight checklists are often paper-based, generic, and time-consuming, requiring manual visual or auditory tests that can be tedious and prone to errors due to lack of familiarity with the aircraft, and may require additional resources for positioning the aircraft for takeoff.
Innovation Solution
A customized preflight checklist graphical user interface (GUI) tailored to specific aircraft, utilizing sensor data for accurate and efficient completion, with automated validation and integration with vehicle systems for seamless startup and shutdown processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pilot manually completes a conventional paper-based preflight checklist, then the aircraft systems can be tested, but the process is time-consuming and tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual paper-based checklist system with an automated electronic checklist system that uses sensors and processors to automatically monitor and validate aircraft system states, eliminating the need for manual visual or auditory tests by a pilot
Solution Approach 2:
The aircraft systems perform self-testing and self-validation through automated sensors and control systems that monitor system states, check valve positions, and verify operational parameters without requiring pilot intervention for each individual check
2Reliability
If a pilot manually tests each system component during preflight review, then system functionality can be confirmed, but the process requires extensive familiarity with the aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The automated electronic checklist system replaces manual pilot testing with sensor-based automated monitoring that objectively measures system states and validates operational parameters, eliminating the need for pilot familiarity with specific test procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides automated feedback through the electronic checklist interface, confirming system states and validating checks automatically, which guides the pilot through the process without requiring specialized knowledge of each system's operational characteristics
3Productivity
If ground personnel manually position the aircraft for takeoff after remote preflight check, then the aircraft can be moved to clear locations, but additional time and resources are required
Solution Approach 1:
The automated checklist system completes the preflight review process before the aircraft needs to be positioned, and the system can coordinate with ground equipment to automatically position the aircraft, eliminating the need for manual intervention after remote check completion
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system integrates multiple functions including preflight checking, validation, and coordination with aircraft positioning systems, allowing a single automated system to handle both the checklist completion and the subsequent positioning coordination without requiring separate manual processes
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an automated system to prepare an aircraft for takeoff and receive and store a landed aircraft. The system in one embodiment receives a communication confirming initiation of automated preflight checklist for operation of an aircraft, the aircraft at rest on a transport system in a hanger. The system receives a communication confirming vehicle control and interface system of the aircraft are approved on the preflight checklist. Instructions are transmitted to a vehicle control and interface systems of the aircraft. The instructions including instructions to initiate the processing system of the vehicle control and interface systems at takeoff based on environment conditions. A signal is transmitted to open a door of the hanger. Instructions also are transmitted to a transport system. The instructions to the transport system include startup and navigation instructions to a takeoff location.