Aircraft Time to Altitude Display System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current navigation displays do not provide time-related information, leading to increased pilot workload and potential errors when descending to reach a target altitude within a specified time as commanded by Air Traffic Control.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that integrates a flight management system with sensors to display both range and time to altitude on an aircraft display, using a controller to generate a range to altitude arc and present time to altitude information, allowing pilots to visually confirm altitude clearance without manual calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pilots manually calculate descent rates using mental math, then they can determine the required descent rate to reach target altitude, but this increases pilot workload and can result in errors
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation display system automatically calculates and displays the required descent rate and time to altitude information without requiring pilot intervention for manual calculations. The system serves itself by computing these parameters based on current flight data and target altitude inputs, eliminating the need for pilot mental math while reducing workload and increasing accuracy.
2Reliability
If pilots descend at faster rates to avoid violating ATC clearance, then they can ensure timely arrival at target altitude, but this may cause passenger discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous feedback by displaying both the required descent rate and time to altitude information simultaneously. This allows pilots to monitor their descent progress in real-time and make precise adjustments to maintain compliance with ATC clearances while avoiding excessive descent rates that would cause passenger discomfort. The dual-parameter display enables fine-tuned control of the descent profile.
3Loss of information
If navigation displays only show range to altitude arc, then the display remains simple, but time-related information is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation display is segmented into distinct information elements: the range to altitude arc and the time to altitude display. This segmentation allows the system to provide comprehensive information (both range and time) while maintaining display organization and clarity. Each element serves a specific function and can be independently adjusted or configured, preventing information overload while eliminating information gaps.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for displaying range and time to altitude for an aircraft are disclosed. In embodiments, a system includes a flight management system configured to receive flight data from a plurality of sensors, wherein the flight data includes altitude and vertical speed measurements. The system further includes an aircraft display system and controller. The controller is in communication with the flight management system and the aircraft display system. The controller is configured to receive a selected target altitude and generate a range to altitude arc at a display of the aircraft display system based on the flight data and the selected target altitude. The controller is further configured to determine a time to altitude based on the flight data and the selected target altitude and configured to present the time to altitude in proximity to the range to altitude arc at the display of the aircraft display system.