Flight Management System Angular Guidance Compatibility Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flight management systems (FMS) do not effectively determine the compatibility of angular guidance modes with linear guidance modes, leading to pilots being uncertain about using angular modes for approaches with high precision requirements, and exclude certain procedures without ensuring compliance with obstacle constraints.
Innovation Solution
A method for determining compatibility of angular guidance modes with linear guidance modes, involving calculations of distances and angles of precision, implemented on a flight management system to assess the possibility of using angular approaches, including lateral and vertical divergences, and displaying compatibility information to pilots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the crew uses angular guidance mode based on angular deviation indicators, then the safety of approach is improved through naturally convergent behavior, but the crew cannot pinpoint the deviation in terms of linear divergence which may lead to non-use of the angular mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines angular deviation indicators with linear deviation indicators in the same display interface. This allows pilots to simultaneously see both the angular convergence behavior (for safety) and the linear divergence magnitude (for operational decision-making), resolving the contradiction between safety improvement and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces linear deviation indicators as an intermediary element that translates angular deviations into linear terms. This intermediary representation allows pilots to understand the practical significance of angular deviations in relation to obstacle clearance and precision requirements, making the angular mode easier to operate while maintaining its safety benefits.
2Reliability
If certain procedures are excluded from angular guidance mode when segments are not aligned with the last segment, then obstacle constraint compliance is improved, but the pilot is precluded from using angular guidance mode on approaches that could be compatible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculations of maximum distances and precision parameters before the approach. By pre-determining whether an approach procedure is compatible with angular guidance mode based on segment alignment and precision requirements, the system enables pilots to use angular mode on compatible approaches while automatically excluding incompatible ones, thus improving both reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of segment alignment evaluation from a binary exclusion criterion to a continuous evaluation based on maximum distance calculations. By calculating whether the misalignment angle and distance fall within acceptable precision parameters, the system allows angular guidance mode on previously excluded approaches that still meet obstacle clearance requirements, enhancing versatility while maintaining safety.
3Measurement precision
If RNP-AR approaches with high precision requirements are not eligible in angular mode, then precision requirement compliance is maintained, but the ability to use angular guidance mode is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary evaluation of RNP-AR approach procedures to determine compatibility with angular guidance mode. By calculating the maximum distances and precision parameters specific to RNP-AR requirements before the approach, the system identifies which RNP-AR procedures can safely use angular mode, enabling precision compliance while expanding eligibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the precision parameters and maximum distance thresholds specifically for RNP-AR approaches. By modifying the evaluation criteria to account for the higher precision requirements of RNP-AR while still allowing angular mode operation within those parameters, the system enables RNP-AR approaches to be eligible for angular guidance mode when appropriate, maintaining precision compliance while improving adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system is provided for determining the compatibility of an approach, to a landing runway, with an angular guidance mode, the approach being compatible with a linear guidance mode, the angular guidance being characterized by a lateral angle of precision, the linear guidance being characterized by a lateral divergence of precision. The method is implemented on a flight management system deployed aboard an aircraft and comprising a first step of determining a first distance representative of a maximum distance of use of the angular guidance, on the basis of the lateral angle of precision and of the lateral divergence of precision.