Copilot Replacement Interface for Single-Pilot Cockpit Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft designed for dual-pilot operations cannot be safely operated by a single pilot due to cockpit layout constraints and certification requirements, which impede access to essential components and segregate pilot and copilot duties, necessitating a crew of at least two pilots.
Innovation Solution
A copilot replacement system (CPRS) that integrates autonomous and remotely assisted functionalities, including a monitoring, checklist, and warning system, cockpit monitoring system, and flight augmentation system, enabling a single onboard pilot to operate by connecting with a ground-based copilot via high-speed data links, and providing access to traditionally copilot-controlled components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a dual-pilot aircraft is operated by a single pilot, then crew cost and operational complexity are reduced, but safety and accessibility to essential components deteriorate due to cockpit layout constraints
Solution Approach 1:
A portable computing device acts as an intermediary between the single pilot and the aircraft systems, providing virtual access to copilot-side components and functions. The device receives pilot inputs and transmits them to the appropriate aircraft systems, enabling the single pilot to operate dual-pilot aircraft safely despite cockpit layout constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable computing device creates a virtual copy of the copilot's station, replicating access to circuit breakers, control switches, displays, and other essential components on the pilot's side. This virtual copying allows the single pilot to access and control all necessary aircraft functions without physical access to the copilot's area.
2Ease of operation
If cockpit components are positioned for dual-pilot accessibility, then both pilots can perform their duties, but a single pilot cannot access essential components located on the copilot's side
Solution Approach 1:
The portable computing device replaces the need for physical mechanical access to copilot-side components. Instead of requiring the pilot to physically reach across the cockpit to access circuit breakers, switches, and displays on the copilot's side, the device provides electronic access through a touchscreen interface that replicates these controls.
3Reliability
If pilot and copilot duties are segregated, then both pilots remain engaged during all phases of flight, but a single pilot cannot effectively manage all responsibilities
Solution Approach 1:
The portable computing device provides self-service capabilities by automatically presenting checklist items, alerting the pilot to required actions, and tracking the completion of duties. This reduces the cognitive burden on the single pilot by managing some organizational tasks automatically while maintaining comprehensive duty coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to systems and methods for providing a copilot replacement system (CPRS) that enables dual-pilot or multi-pilot aircraft to be operated by a single onboard pilot. Amongst other things, the CPRS solutions can include components that autonomously execute functions traditionally performed by an onboard copilot and/or can establish connections with one or more copilot ground base stations (GBSs) that enable ground-based copilots to remotely provide assistance with operating the aircraft.