Flight Plan Micro-Shortcuts With ATC-Approved RNAV 5 Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flight plans often require aircraft to adhere to strict navigation corridors, limiting the implementation of shortcuts that could conserve fuel, especially in densely populated areas where air traffic control may not allow deviations.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft system that modifies flight plans to implement micro-shortcuts within RNAV 5 boundaries by identifying suitable segments, obtaining air traffic control permission, and calculating the shortest path within geographical environments, using a flight plan modification algorithm integrated with the flight management system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the aircraft follows the strict navigation corridor (RNAV 5 boundaries), then the aircraft adheres to air traffic control regulations, but the flight distance increases and fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flight plan is divided into multiple segments between waypoints, and the system evaluates each segment individually to determine if a micro-shortcut can be implemented. This segmentation allows the aircraft to follow strict corridors where necessary while exploiting opportunities for fuel-saving shortcuts in suitable areas, thus resolving the contradiction between regulatory adherence and fuel efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying shortcuts across the entire flight plan, the system implements micro-shortcuts partially - only in segments where conditions permit (clear airspace, approved by ATC, within RNAV 5 boundaries). This partial application maintains regulatory compliance in critical areas while achieving fuel savings in permissible zones.
2Loss of energy
If the aircraft implements shortcuts outside RNAV 5 boundaries, then the flight distance decreases and fuel consumption decreases, but the aircraft violates air traffic control regulations
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of corridor width dynamically - using the full RNAV 5 boundary allowance (5 nautical miles either side) when implementing micro-shortcuts, rather than strictly following the centerline. This parameter adjustment enables shorter flight paths while remaining within regulatory limits.
3Loss of energy
If the aircraft requests deviation permission from air traffic control, then the aircraft may implement shortcuts, but the communication time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of potential micro-shortcut segments before flight, identifying suitable candidates where shortcuts can be implemented without requiring complex real-time ATC coordination. This advance preparation reduces operational complexity during actual flight while still enabling fuel-saving maneuvers.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems for modifying a flight plan to implement micro-shortcuts. The system identifies a segment of interest within an initial flight plan, the segment of interest being a section to consider for a micro-shortcut. The system determined a geographical environment associated with the segment of interest and determines a relevant air traffic control (ATC) for the geographical environment. The system requests, from the relevant ATC, an amount of deviation from the initial flight plan for the segment of interest. Upon obtaining permission for the amount of deviation from the initial flight plan for the segment of interest, the system calculates a shortest path (i.e., a micro-shortcut) for the segment of interest. The system modifies the initial flight plan and commands the FMS to fly the shortest path for the segment of interest.