Flight Planning System Using Dynamic Cost Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft flight planning methods fail to account for operational costs such as airspace usage, pollution, and airport fees, leading to inefficient flight plans and increased expenses for airlines.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for determining an optimal flight plan by calculating projected costs based on dynamic cost data, navigation data, and equipment parameters, which considers factors like airspace usage, pollution, and equipment usage, to select the lowest aggregate cost route.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional flight planning methods are used, then flight plans can be determined quickly based on time and distance, but operational costs increase due to inability to account for airspace usage, pollution, and airport fees
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of projected costs for multiple potential flight plans before final selection. By pre-calculating costs based on dynamic data (airspace usage fees, pollution charges, airport charges) and comparing multiple routes in advance, the system enables cost-optimized flight plan determination without significant time penalty, resolving the contradiction between quick planning and cost efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters used for flight plan evaluation from traditional time and distance metrics to include dynamic cost parameters such as airspace usage charges, pollution emissions costs, and airport fees. This parameter transformation allows the system to optimize for operational cost while maintaining computational efficiency through structured cost calculation frameworks
2Loss of energy
If dynamic cost data and multiple flight plan options are evaluated, then operational costs are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the flight plan evaluation process into distinct components: generating potential flight plans, accessing dynamic cost data (airspace, pollution, airport charges), calculating projected costs for each segment, and comparing aggregate costs. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity by breaking down the complex optimization problem into manageable, modular steps that can be executed systematically
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary cost calculation layer that mediates between flight plan generation and final optimization selection. This intermediary layer standardizes the evaluation process by applying consistent cost parameters and calculation methods to all potential flight plans, simplifying the comparison process and reducing decision-making complexity
3Ease of operation
If conventional flight plans are used, then navigation is simplified, but accuracy in assessing ticket prices and cargo fees decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback loops that continuously update cost projections based on current dynamic data (real-time airspace charges, pollution rates, airport fees). This feedback mechanism ensures that the selected flight plan reflects the most current cost conditions, improving the accuracy of ticket price and cargo fee assessments while maintaining operational simplicity through automated updates
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatuses, systems, and computer program products are disclosed for determining a flight plan. An example method includes determining one or more potential flight plans from an originating location to a destination location, each potential flight plan comprising a different combination of one or more flight plan segments forming a potential flight plan from the originating location to the destination location. The method further includes calculating a projected cost for each of the one or more potential flight plans wherein the projected cost is based at least in part on dynamic cost data, dynamic navigation data, or a combination thereof. The method further includes determining an optimal flight plan from among the one or more potential flight plans, the optimal flight plan having a lowest aggregate cost of the calculated projected costs associated with each of the one or more potential flight plans.