Flight Validation System Using COTS Hardware for Obstacle Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and time required for traditional ground obstacle surveys hinder the feasibility of flight validation (FV) in accordance with FAA Notice 8260.67, necessitating a low-cost alternative for obstacle assessment and surveying.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system and method using commercial off-the-shelf hardware and software, enabling non-specialized personnel to perform flight and ground obstacle assessments, and on-course/on-path flight evaluations, integrated with existing instrument flight procedure design tools, such as the TARGETS tool, to satisfy FAA requirements, reducing the need for professional surveyors and aircrews.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional ground obstacle surveying is performed by specialized surveying companies, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but cost and time requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses GPS receivers and laser range finders to create digital copies and measurements of obstacle data, replacing traditional manual surveying methods. The system captures spatial coordinates and obstacle dimensions electronically, allowing for rapid data collection and processing without requiring specialized surveying companies, thus reducing both time and cost while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical surveying equipment and manual measurement processes with electronic systems including GPS receivers, laser range finders, and computer-based data processing. This substitution of mechanical systems with electronic and optical systems enables faster, more efficient obstacle assessment that does not require specialized surveying personnel, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining or improving measurement accuracy
2Measurement precision
If traditional ground obstacle surveying is performed by specialized surveying companies, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs commercially available, inexpensive equipment such as GPS receivers and laser range finders that can be used temporarily for each survey project. These devices replace the need for expensive specialized surveying equipment and personnel, allowing obstacle assessment to be performed at a fraction of the traditional cost while maintaining adequate measurement precision for flight validation purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive traditional surveying machinery and specialized human expertise with affordable electronic measurement devices and automated data processing systems. This substitution dramatically reduces the cost of obstacle assessment while the electronic systems maintain sufficient measurement precision through computer-based calculation and validation algorithms
3Reliability
If professional surveyors and aircrews are hired to perform obstacle assessment and flight evaluation, then reliability and measurement precision are improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables personnel with minimal training to perform flight validation tasks using integrated software systems that guide them through standardized procedures. The system automatically processes data, performs calculations, and generates validation reports, eliminating the need for expensive professional surveyors and aircrews while maintaining reliability through automated quality control and standardized methodologies embedded in the software
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for highly trained professional personnel with automated electronic systems and computer software that perform data collection, processing, and validation. This substitution of human expertise with intelligent systems maintains reliability through consistent application of validation criteria while dramatically reducing the cost associated with hiring and training specialized personnel
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer program products for flight validation (FV) are provided. Embodiments implement the requirements of FAA Notice 8260.67 as they relate to FV. Embodiments enable FV to be performed in its entirety, including flight and/or ground obstacle assessment, and on-course/on-path flight evaluation. Embodiments enable a post-flight validation phase, which provides post flight analysis and archiving capabilities. Using embodiments, a person of minimal skill and training can perform FV as prescribed by FAA requirements. Accordingly, significant costs associated with hiring professional surveyors and air crews to perform obstacle assessment and flight evaluation can be eliminated. Embodiments can be implemented using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and relatively inexpensive hardware, making them suitable for large-scale FV operations. Embodiments may also be integrated with existing instrument flight procedure design tools, including, for example, the TARGETS (Terminal Area Route Generation Evaluation & Traffic Simulation) tool developed by the MITRE Corporation.