Helideck Flight Path Tool for Obstacle-Aware Approach Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pilots face challenges in navigating helidecks due to surrounding obstacles and adverse weather conditions, which can interfere with helicopter takeoff and landing, and existing systems lack effective tools for visualizing obstacles and planning safe approach paths.
Innovation Solution
A Helideck Flight Path Tool (HFPT) that provides a graphical user interface with a compass ring aligned to the helideck azimuth and overlaid obstacle indicators, helping pilots determine preferred approach and escape paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pilots navigate helidecks without obstacle visualization tools, then device complexity is reduced, but safety and situational awareness deteriorate due to surrounding obstacles interfering with helicopter takeoff and landing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flight path tool as an intermediary device that processes and displays obstacle information, wind data, and helideck characteristics. This mediator translates complex environmental data into visual flight path recommendations, enhancing safety without requiring pilots to directly analyze raw obstacle data themselves
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms two-dimensional map views into three-dimensional visual representations by overlaying obstacle indicators, wind bars, and flight path trajectories on top of base maps. This dimensional enhancement provides depth perception and spatial relationships that flat maps cannot convey, improving situational awareness
2Measurement precision
If pilots rely on traditional navigation methods without specialized helideck tools, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision of obstacle location and flight path planning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical navigation methods with an electronic flight path tool that automatically calculates and displays precise obstacle locations, wind directions, and recommended flight paths. This substitution provides measurement precision unattainable through traditional manual navigation while maintaining ease of operation through automated computations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the helideck environment including obstacle positions, terrain features, and wind patterns. This replicated representation allows pilots to study and plan flight paths in a virtual model before executing actual maneuvers, enhancing measurement precision without adding operational complexity
3Loss of information
If visual obstacle information is not provided to pilots, then device complexity is minimized, but loss of information about obstacles and safe flight paths increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-coded obstacle indicators and flight path markings to convey critical information efficiently. Different colors represent various obstacle types, risks, and flight path characteristics, allowing pilots to quickly comprehend obstacle locations and safe routes without processing extensive textual or numerical data
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments obstacle information into distinct visual elements including obstacle icons, hazard zones, wind bars, and flight path segments. This segmentation organizes complex environmental data into manageable visual components that can be rapidly processed and understood by pilots
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for a helideck approach path tool. One example system includes an electronic processor. The electronic processor is configured to determine a helideck identifier and retrieve, from a database storing data on a plurality of helidecks, helideck data corresponding to the helideck identifier. The helideck data includes a helideck azimuth and at least one obstacle characteristic. The electronic processor is configured to generate a graphical user interface including a helideck approach indicator object, which includes a compass ring, a graphical representation of the helideck aligned to the compass ring based on the helideck azimuth, and an obstacle indicator overlaid on the compass ring based on the at least one obstacle characteristic. The electronic processor is configured to present the graphical user interface on a display within the aircraft.