In-Trail Procedure Speed Director Algorithm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current in-trail procedure (ITP) algorithms do not provide sufficient information for flight crews to quickly modify their aircraft's speed to become eligible for ITP, leading to substantial time delays in achieving ITP availability.
Innovation Solution
Enhanced ITP algorithms that recommend airspeed adjustments based on relative geometry and ground speed, providing both an increase and decrease in airspeed options constrained by aircraft performance and speed limits, along with estimated times to ITP availability, to help pilots quickly qualify for ITP altitude changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If current ITP algorithms only provide availability status without speed adjustment guidance, then the system complexity remains low, but the time to achieve ITP availability becomes substantial
Solution Approach 1:
The enhanced ITP algorithm performs preliminary calculations of recommended airspeed adjustments and estimated times to availability before the flight crew needs this information. By pre-computing speed modification recommendations based on current relative geometry and ground speed data, the system prepares actionable guidance in advance, reducing the time delay before ITP becomes available.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by providing flight crews with specific speed adjustment recommendations and estimated times to ITP availability. This feedback loop enables crews to make informed speed modifications, which in turn affects when ITP becomes available, creating a dynamic system that continuously adapts based on crew actions and changing flight conditions.
2Ease of operation
If the system provides detailed speed adjustment recommendations, then the ease of operation improves, but the computational requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The enhanced ITP algorithm focuses on changing key parameters - specifically airspeed - to achieve ITP availability. By identifying and recommending specific parameter adjustments (speed increases or decreases) rather than providing complex procedural guidance, the system improves ease of operation while managing computational complexity through parameter-based decision making.
3Productivity
If ITP is not available and crews wait for estimated time, then safety is maintained by following current procedures, but productivity decreases due to substantial time delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces dynamics by enabling active speed modifications rather than passive waiting. Flight crews can dynamically adjust airspeed based on recommended values to accelerate the process of achieving ITP availability. This dynamic approach balances productivity improvement with safety by maintaining procedural compliance while actively working toward ITP eligibility through controlled speed changes.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention enhance existing ITP (In-Trail Procedure) algorithms by providing additional information to the flight crew. The additional information may enable the flight crew to appropriately modify own aircraft airspeed, and thereby, ground speed, in order to qualify for ITP procedures.