Landing Decision Point System for Go-Around Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pilots lack a robust, system-aided feedback mechanism to determine whether their aircraft will land at or before the desired point on the runway, especially in challenging conditions, leading to limited time for aborting a landing and executing a go-around on short runways.
Innovation Solution
A Landing Decision Point (LDP) system that processes airplane and pilot-provided performance data to determine a go/no-go landing decision point, displaying this information graphically and providing visual and aural cues if the aircraft passes the LDP prior to touchdown, utilizing a computer system integrated with aircraft systems and cockpit displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pilots rely on manufacturer landing performance data and visual monitoring only, then the system complexity remains low, but the measurement precision of landing point prediction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors actual aircraft performance parameters during approach and compares them against predicted values, providing real-time feedback to update the landing point prediction. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enhances measurement precision by dynamically adjusting predictions based on actual flight conditions rather than relying solely on pre-calculated manufacturer data.
Solution Approach 2:
The landing performance system integrates multiple functions including performance data processing, real-time parameter monitoring, prediction calculations, and visual display capabilities into a single multi-functional system. This universal approach improves measurement precision while managing system complexity by consolidating multiple subsystems into one integrated solution.
2Reliability
If pilots use subjective determination and visual monitoring only, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of landing decision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous feedback to pilots regarding the predicted landing point relative to the touchdown zone, enabling informed go/no-go decisions. This objective feedback mechanism significantly improves landing decision reliability by replacing subjective pilot judgment with data-driven predictions based on actual aircraft performance and environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculations of the predicted landing point during the approach phase, allowing pilots to make informed decisions before committing to landing. This advance prediction capability enhances decision reliability by providing critical information early in the approach when go-around options are still available.
3Loss of time
If no system-aided feedback is provided, then the device complexity remains low, but the loss of time for aborting landing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates and displays the predicted landing point well before the aircraft reaches the touchdown zone, providing ample time for pilots to evaluate the prediction and make go/no-go decisions. This preliminary prediction capability reduces the loss of time for aborting landings by delivering critical information early in the approach phase when corrective action is still feasible.
Solution Approach 2:
The real-time feedback mechanism continuously updates the predicted landing point based on actual aircraft performance, allowing pilots to make timely decisions as the approach progresses. This dynamic feedback reduces decision time loss by providing current, accurate predictions rather than static pre-calculated values.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If pilots land on short runways without precise prediction, then the ease of operation is high, but the object-affected harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical/visual estimation method with an electronic computation-based prediction system that calculates the landing point using aircraft performance data and environmental conditions. This substitution significantly reduces the risk of landing short on short runways by providing accurate predictions, while the automated calculation maintains ease of operation by requiring minimal pilot input.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback on the predicted landing point relative to the available runway length, allowing pilots to assess whether the runway is sufficient for a safe landing. This feedback mechanism reduces harmful factors by preventing landings on runways that are too short, while maintaining operational simplicity through clear, easy-to-interpret display information.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for a go/no-go Landing Decision Point (LDP) are disclosed. The methods and systems provide a graphical LDP on a cockpit display that pilots can use to determine whether to continue the landing or execute a go-around. The methods and systems may be implemented in embodiments having an onboard portion, an off-board portion, or both operatively coupled to provide an LDP in a preview/planning mode and real time mode.