Remote Cruise Piloting for Extended-Range Single-Pilot Aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft systems require a minimum of two pilots for long flights, which increases operational costs and limits the range and duration of flights for smaller aircraft due to weight constraints, as well as imposing stringent duty time regulations on pilots.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid piloting system that alternates control between an onboard pilot and a remote pilot, allowing the remote pilot to manage the aircraft during cruise phases while the onboard pilot handles critical phases like takeoff, descent, and emergency operations, enabling single-pilot operations for intercontinental flights with reduced aircraft size and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of stationary object
If a single pilot operates the aircraft for long flights, then operational costs are reduced and aircraft size/weight is minimized, but pilot workload increases and duty time constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the flight operation into distinct phases (takeoff, climb, cruise, descent, landing) and assigns different piloting modes to each phase. The onboard pilot handles critical phases while the ground-based remote pilot manages cruise phase, segmenting the workload temporally and functionally to reduce overall pilot burden while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a ground-based remote pilot as an intermediary who assists the onboard pilot during long-duration flights. This intermediary takes over routine cruise phase operations, allowing the onboard pilot to rest or focus on monitoring, thereby reducing workload while maintaining continuous human oversight
2Reliability
If two pilots are required for long flights, then safety and workload distribution are improved, but operational costs increase and aircraft weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the pilot function by implementing a ground-based remote pilot who replicates piloting capabilities through electronic communication systems. This virtual pilot handles cruise phase operations, providing the safety benefits of dual-pilot operation without the physical weight of a second pilot onboard
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the second pilot function from the spatial dimension (physical presence onboard) to the temporal/digital dimension (ground-based remote operation). This dimensional shift allows continuous pilot oversight and assistance during long flights without increasing aircraft weight, as the ground-based pilot operates through communication systems rather than physical presence
3Reliability
If the onboard pilot remains active throughout the flight, then immediate response to emergencies is ensured, but duty time regulations are violated and operational flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the ground-based remote pilot prepared and ready to assume control or provide assistance before emergencies occur. The remote pilot monitors flight parameters and system status continuously, enabling proactive detection and response to developing issues without requiring the onboard pilot to remain continuously active
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by having the onboard pilot transition between active monitoring and rest periods in a structured manner. During cruise phase, the pilot enters rest periods while the ground-based remote pilot maintains oversight, with the onboard pilot periodically re-engaging for status checks or potential emergency response, creating a rhythmic pattern of activity and rest that complies with duty time regulations
Data Source
AI summary
Aviation method comprising performing a single-pilot flight of inter-continental duration T>tp=predetermined single-pilot maximal single pilot flight duration; including using pilot-in-command logic empower a single airborne pilot to pilot via an airborne man-machine interface (MMI), only for a time window W<tp, where W includes at least an initial climbing phase of duration t1 and a final descent phase of duration t3; and using pilot-in-command logic to pilot the aircraft during an intermediate cruising phase occurring between the initial climbing and final descent phases, without recourse to the airborne pilot except during an emergency, thereby to accomplish a single-pilot inter-continental flight of duration T>tp, while utilizing the human airborne pilot only for a time period W<tp.