Runway Selection Scoring for Intersecting Runways
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current runway selection algorithms, including simple test and weighted approaches, fail to reliably choose the appropriate runway in situations where the aircraft is positioned between two intersecting runways, leading to potential collisions and loss of situational awareness.
Innovation Solution
A weighted runway scoring method that assigns points based on the aircraft's alignment and containment within defined angular alignment envelopes, allowing for dynamic scoring influenced by parameters like ground speed, to determine the most suitable runway for takeoff or landing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple test approach is used for runway selection, then the system is easier to operate, but it fails to reliably select the appropriate runway in intersecting runway situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the runway selection process from a simple binary test to a multi-parameter scoring system. It introduces multiple evaluation parameters including angular alignment (comparing aircraft heading to runway centerline), lateral position (distance from runway centerline), and runway threshold distance. Each parameter contributes to a cumulative score that determines runway selection, enabling reliable differentiation between intersecting runways through quantitative comparison rather than simple yes/no tests.
2Productivity
If a weighted test approach is used for runway selection, then the system always yields a runway selection, but it selects a runway even when no decision should be made
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a threshold-based selection mechanism where a runway is only chosen if its score exceeds a predetermined threshold value. This prevents premature or inappropriate runway selection when the aircraft is positioned ambiguously between intersecting runways. The system calculates scores for all candidate runways and only selects those that meet the threshold criterion, allowing the system to maintain high productivity while avoiding unreliable selections in borderline cases.
3Reliability
If multiple parameters are considered in runway selection, then the selection reliability improves, but the computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the runway selection problem into distinct, independently calculable components: angular alignment score, lateral position score, and threshold distance score. Each component is calculated separately using specific formulas and then summed to produce the total runway score. This segmentation allows the complex multi-parameter evaluation to be implemented through modular, straightforward calculations rather than a monolithic complex algorithm, maintaining computational efficiency while achieving high selection reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for selecting a runway, comprises retrieving runway feature data and aircraft data including aircraft heading with respect to the bearing of first and second runways. Runway boundary envelopes are created for each of the first and second runways, each having a predetermined score. A total score for each of the first and second runways is compared to determine which of the runways is selected.