Visual Descent Point Calculation for Unpublished Runway Data
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Pilots executing non-precision instrument landings face challenges when the Visual Descent Point (VDP) is not published, leading to increased workload, potential human errors, and risks of diving too steeply or hitting obstacles due to the need for manual calculations and lack of guidance.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that calculate the VDP based on runway altitude and Minimum Descent Altitude data, providing alerts through an aircraft system, including symbology on displays, to guide pilots with a target downward acceptable glidepath angle, while also considering terrain and obstacle data to ensure safe descent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pilots manually calculate VDP when not published, then they can obtain descent guidance, but it increases workload and can induce human errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically calculating and displaying the VDP using onboard computer systems and databases, eliminating the need for pilots to manually perform calculations. The system retrieves runway elevation and MDA data, computes the VDP based on a 3-degree glidepath angle, and presents the information directly to the pilot.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual calculation methods are replaced with automated electronic computation. The system uses digital databases and computer algorithms to calculate VDP, substituting the mechanical/paper-based manual calculation process with an automated electronic system that reduces human error and workload.
2Loss of information
If pilots manually calculate VDP, then descent guidance is obtained, but it consumes pilots time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing VDP information in the avionics database during ground operations and data downloads. This allows the VDP to be immediately available during flight without requiring time-consuming manual calculations, as the system can quickly retrieve pre-computed values.
Solution Approach 2:
The time-consuming manual calculation process is replaced with rapid electronic data retrieval and automated computation. The system uses digital databases and computer algorithms to instantly determine VDP, eliminating the time required for manual mathematical calculations.
3Reliability
If VDP is not published, then pilots lack official guidance, but manual calculation increases complexity and error risk
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service by automatically generating VDP guidance when publication is unavailable. The onboard system retrieves necessary data from databases, performs the calculation using a standardized 3-degree glidepath angle, and presents the result, eliminating the need for complex manual procedures while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies a standardized parameter (3-degree glidepath angle) to simplify the VDP calculation process. By using this fixed parameter, the system reduces the complexity of determining VDP while maintaining safety standards, converting a potentially complex variable calculation into a straightforward computation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Methods and system for alerting a Visual Decent Point (VDP) in an aircraft system. The methods and systems retrieve runway altitude data and Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) data from an avionics database for a target runway. Data in the avionics database for the target runway does not include a published VDP. The method includes calculating the VDP based on a difference between the runway altitude data and the MDA so as to achieve a target downward acceptable glidepath angle during final descent from the MDA to the target runway. The method includes outputting an alert of the VDP by an output device of the aircraft system.