초록 ▼

Methods and systems for aircraft engine trend monitoring include periodically recording the outputs of engine-condition sensors and analyzing the results to examine piston-engine performance trends and predict the need for engine maintenance. Various analyses can be performed, separately or in paral

Methods and systems for aircraft engine trend monitoring include periodically recording the outputs of engine-condition sensors and analyzing the results to examine piston-engine performance trends and predict the need for engine maintenance. Various analyses can be performed, separately or in parallel, including comparing the current parameter values with values recorded for that parameter in previous instances of similar operating conditions; comparing parameter values to predetermined nominal ranges; and detecting parameter values that exhibit trends over time that if followed would result in out-of-bound readings. Sensed parameter values can also be used to detect when recommended engine operating conditions are being exceeded. By using the results of the analyses to inform engine maintenance scheduling and provide alerts to the pilot and maintenance staff regarding recommended engine performance trends and/or operating condition exceedances, the methods and systems contribute to enhancing the level of safety that can be achieved despite significant maintenance-budget reductions.

대표청구항 ▼

The invention claimed is: 1. A computer-implemented method for periodically monitoring performance of an engine in an aircraft during flight operations for predicting future engine problems, comprising:(a) receiving at a computer system engine performance data, environmental data, and flight data du

The invention claimed is: 1. A computer-implemented method for periodically monitoring performance of an engine in an aircraft during flight operations for predicting future engine problems, comprising:(a) receiving at a computer system engine performance data, environmental data, and flight data during use of the engine;(b) determining, using the computer system, if the engine is operating within a predetermined parameter set;(c) when the engine is operating within the predetermined parameter set and the aircraft is determined to be operating in a stable cruise regime, comparing, using the computer system, the engine performance data with previous engine performance data from at least one previous use of the same engine when the engine was operating within the predetermined parameter set taking into account the environmental data and flight data associated with the engine performance data and the previous engine performance data;(d) outputting, from the computer system, results of step (c); and(e) repeating steps (a) through (d) on successive flights of the aircraft.