초록 ▼

Addressed are systems and methods for providing to pilots of landing aircraft real-time (or near real-time) information concerning runway conditions and aircraft-stopping performance to be encountered upon landing. The systems and methods contemplate using more objective data than utilized at presen

Addressed are systems and methods for providing to pilots of landing aircraft real-time (or near real-time) information concerning runway conditions and aircraft-stopping performance to be encountered upon landing. The systems and methods contemplate using more objective data than utilized at present and providing the information in automated manner. Information may be obtained by using conventional ground-based runway friction testers or, advantageously, by using air-based equipment such as (but not limited to) unmanned aerospace vehicles (UAVs).

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method of providing information to an operator of an aircraft A approaching a runway for landing or take-off, such information being generated in connection with travel of another aircraft B of a particular type along at least a portion of the runway, the method comprising: (a) electronically g

1. A method of providing information to an operator of an aircraft A approaching a runway for landing or take-off, such information being generated in connection with travel of another aircraft B of a particular type along at least a portion of the runway, the method comprising: (a) electronically gathering information based on the travel of aircraft B along at least the portion of the runway, the information comprising (i) brake pressure commanded by an operator of aircraft B, (ii) brake pressure delivered to the brakes after anti-skid control. computer calculations are performed on-board aircraft B, and (iii) ground roll distance of aircraft B along the runway;(b) recording on-board aircraft B at least some of the gathered information;(c) processing at least some of the gathered information, such processing including comparing the ground roll distance of aircraft B along the runway with a nominal ground roll value for the type of aircraft B on a dry runway;(d) transmitting (i) at least some of the gathered information relating to commanded and delivered brake pressures, (ii) the type of aircraft B, and (iii) and information relating to the comparison of ground roll distance of aircraft B along the runway with the nominal ground roll value for the type of aircraft B on a dry runway, in real time to aircraft A for evaluation by the operator for the purpose of deciding whether to land on or take-off from the runway; and(e) effecting evaluation of the transmitted information by the operator of aircraft A together with the aircraft flight manual and performance manual of aircraft A. 2. A method according to claim 1 in which at least some of the processing of at least some of the gathered information is performed using ground-based computing equipment. 3. A method according to claim 1 in which the act of transmitting at least some of the gathered information to aircraft A for evaluation by the operator occurs while aircraft A is airborne. 4. A method according to claim 3 in which the act of transmitting at least some of the gathered information to aircraft A for evaluation by the operator occurs while aircraft A is approaching the runway for landing. 5. A method according to claim 4 in which the act of transmitting at least some of the gathered information to aircraft A for evaluation by the operator occurs within thirty minutes after aircraft B travels along at least the portion of the runway. 6. A method according to claim 1 in which the operator of aircraft B is a human pilot on-board aircraft B. 7. A method according to claim 1 in which aircraft B is unmanned.