System and process for providing improved aircraft operational safety
First Claim
1. A system for providing improved operational safety of a piloted aircraft comprising:
- a plurality of on-board aircraft sensors and avionics for providing real-time data relevant to the operational safety of the aircraft;
a communication channel for establishing real-time voice or text communications with the aircraft;
a remote processor for processing the real-time data relevant to the operational safety of the aircraft to provide a real-time flight analysis; and
a ground based computer workstation for providing the real-time flight analysis and voice or text communications to a remote safety person for monitoring the operational safety of the aircraft and providing advice designed to improve flight safety.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention relates to a system and a process for providing improved operational safety for aircraft. The system/process of the instant invention utilizes real-time, two-way transmission of voice and/or text and flight-critical data between an aircraft and a ground-based computer workstation, where transmitted information monitored and acted upon as necessary by a qualified flight safety person, e.g., a appropriately trained individual (including but not limited to a safety pilot or other person trained in safety procedures). This safety person can perform a number of functions that would enhance flight safety, such as reducing the workload of the primary pilot(s), assisting in the performance of routine checklists, monitoring communications with air traffic control, and advising the pilot in the aircraft on how to handle any in-flight situations that may arise. By providing many if not all of the advantages of a second or third pilot in the aircraft cockpit without imposing additional weight or space requirements on the aircraft, the system/process of the instant invention can increase flight safety while reducing the associated costs.
38 Citations
46 Claims
-
1. A system for providing improved operational safety of a piloted aircraft comprising:
-
a plurality of on-board aircraft sensors and avionics for providing real-time data relevant to the operational safety of the aircraft;
a communication channel for establishing real-time voice or text communications with the aircraft;
a remote processor for processing the real-time data relevant to the operational safety of the aircraft to provide a real-time flight analysis; and
a ground based computer workstation for providing the real-time flight analysis and voice or text communications to a remote safety person for monitoring the operational safety of the aircraft and providing advice designed to improve flight safety. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
-
-
24. A process for providing improved operational safety of a piloted aircraft comprising:
-
accessing in real-time data relevant to the operational safety of the aircraft from on-board aircraft sensors and avionics;
establishing real-time voice and/or text communications with the aircraft over a communication channel;
processing the real-time data relevant to the operational safety of the aircraft on a remote processor to provide a real-time flight analysis;
providing the real-time flight analysis and voice and/or text communications to a remote safety person for monitoring the operational safety of the aircraft on a ground-based computer workstation; and
transmitting information and/or instructions to the aircraft for improving the operational safety of the aircraft based on the flight analysis and/or voice and/or text communications. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46)
-
Specification