SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF IMPROVING OR INCREASING INFORMATION CONCERNING, PARTICULARLY, RUNWAY CONDITIONS AVAILABLE TO PILOTS OF LANDING AIRCRAFT
First Claim
1. A method of providing runway-related information to an operator of an aircraft A approaching a runway for landing or take-off, such runway-related information being generated in connection with travel of another aircraft B along at least a portion of the runway, the method comprising:
- a. electronically gathering runway-related information based on the travel of aircraft B along at least the portion of the runway; and
b. transmitting at least some of the gathered runway-related information to aircraft A for evaluation by the operator for the purpose of deciding whether to land on or take-off from the runway.
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Accused Products
Abstract
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).
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A method of providing runway-related information to an operator of an aircraft A approaching a runway for landing or take-off, such runway-related information being generated in connection with travel of another aircraft B along at least a portion of the runway, the method comprising:
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a. electronically gathering runway-related information based on the travel of aircraft B along at least the portion of the runway; and b. transmitting at least some of the gathered runway-related information to aircraft A for evaluation by the operator for the purpose of deciding whether to land on or take-off from the runway. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A system for providing runway-related information to an operator of an aircraft A approaching a runway for landing or take-off, such runway-related information being generated in connection with travel of another aircraft B along at least a portion of the runway, the system comprising:
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a. means for electronically gathering runway-related information based on the travel of aircraft B along at least the portion of the runway; and b. means for transmitting at least some of the gathered runway-related information to aircraft A for evaluation by the operator for the purpose of deciding whether to land on or take-off from the runway. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 23)
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19. A method of providing surface-related information to an operator of a first vehicle approaching a surface for purposes of travel, comprising:
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a. causing a second vehicle, of the same type as the first vehicle, to travel along at least a portion of the surface; b. electronically gathering surface-related information based on the travel of the second vehicle along at least a portion of the surface; c. electronically processing at least some of the gathered surface-related information; and d. transmitting at least some of the processed surface-related information to the first vehicle for evaluation by the operator for the purpose of deciding whether to travel along the surface. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22)
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24. A method of providing to an operator of an aircraft A information related to weather to be encountered by the aircraft A, such weather-related information being generated in connection with travel of another aircraft B, the method comprising:
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a. electronically gathering weather-related information based on the travel of aircraft B; and b. transmitting at least some of the gathered weather-related information to aircraft A for evaluation by the operator. - View Dependent Claims (25)
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Specification