Variable Speed Flap Retraction and Notification
First Claim
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1. A method of controlling flap actuation in an aircraft, comprising:
- a. Determining whether a signal to raise the flaps has been supplied, and, if sob. Determining whether the aircraft engine is operating above a threshold power level, and, if soc. Raising the flaps at a first rate, and, if not,d. Raising the flaps at a second rate, greater than the first rate.
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Abstract
The present invention provides systems and methods for controlling the speed of flap retraction on aircraft, and alerts to the pilot of potentially unsafe flap position. The invention accepts direction from a pilot and senses operation of the aircraft to determine appropriate flap position and flap retraction speed.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A method of controlling flap actuation in an aircraft, comprising:
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a. Determining whether a signal to raise the flaps has been supplied, and, if so b. Determining whether the aircraft engine is operating above a threshold power level, and, if so c. Raising the flaps at a first rate, and, if not, d. Raising the flaps at a second rate, greater than the first rate. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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2. A method of communicating an aircraft status to a pilot, comprising detecting if the flaps are extended beyond a threshold amount, detecting whether the aircraft engine is operating above a threshold power level, and, if both conditions are detected, then communicating an alert to the pilot.
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3. An apparatus for controlling flap actuation in an aircraft, comprising:
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a. A flap actuation system, adapted to move the flaps responsive to control signals; b. A flap position sensor, adapted to produce a signal representative of the position of the flaps; c. An engine power sensor, adapted to produce a signal representative of the engine power output; d. A controller, adapted to accept a “
flaps up”
direction from a pilot, and responsive thereto to supply a control signal to the flap actuation system to raise the flaps at a first rate if the engine power signal indicates an engine power above a threshold and at a second rate, greater than the first rate, if the engine power signal indicates an engine power below the threshold; and
to continue such control signal until the flap position sensor signal indicates that the flaps are in an up position or until the pilot supplies a direction to cease raising the flaps. - View Dependent Claims (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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Specification