Traffic pattern approach computer
First Claim
1. A handheld mechanical computer which works in tandem with an onboard GPS unit programmed for navigation direct to the airport of intended landing that employs triangulation so that an alternate point can be navigated to from which a proper traffic pattern entry can be made comprising:
- (1) means for calculating standard navigation data utilizing the concept of relative bearings and relative courses as described in the preferred embodiment comprising;
(a) creating a model approach scenario by;
(1) designating the distance and relative bearing from the airport of at least one point from which a proper traffic pattern entry can be made called pattern approach point,(2) designating the distance and relative bearing from the airport of a multitude of points around the airport with an equal distance from the airport called initial approach points,(3) designating which said pattern approach points may be flown to from which said initial approach points thereby defining relative approach courses for said model,(b) calculating said navigation data utilizing triangulation for each of the said relative approach courses, said navigation calculations include at least a course adjustment which is the difference between the relative course from the initial approach point to the airport and the relative course from the initial approach point to the pattern approach point,(2) a disc with a compass rose with a plurality of equally spaced compass headings,(3) a second disc with a circle of said navigation data placed on said disc so that said navigation data are systematically linked to the corresponding said relative initial approach points and said relative approach courses,(4) means for connecting said two discs that allows said discs to pivot independently of each other,(5) means for all compass headings from said compass rose on first said disc and all said navigation data on said second disc to be simultaneously viewed,(6) a marked location on said disc 2 used to align a single compass heading from said compass rose from said disc 1 closest to the runway heading of the airport of intended landing to linking each said compass heading from said disc 1 with a set of said navigation data from said disc 2 whereby said navigation data linked to the compass heading closest to the aircrafts actual bearing to the airport is used to navigate to said pattern approach point when the aircraft is the specified distance from the airport.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A mechanical computer used in tandem with a GPS to approach, enter and fly the traffic pattern of any uncontrolled airport. Pilots must navigate to a relatively small area or approach point before entering the traffic pattern of an uncontrolled airport. While airports are programmed into GPS units, the approach points are not. The computer works in tandem with an onboard GPS unit programmed for navigation direct to the airport of intended landing and employs triangulation to navigate to an approach point from which a proper traffic pattern entry can be made.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A handheld mechanical computer which works in tandem with an onboard GPS unit programmed for navigation direct to the airport of intended landing that employs triangulation so that an alternate point can be navigated to from which a proper traffic pattern entry can be made comprising:
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(1) means for calculating standard navigation data utilizing the concept of relative bearings and relative courses as described in the preferred embodiment comprising; (a) creating a model approach scenario by; (1) designating the distance and relative bearing from the airport of at least one point from which a proper traffic pattern entry can be made called pattern approach point, (2) designating the distance and relative bearing from the airport of a multitude of points around the airport with an equal distance from the airport called initial approach points, (3) designating which said pattern approach points may be flown to from which said initial approach points thereby defining relative approach courses for said model, (b) calculating said navigation data utilizing triangulation for each of the said relative approach courses, said navigation calculations include at least a course adjustment which is the difference between the relative course from the initial approach point to the airport and the relative course from the initial approach point to the pattern approach point, (2) a disc with a compass rose with a plurality of equally spaced compass headings, (3) a second disc with a circle of said navigation data placed on said disc so that said navigation data are systematically linked to the corresponding said relative initial approach points and said relative approach courses, (4) means for connecting said two discs that allows said discs to pivot independently of each other, (5) means for all compass headings from said compass rose on first said disc and all said navigation data on said second disc to be simultaneously viewed, (6) a marked location on said disc 2 used to align a single compass heading from said compass rose from said disc 1 closest to the runway heading of the airport of intended landing to linking each said compass heading from said disc 1 with a set of said navigation data from said disc 2 whereby said navigation data linked to the compass heading closest to the aircrafts actual bearing to the airport is used to navigate to said pattern approach point when the aircraft is the specified distance from the airport. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for navigating to a point from which a proper traffic pattern entry can be made utilizing an onboard GPS unit programmed for navigation direct to the airport of intended landing comprising:
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(1) a method for calculating standard navigation data utilizing the concept of relative bearings and relative courses as described in the preferred embodiment comprising; (a) creating a model approach scenario by; (1) designating the distance and relative bearing from the airport of at least one point from which a proper traffic pattern entry can be made called pattern approach point, (2) designating the distance and relative bearing from the airport of a multitude of points around the airport with an equal distance from the airport called initial approach points, (3) designating which said pattern approach points may be flown to from which said initial approach points thereby defining relative approach courses for said model, (b) calculating said navigation data utilizing triangulation for each of the said relative approach courses, said navigation calculations include at least a course adjustment which is the difference between the relative course from the initial approach point to the airport and the relative course from the initial approach point to the pattern approach point, (2) a step that use a means for storing said navigation data and relating said navigation data to the corresponding said relative approach course for use during flight, (3) a step that use a means to determine the aircrafts relative bearing to the airport based on the aircraft'"'"'s actual bearing to the airport and the runway number whereby the linked navigation data can be used to adjust course so that said pattern approach point can be flown to. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
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Specification