Method, apparatus and computer program product for unstabilized approach alerting

• US 7,068,187 B2
• Filed: 02/02/2001
• Issued: 06/27/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 02/03/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
• Original Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
• Inventors: Johnson, Steven C., Ishihara, Yasuo, Gremmert, Scott
• Primary Examiner(s): NGUYEN, PHUNG
• Application Number:
  US09/775,455
• Publication Number:
  US 20010052562A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,971 Days
• Field of Search: 340/951, 340/948, 340/949, 340/958, 340963-970, 340/973, 340/945, 340/935, 340/919, 340/972, 701/301, 379/37, 379/41, 379/44, 455/404.1, 455/414.4
• US Class Current: 340/951
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0676 specially adapted for landing
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 5/025 Navigation or guidance aids radar or analogous systems specially adapted for landing purposes G01S13/913
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 5/045 Navigation or guidance aids, e.g. determination of anti-collision manoeuvers radar or analogous systems specially adapted for anti-collision between aircraft G01S13/933

Abstract

A method, apparatus and computer program product for assisting the pilot of an aircraft in making a go-around decision. Various aircraft parameters are monitored during the approach to land and a risk level assessed. When the risk level exceeds a specified threshold, an alert is provided.

Claims

1. A method for alerting the pilot of an aircraft to a potential go-around condition comprising the steps of:

monitoring a plurality of parameters indicative of an unstabilized approach;

assigning a risk of go-around value to each of said parameters;

summing the assigned risk values; and

asserting an alert signal when said summation exceeds a predetermined threshold amount, asserting further comprises;

asserting a go-around caution alert signal when said value exceeds a first threshold amount and is less than a second threshold amount; and

asserting a go-around warning signal when said value exceeds said second threshold amount.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of monitoring a plurality of parameters includes the step of monitoring a change in a speed of the aircraft.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of monitoring a plurality of parameters includes the step of monitoring a runway wind condition.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of monitoring a plurality of parameters includes the step of monitoring a flight path angle of the aircraft.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of monitoring a plurality of parameters includes the step of monitoring a position of the aircraft.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of monitoring a plurality of parameters includes the step of monitoring a track of the aircraft.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of asserting an alert signal comprises the step of commanding an autopilot go-around maneuver.

8. A method of alerting the pilot of an aircraft to a potential go-around condition comprising the steps of:

monitoring a plurality of parameters indicative of a runway landing length required;

assigning a risk of runway overrun value for each of said plurality of parameters;

summing the assigned risk values; and

asserting an alert signal when said summation exceeds a predetermined threshold value,

wherein the plurality of parameters include runway length,

wherein said step of asserting an alert signal further comprises the steps of;

asserting a go-around caution alert signal when said value exceeds a first threshold amount and is less than a second threshold amount; and

asserting a go-around warning signal when said value exceeds said second threshold amount.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein said step of monitoring a plurality of parameters includes the step of monitoring a deceleration required to stop the aircraft.

10. The method of claim 8 wherein said step of monitoring a plurality of parameters includes the step of monitoring a runway surface condition.

11. The method of claim 8 wherein said step of monitoring a plurality of parameters includes the step of monitoring at least one atmospheric condition.

12. The method of claim 8 wherein said step of asserting an alert signal comprises the step of commanding an autopilot go-around maneuver.