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Apparatus, system and method for aircraft security and anti-hijacking intervention

  • US 7,376,494 B2
  • Filed: 07/19/2004
  • Issued: 05/20/2008
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/26/2003
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of operating an aircraft in which access is limited and automated or remote control can be assumed in the event of a possibly hostile situation, the method comprising the steps of:

  • maintaining a first database having identity and associated biometric information relating to crew members and with each crew member having a particular authorization according to the category of crew member;

    downloading a subset of information from the database to the aircraft, the subset consisting essentially of information relating to crew members that are assigned to the aircraft for a particular flight;

    reading biometric information of an individual requesting access to the aircraft;

    comparing the biometric information read from the individual requesting aircraft access to the crew member information downloaded to the aircraft to determine if there is a match;

    if a match is determined, granting the individual access to the aircraft;

    downloading a second subset of information from the database to a point of access to a tarmac on which the aircraft is found, the second subset consisting essentially of information relating to ground crew members that are assigned to a particular aircraft on the tarmac;

    reading biometric information of an individual requesting access to the tarmac;

    comparing the biometric information read from the individual requesting tarmac access to the ground crew information downloaded to the point of access to determine if there is a match;

    if a match is determined, granting access to the tarmac to the individual requesting tarmac access;

    substantially continuously reading biometric information of an individual attempting to directly control the flight of the aircraft, by way of biometric sensors placed on those aircraft controls that are responsible for controlling the flight of the aircraft;

    substantially continuously comparing the biometric information read from the individual attempting to directly control the flight of the aircraft to the crew member information downloaded to the aircraft to determine if the individual is authorized to directly control the flight of the aircraft;

    if the individual attempting to directly control the flight of the aircraft is determined to be authorized, granting the individual permission to directly control the flight of the aircraft;

    if the individual attempting to directly control the flight of the aircraft is determined to be unauthorized, locking out the individual from directly controlling the flight of the aircraft, and engaging an autopilot located on the aircraft to take over control of the aircraft during flight;

    maintaining a second database having information relating to prohibited airspace;

    inputting flight plan information into a monitoring system;

    calculating acceptable deviation tolerances of the flight plan with respect to prohibited airspace information;

    if a deviation from the flight plan occurs, assessing whether a possibly hostile situation exists via;

    (i) assessing, from the ground or other location remote from the aircraft, the state of control of the aircraft by monitoring at least one indicator from the group consisting of;

    automated communications received from the aircraft, voice communications from the aircraft, a video signal from a cockpit camera on the aircraft, and aircraft position and course information;

    (ii) determining whether the aircraft is proximate to or on course to violate prohibited airspace; and

    (iii) determining whether a violation of prohibited airspace is imminent by assessing whether an aircraft vector is directed at a potential terrorist target or whether the aircraft altitude is below a pre-determined flight floor limit; and

    if a potentially hostile situation cannot be ruled out within a reasonable time, assuming control of the aircraft by(i) remotely controlling the aircraft from the ground or other location remote from the aircraft, or(ii) engaging an automated control unit on the aircraft to execute a pre-programmed flight path or contingency protocol that contradicts the modification.

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