Emergency flight control system
US7568662B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 27, 2001 |
| Grant date | Aug 4, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 9, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64D45/0059
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and system for preventing the control of an aircraft from the cockpit. In an exemplary embodiment, the system could be triggered externally. For example, an air traffic control (ATC) station could determine that the aircraft has deviated from its planned flight path. If personnel at the ATC station decide that the deviation is not attributable to the actions of the authorized flight crew, the personnel can transmit a signal to the aircraft that disables all normal cockpit control of the aircraft. Once normal flight controls are disabled, the aircraft may execute a preprogrammed emergency flight plan via its autopilot system, with or without the use of a flight management system (FMS). The emergency flight plan could cause the aircraft to fly to a sparsely populated area and enter a holding pattern, or it could cause the aircraft to land in a sparsely populated area or at an airport using an autoland system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.