Method for Increasing Aircraft Effective Value

摘要

A method for increasing the effective value and extending the economic life of aircraft is provided. When older or new aircraft are enabled and controlled to move autonomously on the ground without reliance on aircraft engines or external tow vehicles by equipping the aircraft with cost-saving wheel drive systems controllable to move the aircraft autonomously on the ground, substantial reductions in aircraft operating costs can be realized, and the value of aging airline fleets, as well as new aircraft, can be increased significantly. Unexpected reductions in aircraft effective economic age and value can be achieved, particularly when aircraft equipped with cost-saving wheel drive systems experience large numbers of short flights and a large amount of taxi time.

主权项

1. A method comprising individually and collectively increasing economic value of aircraft in an airline's fleet, wherein an onboard wheel drive system controllable to move an aircraft autonomously on the ground without reliance on the aircraft main engines or external tow vehicles is mounted to drive one or more aircraft wheels, and said wheel drive system is controllably operated by a pilot to move the aircraft autonomously on the ground in a manner designed to maximally reduce aircraft operating costs, provide aircraft operating benefits, and increase aircraft cost savings and aircraft value.