Control interface, system and method

摘要

A pilot control interface and method are described for selective control of an autopilot system by a pilot of an aircraft in which the autopilot system is installed. The pilot control interface includes a passive network that is selectively switchable between a plurality of states across an output interface that is made up of no more than two conductors that are in electrical communication with the autopilot system. Modification of a current autopilot flight mode can be performed incrementally or continuously based on respective momentary and continuous pilot input actuations.

主权项

1. A pilot control interface for selective control of an autopilot system by a pilot of an aircraft in which the autopilot system is installed, the aircraft including a control stick operable to manually control the flight of the aircraft and the autopilot system mechanically coupled to the control stick and including an autopilot control unit, said pilot control interface comprising:
an electrical resistance network that is selectively switchable between a plurality of states; and a plurality of switches mounted to the control stick for pilot interaction therewith to selectively switch said electrical resistance network between said states such that each state exhibits an output resistance across an output interface that is made up of no more than two conductors wherein said autopilot control unit is mounted separate from the control stick and the electrical resistance network is connected to the autopilot control unit by said output interface.