Method and apparatus for conversion of GPS heading data for use by electronic flight director

摘要

An improved Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI) module for use with an aircraft, wherein the HSI module is adapted for accepting Bank Angle Commands or waypoint data from the GPS flight module and for using the same to determine a heading error. The HSI module is further adapted for outputting the heading error to the Flight Director module where it can be used to create a Roll Command for output to the Auto-Pilot, whereby the Auto-Pilot can be commanded to follow a turn using the HSI and the Flight Director without requiring an additional module be added to the aircraft to create the heading error for use by the Flight Director. The waypoint data can be of the “flyover” type or the “flyby” type.

主权项

1. A method for controlling an aircraft having an Auto-Pilot, a Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI) module, a Flight Director module and display, and a GPS flight module which outputs a Bank Angle Command and/or waypoint data, the method comprising the steps of:
a. the HSI module accepting a Bank Angle Command and/or waypoint data from the GPS flight module; b. the HSI module using the Bank Angle Command and/or waypoint data to determine a heading error; c. the HSI module outputting the heading error to the Flight Director module; d. the Flight Director module creating a Roll Command from the heading error; and e. the Flight Director Module outputting the Roll Command to the Auto-Pilot.