GROUND BASED SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING MULTIPLE FLIGHTPLAN RE-PLAN SCENARIOS TO A PILOT DURING FLIGHT

摘要

Methods and apparatus are provided for transmitting re-routing options to a plurality of in-flight aircraft in accordance with preconfigured pilot preferences. The apparatus comprises a data store module containing data sets against which the pilot preferences are evaluated during flight, including weather, airspace and flight restrictions, ground delay programs, and air traffic information. The apparatus further includes a flight path module containing route and position information for each aircraft. An incursion alert processing module evaluates the flight path, data store, and pilot preferences and generates incursion alerts which are transmitted to each aircraft during flight. Upon receipt of an incursion alert or, alternatively, independent of an incursion alert, the pilot may request re-routing options. Once received and reviewed, the pilot selects the optimum re-routing option, and an associated micro flight plan is uplinked and loaded into the FMS (Flight Management System).

主权项

1. A method of re-routing an aircraft during flight, comprising:
determining the existence of an in-flight incursion requiring a work around; receiving a re-routing request from the aircraft; computing re-routing options based on at least two of weather, air and ground traffic, aircraft fuel level, wind speed and direction, turbulence, electrical and mechanical problems with the aircraft, airspace restrictions, and diversion; transmitting “N” number of re-routing options to the aircraft; selecting, from the aircraft, a unique one of the re-routing options; and uplinking a micro flight plan corresponding to the selected re-routing option to an on-board flight management system (FMS).