Systems and methods are provided for promoting stable aircraft approach conditions. The system comprises a display device that is onboard an aircraft and a controller in communication with the display device. The controller is configured to, by a processor: receive data that includes information relating to an action configured to stabilize an approach of the aircraft during landing thereof and a recommended timing of performing the action relative to a predetermined flight plan of the aircraft, and render a first visual element on the display device that is configured to display the action relative to the flight plan and dynamically indicate the recommended timing of performing the action relative to a geographic position of the aircraft along the flight plan.

A pilot monitoring system is configured to monitor the current status of an aircraft, and determine if the pilot is likely experiencing perception-based incapacitation. Based on accumulated data, certain aircraft states (control positions, flight phase, etc.) can be associated with a likelihood of perception-based incapacitation. The system may characterize pilot inputs during periods of likely perception-based incapacitation, and take remedial action when actual perception-based incapacitation is identified.

An aircraft system having a LIDAR system, one or more sensors, and a control unit. The control unit includes processing circuitry configured to calculate during flight a pressure altitude, calibrated airspeed, Mach number, equivalent airspeed, static temperature, static pressure, and dynamic pressure of an aircraft based on a combination of air data measurements from the LIDAR system and the one or more sensors.

This disclosure relates to systems and methods for providing a copilot replacement system (CPRS) that enables dual-pilot or multi-pilot aircraft to be operated by a single onboard pilot. This disclosure also relates to systems and method for integrating an artificial intelligence (AI) controller into the aircraft, which autonomously provides assistance with controlling operation of the aircraft. Amongst other things, the solutions described herein can autonomously execute various functions for controlling the aircraft and/or can establish connections with one or more copilot ground base stations (GBSs) that enable ground-based copilots to remotely provide assistance with operating the aircraft. Both onboard pilots and remote pilots can be provided with override controls that enable the pilots to override, cancel, and/or modify actions undertaken by the AI controller.

A system and a method for detecting and protecting an aircraft against inappropriate piloting by a pilot potentially experiencing spatial disorientation related to a somatogravic illusion. The method includes: obtaining flight information and status information; estimating a current value of a perceived longitudinal attitude based on the flight information; computing a difference between the current value of the perceived longitudinal attitude and a current value of an actual longitudinal attitude; and then determining, when this deviation is greater than or equal to a predetermined longitudinal attitude deviation threshold, whether a piloting action performed by the pilot is inappropriate based on the status information of the aircraft; and then activating, when the performed piloting action is inappropriate, a protective measure.

Systems and methods are provided for landing site selection and flight path planning for an aircraft using soaring weather conditions. The methods may include, with one or more processors of a controller onboard the aircraft: receiving data indicative of terrain, airports, airspace, aerodynamics of the aircraft, real-time weather, and real-time status of the aircraft, determining a gliding range of the aircraft based at least in part on soaring weather conditions that include environmental regions of thermal draft capable of producing lift sufficient to extend the gliding range of the aircraft, determining a landing site for the aircraft based on the gliding range of the aircraft, and determining a flight path of the aircraft that uses the soaring weather conditions to extend the gliding range of the aircraft and land at the landing site.

An automated control system for a glider towed by a tug employs a sensor system (e.g., cameras mounted on at least one of the aircraft) to determine the relative position and velocity of the glider. A controller determines corrections to the flight characteristics of the glider in response to this data from the sensor system to maintain the glider on the surface of a limit sphere extending behind the tug with a predetermined radius based on the length of the tow cable. An interface to the flight controls of the glider maintains the desired flight characteristics of the glider provided by the controller.

An autonomous system and method for capturing event-driven aerial imagery utilizes a drone equipped with advanced sensors and navigation subsystems to operate without human intervention. Upon detecting predefined target events, such as structure fires, explosions, gunshots, emergency sirens, a specific license place, or a specific face, the drone autonomously launches and employs direction-finding triangulation to pinpoint the event's latitude, longitude, and elevation. The drone autonomously executes optimized flight profiles. Data transmission utilizes bonded and blended communication channels to ensure reliable video streaming to users, such as first responders or news agencies. Compliance with FAA altitude regulations is enforced, and the system can be controlled remotely via internet or cellular connections. Continuous operation is enabled through tethered power or automated battery replacement stations. Applications include law enforcement, emergency services, and news gathering, providing immediate aerial reconnaissance without requiring human operators to be present at unpredictable event locations.

An autonomous system and method for capturing event-driven aerial imagery utilizes a drone equipped with advanced sensors and navigation subsystems to operate without human intervention. Upon detecting predefined target events, such as structure fires, explosions, gunshots, emergency sirens, a specific license place, or a specific face, the drone autonomously launches and employs direction-finding triangulation to pinpoint the event's latitude, longitude, and elevation. The drone autonomously executes optimized flight profiles. Data transmission utilizes bonded and blended communication channels to ensure reliable video streaming to users, such as first responders or news agencies. Compliance with FAA altitude regulations is enforced, and the system can be controlled remotely via internet or cellular connections. Continuous operation is enabled through tethered power or automated battery replacement stations. Applications include law enforcement, emergency services, and news gathering, providing immediate aerial reconnaissance without requiring human operators to be present at unpredictable event locations.

A fine-step trim controller operating within a flight control system is configured to receive PID value data and sensory data and, based on those values, incrementally and decrementally adjust PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) coefficient values to center the drone during flight. The fine-step trim controller periodically and continuously adjusts the PID coefficient values, ultimately affecting the PID values implemented by a PID flight controller that manages the flight control servos. The PID flight controller and fine-step trim controller collaborate and are in continuous and cyclic communication to center the drone. As the drone continues its navigation to a given destination, the flight control system works to ensure the drone flies smoothly by managing its maneuvers with stability.