An aircraft tailstrike warning method includes identifying a first value representing an aircraft angle of attack, identifying a second value representing a maximum aircraft angle of attack, identifying a difference between the first value and the second value, and providing a tailstrike warning when the difference between the first value and the second value is less than a threshold amount.

An aircraft tailstrike warning method includes identifying a first value representing an aircraft angle of attack, identifying a second value representing a maximum aircraft angle of attack, identifying a difference between the first value and the second value, and providing a tailstrike warning when the difference between the first value and the second value is less than a threshold amount.

A system and method are provided for integrating voice communication systems with voice recognition devices or units and myriad other data sources to provide a harmonization between intended aircraft operations and actual aircraft operations, including logical components to provide a mechanism to flag certain alert communications that signal the initiation of particular response scenarios based on detected terms and track initiation of pre-planned processes to address specific events that are signaled through the use of the detected terms. Information from myriad data sources is collected and integrated to provide an indication of intended operations for an aircraft. A data comparison device compares the indicated real-time intended operations of the aircraft with actual monitored operations of the aircraft to discern unacceptable deviations. Data sources include operator-generated data transmissions, voice transcriptions, automated voice recognized information, measurable operations of the aircraft, and prescribed operating guidance, directives and parameters for the aircraft.

An aircraft assistance method for reducing drag on the aircraft. The method includes flying an autonomous aircraft near the aircraft. An optimal position where vortices created by the autonomous aircraft or the aircraft interact with the other aircraft and/or autonomous aircraft to reduce drag and/or increase lift on the aircraft is determined. The autonomous aircraft is positioned in the optimal position. The method may include a landing assistance system with at least one autonomous aircraft configured to provide the aircraft with information regarding a desired position relative to a runway. The at least one autonomous aircraft may be configured to communicate with the aircraft through a processor and/or a display in the aircraft. The autonomous aircraft may be subject to a drone control system for a plurality of drones configured to position the plurality of drones in a formation.

A method and an apparatus for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to land on a landing platform are provided. The method includes: receiving a landing preparatory signal instructing the UAV to enter into a landing preparatory state; monitoring the landing platform to generate a monitoring signal in response to the landing preparatory signal; and determining whether to control the UAV to enter into a landing mode based on the monitoring signal.

A method and an apparatus for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to land on a landing platform are provided. The method includes: receiving a landing preparatory signal instructing the UAV to enter into a landing preparatory state; monitoring the landing platform to generate a monitoring signal in response to the landing preparatory signal; and determining whether to control the UAV to enter into a landing mode based on the monitoring signal.

The invention relates to a display for 3D aircraft visualisation and flight path features. The display system is for use on the flight deck of an aircraft and comprises a display operable for graphical display of data, and a processor operatively coupled to the display and configured to receive terrain data from at least a terrain data base, flight plan data from a source of navigational data, and aircraft position data from one or more aircraft sensors. The processor is configured to operate the display to display a representation of the flight plan on the display screen, display a representation of the terrain proximate the flight plan representation, and display a representation of the aircraft relative to the flight plan and the terrain.

The invention relates to a display for 3D aircraft visualisation and flight path features. The display system is for use on the flight deck of an aircraft and comprises a display operable for graphical display of data, and a processor operatively coupled to the display and configured to receive terrain data from at least a terrain data base, flight plan data from a source of navigational data, and aircraft position data from one or more aircraft sensors. The processor is configured to operate the display to display a representation of the flight plan on the display screen, display a representation of the terrain proximate the flight plan representation, and display a representation of the aircraft relative to the flight plan and the terrain.

A method of warning of early rotation of an aircraft during takeoff is disclosed. An improvement in aircraft performance and passenger comfort can be realised by monitoring for signs of early rotation and warning the pilot of such. By detecting when rotation has been commanded by the pilot, and the aircraft nose has started to lift off the ground, when the speed of the aircraft is below a threshold, early rotation can be determined and an auditory warning can mitigate the impact of that on aircraft performance.

Autoland systems and processes for landing an aircraft without pilot intervention are described. In implementations, the autoland system includes a memory operable to store one or more modules and at least one processor coupled to the memory. The processor is operable to execute the one or more modules to identify a plurality of potential destinations for an aircraft. The processor can also calculate a merit for each potential destination identified, select a destination based upon the merit; receive terrain data and/or obstacle data, the including terrain characteristic(s) and/or obstacle characteristic(s); and create a route from a current position of the aircraft to an approach fix associated with the destination, the route accounting for the terrain characteristic(s) and/or obstacle characteristic(s). The processor can also cause the aircraft to traverse the route, and cause the aircraft to land at the destination without requiring pilot intervention.