Field:
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to aircraft and, in particular, to flight plans for aircraft. Still more particularly, the present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for selecting potential flight plans for an aircraft.
Background:
[0002] In operating aircraft, a pilot may generate a flight plan from a start location to a destination location. The flight plan is information about the flight from a start point to an end point. The flight plan may include information such as the flight path. This flight path may be defined using waypoints. Other information may include an estimated time en route, information about the aircraft, alternate airports, information about the passengers, and other suitable information.
[0003] In generating a flight plan, a pilot may take into account weather conditions and other circumstances. Oftentimes, the flight plan may include predetermined routes such as airways. These airways may be used even though they may not provide the most direct flight to a destination.
[0004] A pilot or other operator, however, may often select a flight plan that has previously been cleared by an air traffic control service. Even though the flight plan may not provide the most direct or desirable route to the destination. The pilot or other operator, however, may select a flight plan that was previously approved by the air traffic control service because of the likelihood that a reuse of the route in the flight plan may be approved.
[0005] Other flight plans that have not been previously approved by air traffic control may have more difficulty obtaining approval. Much of the airspace may have restrictions based on altitude, runways, time restrictions, and other constraints. As a result, the flight plan generated by a pilot may be proper with respect to safely flying the aircraft from the start location to the destination location. However, other constraints may result in the flight plan being denied.
[0006] However, selecting a previously approved flight plan may not result in a most desirable plan for use by a particular pilot. For example, the pilot may not obtain the desired arrival time, fuel usage, or both when using a previously approved flight plan. Therefore, it would be desirable to have a method and apparatus that takes into account at least some of the issues discussed above, as well as other possible issues.
SUMMARY
[0007] In one illustrative embodiment, a method for flight planning is present. Routes from a start point to an end point are identified for a flight of an aircraft from a database of routes. A plurality of different types of routes is present in the database of routes. A number of characteristics of the aircraft are applied to the routes to identify a performance of the aircraft for the routes using a number of weather conditions for the flight. The routes are ranked based on the performance of the aircraft on the routes in meeting a number of goals for the flight to form ranked routes. A portion of the ranked routes are displayed.
[0008] In another illustrative embodiment, a method for flight planning is present. Routes from a start point to an end point are identified for a flight of an aircraft from a database of routes. A plurality of different types of routes is present in the database of routes. A number of characteristics of the aircraft is applied to the routes to identify a performance of the aircraft for the routes using a number of weather conditions for the flight. The identified routes are displayed with the performance of the aircraft for the routes.
[0009] In yet another illustrative embodiment, an apparatus comprises a flight plan manager. The flight plan manager is configured to identify routes from a start point to an end point for a flight of an aircraft from a database of routes. A plurality of different types of routes is present in the database of routes. The flight plan manager is further configured to apply a number of characteristics of the aircraft to the routes to identify a performance of the aircraft for the routes using a number of weather conditions for the flight. The flight plan manager is further configured to rank the routes based on the performance of the aircraft on the routes in meeting a number of goals for the flight to form ranked routes. The flight plan manager is further configured to display a portion of the ranked routes.
[0010] The features and functions can be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present disclosure or may be combined in yet other embodiments in which further details can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings.
[0011] According to an aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a method for flight planning, the method comprising: identifying routes from a start point to an end point for a flight of an aircraft from a database of routes in which a plurality of different types of routes is present in the database of routes; applying a number of characteristics of the aircraft to the routes to identify a performance of the aircraft for the routes using a number of weather conditions for the flight; ranking the routes based on the performance of the aircraft on the routes in meeting a number of goals for the flight to form ranked routes; and displaying a portion of the ranked routes.
[0012] Advantageously the method further comprises receiving a selection of a route from the portion of the ranked routes displayed; and submitting the route selected for approval.
[0013] Advantageously applying the number of characteristics of the aircraft to the routes to identify the performance of the aircraft for the routes using the number of weather conditions for the flight comprises: running simulations for the routes using the number of characteristics of the aircraft and the number of weather conditions expected along each of the routes; and identifying the performance of the aircraft for the routes from the simulations of the routes.
[0014] Advantageously the plurality of different types of routes comprises at least one of previously cleared routes, previously flown routes, airline preferred routes, airways, and ocean tracks.
[0015] Advantageously the number of goals is selected from at least one of fuel efficiency, speed, comfort level, and likelihood of clearance.
[0016] Advantageously identifying the routes from the start point to the end point for the flight comprises identifying flight plans containing the routes.
[0017] Advantageously the start point is selected from one of an airport, a current position of the aircraft, and a waypoint in a current route of the aircraft.
[0018] Advantageously method further comprises performing the flight using a flight plan with a route selected from the portion of the ranked routes meeting the number of goals for the flight.
[0019] Advantageously the number of weather conditions for the flight is selected from at least one of wind, precipitation, storms, current weather conditions, and predicted weather conditions.
[0020] According to another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a method for flight planning, the method comprising: identifying routes from a start point to an end point for a flight of an aircraft from a database of routes in which a plurality of different types of routes is present in the database of routes; applying a number of characteristics of the aircraft to the routes to identify a performance of the aircraft for the routes using a number of weather conditions for the flight; and displaying the routes identified with the performance of the aircraft for the routes.
[0021] Advantageously the method is further comprising: receiving a selection of a route from the routes displayed; and submitting the route selected for approval.
[0022] Advantageously the start point is selected from one of an airport, a current position of the aircraft, and a waypoint in a current route of the aircraft.
[0023] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an apparatus comprising: a flight plan manager configured to identify routes from a start point to an end point for a flight of an aircraft from a database of routes in which a plurality of different types of routes is present in the database of routes; apply a number of characteristics of the aircraft to the routes to identify a performance of the aircraft for the routes using a number of weather conditions for the flight; rank the routes based on the performance of the aircraft on the routes in meeting a number of goals for the flight to form ranked routes; and display a portion of the ranked routes.
[0024] Advantageously the flight plan manager is further configured to receive a selection of a route from the portion of the ranked routes displayed and submit the route selected for approval.
[0025] Advantageously being configured to apply the number of characteristics of the aircraft to the routes to identify the performance of the aircraft for the routes using the number of weather conditions for the flight, the flight plan manager is configured to run simulations for the routes using the number of characteristics of the aircraft and the number of weather conditions expected along each of the routes; and identify the performance of the aircraft for the routes from the simulations of the routes.
[0026] Advantageously the plurality of different types of routes comprises at least one of previously cleared routes, previously flown routes, airline preferred routes, airways, and ocean tracks.
[0027] Advantageously the number of goals is selected from at least one of fuel use, travel time, and likelihood of clearance. Alternatively the number of goals is selected from at least one of fuel efficiency, speed, comfort level, and likelihood of clearance.
[0028] Advantageously the start point is selected from one of an airport, a current position of the aircraft, and a waypoint in a current route of the aircraft.
[0029] Advantageously the number of weather conditions for the flight is selected from at least one of current weather conditions and predicted weather conditions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] The novel features believed characteristic of the illustrative embodiments are set forth in the appended claims. The illustrative embodiments, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and features thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is an illustration of a block diagram of a flight plan management environment in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;
Figure 2 is an illustration of information flow used to identify routes for consideration in a flight plan in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;
Figure 3 is an illustration of different types of routes for a flight plan in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;
Figure 4 is an illustration of goals for identifying routes for a flight plan in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;
Figure 5 is an illustration of goals that may be used to rank routes for a flight plan in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;
Figure 6 is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for flight planning in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;
Figure 7 is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for applying characteristics of an aircraft to routes for a flight plan to identify a performance of the aircraft in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;
Figure 8 is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for ranking routes for a flight plan based on performance of the aircraft on the routes in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;
Figure 9 is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for flight planning in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; and
Figure 10 is an illustration of a data processing system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] The illustrative embodiments recognize and take into account one or more different considerations. For example, the illustrative embodiments recognize and take into account that one issue with pilots tending to select routes that have been previously cleared by air traffic control is that these routes may not differentiate between different types of aircraft for which the plans were cleared. In other words, a pilot is unable to determine whether a previously cleared flight plan will meet performance goals such as speed or fuel usage without more analysis.
[0032] Further, the illustrative embodiments recognize and take into account that currently used navigation planning systems do not present an operator with other known routing options such as jet airways structures or air traffic control preferred routes. Further, the illustrative embodiments also recognize and take into account that the weather for the particular altitude of an aircraft may be different from a previously approved flight plan at a different altitude.
[0033] Additionally, the weather also may have changed significantly since the plan was approved. As a result, using the same plan even though the plan may be approved may have an undesired impact on the speed of the aircraft, the fuel use, or other factors with respect to the performance of the aircraft.
[0034] Thus, the illustrative embodiments provide a method and apparatus for flight planning. In one illustrative embodiment, routes from a start point to an end point for a flight of an aircraft are identified from a database of routes. A plurality of different types of routes is present in the database of routes. A number of characteristics of the aircraft are applied to the route to identify a performance of the aircraft for the routes using a number of weather conditions for the flight. The routes are ranked based on the performance of the aircraft on the routes in meeting a number of goals for the flight to form ranked routes. A portion of the ranked routes are displayed on a display device to the operator.
[0035] As used herein, a "number of" when used with reference to items means one or more items. For example, a number of characteristics is one or more characteristics.
[0036] With reference now to the figures, and in particular, with reference to
Figure 1, an illustration of a block diagram of a flight plan management environment is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In this illustrative example, flight plan management environment
100 comprises operator
102.
[0037] In this depicted example, operator
102 may use flight plan manager
104 to generate flight plan
106 for flight
107 of aircraft
108. In particular, operator
102 may generate flight plan
106 using flight plan manager
104 and submit flight plan
106 for approval by authority
110. In these illustrative examples, authority
110 may take various forms. In one illustrative example, authority
110 may be an air traffic control center.
[0038] As depicted, flight plan manager
104 may be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination of the two. When software is used, the operations performed by flight plan manager
104 may be implemented in program code configured to run on a processor unit. When hardware is employed, the hardware may include circuits that operate to perform the operations in flight plan manager
104.
[0039] In the illustrative examples, the hardware may take the form of a circuit system, an integrated circuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device, or some other suitable type of hardware configured to perform a number of operations. With a programmable logic device, the device is configured to perform the number of operations. The device may be reconfigured at a later time or may be permanently configured to perform the number of operations. Examples of programmable logic devices include, for example, a programmable logic array, a programmable array logic, a field programmable logic array, a field programmable gate array, and other suitable hardware devices. Additionally, the processes may be implemented in organic components integrated with inorganic components and/or may be comprised entirely of organic components excluding a human being. For example, the processes may be implemented as circuits in organic semiconductors.
[0040] In this depicted example, flight plan manager
104 may be implemented in computer system
112. Computer system
112 is comprised of one or more computers. When more than one computer is present in computer system
112, those computers may communicate with each other via a medium such as a network.
[0041] In the illustrative examples, flight plan manager
104 is configured to receive start point
114, end point
116, and identification
122 as part of input
118 from operator
102 using input system
120 in computer system
112. Further, the computers in computer system
112 may be in the same or different geographic locations depending on the particular implementation.
[0042] Start point
114 is the start location or origination location for flight
107 of aircraft
108. End point
116 is the end location or destination location for flight
107 of aircraft
108. In some illustrative examples, start point
114 and end point
116 may be locations of airports. In yet other illustrative examples, start point
114 and end point
116 may be other locations on the ground or in the air depending on the particular implementation. In one illustrative example, start point
114 may be an airport, a current position of the aircraft, a waypoint in a current route of the aircraft, and other suitable locations.
[0043] Identification
122 is the identification of aircraft
108 for which flight plan
106 is to be generated in this illustrative example. Identification
122 may take various forms. For example, identification
122 may be a tail number, a name, or some other suitable identifier for aircraft
108.
[0044] In these illustrative examples, input system
120 may include at least one of a mouse, a keyboard, a trackball, a touch screen, a joystick and other suitable input devices. As used herein, the phrase "at least one of", when used with a list of items, means different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used and only one of each item in the list may be needed. For example, "at least one of item A, item B, and item C" may include, without limitation, item A or item A and item B. This example also may include item A, item B, and item C or item B and item C. In other examples, "at least one of" may be, for example, without limitation, two of item A, one of item B, and ten of item C; four of item B and seven of item C; and other suitable combinations.
[0045] In these illustrative examples, flight plan manager
104 is configured to identify routes
124 from start point
114 to end point
116 for flight
107 of aircraft
108 using input
118. In other words, routes
124 have start point
114 and end point
116. In this illustrative example, routes
124 include plurality of different types of routes
128.
[0046] As depicted, flight plan manager
104 identifies number of characteristics
130 of aircraft
108. Additionally, flight plan manager
104 also identifies number of weather conditions
132. Number of weather conditions
132 is one or more weather conditions for flight
107 of aircraft
108.
[0047] As depicted, flight plan manager
104 is configured to apply number of characteristics
130 of aircraft
108 to routes
124 to identify performance
134 of aircraft
108 on routes
124 using number of weather conditions
132. In other words, flight plan manager
104 may identify performance
134 of aircraft
108 on each of routes
124 using number of characteristics
130 to identify performance
134 of aircraft
108 on each of routes
124.
[0048] Thereafter, flight plan manager
104 may rank routes
124 based on performance
134. In this manner, flight plan manager
104 generates ranked routes
140. Flight plan manager
104 may display portion
142 of ranked routes
140 on display device
144.
[0049] Operator
102 may select one of ranked routes
140 in portion
142 displayed on display device
144. The selected route is used to generate flight plan
106 which may be submitted for approval by authority
110 for use in flight
107 of aircraft
108.
[0050] In some illustrative examples, flight plan manager
104 may not rank routes
124 based on performance. Instead, flight plan manager
104 may display routes
124 identified for aircraft
108. The display of routes
124 may be displayed with performance
134 on display device
144. The display of routes
124 may be based on other factors other than ranking. For example, the routes may be displayed in groups based on types of routes within plurality of different types of routes
128 for routes
124.
[0051] Turning now to
Figure 2, an illustration of information flow used to identify routes for consideration in a flight plan is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In this illustrative example, flight plan manager
104 receives input
118 through input system
120 in
Figure 1.
[0052] As depicted, routes
124 may be identified by flight plan manager
104 from database of routes
200. Database of routes
200 includes routes
201 that may be classified into types of routes
202. In these illustrative examples, database of routes
200 may be in a single location or multiple locations depending on the particular implementation.
[0053] Database of routes
200 may be updated on some periodic basis. Routes
201 in database of routes
200 may be obtained from various sources. For example, routes
201 in database of routes
200 may be obtained from an air traffic control service, a government agency, an airline, a third-party, or some other suitable source.
[0054] In this illustrative example, routes
124 may be identified from routes
201 in database of routes
200 based on routes
201 that have start points and end points matching start point
114 and end point
116. In these illustrative examples, routes
124 are comprised of plurality of different types of routes
128. In other words, flight plan manager
104 does not select only one type of route for analysis and consideration if more than one type of route has a start point and an end point that matches start point
114 and end point
116 for flight
107 of aircraft
108 in
Figure 1.
[0055] In addition, flight plan manager
104 is configured to identify number of characteristics
130 for aircraft
108 in
Figure 1 using aircraft model database
204. Aircraft model database
204 includes aircraft models
206. These aircraft models may be used to identify the performance of different aircraft.
[0056] For example, aircraft model
208 in aircraft models
206 may be identified using identification
122 of aircraft
108 from input
118. Aircraft model
208 may be a model of the type of aircraft identified for aircraft
108 using identification
122. In this illustrative example, aircraft model
208 may be a data structure containing parameters regarding performance
134 of aircraft
108. In other illustrative examples, aircraft model
208 may be a program, equations, or other information that may be used to identify performance
134 of aircraft
108 when running a simulation.
[0057] In some illustrative examples, aircraft model
208 may be a model specifically for aircraft
108 and not just for the type of aircraft. In other words, aircraft model
208 may be a model that identifies actual characteristics in number of characteristics
130 for aircraft
108. For example, number of characteristics
130 may include fuel usage, speed, turning capabilities, and other characteristics that aircraft
108 actually has during flight
107 and not just characteristics of the type of aircraft for aircraft
108.
[0058] Aircraft model
208 may be generated using a model for the type of aircraft for aircraft
108. This model may be adjusted to take into account actual characteristics. These characteristics may be identified from a history of data collected from prior flights of aircraft
108.
[0059] Additionally, number of weather conditions
132 may be received from weather source
210. Number of weather conditions
132 may take the form of at least one of current weather conditions
212 and predicted weather conditions
214. Number of weather conditions
132 may be weather conditions that are expected to be present along each of routes
124 if used in flight plan
106 for flight
107 of aircraft
108.
[0060] Weather source
210 may be any source that provides number of weather conditions
132 with a desired level of accuracy. Number of weather conditions
132 may include, for example, wind, precipitation, storms, turbulence, and other suitable weather conditions.
[0061] As depicted, flight plan manager
104 applies number of characteristics
130 of aircraft
108 to routes
124 to identify performance
134 of aircraft
108 for routes
124 using number of weather conditions
132 for flight
107 of aircraft
108. For example, flight plan manager
104 runs simulations
216 for routes
124 using number of characteristics
130 of aircraft
108 and number of weather conditions
132 expected along each of routes
124. In other words, a simulation in simulations
216 may be run for each route in routes
124.
[0062] Simulations
216 may take into account a number of different conditions about the flight. For example, payload, fuel load, and other conditions may be taken into account in aircraft model
208 of aircraft
108.
[0063] Results
218 of simulations
216 may include performance
134 of aircraft
108 for routes
124. In this manner, routes
124 may be ranked using number of goals
220 to form ranked routes
140 and portion
142 of ranked routes
140 may then be displayed for selection by operator
102. In particular, ranking of routes
124 based on performance
134 may be performed based on how performance
134 meets number of goals
220 for flight
107 of aircraft
108. In these illustrative examples, number of goals
220 may be received as part of input
118.
[0064] In this manner, ranked routes
140 may be in an order that follows number of goals
220. In this manner, plurality of different types of routes
128 in routes
124 that are ranked to form ranked routes
140 may be considered. As a result, more types of routes may be considered than merely identifying routes that have been previously cleared.
[0065] Turning now to
Figure 3, an illustration of different types of routes for a flight plan is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In this illustrative example, types of routes
300 are examples of different types of routes that may be present in types of routes
202 in database of routes
200 in
Figure 2.
[0066] Types of routes
300 may include routes of many different types. For example, types of routes
300 may include previously cleared route
302, previously flown route
304, airline preferred route
306, airway
308, ocean track
310, ATC preferred route
312, coded departure route
316, high altitude redesign route
318, non-restricted route
320, and other suitable types of routes.
[0067] As depicted, previously cleared route
302 is a route that has been previously cleared by authority
110. This type of route is more likely to be cleared again for future use depending on weather conditions, changes in airspace regulations, and other factors.
[0068] Previously flown route
304 is a route previously flown by operator
102. Operator
102 may be a pilot, an airline, or some other organization that operates aircraft
108. Further, previously flown route
304 may be a route specifically flown by aircraft
108 or other aircraft of the same type as aircraft
108.
[0069] Airline preferred route
306 is a route that is preferred for use by an airline. Airline preferred route
306 may be for the same or different airline as the one that operates aircraft
108.
[0070] In these illustrative examples, airway
308 is a predefined path. Airway
308 may be akin to a three-dimensional highway for aircraft. Airway
308 may be established between a departure airport and a destination airport.
[0071] Ocean track
310 is a route that is pre-established over an ocean area. Ocean track
310 may be fixed or may vary depending on other factors.
[0072] ATC preferred route
312 is a route for everyday use between cities. ATC preferred route
312 is a route that is preferred for use in a flight plan by an agency such as the Federal Aviation Administration.
[0073] In the illustrative examples, coded departure route
316 is a predefined alternative route for flying between pairs of cities. This type of route is an alternative route for a flight when a preferred route is not available due to factors such as weather, traffic, or other constraints.
[0074] High altitude redesign route
318 is a route that may be followed using a global positioning system receiver rather than ground-based radio wave transmitters. This type of route may be more flexible, especially in a high altitude airspace environment.
[0075] As depicted, non-restricted route
320 is a route that is created by an operator or other entity that is not a published route. A non-restricted route may be one having waypoints created by a pilot.
[0076] The examples of types of routes
300 illustrated in
Figure 3 are not meant to limit the type of routes that may be used in types of routes
300. Depending on the particular implementation, other types of routes may be used in addition to or in place of the ones illustrated for types of routes
300.
[0077] Turning now to
Figure 4, an illustration of goals for identifying routes for a flight plan is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In this illustrative example, goals
400 are examples of goals that may be used in number of goals
220 to rank routes
124 based on performance
134 for routes
124 identified from simulations
216 in
Figure 2.
[0078] As depicted, goals
400 may take various forms. For example, goals
400 may include at least one of fuel efficiency
402, speed
404, comfort level
406, likelihood of clearance
408, fuel use, and travel time.
[0079] Fuel efficiency
402 is a desired level of fuel efficiency for aircraft
108 that operator
102 desires for flight
107 between start point
114 and end point
116 in
Figure 1. Fuel efficiency
402 may be selected when the cost for flight
107 is a factor in selecting a route for use in flight plan
106 in
Figure 1 in flight
107 of aircraft
108.
[0080] In these illustrative examples, speed
404 is another goal in goals
400 that may be selected when the time needed to reach end point
116 is an important consideration. For example, if operator
102 is planning a schedule for multiple flights of aircraft
108 or flights of aircraft
108 and other aircraft, the arrival times for reaching end point
116 may be important in establishing the schedule. A desired level for speed
404 may allow aircraft
108 to reach end point
116 with a desired arrival time.
[0081] Comfort level
406 is another goal that may be selected by operator
102. Comfort level
406 may be different for different routes in routes
124. For example, the different routes may involve different altitudes, different weather conditions, and other factors that may affect the level of comfort for aircraft
108.
[0082] In these illustrative examples, likelihood of clearance
408 may be another goal for selecting a route from routes
124. If operator
102 has limited time for planning routes, fuel efficiency
402 and speed
404 are not as great of a concern, and identifying routes from routes
124 that are more likely to be cleared by authority
110 may be desired.
[0083] The illustration of the examples of goals in goals
400 are only provided as some possible goals that may be used by flight plan manager
104 in ranking routes
124 based on performance
134 of aircraft
108 on routes
124 that meet number of goals
220. Of course, other goals may be used other than those illustrated. In addition, when more than one goal is present in number of goals
220, those goals may be weighted or given priorities.
[0084] With reference now to
Figure 5, an illustration of goals that may be used to rank routes for a flight plan is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In this illustrative example, goals
500 are examples of goals that may be used to implement number of goals
220 in
Figure 2.
[0085] As depicted, goals
500 may take various forms. For example, goals
500 may include arrival time
502, fuel efficiency
504, speed
506, weather
508, and other suitable goals.
[0086] As illustrated, arrival time
502 is a desired arrival time for the flight when a particular route is used. In some illustrative examples, arrival time
502 may be selected when particular schedules may be desired for an aircraft.
[0087] Fuel efficiency
504 selects a desired fuel efficiency for the flight. Fuel efficiency
504 may be an overall fuel efficiency. In other words, fuel efficiency
504 may be the overall fuel efficiency for the entire flight. In other illustrative examples, fuel efficiency
504 may be identified for different segments or times during a route.
[0088] Speed
506 is a desired speed for the aircraft during flight. An operator may select a value for speed
506 to obtain a shorter amount of flying time if fuel efficiency
504 is not as important.
[0089] As depicted, weather
508 may be a goal to avoid certain types of weather. For example, weather
508 may specify avoiding certain levels of turbulence, storms, icing conditions, or other suitable types of weather conditions.
[0090] The illustration of goals
500 are only depicted as examples. These goals may be selected individually or in combination. Further goals that are selected from goals
500 may be ranked according to importance for use in selecting routes in these illustrative examples.
[0091] The illustration of flight plan management environment
100 and the components in flight plan management environment
100 in
Figures 1-5 are not meant to imply physical or architectural limitations to the manner in which an illustrative embodiment may be implemented. Other components in addition to or in place of the ones illustrated may be used. Some components may be unnecessary. Also, the blocks are presented to illustrate some functional components. One or more of these blocks may be combined, divided, or combined and divided into different blocks when implemented in an illustrative embodiment.
[0092] For example, flight plan manager
104 may be in a single location or in multiple locations. In the illustrative examples, computer system
112 may be located at an airline, in an electronic flight bag, on a computer in aircraft
108, or in some other location. Further, database of routes
200 and aircraft model database
204 may be located in computer system
112 or may be located in some other computer system that is remote to computer system
112.
[0093] With reference now to
Figure 6, an illustration of a flowchart of a process for flight planning is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process illustrated in
Figure 6 is an example of operations that may be implemented in flight plan manager
104 in
Figures 1 and
2.
[0094] The process begins by identifying routes from a start point to an end point of a flight of an aircraft from a database of routes in which a plurality of different types of routes is present in the database of routes (operation
600). The process then applies a number of characteristics of the aircraft to the routes to identify performance of the aircraft for the routes using a number of weather conditions for the flight (operation
602).
[0095] The routes are ranked based on the performance of the aircraft on the routes in meeting a number of goals for the flight to form ranked routes (operation
604). A portion of the ranked routes is displayed (operation
606) with the process terminating thereafter. The portion of the selected ranked routes may vary in different implementations. Depending on the number of ranked routes identified, the portion of the ranked routes may be all of the ranked routes or some subset of the ranked routes.
[0096] The portion of the ranked routes may be selected in a number of different ways. For example, the portion of the ranked routes may be selected as two, three, five, ten, or some other number of routes having the highest ranking in the ranked routes.
[0097] Turning now to
Figure 7, an illustration of a flowchart of a process for applying characteristics of an aircraft to routes for a flight plan to identify a performance of the aircraft is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process illustrated in
Figure 7 is an example of one manner in which operation
602 in
Figure 6 may be implemented.
[0098] The process begins by identifying a model of the aircraft (operation
700). In this illustrative example, the model of the aircraft is used to identify a number of characteristics for the aircraft. Further, the model may be a model for the type of the aircraft or may be a model based on the actual performance of the aircraft.
[0099] The process then identifies routes to be processed (operation
702). A route from the routes identified is selected for processing (operation
704). The process identifies weather conditions expected along the route selected for processing (operation
706). These weather conditions may be actual weather conditions or predicted weather conditions. The weather conditions are identified for a departure time and an arrival time of the aircraft along the route.
[0100] In these illustrative examples, the departure time for identifying weather conditions may be input by the operator. The simulation may identify the period of time following the departure time for use in identifying predicted weather conditions for the simulation.
[0101] The process then runs a simulation for the selected route using the model of the aircraft and the identified weather conditions in the simulation (operation
708). Thereafter, the process identifies results from the simulation (operation
710). These results include a performance of the aircraft on the route based on the characteristics of the aircraft and the weather conditions expected along the route. The process stores the results (operation
712).
[0102] A determination is then made as to whether an additional unprocessed route is present from the routes identified (operation
714). If an additional route is present, the process returns to operation
704 to select another route for processing. Otherwise, the process terminates.
[0103] Turning now to
Figure 8, an illustration of a flowchart of a process for ranking routes for a flight plan based on performance of the aircraft on the routes is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process illustrated in
Figure 8 is an example of one implementation for operation
604 in
Figure 6.
[0104] The process begins by identifying performance of an aircraft for all routes simulated (operation
800). The performances may be identified from the results.
[0105] The process then identifies a number of goals for a flight (operation
802). Thereafter, the process ranks the routes based on how the performance of the aircraft as identified for each route meets the number of goals to form ranked routes (operation
804) with the process terminating thereafter.
[0106] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the different depicted embodiments illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of some possible implementations of apparatus and methods in an illustrative embodiment. In this regard, each block in the flowcharts or block diagrams may represent a module, a segment, a function, and/or a portion of an operation or step. For example, one or more of the blocks may be implemented as program code, in hardware, or a combination of the program code and hardware. When implemented in hardware, the hardware may, for example, take the form of integrated circuits that are manufactured or configured to perform one or more operations in the flowcharts or block diagrams. In some alternative implementations of an illustrative embodiment, the function or functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, in some cases, two blocks shown in succession may be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be performed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. Also, other blocks may be added in addition to the illustrated blocks in a flowchart or block diagram.
[0107] Turning now to
Figure 9, an illustration of a flowchart of a process for flight planning is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process illustrated in
Figure 6 is an example of operations that may be implemented in flight plan manager
104 in
Figures 1 and
2. In this illustrative example, the routes are identified but not ranked on performance.
[0108] The process begins by identifying routes from a start point to an end point for a flight of an aircraft from a database of routes in which a plurality of different types of routes is present in the database of routes (operation
900). The process then applies a number of characteristics of the aircraft to the routes to identify a performance of the aircraft for the routes using a number of weather conditions for the flight (operation
902).
[0109] The process then displays the routes identified with the performance of the aircraft for the routes (operation
904) with the process terminating thereafter. In this manner, an operator planning a flight for an aircraft may see different possible routes that may be used in a flight plan for the aircraft. In particular, the operator may see many different types of routes that may be potentially available for use in creating a flight plan.
[0110] Turning now to
Figure 10, an illustration of a data processing system is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Data processing system
1000 may be used to implement one or more computers in computer system
112 in
Figure 1. In this illustrative example, data processing system
1000 includes communications framework
1002, which provides communications between processor unit
1004, memory
1006, persistent storage
1008, communications unit
1010, input/output unit
1012, and display
1014. In this example, communications framework
1002 may take the form of a bus system.
[0111] Processor unit
1004 serves to execute instructions for software that may be loaded into memory
1006. Processor unit
1004 may be a number of processors, a multi-processor core, or some other type of processor, depending on the particular implementation.
[0112] Memory
1006 and persistent storage
1008 are examples of storage devices
1016. A storage device is any piece of hardware that is capable of storing information, such as, for example, without limitation, data, program code in functional form, and/or other suitable information either on a temporary basis and/or a permanent basis. Storage devices
1016 may also be referred to as computer readable storage devices in these illustrative examples. Memory
1006, in these examples, may be, for example, a random access memory or any other suitable volatile or non-volatile storage device. Persistent storage
1008 may take various forms, depending on the particular implementation.
[0113] For example, persistent storage
1008 may contain one or more components or devices. For example, persistent storage
1008 may be a hard drive, a flash memory, a rewritable optical disk, a rewritable magnetic tape, or some combination of the above. The media used by persistent storage
1008 also may be removable. For example, a removable hard drive may be used for persistent storage
1008.
[0114] Communications unit
1010, in these illustrative examples, provides for communications with other data processing systems or devices. In these illustrative examples, communications unit
1010 is a network interface card.
[0115] Input/output unit
1012 allows for input and output of data with other devices that may be connected to data processing system
1000. For example, input/output unit
1012 may provide a connection for user input through a keyboard, a mouse, and/or some other suitable input device. Further, input/output unit
1012 may send output to a printer. Display
1014 provides a mechanism to display information to a user.
[0116] Instructions for the operating system, applications, and/or programs may be located in storage devices
1016, which are in communication with processor unit
1004 through communications framework
1002. The processes of the different embodiments may be performed by processor unit
1004 using computer-implemented instructions, which may be located in a memory, such as memory
1006.
[0117] These instructions are referred to as program code, computer usable program code, or computer readable program code that may be read and executed by a processor in processor unit
1004. The program code in the different embodiments may be embodied on different physical or computer readable storage media, such as memory
1006 or persistent storage
1008.
[0118] Program code
1018 is located in a functional form on computer readable media
1020 that is selectively removable and may be loaded onto or transferred to data processing system
1000 for execution by processor unit
1004. Program code
1018 and computer readable media
1020 form computer program product
1022 in these illustrative examples. In one example, computer readable media
1020 may be computer readable storage media
1024 or computer readable signal media
1026.
[0119] In these illustrative examples, computer readable storage media
1024 is a physical or tangible storage device used to store program code
1018 rather than a medium that propagates or transmits program code
1018.
[0120] Alternatively, program code
1018 may be transferred to data processing system
1000 using computer readable signal media
1026. Computer readable signal media
1026 may be, for example, a propagated data signal containing program code
1018. For example, computer readable signal media
1026 may be an electromagnetic signal, an optical signal, and/or any other suitable type of signal. These signals may be transmitted over communications links, such as wireless communications links, optical fiber cable, coaxial cable, a wire, and/or any other suitable type of communications link.
[0121] The different components illustrated for data processing system
1000 are not meant to provide architectural limitations to the manner in which different embodiments may be implemented. The different illustrative embodiments may be implemented in a data processing system including components in addition to and/or in place of those illustrated for data processing system
1000. Other components shown in
Figure 10 can be varied from the illustrative examples shown. The different embodiments may be implemented using any hardware device or system capable of running program code
1018.
[0122] Thus, the illustrative embodiments provide a method and apparatus for selecting routes for use in generating a flight plan. In these illustrative examples, flight plan manager
104 is configured to consider multiple types of routes rather than a single type of route. In other words, flight plan manager
104 may consider routes that have been previously cleared. Previously cleared routes may be compared to other types of routes to identify routes that may be best suited for a particular flight of an aircraft.
[0123] Additionally, flight plan manager
104 may run simulations
216 for routes that have been identified. In other words, these simulations may simulate the performance of actual flight plans using the routes that may be used for flight of an aircraft. The simulation identifies the performance of the aircraft using models of the aircraft. The models may be as specific as a model for a particular aircraft. With these models and the different types of flights, the performance of the aircraft may be identified. The performance may be compared against goals for the flight rather than merely selecting a route that has been cleared for use most frequently.
[0124] By running simulations, routes that may employ speeds and altitudes that are not usable by the aircraft may be avoided. Further with the simulations, undesired weather conditions also may be avoided.
[0125] The description of the different illustrative embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, different illustrative embodiments may provide different features as compared to other illustrative embodiments. The embodiment or embodiments selected are chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.