Method, apparatus and computer program product for unstabilized approach alerting
A method, apparatus and computer program product for assisting the pilot of an aircraft in making a go-around decision. Various aircraft parameters are monitored during the approach to land and a risk level assessed. When the risk level exceeds a specified threshold, an alert is provided.
1. A method for alerting the pilot of an aircraft to a potential go-around condition comprising the steps of:
monitoring a plurality of parameters indicative of an unstabilized approach;
assigning a risk of go-around value to each of said parameters;
summing the assigned risk values; and
asserting an alert signal when said summation exceeds a predetermined threshold amount, asserting further comprises:
asserting a go-around caution alert signal when said value exceeds a first threshold amount and is less than a second threshold amount; and
asserting a go-around warning signal when said value exceeds said second threshold amount.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of monitoring a plurality of parameters includes the step of monitoring a change in a speed of the aircraft.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of monitoring a plurality of parameters includes the step of monitoring a runway wind condition.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of monitoring a plurality of parameters includes the step of monitoring a flight path angle of the aircraft.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of monitoring a plurality of parameters includes the step of monitoring a position of the aircraft.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of monitoring a plurality of parameters includes the step of monitoring a track of the aircraft.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of asserting an alert signal comprises the step of commanding an autopilot go-around maneuver.
8. A method of alerting the pilot of an aircraft to a potential go-around condition comprising the steps of:
monitoring a plurality of parameters indicative of a runway landing length required;
assigning a risk of runway overrun value for each of said plurality of parameters;
summing the assigned risk values; and
asserting an alert signal when said summation exceeds a predetermined threshold value,
wherein the plurality of parameters include runway length,
wherein said step of asserting an alert signal further comprises the steps of:
asserting a go-around caution alert signal when said value exceeds a first threshold amount and is less than a second threshold amount; and
asserting a go-around warning signal when said value exceeds said second threshold amount.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein said step of monitoring a plurality of parameters includes the step of monitoring a deceleration required to stop the aircraft.
10. The method of claim 8 wherein said step of monitoring a plurality of parameters includes the step of monitoring a runway surface condition.
11. The method of claim 8 wherein said step of monitoring a plurality of parameters includes the step of monitoring at least one atmospheric condition.
12. The method of claim 8 wherein said step of asserting an alert signal comprises the step of commanding an autopilot go-around maneuver.