US 2020/0105148 A1 · Holding Pattern Determination

Abstract

A holding pattern determination system and method assists a pilot with visualizing, entering, and flying a holding pattern. An exact solution to the holding pattern problem simplifies the entry to and flight of a holding pattern with minimal circuits, regardless of the wind direction and speed. Utilizing a windspeed ratio and relative wind direction, at least an inbound wind correction angle, an outbound heading, and an outbound time that begins at the outbound heading independent from an abeam point is provided. An entry pattern graphic and a holding pattern graphic may be provided with turn by turn heading and timing instruction to ensure precise entry and holding pattern flight.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A computer-implemented method for providing a holding pattern solution for an aircraft, the method comprising:

determining, by a processor of a holding pattern computer, a windspeed ratio;
determining, by the processor, a direction of relative wind;
utilizing, by the processor, at least the windspeed ratio and the direction of relative wind to determine the holding pattern solution, the holding pattern solution comprising:
an inbound wind correction angle (IWCA),
an outbound heading or an outbound wind correction angle (OWCA), and
an outbound time that is independent from a position of the aircraft in relation to an abeam point;
and
providing, by the processor, the holding pattern solution to a user for flying the holding pattern solution with the aircraft.

5 more elements

A holding pattern determination system for providing a holding pattern solution, the system comprising:

a holding pattern computer having a display and at least one processor, wherein the processor is operative to execute one or more sets of computer-readable instructions operative to:
determine a windspeed ratio;
determine a direction of relative wind;
utilize at least the windspeed ratio and the direction of relative wind to determine:
an inbound wind correction angle,
an outbound heading,
an outbound time measured from a point in time at which the aircraft has completed its turn to the outbound heading, and
a total time to complete a holding pattern circuit;
and
display the holding pattern solution comprising the inbound wind correction angle, the outbound heading, and the outbound time to a user.

7 more elements

A computer-implemented method for providing a holding pattern solution, the method comprising:

determining, by a processor of a holding pattern computer, a windspeed ratio;
determining, by the processor, a direction of relative wind;
utilizing, by the processor, at least the windspeed ratio and the direction of relative wind to calculate an analytic solution to the holding pattern solution, comprising:
an inbound wind correction angle,
an outbound heading,
an outbound time that begins at the outbound heading independent from an abeam point, and
a total time to complete a holding pattern circuit;
and
providing, by the processor, the holding pattern solution to a user for flying the holding pattern solution, the holding pattern solution further comprising:
an entry procedure comprising a plurality of turn instructions, an inbound course, an inbound and an outbound heading, and an outbound leg duration;
an entry pattern graphic visually depicting an entry pattern to intercept the inbound leg of the hold pattern;
a holding procedure comprising a plurality of turn instructions, an inbound course, an inbound and an outbound heading, and an outbound leg duration;
and
a holding pattern graphic visually depicting a first representation of a holding pattern with zero wind, and a second representation of a holding pattern with one or more wind characteristics applied.

11 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Holding Pattern Determination

Life of this patent

Holding Pattern Determination

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20