Autopilot for aircraft having automatic descent function in the event of cabin depressurization

In combination with an aircraft having at least one engine, retractable landing gear, and flaps, an emergency control system for an aircraft to recover from a catastrophic loss of cabin pressure even if the pilot becomes incapacitated before he is able to activate an emergency oxygen system, said system comprising:

• an air pressure sensor which constantly monitors cabin air pressure at least when the aircraft is above a maximum safe altitude;
• an autopilot system programmed to initiate and maintain a maximum safe rate of descent by increasing parasitic drag of the aircraft principally through the use of a slip condition, in response to a cabin depressurization condition detected by said air pressure sensor, until the aircraft reaches an altitude where there is sufficient oxygen in the atmosphere to sustain full consciousness of the pilot.

In combination with an aircraft having at least one engine, retractable landing gear, and flaps, an emergency control system for an aircraft to recover from a catastrophic loss of cabin pressure even if the pilot becomes incapacitated before he is able to activate an emergency oxygen system, said system comprising:

• an air pressure sensor which constantly monitors cabin air pressure at least when the aircraft is above a maximum safe altitude;
• an autopilot system programmed to reduce engine power settings to idle, maximize parasitic drag principally by slipping the aircraft, reduce the aircraft's angle of attack, and thereby initiate and maintain a maximum safe rate of descent, in response to a cabin depressurization condition detected by said air pressure sensor, said autopilot system also programmed to increase power, reduce parasitc drag, and increase the aircraft's angle of attack when an altitude is reached where there is sufficient oxygen in the atmosphere to sustain full consciousness of the pilot.