John J Andersen

US Patent:

7302318, Nov 27, 2007

Filed:

Mar 10, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/372565

Inventors:

Daniel A Gerrity - Bellevue WA, US
Jason E Dougherty - Renton WA, US
John H Andersen - Tacoma WA, US
Stephen D Fulton - Federal Way WA, US

Assignee:

Naverus, Inc. - Renton WA

International Classification:

G06F 19/00

US Classification:

701 16, 701 18, 701301, 340903, 340970

Abstract:

A method () is disclosed for designing an RNP approach for an aircraft at a particular runway (). The method includes selecting a runway (), gathering obstacle data for the obstacle evaluation area (), selecting a VEB method and terms (), laying out a preliminary approach, inducing a missed approach segment (), calculating a preliminary obstacle clearance surface (), calculating a momentary descent segment using a physical model of the aircraft (), adjusting the obstacle clearance surface so that no obstacles intersect the surface (), and optionally optimizing the approach by departing from the operator's standard procedures (). Preferably, the obstacle clearance surface is adjusted so that it just touches an obstacle, without any object intersecting the surface, thereby providing an optimal decision altitude.