David Jerry Coombs

US Patent:

6282466, Aug 28, 2001

Filed:

Nov 3, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/185424

Inventors:

Edward P. Nolte - Seattle WA
Michael J. Myers - Everett WA
David C. Coombs - Langley WA
John C. Griffin - Tacoma WA

Assignee:

The Boeing Company - Seattle WA

International Classification:

G06F 700
G05D 300

US Classification:

701 11

Abstract:

An improvement to a method of automatic flight using a flight management system is provided. The flight management system includes a lateral navigation (LNAV) control mode in which the flight management system provides roll commands via a flight director system to the pilot during manual flight or to an autopilot during autoflight to effectuate lateral flight guidance. The improvement includes evaluating the energy state of the airplane during the LNAV control mode, calculating a Thrust Based Roll Limit (TBRL), and providing an appropriately limited bank angle command signal via the flight director system for use by the pilot during manual flight or to the autopilot during autoflight while flying in a thrust-limited condition. The TBRL is calculated as a function of the energy state of the airplane. The use of the TBRL to limit the bank angle command signal avoids an uncommanded change in altitude and/or airspeed.