Patent ID: 7761194
Filing Date: 2010-07-20
Classification: G05D,G08G

Abstract:
1. A method for assisting a pilot of a follower aircraft which is flying in patrol while following a lead aircraft and which comprises a system for aiding patrol flight comprising an automatic pilot, said method for informing the pilot of the follower aircraft as to a possibility of engagement of said automatic pilot, wherein the following series of successive steps is carried out automatically and iteratively: a) devising at least one engagement criterion, which pertains to at least one flight parameter, which depends on the performance of the follower aircraft, and which provides at least one span of admissible values of a quantity; b) determining the effective value of said flight parameter on said follower aircraft; c) carrying out a comparison by comparing a quantity dependent on the effective value determined in step b) with said engagement criterion; d) forming, on the basis of the result of this comparison and of said engagement criterion, at least one indicator which pertains to said flight parameter and which provides an indication as to the compliance of said quantity with said engagement criterion, said indication giving information as to the possibility of engagement of said automatic pilot and if appropriate as to the reason for an impossibility of engagement; and e) presenting said indicator, in graphical form, on at least one viewing screen of the follower aircraft.