Patent ID: 8335601
Filing Date: 2012-12-18
Classification: B64F,G06Q

Abstract:
1. A method of automated fault analysis and execution of post-flight or pre-flight tests for an aircraft having an onboard maintenance test client system, the method comprising: establishing a data communication session with the onboard maintenance test client system after the aircraft has landed, the data communication session using at least one wireless data communication link; receiving, at a ground-based maintenance test server system, diagnostic data from the onboard maintenance test client system during the data communication session; thereafter, generating a test checklist for the aircraft, wherein content of the test checklist is influenced by the diagnostic data, and wherein the test checklist is generated by the ground-based maintenance test server system; thereafter, transmitting the test checklist from the ground-based maintenance test server system to the onboard maintenance test client system during the data communication session; thereafter, receiving a test report at an air traffic control system, the test report comprising results of maintenance tests specified on the test checklist, wherein the maintenance tests are performed onboard the aircraft in response to receiving the test checklist from the ground-based maintenance test server system; reviewing the test report at the air traffic control system to determine that the aircraft is flight worthy; in response to determining that the aircraft is flight worthy, sending an approval message from the air traffic control system to an airlines operations center; and in response to the approval message, sending a takeoff approval message from the airlines operations center to the onboard maintenance test client system.