Patent ID: 6594559
Filing Date: 2003-07-15
Classification: G05D

Abstract:
A method of determining aircraft flight data parameters using first and second multi-function probes, the method comprising:(A) defining an assumed value of a first aircraft parameter to be equal to an initial value; (B) determining a first local angle of attack value using the first multi-function probe; (C) determining a second local angle of attack value using the second multi-function probe; (D) calculating a first estimate of a second aircraft parameter as a function of the assumed value of the first aircraft parameter and of the first local angle of attack value; (E) calculating a second estimate of the second aircraft parameter as a function of the assumed value of the first aircraft parameter and of the second local angle of attack value; (F) comparing the first and second estimates of the second aircraft parameter to determine whether they are within a predetermined tolerance range of each other; and (G) if the first and second estimates of the second aircraft parameter are determined to be within the predetermined tolerance range of each other, then determining an actual value of the first aircraft parameter to be approximately equal to the assumed value of the first aircraft parameter, and determining an actual value of the second aircraft parameter from at least one of the first and second estimates of the second aircraft parameter.