Patent ID: 6486798
Filing Date: 2002-11-26
Classification: B64D,G08G

Abstract:
An apparatus for tracking a horizontal plane projecting forward of aircraft wingtips for detecting obstructions therein, comprising:a collimated light source adapted for positioned attachment on an aircraft wing proximal the wingtip; said collimated light source as coupled to said wing directed in a horizontal plane relative to the wingtip of said aircraft, which is in a taxi configuration, said horizontal plane positioned in line with a forward direction of travel wherein the beam would be reflected on a portion of any obstruction that may interfere with the forward motion of said wing; and means for generating a high definition two dimensional pattern in said collimated light source so that wherein the reflection of said pattern on an obstruction forward of said wingtip may be easily readily discerned by the pilot of said aircraft, as being from said light source, while providing distance and positioning information in relation to the said obstruction that lies in a horizontal plane forward of said aircraft during taxi operations.