Patent ID: 7006904
Filing Date: 2006-02-28
Classification: B64D,G05D,G08G

Abstract:
1. A method of securing an aircraft having a cockpit against misdirection resulting in a collision with a building or other ground structure or feature, comprising the steps of: comparing a current location of the aircraft with the location of a particular ground feature in the vicinity of the aircraft's current location by searching a database of ground feature locations; determining, based on the step of comparing, that the current aircraft location and trajectory create a danger of imminent collision of the aircraft with the particular ground feature; automatically disabling manual control of aircraft navigation based on the step of determining such that manual manipulation of flight controls from within the cockpit no longer affects the flight of aircraft regardless of the extent of manual manipulation; and calculating and causing to be automatically executed an evasive action of the aircraft whereby a collision with the particular ground feature is averted.