Abstract:
A method is presented for controlling thrust generated by aircraft engines. Engine thrust is controlled based on aircraft groundspeed and airspeed during the initial part of takeoff. Limiting thrust at low groundspeed during the initial phase of takeoff has significant benefits that reduce engine stress during this brief but critical phase leading to flight. Logical elements combine both groundspeed and airspeed in such a way that the operator perceives a smooth progressive thrust increase consistent with normal engine operation.

Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
       [0001]    1. Field 
         [0002]    The present disclosure relates generally to aircraft and in particular to a method and apparatus for controlling the flight of an aircraft. Still more particularly, the present disclosure relates to a method, apparatus, and computer program product for controlling thrust generated by the engine of an aircraft. 
         [0003]    2. Background 
         [0004]    Takeoff is a phase of flight when an aircraft transitions from moving along the ground to flying in the air. An aircraft may make this transition when a takeoff speed is reached. The takeoff speed for an aircraft may vary based on a number of factors. These factors include, for example, air density, aircraft gross weight, aircraft configuration, and other suitable factors. 
         [0005]    The speed needed for a takeoff is relative to the motion of the air. For example, headwind reduces the amount of groundspeed at the point of takeoff. In contrast, a tailwind increases the groundspeed at the point of takeoff. 
         [0006]    The amount of thrust generated by an engine may affect the maintenance schedule required for an engine. For example, when crosswinds are present, the air into an inlet for an engine may separate. This separation of air may provide poor aerodynamics with respect to fan blades within the engine. If the engine is providing a high-level thrust, poor aerodynamics may cause vibrations on the fan blades. 
         [0007]    These vibrations may result in requiring more frequent replacement or maintenance of the blades. This type of increased maintenance increases cost and makes the aircraft unavailable more often. One solution is to restrict engine power to a selected level until the forward speed is such that adverse aerodynamics at an inlet of an engine no longer occurs. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    In one advantageous embodiment, a method is presented for controlling thrust generated by an aircraft. A command is received for a selected level of thrust for the aircraft. A level of thrust provided by an engine for the aircraft is controlled based on a groundspeed and an airspeed of the aircraft in response to receiving the command. 
         [0009]    In another advantageous embodiment, an apparatus comprises a thrust control process and a processor unit. The thrust control process may be capable of receiving a command for a selected level of thrust generated by an engine. The thrust control process may control a level of thrust provided by the engine based on a groundspeed and an airspeed of an aircraft in response to receiving the command. The thrust control process may execute on the processor unit. 
         [0010]    In yet another advantageous embodiment, a computer program product for controlling thrust generated by an aircraft comprises a computer recordable storage medium, and program code stored on the computer recordable storage medium. Program code may be present for receiving a command for a selected level of thrust for the aircraft. Program code may also be present for controlling a level of thrust provided by an engine for the aircraft based on a groundspeed and an airspeed of the aircraft in response to receiving the command. 
         [0011]    The features, functions, and advantages can be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present disclosure or may be combined in yet other embodiments in which further details can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The novel features believed characteristic of the advantageous embodiments are set forth in the appended claims. The advantageous embodiments, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an advantageous embodiment of the present disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a diagram of an aircraft in which an advantageous embodiment may be implemented; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a diagram of a data processing system in accordance with an advantageous embodiment; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating a thrust control system in accordance with an advantageous embodiment; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating a thrust control unit in accordance with an advantageous embodiment; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating limits supplied to engine thrust in accordance with an advantageous embodiment; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating limits for thrust in accordance with an advantageous embodiment; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating limits for thrust in accordance with an advantageous embodiment; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating logic for controlling thrust in accordance with an advantageous embodiment; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a diagram illustrating logic to generate or enable a groundspeed limit enable signal in accordance with an advantageous embodiment; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a diagram illustrating logic to generate an airspeed limit enable signal in accordance with an advantageous embodiment; 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a high level flowchart of a process for controlling thrust generated by an aircraft in accordance with an advantageous embodiment; 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a flowchart of a process for controlling thrust generated by an aircraft in accordance with an advantageous embodiment; 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a flowchart of a process for enabling and disabling a groundspeed limit in accordance with an advantageous embodiment; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  is a flowchart of a process for enabling and disabling an airspeed limit in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    With reference now to the figures, and in particular, with reference to  FIG. 1 , a diagram of an aircraft is depicted in which an advantageous embodiment may be implemented. Aircraft  100  is an example of an aircraft in which a method and apparatus for controlling engine power may be implemented. In this illustrative example, aircraft  100  has wings  102  and  104  attached to body  106 . Aircraft  100  includes wing mounted engine  108 , wing mounted engine  110 , and tail  112 . In particular, the different advantageous embodiments may control a level of thrust that may be generated by wing mounted engine  108  and wing mounted engine  110  when aircraft  100  is on the ground. 
         [0028]    Although a wing mounted twin engine aircraft is illustrated in  FIG. 1 , this illustration is provided for purposes of illustrating one type of aircraft in which different advantageous embodiments may be implemented. The different advantageous embodiments may be implemented on other types of aircraft with other numbers of engines and/or configurations of engines. 
         [0029]    Turning now to  FIG. 2 , a diagram of a data processing system is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. Data processing system  200  is an example of a data processing that may be implemented within aircraft  100  in  FIG. 1 . Data processing system  200  may be found in various systems for aircraft  100 . For example, data processing system  200  may be implemented in components used to control the engines. 
         [0030]    In these different advantageous embodiments, data processing system  200  may be configured to control the thrust generated by these types of engines. In this illustrative example, data processing system  200  includes communications fabric  202 , which provides communications between processor unit  204 , memory  206 , persistent storage  208 , communications unit  210 , input/output (I/O) unit  212 , and display  214 . 
         [0031]    Processor unit  204  serves to execute instructions for software that may be loaded into memory  206 . Processor unit  204  may be a set of one or more processors or may be a multi-processor core, depending on the particular implementation. Further, processor unit  204  may be implemented using one or more heterogeneous processor systems in which a main processor is present with secondary processors on a single chip. As another illustrative example, processor unit  204  may be a symmetric multi-processor system containing multiple processors of the same type. 
         [0032]    Memory  206  and persistent storage  208  are examples of storage devices. A storage device is any piece of hardware that is capable of storing information either on a temporary basis and/or a permanent basis. Memory  206 , in these examples, may be, for example, a random access memory or any other suitable volatile or non-volatile storage device. Persistent storage  208  may take various forms depending on the particular implementation. 
         [0033]    For example, persistent storage  208  may contain one or more components or devices. For example, persistent storage  208  may be a hard drive, a flash memory, or some combination of the above. The media used by persistent storage  208  also may be removable. For example, a removable hard drive may be used for persistent storage  208 . 
         [0034]    Communications unit  210 , in these examples, provides for communications with other data processing systems or devices. In these examples, communications unit  210  is a network interface card. Communications unit  210  may provide communications through the use of either or both physical and wireless communications links. 
         [0035]    Input/output unit  212  allows for input and output of data with other devices that may be connected to data processing system  200 . For example, input/output unit  212  may provide a connection for user input through a keyboard and mouse. Display  214  provides a mechanism to display information to a user. 
         [0036]    Instructions for the operating system and applications or programs are located on persistent storage  208 . These instructions may be loaded into memory  206  for execution by processor unit  204 . The processes of the different embodiments may be performed by processor unit  204  using computer implemented instructions, which may be located in a memory, such as memory  206 . 
         [0037]    These instructions are referred to as program code, computer usable program code, or computer readable program code that may be read and executed by a processor in processor unit  204 . The program code in the different embodiments may be embodied on different physical or tangible computer readable media, such as memory  206  or persistent storage  208 . 
         [0038]    Program code  216  is a functional form and located on computer readable media  218  that is selectively removable and may be loaded onto or transferred to data processing system  200  for execution by processor unit  204 . Program code  216  and computer readable media  218  form computer program product  220  in these examples. 
         [0039]    In one example, computer readable media  218  may be in a tangible form, such as, for example, an optical or magnetic disc that is inserted or placed into a drive or other device that is part of persistent storage  208  for transfer onto a storage device, such as a hard drive that is part of persistent storage  208 . 
         [0040]    In a tangible form, computer readable media  218  also may take the form of a persistent storage, such as a hard drive, a thumb drive, or a flash memory that is connected to data processing system  200 . The tangible form of computer readable media  218  is also referred to as computer recordable storage media. In some instances, computer readable media  218  may not be removable. 
         [0041]    Alternatively, program code  216  may be transferred to data processing system  200  from computer readable media  218  through a communications link to communications unit  210  and/or through a connection to input/output unit  212 . The communications link and/or the connection may be physical or wireless in the illustrative examples. The computer readable media also may take the form of non-tangible media, such as communications links or wireless transmissions containing the program code. 
         [0042]    In some illustrative embodiments, program code  216  may be downloaded over a network to persistent storage  208  from another device or data processing system for use within data processing system  200 . For instance, program code stored in a computer readable storage medium in a server data processing system may be downloaded over a network from the server to data processing system  200 . The data processing system providing program code  216  may be a server computer, a client computer, or some other device capable of storing and transmitting program code  216 . 
         [0043]    The different components illustrated for data processing system  200  are not meant to provide architectural limitations to the manner in which different embodiments may be implemented. The different illustrative embodiments may be implemented in a data processing system including components in addition to or in place of those illustrated for data processing system  200 . Other components shown in  FIG. 2  can be varied from the illustrative examples shown. 
         [0044]    As one example, a storage device in data processing system  200  is any hardware apparatus that may store data. Memory  206 , persistent storage  208  and computer readable media  218  are examples of storage devices in a tangible form. 
         [0045]    In another example, a bus system may be used to implement communications fabric  202  and may be comprised of one or more buses, such as a system bus or an input/output bus. Of course, the bus system may be implemented using any suitable type of architecture that provides for a transfer of data between different components or devices attached to the bus system. 
         [0046]    Additionally, a communications unit may include one or more devices used to transmit and receive data, such as a modem or a network adapter. Further, a memory may be, for example, memory  206  or a cache such as found in an interface and memory controller hub that may be present in communications fabric  202 . 
         [0047]    The different advantageous embodiments recognize and take into account that currently used systems for limiting engine power may be insufficient. The different advantageous embodiments recognize that currently used systems ramp and/or allow an increase in the maximum engine power based on airspeed. 
         [0048]    The different advantageous embodiments recognize that using only airspeed may have a susceptibility to the thrust appearing to stop less than the target thrust until sufficient airspeed is attained. Further, the different advantageous embodiments also recognize that the use of airspeed to control the amount of thrust may allow the thrust to be reduced if a gust of wind causes a reduction in airspeed. 
         [0049]    For example, if a pilot commands or selects full power while applying pressure on the brakes, the engines may increase thrust and hold at around 96 percent power. Once the brakes are released and the aircraft begins to roll forward, the engine power may remain at around 96 percent until the airspeed exceeds a certain threshold. This threshold may be around 30 knots. At this point, the thrust may be ramped or increased to 100 percent power using a linear ramp with increasing airspeed. 
         [0050]    The different advantageous embodiments, recognize and take into account that situations may exist in which using airspeed to ramp thrust may not result in a linear or smooth increase in power as expected by a pilot. For example, if the aircraft begins rolling forward as the throttles are advanced such that 30 knots of airspeed is achieved before the engines have reached 96 percent power, little, if any, pause in engine power may exist. 
         [0051]    Further, wind gusts may produce a noticeable rollback or reduction in thrust when these wind gusts reduce the airspeed of the aircraft. The different advantageous embodiments recognize and take into account that a concern may be present in which a pilot may perceive an unusual delay or rollback of the engines as an anomaly and abort a takeoff. 
         [0052]    Thus, the different advantageous embodiments provide a method and apparatus for limiting thrust in a manner that presents a pilot with a continuously increasing thrust. This limit also ensures that a fan blade threshold is met such that undesirable vibrations that may require more frequent maintenance or sooner maintenance may be avoided. The different advantageous embodiments use a groundspeed limit and an airspeed limit to limit the amount of thrust generated by an engine. This type of system may provide a limit for the amount of thrust, but may allow for continuous thrust increase during a rolling takeoff procedure. 
         [0053]    When a command is received for a selected level of thrust for an aircraft, the level of thrust provided by the engine may be based both on the groundspeed and the airspeed of the aircraft. A determination may be made as to whether a groundspeed limit for the thrust is to be used based on the groundspeed and the airspeed. In response to the groundspeed limit being present, the level of thrust is provided using the lower value generated between the groundspeed limit and airspeed limit. 
         [0054]    In response to the groundspeed limit not being used, the level of thrust may be provided using the airspeed limit. At some speed of travel on the ground, the airspeed limit also may no longer be used. Further, one or more of the airspeed limit and the groundspeed limit also may be used again after this use if the requested level of thrust is less than the groundspeed limit and the groundspeed falls below some threshold. 
         [0055]    In the different advantageous embodiments, the commanded level and the actual level of thrust is displayed to the operator. The operator may observe a lag as the thrust increases, but is less likely to mistakenly identify the lag and/or limits as an anomaly in the engine. 
         [0056]    Turning now to  FIG. 3 , a diagram illustrating a thrust control system is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. Thrust control system  300  may be implemented using a data processing system such as, for example, data processing system  200  in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0057]    In this example, thrust control system  300  includes throttle controller  302 , thrust control unit  304 , groundspeed sensor  306 , airspeed sensor  308 , and engine  310 . Throttle controller  302  may be a controller located in a cockpit of an aircraft such as, for example, aircraft  100 . Thrust control unit  304  may be a computer physically located at engine  310 . Thrust control unit  304  receives input from groundspeed sensor  306  and airspeed sensor  308 . 
         [0058]    These various components illustrated for thrust control system  300  may be implemented using currently available components. For example, airspeed sensor  308  may detect airspeed based on impact pressure. For example, airspeed sensor  308  may detect a pressure difference caused by forward motion, which may be total pressure minus static pressure. 
         [0059]    Groundspeed sensor  306  may be, for example, an inertially based sensor, a global positioning system sensor, or some other suitable type of device. The different advantageous embodiments recognize that an airspeed detected by airspeed sensor  308  may be invalid at speeds less than around 30 knots. 
         [0060]    With reference now to  FIG. 4 , a diagram illustrating a thrust control unit is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. In this example, thrust control unit  400  is a more detailed example of thrust control unit  304  in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0061]    In this example, thrust control unit  400  includes thrust control process  402 , groundspeed limit unit  404 , airspeed limit unit  406 , and policy  408 . Thrust control process  402  may receive commanded thrust  410  as an input. Commanded thrust  410  may be received from a controller such as, for example, throttle controller  302  in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0062]    Commanded thrust  410  is a command indicating the level of thrust desired by a pilot. Thrust control process  402  also may receive airspeed  412  and groundspeed  414  as inputs when generating engine command  416 . Engine command  416  is the command actually sent to the engine by thrust control unit  400  and may vary from commanded thrust  410 , depending on the application of policy  408 . 
         [0063]    Policy  408  is a set of rules. A set as used herein refers to one or more items. For example, a set of rules is one or more rules. Policy  408  may be used by thrust control process  402  to determine whether groundspeed limit unit  404  and/or airspeed limit unit  406  should be used to provide limits when generating engine command  416 . If neither groundspeed limit  404  nor airspeed limit  406  limit is applied, engine command  416  may be the same as commanded thrust  410 . Groundspeed limit unit  404  and airspeed limit unit  406  are functions that may be used to limit the amount of thrust in engine command  416 . 
         [0064]    The limits generated by these units may be used to limit the amount of thrust requested in commanded thrust  410 . In other words, groundspeed limit unit  404  and/or airspeed limit unit  406  may generate limits for the level of thrust for engine command  416 . With the limits that may be generated by groundspeed limit unit  404  and/or airspeed limit unit  406 , engine command  416  may provide a level of thrust that is less than commanded thrust  410  depending on the speed of aircraft. 
         [0065]    In these examples, groundspeed limit unit  404  applies when the groundspeed of the aircraft is less than some limit. Groundspeed limit unit  404  may be disabled when the groundspeed or the airspeed exceeds some threshold. The threshold for the groundspeed and airspeed are different in these examples. The groundspeed threshold for disabling groundspeed limit unit  404  may be higher than the airspeed threshold in these examples. 
         [0066]    Groundspeed limit unit  404  is implemented as a ramp function using groundspeed  414 . In this manner, the thrust may increase continuously from a lower limit up to an upper limit. This upper limit in these examples is an airspeed thrust limit. This airspeed thrust limit may be set at a level to prevent undesirable vibrations in the fan blades that may occur due to changes in aerodynamics caused by crosswinds. In these illustrative examples, groundspeed limit unit  404  may be implemented in a number of different ways. For example, groundspeed limit unit  404  may be implemented as a table, a series of equations, or some other suitable function. 
         [0067]    For example, groundspeed limit unit  404  may provide for a groundspeed using the following equation: 
         [0000]      maximum thrust=((6/55)*groundspeed)+90. 
         [0000]    Alternatively, a table may set the limit for the thrust based on the groundspeed. 
         [0068]    Airspeed limit unit  406  is an upper limit to the thrust that may be commanded. This limit also may be disabled when the airspeed is above a selected level. In these examples, airspeed limit unit  406  may be implemented using logical hysteresis or any other suitable function or process. For example, the limit may switch off when airspeed increases from some airspeed to another airspeed. 
         [0069]    Further, the limit may be switched on or used when the airspeed decreases from a higher airspeed to a lesser airspeed. For example, the limit may be 96 percent of the maximum thrust when the airspeed is less than 50 knots. When the airspeed becomes greater than 50 knots, the limit is then the maximum thrust. The limit may be turned back on if the airspeed decreases from a level that is greater than 35 knots to less than 35 knots. When that occurs, the limit may be set to 96 percent of the maximum thrust rather than providing maximum thrust. 
         [0070]    With reference now to  FIG. 5 , a diagram illustrating limits supplied to engine thrust is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. In this example, graph  500  illustrates groundspeed on horizontal axis  502  and airspeed on horizontal axis  504 . The thrust is a percentage of maximum thrust. Thrust in percent is represented by vertical axis  505 . Line  506  illustrates a groundspeed limit, while line  508  illustrates an airspeed limit. Line  510  illustrates a resulting limit from these two limits. The resulting limit in line  510  may change depending on whether wind is present. 
         [0071]    In this example, no wind is present. The groundspeed limit represented by line  506  is level until 10 knots groundspeed is reached. The amount of thrust that may be generated increases as a ramp until 65 knots is reached. At 65 knots, the thrust limit is level. The airspeed limit represented by line  508  is level until an airspeed of 50 knots is reached. At that point, the airspeed limit is removed and the maximum thrust may be generated. As can be seen by this example, the groundspeed limit is removed when the airspeed reaches 50 knots. 
         [0072]    With reference now to  FIG. 6 , a diagram illustrating limits for thrust is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. In this example, graph  600 , horizontal axis  602  represents groundspeed, while horizontal axis  604  represents airspeed. Vertical axis  606  represents thrust. Line  608  represents a groundspeed limit, while line  610  represents an airspeed limit. Line  612  represents a resulting limit from these two limits. 
         [0073]    In this example, a 15 knot headwind is encountered by the aircraft. As can be seen, an airspeed of 50 knots is reached more quickly as compared to graph  500  with the presence of a headwind. When 50 knots is reached, the groundspeed limit is no longer effective. Further, the airspeed limit is also removed resulting in power being increased to a maximum thrust for the engine. 
         [0074]    With reference now to  FIG. 7 , a diagram illustrating limits for thrust is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. In graph  700 , horizontal axis  702  represents groundspeed, while horizontal axis  704  represents airspeed. Vertical axis  706  represents thrust. Line  708  represents a groundspeed limit, while line  710  represents an airspeed limit. Line  712  illustrates the resulting limit between the airspeed limit and the groundspeed limit. 
         [0075]    In this example, a 15 knot tailwind is present. As a result, an airspeed of 50 knots is not reached until the groundspeed of 65 knots also is reached. As a result, the limit is not removed until the groundspeed has reached 65 knots in this example. 
         [0076]    With reference to  FIGS. 8-10 , an example of logic for a thrust control process is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. The logic illustrated in  FIGS. 8-10  are simplified diagrams of logic that may be used. 
         [0077]    These simplified diagrams are presented for purposes of illustrating logic on a high level for use in a thrust control process, such as thrust control process  402 . The actual logic used to implement these processes may include other logic components in addition to or in place of the ones depicted in these figures. 
         [0078]    With reference now to  FIG. 8 , a diagram illustrating logic for controlling thrust is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. Logic  800  in  FIG. 8  is an example of logic that may be implemented in thrust control process  402  in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0079]    In this example, logic  800  receives command  802  as an input. Logic  800  also receives groundspeed  804 , groundspeed limit enable  806 , airspeed  808 , and airspeed limit enable  810  as inputs. 
         [0080]    Groundspeed  804  is sent to groundspeed limit unit  812 . The output of groundspeed limit unit  812  is a groundspeed limit for a thrust level that is based on groundspeed  804 . The output of groundspeed limit unit  812  may be a thrust level that is less than that in command  802 . When groundspeed limit enable is a logic “1”, groundspeed limit unit  812  is used to control thrust. This thrust level is input into switch  814 . Switch  814  may be enabled by groundspeed limit enable  806 . Additionally, command  802  also is input into switch  814 . The output of switch  814  is sent into minimum unit  816 . 
         [0081]    Airspeed  808  is entered as an input into airspeed limit unit  818 . Airspeed limit unit  818  generates an airspeed limit for a thrust level based on airspeed  808 . The output of airspeed limit unit  818  may be a thrust level that is less than the amount of thrust requested by command  802 . This thrust level is sent to switch  820 . Switch  820  also receives command  802  as an input. Switch  820  may be enabled by airspeed limit enable  810 . When airspeed limit enable is a logic “1”, airspeed limit unit  818  is used to control thrust. The output of switch  820  is sent to minimum unit  816 . 
         [0082]    Minimum unit  816  selects the lower value of the outputs of switch  814  and switch  820 . In these examples, groundspeed limit unit  812  is typically a lower limit than airspeed limit unit  818 . Then this output forms command  822  which is used to control the engine. 
         [0083]    In these examples, command  802  also forms thrust display  824  which is an output for the display that is seen by the pilot. In the different advantageous embodiments, although command  822  may be lower than command  802 , the pilot sees the same level of commanded thrust in command display  824  as command  802 . The pilot may perceive a lag in the thrust increasing as the airspeed increases. This increase in thrust, however, may be maintained as a constant increase to avoid aborting a takeoff when an engine anomaly is not actually present. 
         [0084]    With reference now to  FIG. 9 , a diagram illustrating logic to enable a groundspeed limit is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. In this example, logic  900  receives a number of different inputs. These inputs include aircraft on ground  902 , groundspeed valid  904 , groundspeed  906 , constant  908 , airspeed valid  910 , airspeed  912 , and constant  914 . 
         [0085]    In this example, aircraft on ground  902  indicates whether the aircraft is on the ground. A logic “1” indicates that the aircraft is on the ground in these examples. Groundspeed valid  904  is a logic “1” if the groundspeed is valid. Groundspeed  906  is the groundspeed detected by a groundspeed sensor. A groundspeed may not be valid if, for example, a groundspeed sensor is disabled or faulty. Constant  908  in this example is a speed limit at which the groundspeed limit should be enabled. In this example, constant  908  is 70 knots. 
         [0086]    Groundspeed  906  and constant  908  are compared by comparator  911 . Comparator  911  determines whether groundspeed  906  is less than constant  908 . If groundspeed  906  is less than constant  908 , a true value is generated by comparator  911  and sent into AND gate  915 . If groundspeed  906  is not less than constant  908 , a false value is generated by comparator  911  and sent into AND gate  915 . AND gate  915  also receives groundspeed valid  904  and aircraft on ground  902  as inputs. The output of AND gate  915  is true if all of the inputs are true. 
         [0087]    Airspeed  912  and constant  914  are sent into comparator  916 . In these examples, if airspeed  912  is greater than constant  914 , the output of comparator  916  is the logic “1.” This output is sent into AND gate  918 . AND gate  918  also receives airspeed valid  910  as an input. If the airspeed is valid and airspeed  912  is greater than constant  914 , a logic “1” is output by AND gate  918 . This output is sent into OR gate  920 . Additionally, the output of AND gate  915  is sent through inverter  922  into OR gate  920 . The output of OR gate  920  is sent into latch  922 . 
         [0088]    Latch  922  also receives the output of AND gate  915  as an input. When the output of AND gate  915  is true, the output of latch  922  is set true, and remains true until the output of OR gate  920  is true. As long as the output of OR gate  920  is true, the output of latch  922  is false. The output of latch  922  forms groundspeed limit enable  924 , which is used in logic  800 . More specifically, groundspeed limit enable  924  is an example of groundspeed limit enable  806  in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0089]    In essence, groundspeed logic  900  determines whether the groundspeed limit is to be used. In these examples, logic  900  enables the groundspeed limit when the groundspeed is valid, the groundspeed is less than 70 knots, and the aircraft is on the ground. 
         [0090]    Once logic  900  enables the groundspeed limit, this limit may be disabled if the groundspeed becomes invalid, the groundspeed exceeds 70 knots, the aircraft is in the air, or the airspeed is valid and the airspeed is greater than 50 knots. If the groundspeed limit has been disabled with speed that is above a selected level, or if the groundspeed is invalid, the groundspeed limit may be re-enabled. In this example, the disabling speed may be an airspeed of 50 knots and/or a groundspeed of 70 knots. 
         [0091]    The groundspeed may be re-enabled if the commanded or requested thrust is less than the groundspeed limit for the current groundspeed, the groundspeed is valid, and the groundspeed falls below 20 knots. 
         [0092]    With reference now to  FIG. 10 , a diagram illustrating logic to generate an airspeed limit enable signal is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. In this example, logic  1001  receives a number of different inputs. These inputs include, for example, aircraft on ground  1000 , airspeed  1002 , constant  1004 , airspeed valid  1006 , groundspeed valid  1008 , groundspeed  1010 , and constant  1012 . 
         [0093]    In this example, aircraft on ground  1000  is sent into latch  1014 . Airspeed  1002  and constant  1004  are sent to comparator  1016 . In this example, constant  1004  is 50 knots. If airspeed  1002  is greater than constant  1004 , a logic “1” is sent into AND gate  1018 . AND gate  1018  also receives airspeed valid  1006  as an input. The output of AND gate  1018  is sent into OR gate  1020 . Airspeed valid  1006  is sent through inverter  1022  to the input of AND gate  1024 . Groundspeed valid  1008  also forms an input into AND gate  1024 . 
         [0094]    Groundspeed  1010  and constant  1012  are sent to comparator  1026 . In these examples, comparator  1026  determines whether groundspeed  1010  is less than constant  1012 . The output of comparator  1026  is sent through inverter  1027  to AND gate  1024 . The output of AND gate  1024  is sent to OR gate  1020 . 
         [0095]    Aircraft on ground  1000  is also an input into OR gate  1020 . Aircraft on ground  1000  is sent through inverter  1026  into OR gate  1020 . If groundspeed  1010  is less than constant  1012 , the output of comparator  1026  is a logic “1” in these examples. Constant  1012  has a value of 70 knots in this example. 
         [0096]    The output of OR gate  1020  is sent as an input into latch  1014 . The output of latch  1014  is set true when the aircraft is on the ground. When any of the input conditions cause the output of OR gate  1020  to be true, the output of latch  1014  is held false. The output of latch  1014  forms airspeed limit enable  1028 . This value is an input into logic  800  in  FIG. 8 . Airspeed limit enable  1028  is an example of groundspeed limit enable  806  in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0097]    In this example, logic  1001  disables the airspeed limit when the airspeed is greater than 50 knots. The airspeed limit may be re-enabled in these examples, if the airspeed is less than 35 knots or if the airspeed is invalid and the groundspeed is valid and less than 20 knots, and if the commanded level thrust is less than the airspeed limit. 
         [0098]    The logic illustrated in  FIGS. 8-10  are provided as an example of one manner in which groundspeed and airspeed may be used to control thrust during takeoff. This example is not meant to imply physical or architectural limitations to the manner in which other advantageous embodiments may be implemented. 
         [0099]    With reference now to  FIG. 11 , a high level flowchart of a process for controlling thrust generated by an aircraft is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. The process illustrated in  FIG. 11  may be implemented in thrust control process  402  in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0100]    The process begins by receiving a command for a desired level of thrust for an aircraft on the ground (operation  1100 ). The process sends the command to a thrust display (operation  1102 ). The thrust display in operation  1102  may be, for example, thrust display  312  in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0101]    The process controls a level of thrust actually provided by an engine in the aircraft based on a groundspeed and an airspeed (operation  1104 ), with the process terminating thereafter. Operation  1104  uses a lower limit of thrust set by a ground speed limit and an airspeed limit to control the level of thrust of the engine for the aircraft. 
         [0102]    The level of thrust provided is based on the desired level of thrust and the lower limit, wherein the level of thrust is a continuous linear increase in thrust limited by the groundspeed limit and the airspeed limit. In other words, the level of thrust does not exceed the lower of the two limits as long as the limits are enabled or being used in the manner described in these examples. 
         [0103]    With reference now to  FIG. 12 , a flowchart of a process for controlling thrust generated by an aircraft is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. The process illustrated in  FIG. 12  may be implemented in a software component such as, for example, thrust control process  402  in  FIG. 4 . More specifically,  FIG. 12  is a more detailed illustration of the process in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0104]    The process begins by receiving a command for a selected level of thrust for the aircraft (operation  1200 ). A determination is made as to whether a groundspeed limit has been enabled (operation  1202 ). If the groundspeed limit has been enabled, the thrust command is set using the groundspeed limit based on the current groundspeed (operation  1204 ), with the process terminating thereafter. 
         [0105]    With reference again to step  1202 , if the groundspeed limit is not enabled, a determination is made as to whether an airspeed limit has been enabled (operation  1206 ). If the airspeed limit has been enabled, the thrust command is set using the airspeed limit based on the current airspeed (operation  1208 ), with the process terminating thereafter. 
         [0106]    With reference again to operation  1206 , if the airspeed limit is not enabled, the process sets the thrust command as the received command (operation  1210 ), with the process terminating thereafter. In this case, the commanded thrust is the actual level of thrust that is sent as a thrust command to the engine. In operation  1210 , no limits are applied to the actual thrust since the groundspeed limit and the airspeed limit are not enabled. 
         [0107]    With reference now to  FIG. 13 , a flowchart of a process for enabling and disabling a groundspeed limit is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. The process illustrated in  FIG. 13  may be implemented in a software component such as, for example, thrust control process  402  in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0108]    The process begins by determining whether the aircraft is on the ground (operation  1300 ). If the aircraft is not on the ground, the process disables the groundspeed limit (operation  1302 ). Next, the disable flag is set as true (operation  1304 ), with the process terminating thereafter. 
         [0109]    With reference again to operation  1300 , if the aircraft is on the ground, a determination is made as to whether the disable flag is set equal to true (operation  1306 ). This determination is made to identify whether the groundspeed limit has been previously disabled, but may need to be re-enabled, for example if the aircraft has left the ground but returned to the ground. 
         [0110]    If the disable flag is set equal to true, a determination is made as to whether the groundspeed is valid (operation  1308 ). If the groundspeed is not valid, the groundspeed limit is disabled (operation  1310 ) and the process sets the disable flag equal to true (operation  1312 ), with the process terminating thereafter. 
         [0111]    With reference again to operation  1308 , if the groundspeed is valid, a determination is made as to whether the groundspeed is less than 20 knots (operation  1314 ). The threshold value of 20 knots is set at a speed that indicates that the aircraft is no longer taking off. In this case, the aircraft either was taking off and aborted the take off or took off and subsequently landed. 
         [0112]    If the groundspeed is not less than 20 knots, the process proceeds to operation  1310  as described above. Otherwise, a determination is made as to whether the thrust is less than the thrust command (operation  1316 ). In this example, the thrust command is the command or desired thrust requested by pilot. 
         [0113]    If the thrust is not less than the thrust command, the process proceeds to operation  1310  as previously described. Otherwise, the process re-enables the groundspeed limit (operation  1318 ). The process then sets the disable flag to false (operation  1320 ), with the process terminating thereafter. 
         [0114]    With reference again to operation  1306 , if the disable flag is not true, a determination is made as to whether the airspeed is valid (operation  1322 ). If the airspeed is valid, a determination is made as to whether the airspeed is greater than 50 knots (operation  1324 ). If the airspeed is greater than 50 knots, the groundspeed limit is disabled (operation  1326 ). The process then sets the disable flag equal to true (operation  1328 ), with the process terminating thereafter. 
         [0115]    With reference again to operation  1324 , if the airspeed is not greater than 50 knots, the groundspeed limit is enabled (operation  1330 ). The process then sets the disable flag equal to false (operation  1332 ), with the process terminating thereafter. 
         [0116]    With reference again to operation  1322 , if the airspeed is not valid, a determination is made as to whether the groundspeed is valid (operation  1334 ). If the groundspeed is not valid, the process proceeds to operation  1326  as described above. If the groundspeed is valid, a determination is made as to whether the groundspeed is less than 70 knots (operation  1336 ). 
         [0117]    In this example, the 70 knot groundspeed level provides a 20 knot margin above the airspeed limit of 50 knots. This margin allows for continuous engine acceleration for a takeoff in a 15-knot tailwind, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , and provides an additional 5 knot margin to account for uncertainty in the groundspeed sensing system. Of course, other thresholds may be selected depending on the implementation. If the groundspeed is not less than 70 knots, the process proceeds to operation  1326 . Otherwise, the process proceeds to operation  1330  as described above. 
         [0118]    With reference now to  FIG. 14 , a flowchart of a process for enabling and disabling an airspeed limit is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. The process illustrated in  FIG. 14  may be implemented in a software component such as, for example, thrust control process  402  in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0119]    The process begins by determining whether the aircraft is on the ground (operation  1400 ). If the aircraft is not on the ground, the process disables the airspeed limit (operation  1402 ). The process then sets the disable flag equal to true (operation  1404 ), with the process terminating thereafter. 
         [0120]    With reference again to operation  1400 , if the aircraft is on the ground, a determination is made as to whether the disable flag is set equal to true (operation  1406 ). If the disable flag is true, a determination is made as to whether the airspeed is valid (operation  1408 ). If the airspeed is valid, a determination is made as to whether the airspeed is less than 35 knots (operation  1410 ). If the airspeed is less than 35 knots, a determination is made as to whether the thrust is less than the thrust command (operation  1412 ). If the thrust is less than the thrust command, the process re-enables the airspeed limit (operation  1414 ) and sets the disable flag to false (operation  1416 ), with the process terminating thereafter. 
         [0121]    In operation  1412 , if the thrust is not less than the thrust command, the process disables the airspeed limit (operation  1418 ) and sets the disable flag equal to true (operation  1420 ). With reference again to operation  1410 , if the airspeed is not less than 35 knots, the process also proceeds to operation  1418 . 
         [0122]    In operation  1408 , if the airspeed is not valid, a determination is made as to whether the groundspeed is valid (operation  1422 ). If the groundspeed is valid, a determination is made as to whether the groundspeed is less than 20 knots. If the groundspeed is less than 20 knots, the process proceeds to operation  1412  as described above. Otherwise, the process proceeds to operation  1418  as previously described. In operation  1422 , the process proceeds to operation  1418  if the groundspeed is not valid. 
         [0123]    With reference again to operation  1406 , if the disable flag is not true, a determination is made as to whether the airspeed is valid (operation  1426 ). If the airspeed is valid, a determination is made as to whether the airspeed is greater than 50 knots (operation  1428 ). If the airspeed is greater than 50 knots, the process disables the airspeed limit (operation  1430 ). The process then sets the disable flag equal to true (operation  1432 ), with the process terminating thereafter. As an example, the threshold of 50 knots may be the airspeed at which inlet separation due to crosswinds has been eliminated, and full thrust is allowed. 
         [0124]    If the airspeed is not greater than 50, the process enables the airspeed limit (operation  1434 ). The process then sets the disable flag to false (operation  1436 ), with the process terminating thereafter. 
         [0125]    With reference again to operation  1426 , if the airspeed is not valid, a determination is made as to whether the groundspeed is valid (operation  1438 ). If the groundspeed is valid, a determination is made as to whether the groundspeed is less than 70 knots (operation  1440 ). If the groundspeed is less than 70 knots, the process proceeds to operation  1434  as described above. The 70 knot groundspeed limit is selected to provide a margin above the 50 knot airspeed limit. Otherwise, the process proceeds to operation  1430  as previously described. The process also proceeds to operation  1430  in operation  1438  if the groundspeed is not valid. 
         [0126]    The different thresholds illustrated in  FIGS. 13 and 14  have been selected for purposes of depicting one implementation and are not meant to limit the manner in which other advantageous embodiments may be implemented. For example, in other advantageous embodiments, other groundspeed thresholds may be used other than those illustrated. 
         [0127]    The flowcharts and block diagrams in the different depicted embodiments illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of some possible implementations of apparatus, methods and computer program products. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of computer usable or readable program code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified function or functions. 
         [0128]    In some alternative implementations, the function or functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, in some cases, two blocks shown in succession may be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. 
         [0129]    Thus, the different advantageous embodiments provide a method, apparatus, and program code for managing thrust levels in an aircraft. The different advantageous embodiments receive a command for a selected amount of thrust. The actual amount of thrust generated by the engine may be controlled based on the groundspeed and airspeed of the aircraft. In these different advantageous embodiments, an airspeed limit and a groundspeed limit may be applied to the received command to identify the actual command to be sent to the engine to generate thrust. 
         [0130]    Using the different advantageous embodiments, an operator of the aircraft perceives a constant increase in thrust without reaching speed limits that may produce additional wear and tear on the engine. In particular, undesired vibrations on fan blades in the engine may be avoided to reduce the frequency of maintenance for these and other components. 
         [0131]    The operator may only perceive a lag in engine thrust. As a result, the operator may not mistakenly perceive an anomaly in the engine requiring aborting the takeoff. 
         [0132]    The different advantageous embodiments can take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment containing both hardware and software elements. Some embodiments are implemented in software, which includes but is not limited to forms, such as, for example, firmware, resident software, and microcode. 
         [0133]    Furthermore, the different embodiments can take the form of a computer program product accessible from a computer usable or computer readable medium providing program code for use by or in connection with a computer or any device or system that executes instructions. For the purposes of this disclosure, a computer usable or computer readable medium can generally be any tangible apparatus that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. 
         [0134]    The computer usable or computer readable medium can be, for example, without limitation an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, or a propagation medium. Non-limiting examples of a computer readable medium include a semiconductor or solid state memory, magnetic tape, a removable computer diskette, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a rigid magnetic disk, and an optical disk. Optical disks may include compact disk-read only memory (CD-ROM), compact disk-read/write (CD-R/W) and DVD. 
         [0135]    Further, a computer usable or computer readable medium may contain or store a computer readable or usable program code such that when the computer readable or usable program code is executed on a computer, the execution of this computer readable or usable program code causes the computer to transmit another computer readable or usable program code over a communications link. This communications link may use a medium that is, for example without limitation, physical or wireless. 
         [0136]    A data processing system suitable for storing and/or executing computer readable or computer usable program code will include one or more processors coupled directly or indirectly to memory elements through a communications fabric, such as a system bus. The memory elements may include local memory employed during actual execution of the program code, bulk storage, and cache memories which provide temporary storage of at least some computer readable or computer usable program code to reduce the number of times code may be retrieved from bulk storage during execution of the code. 
         [0137]    Input/output or I/O devices can be coupled to the system either directly or through intervening I/O controllers. These devices may include, for example, without limitation, keyboards, touch screen displays, and pointing devices. Different communications adapters may also be coupled to the system to enable the data processing system to become coupled to other data processing systems or remote printers or storage devices through intervening private or public networks. Non-limiting examples are modems and network adapters are just a few of the currently available types of communications adapters. 
         [0138]    The description of the different advantageous embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, different advantageous embodiments may provide different advantages as compared to other advantageous embodiments. 
         [0139]    The embodiment or embodiments selected are chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.