Abstract:
A pilot aid that includes a sheet material having indicia thereon indicative of a plurality of predetermined flying parameters including at least wind velocity and direction. A plurality of indicia wheels are each separately mounted from the sheet material and each are associated with a different flying parameter. A plurality of windows are disposed on the sheet material, each positioned to overly a corresponding indicia wheel and each for observing one of a plurality of predetermined characteristics that define the flying parameter.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
   The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/615,994 filed on Oct. 5, 2004. 

   TECHNICAL FIELD  
   The present invention relates to a useful tool or device adapted to assist a pilot during take-off or landing. The invention also relates to a mechanical aid device that reduces the chance of pilot error while enhancing pilot situational awareness, thus leading to safer flying. 
   BACKGROUND  
   Pilots normally receive mandatory pre-recorded ATIS information via a discreet radio frequency or by telephone. For example, the Providence, R.I. ATIS information is available on frequency 124.2, and also is available by dialing the self-repeating recorded message on telephone number 401.737.3215. 
   The problem that arises is that the pilot must either remember or make written notes of the submitted information, which is not always easy to do, given the other necessary activities being performed by a pilot during landing and/or takeoff. Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide means in a durable, sheet-like format that enables the pilot to record the ATIS information in a chart-like format so that the information is memorialized on a case-by-case basis for ready review by the pilot. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
   In accordance with the present invention there is provided a mechanical chart-like device that is designed to aid the airplane pilot in remembering and presenting a situational awareness, via a visual format, of the mandatory pre-takeoff and pre-landing Airport Traffic Information Service (ATIS) that is promulgated in a self-repeating, pre-recorded announcement which is prepared and changed on an hourly basis, or sooner on a “need be” basis, by personnel in the airport control tower. 
   In accordance with the present invention there is provided a pilot aid that includes a sheet material having indicia thereon indicative of a plurality of predetermined flying parameters including at least wind velocity and direction, a plurality of indicia wheels each separately mounted from the sheet material and each associated with a different flying parameter and a plurality of windows on the sheet material, each positioned to overly a corresponding indicia wheel and each for observing one of a plurality of predetermined characteristics that define the flying parameter. 
   In accordance with other aspects of the present invention the pilot aid may display flying parameters that include, but are not limited to, visibility, ceiling, field elevation, barometric pressure and temperature. The sheet material of the pilot aid may be double layered, may have each wheel disposed between layers, may have multiple sides and a portion of each wheel may extend beyond a side so as to be accessible to a user. The indicia wheel for wind direction is preferably of larger diameter than the other indicia wheels and comprises a pair of concentrically disposed rotatable wheels. The pilot aid may further include a fixed position wheel between the pair of concentric wheels and having a window for observing indicia indicative of runway number disposed on the larger diameter wheel. One of the concentric wheels may provide compass nomenclature and the other of the concentric wheels may comprise a pointable hand indicating wind direction. The wheel that carries compass nomenclature may be larger in diameter than the fixed position wheel and the fixed position wheel may be larger in diameter than the pointable hand. The pilot aid may further include a plurality of dial members, each disposed over an indicia wheel and including a hand that can be pointed to nomenclature on the sheet material. The dial members are preferably transparent so nomenclature on the sheet material can be read. 
   In accordance with other embodiments of the present invention the pilot aid includes a sheet material having indicia thereon indicative of a plurality of predetermined flying parameters including at least wind velocity and direction, a plurality of indicia wheels each separately mounted from the sheet material and each associated with a different flying parameter and a plurality of dial members, each disposed over an indicia wheel and including a hand that can be pointed to nomenclature on the sheet material. 
   In accordance with still other aspects of the present invention the pilot aid includes a plurality of windows on the sheet material, each positioned to overly a corresponding indicia wheel and each for observing one of a plurality of predetermined characteristics that define the flying parameter. The dial members may be transparent so that the nomenclature on the sheet material can be read. The nomenclature may include several categories. The indicia wheel and dial member are preferably concentrically supported for rotation. The indicia wheel and dial member may be supported by a rivet means. The pilot aid may include a pair of windows associated with one indicia wheel. 
   In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention there is provided a pilot aid that includes a sheet material having indicia thereon indicative of a plurality of predetermined flying parameters including at least wind velocity and direction and a plurality of indicia wheel means each separately mounted from the sheet material and each associated with a different flying parameter. One of the indicia wheel means preferably comprises a pair of concentrically disposed wheels. 
   In accordance with further aspects of the present invention the pilot aid may further include a fixed position wheel between the pair of concentric wheels and having a window indicia indicative of runway number. One of the concentric wheels may provide compass nomenclature and the other of the concentric wheels may comprise a pointable hand indicating wind direction. The wheel that carries compass nomenclature is preferably larger in diameter than the fixed position wheel and the fixed position wheel is preferably larger in diameter than the pointable hand. The pilot aid may also include a plurality of windows on the sheet material, each positioned to overly a corresponding indicia wheel and each for observing one of a plurality of predetermined characteristics that define the flying parameter. The pilot aid may also include a plurality of dial members, each disposed over an indicia wheel and preferably including a hand that can be pointed to nomenclature on the sheet material. 

   
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     Numerous other objects, features and advantages of the present invention should now become apparent upon a reading of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the pilot aid of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a front view of the pilot aid of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the wheel members indicating wind direction and runway number: 
       FIG. 4  is a front view of the wheel members of  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4  indicating the structure of the pilot aid; 
       FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of the “Atis Information” wheel; 
       FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of the “Wind Velocity” wheel and dial; 
       FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of the “Visibility” wheel and dial; 
       FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of the “Ceiling” wheel and dial; 
       FIG. 10  is an exploded perspective view of the “Field Elevation” and “Barometer” wheel and associated dials; 
       FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view of the “Approach” wheel and dial; 
       FIG. 12  is an exploded perspective view of the “Temperature” wheel and dial; and 
       FIG. 13  is a rear view of the pilot aid. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
     FIG. 1  is an illustration of one embodiment of the instant invention, identified by the term “ATIS Wheel”. The device shown in  FIG. 1  comprises a rectangular sheet  10  of any suitable structural material, such as plastic or cardboard, having seven individual 1.5″ diameter wheels  20  positioned about the perimeter of the device along with two superimposed concentric center wheels  30 ,  32 , one of which, namely wheel  32 , is turnable to indicate the wind direction, while the other of which, namely wheel  30 , is turnable to show the proper runway number in the opening or window  33  located at approximately 6 o&#39;clock. Thus, in  FIG. 1  the wind direction is indicated at 330° N.W., while the runway is number “36”. Each of the smaller seven wheels  20  also coincide with a category of information which is presented in the airport&#39;s ATIS broadcast. Each wheel offers the pilot the opportunity to choose the specific information that is offered in each category in the ATIS broadcast, and to then dial and display the specific information in each individual category wheel display window  50 . Once the appropriate information is entered into the various wheels, this displayed information is now available to the pilot for continued reference without the possibility of transcription error. It is recommended that the pilot listen to the pre-recorded ATIS information twice to verify that the correct information has been entered into the various wheels and dials. 
   The ATIS information is presented in an organized format, providing the pilot with the ATIS information in the following specific order:
     1. The ATIS information phonetic letter identifying this specific ATIS report, named sequentially after a phonetic letter of the alphabet. For example, in  FIG. 2  this is Providence R.I. ATIS information “ALPHA”. See further details in  FIG. 6  relating to wheel  20 A. The time the ATIS information is recorded may be in ZULU (GMT) time, although inasmuch as all information should be current, there is no wheel to record the ZULU time. Note that wheel  20 A in  FIG. 2  has been rotated to display “ALPHA” in the viewing window  50 .   2. The direction from which the wind is blowing, and as already stated, the wheel  32  that carries the “wind” arrow or hand  35  is rotated to align with the proper wind direction registered on the wheel  30 .   3. The velocity of the wind, and wind gusts if any, is noted by wheel  20 B in  FIG. 7 . The data on wind wheel  20 B is shown in  FIG. 7  so that the proper wind velocity, or the word “calm”, may appear in the viewing window  50 B. A movable arrow or hand  14  is provided to register the intensity of any wind gusts that may be present.   4. The visibility and sky condition which are shown on wheel  16 . Specifically, the wheel is turned to show the extent of visibility in the viewing window, while the arrow or hand  18  is moved to indicate the appropriate sky and/or weather condition.   5. The ceiling of the sky (if any) and cloud height, if conditions are overcast, are indicated by appropriate movement of wheel  20  and arrow or hand  22 .   6. The temperature and dew point are recorded by appropriate movement of wheel  24 .   7. The runway in use for landing and takeoff is recorded by appropriate movement of centrally located wheel  26  ( FIG. 3 ) so that the proper runway number appears in the window  28  in  FIG. 1 .   8. The instrument approach in use for landing is recorded by appropriate movement of wheel  30 .   9. The barometric pressure, in order to calibrate the altimeter, is recorded by turning wheel  32  so that the proper barometric pressure is viewable through the window. Movement of the hands mounted over wheel  32  provides means for recording the airport field elevation, which is very critical information for instrument approaches, even though it is information that is not provided by the ATIS broadcast. For example, in  FIG. 1 , the hands have been set to indicate a field elevation of 800 feet.   

   Unique to the instant invention is that the pilot has now all the ATIS broadcast information on display in a clear and easily readable format without the need for transcribing the information. Of special importance is the fact that the instant invention displays clearly the visual relationship between the wind direction and the active runway, informing the pilot as to the pending crosswind takeoff and landing situation. 
   Although not illustrated, the instant invention may also be used to display the recorded airport weather information promulgated by radio and telephone on the AWOS (Automated Weather Information Service) and ASOS (Automatic Surface Observation Service) offered at uncontrolled airports. Also, the backside of the rectangular sheet shown in  FIG. 1  may have a useful pictorial summary display of important airport signs and markings, plus a pictorial display of ATCT Light Gun Signals as per the FAA Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM). It should also be noted that the rectangular sheet which forms the base for the various wheels hereinbefore described may have seven punched holes on its left side, making it conveniently compatible with Jeppesen™ or similar flight binders. 
     FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate the pilot aid  10  of the present invention, showing the various wheels and dials that are used to designate certain flying parameters. Each of the wheels and dials are supported by means of a pivot, such as the illustrated rivet  40 . Other means may also be provided for forming a pivot, although, the use of a rivet is preferred as this is a simple means for enabling support of each of the wheels and dials and at the same time enabling ready rotation thereof. 
   The main support structure for the pilot aid is in the form of sheet material having indicia thereon. For example, in  FIG. 1  refer to the indicia  41  on the sheet material indicating “Field Elevation.” Also, at the top of the pilot aid there is other indicia such as “Wind Velocity.” 
   The supporting sheet material  16  may be in the form of a relatively rigid cardboard material or could also be constructed of a plastic material. The sheet material is essentially double layered, such as is illustrated in the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 5  having a top layer  17  and a bottom layer  18 . These layers may be considered as joined at respective side edges  12  and  13  (see  FIG. 2 ). The layers  17  and  18  may be two separate layers or a single piece of sheet material may be used folded at edge  13  and joined at edge  12 . Opposite ends of the sheet material are open as illustrated in  FIG. 1  to accommodate wheels. Also, at edge  13  there are provided slots in which wheels  20  are partially disposed. The sheet material  16  is also provided with a series of punched holes  19  for facilitating the mounting of the pilot aid in a notebook or the like. The holes  19  are disposed along a linear path adjacent to the edge  12  that is illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
   In the pilot aid  10 , in the larger center area of the sheet material is disposed the wheels  32  and  34  as well as the dial  30 . These wheels are generally of larger diameter than the other wheels  20  disposed about the periphery of the sheet material. Of the wheels  32  and  34 , the wheel  32  is rotatable and the wheel  34  is fixed in position.  FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view showing the various wheel and dial components. The center dial  30  is turnable or rotatable to indicate wind direction by means of the wind arrow  35 . The wheel  32  is also turnable or rotatable to display the proper runway number in the window  33  located at approximately 6 o&#39;clock. 
   With further reference to  FIGS. 2-5 , it is noted that the fixed wheel  34 , in addition to including or defining the window  33 , further includes a runway marking  36  and a simulated airplane  37 . In  FIG. 3  the wheels and dial are rotatably supported by means of the rivet  38  which engages these components as well as the top layer  17 . As indicated previously, the wheel  34  is fixed in position and thus is not rotatable even though it is supported by the rivet  38 . This is fixed in position primarily by the use of a second rivet  39 , as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , that prevents the rotation of the wheel  34 . The rotatable wheel  32  carries a first track  32 A that designates a compass bearing from degrees 0 to 360. The track  32 A also carries the nomenclature of the compass directions. Wheel  32  also is formed with an inner track  32 B that sets forth the runway number from  1  to  36 . It is the runway number that is displayed in the window  33 . 
   In  FIG. 2  it is noted that the wind direction, indicated by the arrow  35 , is pointing to a bearing of 330 degrees NW. At the same time, now through the window  33 , is a display of the runway number, namely runway “ 36 .” This corresponds to a landing or take off direction of “North.”  FIG. 2  also illustrates by indicia  41  on the sheet material the “wind direction and heading.” This indicia may be printed directly upon the top layer of the sheet material. 
   Reference is now made to  FIGS. 6-12  which are respective exploded perspective views illustrating the various other control wheels that are used for setting flying parameters. Each of these wheels is basically disposed between the layers of the sheet material and each of the wheels extends partially beyond an edge of the sheet material either at the top, bottom or a side. On the side, apertures may be provided so that the wheels can extend therethrough such as is illustrated, for example, in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . 
     FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view showing the components that are used to indicate one flying parameter. This is the ATIS information as indicated by the indicia on layer  17 . Layer  17  is also provided with a window  50 A through which the nomenclature on the wheel  20 A is displayed. The ATIS information phonetic letter identifies the specific ATIS report. On the wheel  20 A there is illustrated the associated description for each of the alphabetic letters. Of course, other words can be used than those specifically set forth on wheel  20 A in  FIG. 6 . 
     FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view illustrating another of the flying parameters.  FIG. 7  illustrates wind velocity by means of the wheel  20 B and the associated dial  60 B points to “gusts.” Dial  60 B has an extension  62 B that assists in its rotation and an arrow or pointer  61 B. The dial  60 B is preferably transparent so that the indicia relating to wind gusts can be observed. This indicia is printed on the top layer  17 . The wind velocity is observed through the window  50 B in the layer  17 . The rotatable wheel  20 B carries a number of different wind velocity ranges from “calm” up to “40+.”  FIG. 7  illustrates the specific wind velocity ranges, although, other ranges can be printed on the wheel  20 B. 
     FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view that illustrates the “visibility” parameter.  FIG. 8  illustrates the wheel  20 C that may be rotated to illustrate visibilities from 0 to greater than 10 miles. This is shown in fractional and integer increments on the wheel  20 C. This indicia on the wheel  20 C may be printed thereon. On top of the layer  17  is also provided the transparent dial  60 C with its associated arrow  61 C that is used as a hand or pointer, and extension  62 C. This may be pointed to any one of the five conditions relating to the “sky” condition taken from the report. The dial  60 C can be rotated with the assistance of the rotation extension  62 C so that the hand or arrow  61  C can point to any one of the conditions shown. 
     FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view showing another flying parameter. In  FIG. 9  there is an illustration of “ceiling.” On the layer  17  of the sheet material there are provided indicia designations from overcast to clear. These may be printed on the layer  17 . The transparent dial  60 D includes an arrow or hand  61 D that may be pointed to any one of the conditions indicated by indicia on the layer  17 . The transparent dial  60 D may be provided with an extension  62 D to assist in manually rotating the dial  60 D. Between the layers  17  and  18  is disposed the wheel  20 D. The wheel  20 D may extend partially through the side aperture  18 A so that the wheel can be rotated by the user. The indicia on the wheel  20 D indicates different levels of “ceiling.” The range is illustrated on wheel  20 D from less than 100 feet up to greater than 3 miles. 
     FIG. 10  is an exploded perspective view of a flying parameter that indicates both the barometric pressure and the field elevation. These factors are illustrated by indicia printed directly on the layer  17 . In addition, on the layer  17  is a circular indicia of elevation or altitude. At the 3 o&#39;clock and 9 o&#39;clock positions of this indicia, there are respective windows  65  and  66  for displaying therethrough barometric pressures in respective inches or millibars. In  FIG. 10  the wheel  20 E is rotatable and has a pair of tracks including an outer track  67  and an inner track  68 . The track  67  is demarcated in inches of mercury for barometric pressure. The inner track  68  is designated in millibars. The outer track  67  aligns with window  65  while the inner track  68  aligns with window  66 . In this regard, it is noted that the windows  65  and  66  are positioned different distances from the center of the circular indicia  69 . 
   In  FIG. 10  there are provided a pair of concentric dials  60 E and  61 E, each having respective hands or arrows  62 E and  63 E. The arrow  62 E is longer than the arrow  63 E. Each of the dials  60 E and  61 E may also be provided with a respective extension  64 E and  65 E for assisting in rotating these dials. The user can align the respective arrows  62 E and  63 E with the integer numbers on the circular indicia  69 . The integer numbers thereon are intended to be expressed in hundred feet or thousand feet designations. 
     FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view illustrating the instrument approach that is used for landing or departing. Indicia on the layer  17  is printed and indicates the landing and departing positions. The transparent dial  60 F has a hand  61 F that may be controlled from the extension  62 F to point the hand or arrow to indicate either a “landing” or a “departing” position. The extension  62 F facilitates the rotation of the dial  60 F. Because the dial  60 F is transparent the indicia that is under it is readily readable. 
   In  FIG. 11  the wheel  20 F has indicia or nomenclature thereon that is viewable through the window  66 F. This indicia on the wheel  20 F indicates certain landing and departing conditions specifically set forth in  FIG. 11 . 
     FIG. 12  is an exploded perspective view illustrating flying parameters relative to temperature. This display uses a pair of wheels  20 G and  60 G, one for indicating temperature in degrees C and the other for indicating dew point temperature. The wheel  20 G indicates outside air temperature while the wheel  60 G indicates dew point. These temperatures and dew points are set forth on printed indicia on each of the respective wheels  20 G and  60 G in  FIG. 12 . It is the temperature indicia on the wheel  20 G that is illustrated through the window  66 G. 
     FIG. 13  illustrates indicia that is preferably used on the back surface of the pilot aid. 
   While this disclosure has been particularly shown and described with references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.