Patent ID: 8892275

Claim:
A method for optimizing vertical trajectory of an aircraft in flight along a predetermined approach trajectory to provide a stabilized final approach defined by a setpoint approach speed and a setpoint stabilization altitude (Zs) on said predetermined approach trajectory, said method comprising the steps of: A/ determining, by an information determination unit, current aircraft parameter values, including a theoretical vertical trajectory for the predetermined approach trajectory; B/ predicting, by a calculator, a predicted stabilization altitude at which the aircraft will reach said setpoint approach speed as a function of: i) the current aircraft parameter values determined by the information determination unit, ii) the theoretical vertical trajectory determined by the information determination unit, and iii) predetermined models of aerodynamic efficiency of the aircraft, received from a database; C/ calculating, by a comparator, absolute value differences between the predicted stabilization altitude and the setpoint stabilization altitude (Zs) and comparing, by the comparator, the calculated absolute value differences with a predetermined altitude threshold; D/ determining, by a vertical trajectory determination unit, an optimized vertical trajectory (TO) as a function of: i) the current aircraft parameter values determined by the information determination unit, ii) auxiliary parameter values of parameters corresponding to a final approach axis for the predetermined approach trajectory, and iii) the absolute value differences between the predicted stabilization altitude and the setpoint stabilization altitude (Zs) determined by the comparator of step C, wherein the optimized vertical trajectory (TO) is determined at a condition in which the comparison operation determines that an absolute value difference between the predicted stabilization altitude and the setpoint stabilization altitude (Zs) is higher than the predefined altitude threshold; and E/ transmitting said optimized vertical trajectory (TO) to a guiding unit structured to guide the aircraft.