Michael A Jaeger

US Patent:

7364121, Apr 29, 2008

Filed:

Mar 14, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/080111

Inventors:

Guner Firuz - Seattle WA, US
Michael H. Jaeger - Seattle WA, US
Robert M. Agate - Seattle WA, US
William M. Bresley - Seattle WA, US

Assignee:

The Boeing Company - Chicago IL

International Classification:

G05D 1/08
G05D 3/00
B64C 13/00

US Classification:

244175, 244194, 701 15

Abstract:

Methods and systems for automatically controlling aircraft takeoff rolls. A method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes receiving an indication of a target takeoff roll path for an aircraft, and automatically controlling a direction of an aircraft, while the aircraft is on a takeoff roll, to at least approximately follow the target takeoff roll path. The method can further include providing an input to a rudder of the aircraft and, upon receiving an indication of an engine failure, can transfer the input from the rudder to a rudder trim element. In still further embodiments, the method can include commanding a ground track angle when an airspeed of the aircraft reaches a threshold value, and maintaining the ground track angle as the airspeed of the aircraft exceeds the threshold value.