Honeywell International Inc.
Systems and methods for automatic sequencing behind preceding aircraft on approach

Abstract:

Methods and systems for automatic sequencing of an ownship aircraft behind a lead aircraft on an approach to a runway. The method determines that the ownship aircraft is in an instrument approach. A pilot selection of the lead aircraft is confirmed as matching the lead aircraft identified in an air traffic control (ATC) command. The method includes calculating, an arrival time of the lead aircraft at the runway; processing the arrival time of the lead aircraft at the runway with a desired separation time to determine a target point for the ownship aircraft to merge onto a centerline of the runway; and automatically, and without further human input, generate lateral guidance, vertical guidance, and speed targets for the ownship aircraft to join the runway centerline at the target point at the desired separation time after the lead aircraft.