Aeroplane Information Systems PDF

Aeroplane Information Systems Aeroplane Digital Information Systems The information system is a concept used in modern aircraft to communicate within the aircraft and between ground stations using data links. The main objective of aeroplane information systems is to provide a cost-effective system t...

Aeroplane Information Systems Aeroplane Digital Information Systems The information system is a concept used in modern aircraft to communicate within the aircraft and between ground stations using data links. The main objective of aeroplane information systems is to provide a cost-effective system that provisions electronic services for flight operations, maintenance and passengers. These systems manage the data links and provide uplink and downlink messages. They may be controlled either automatically or manually. Information systems can be divided as follows: Cockpit Information Systems (CIS) Air Traffic and Information Management System (ATIMS) Air Traffic Control (ATC) Airline Information Services-Airline Operational Control (AOC) applications Future Air Navigation System (FANS) Maintenance information systems Information systems 2022-12-13 B1-11k Turbine Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems CASA Part Part 66 - Training Materials Only Page 105 of 136 Information systems users These information systems send data-link transfers between the aircraft and the ground. Cockpit Information Systems Air Traffic and Information Management System Flight crew use HF and VHF voice communications systems to communicate with air traffic controllers, but these are subject to atmospheric disturbances and can be difficult to understand. Transmission networks are saturated due to an increase in air traffic and the limited capability to exchange complex data (routes and weather information). Consequently, the Air Traffic and Information Management System (ATIMS) was developed to enable datalink communications and the exchange of complex data or specific reports between the aircraft and ground centres, including Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) (HF voice in backup) for air traffic management and automatic reporting (position, intention) for air traffic surveillance. ATIMS architecture combines communication and navigation surveillance systems together via datalinks, which allows airspace to be used efficiently. 2022-12-13 B1-11k Turbine Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems CASA Part Part 66 - Training Materials Only Page 106 of 136 ATIMS Communication ATIMS extensively use data communications between aircraft and the airline and between aircraft and Air Traffic Control (ATC). The ATIMS communicates via a datalink and exchanges complex data or specific reports between the aircraft and the ground centres. It automatically reports aircraft position for air traffic surveillance and specific airline-aircraft communications (operational control) to reduce airline operational costs and to improve operational flexibility. These communications are available via VHF Data Radio (VDR), HF Data Radio (HFDR) or SATCOM for remote areas such as oceanic zones. From the ground, the Aircraft Communication Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) network dispatches the data. VHF and HF voice communications are used as a backup. Automatic Dependant Surveillance For surveillance, the concept of Automatic Dependant Surveillance (ADS) has been developed. With ADS, an aircraft automatically transmits its position (and other data relevant to trajectory and weather) to the ATC via VDR, HFDR or SATCOM. Automatic Dependant Surveillance communication links 2022-12-13 B1-11k Turbine Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems CASA Part Part 66 - Training Materials Only Page 107 of 136 Air Traffic and Information Management System Components ATIMS data is transmitted/received/processed by the following components: Air Traffic Service Unit (ATSU) Data Control and Display unit (DCDU) Multifunction Control Display Unit (MCDU) ATC MSG illuminated pushbutton switches ATSU reset switch. © Aviation Australia Air traffic and information management system components 2022-12-13 B1-11k Turbine Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems CASA Part Part 66 - Training Materials Only Page 108 of 136 Air Traffic Service Unit The Air Traffic Service Unit (ATSU) is the main component of the system. The ATSU is in charge of receiving ground messages (AOC and ATC), routing them to the right peripheral and acquiring messages or reports from these peripherals and sending them to the ground. The ATSU case (hardware) has minimal software and enables the uploading of the following software through the Multipurpose Disk Drive Unit (MDDU) or the portable data loader. Air traffic service unit (ATSU) 2022-12-13 B1-11k Turbine Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems CASA Part Part 66 - Training Materials Only Page 109 of 136 Data Control and Display Unit The information is displayed on the Data Control and Display unit (DCDU). It is managed by the ATSU which processes and organises the data in the screen pages to be displayed. The ATSU transmits display information to the DCDUs via the ARINC 429 high-speed bus. The DCDUs are dedicated to the ATC applications. They provide the flight crew with display capabilities and control means, allowing the display of messages received from ATC ground centre and the sending of answers and messages to the ground centre. The ATSU/DCDU interface fulfils the following functions: Display Recall Flight crew response Initialisation BITE, composed of a DCDU test, error report, DCDU status report and LRU identification. Up to twenty-nine messages are filed in the DCDU message file in chronological order. The oldest message is message number one. If the message file reaches its capacity, the amber message “file full” is displayed in the information area of the DCDU. When an urgent or distress message is received, it is automatically displayed on the DCDU. Data control display unit 2022-12-13 B1-11k Turbine Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems CASA Part Part 66 - Training Materials Only Page 110 of 136 ATC MSG Illuminated Push-Button Switches ATC MSG illuminated pushbutton switches provide the flight crew with a visual alert in case of ATC message reception with an alert. Normally these switches are mounted on either side of the glareshield panel. By pressing these push-button switches, the alerts can be cancelled. Some aircraft have aural attention-getter "ring" tones on the loudspeakers. ATC MSG push-button switches 2022-12-13 B1-11k Turbine Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems CASA Part Part 66 - Training Materials Only Page 111 of 136 ATSU Reset Switch The ATSU reset switch is used to reset the Air Traffic Service Unit (ATSU) if required. ATSU reset switch 2022-12-13 B1-11k Turbine Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems CASA Part Part 66 - Training Materials Only Page 112 of 136 ATIMS Interfaces Central Maintenance System/ATIMS Interface The ATSU is connected to the Central Maintenance Computers (CMCs) for maintenance purposes. The system Built In Test Equipment (BITE) is ensured by the ATSU. The ATSU/CMC interface supports exchanges of data messages related to the application hosted in the CMC. These messages are CMC downlink reports or CMC uplink requests. The ATSU sends status information to the CMCs concerning the availability of the datalink communication with the ground and between ATSU and CMC. It also sends the part number and the software number of each component of the ATIMS system (ATSU hardware case, ATSU loaded software and so on) to the CMCs. It acquires A/C configuration parameters from the CMC to know whether any optional systems are installed on the aircraft. It also acquires the Aircraft Registration Number (ARN) and Flight Number data which is mandatory for the air/ground communication functions. Central Maintenance Computer (CMC) 2022-12-13 B1-11k Turbine Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems CASA Part Part 66 - Training Materials Only Page 113 of 136 Flight Management Guidance Envelope Computer (FMGEC)/ATIMS Interface The FMGEC interfaces with the ATSU to get flight-management information acquired by the ATSU, such as origin/destination airports, flight numbers, and fuel quantity. It exchanges data messages for Airline Operational Control (AOC) remote application, and for this, the ATSU acts like a router. Two rack mounted Flight Management Computers (FMC) 2022-12-13 B1-11k Turbine Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems CASA Part Part 66 - Training Materials Only Page 114 of 136 Multi-Purpose Control and Display Units The ATIMS uses the Multipurpose Control and Display Units (MCDU) for maintenance and application purposes in addition to the DCDUs. The MCDUs give aircrew access to specific Air Traffic Control (ATC) system pages in order to enter parameters, justify responses and elaborate messages. They perform the following functions: Preparation and modification of all the messages initiated by the crew Justifications to negative replies or to a particular request Editing of text Configuration of applications (activation/initialization) Configuration of systems (ATSU management, automatic or on-request printing). MCDU and DCDU 2022-12-13 B1-11k Turbine Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems CASA Part Part 66 - Training Materials Only Page 115 of 136 Other ATIMS Interfaces Communication Systems The system interfaces with VHF Data Radio (VHR), HF Data Radio (HFDR) and Satellite Data Unit (SDU) via the Radio Management Panel (RMP) to communicate with the ground in data and voice modes. Flight Warning System (FWC) The FWCs are used to generate warning indications for the crew, such as internal ATSU alarms, datalink alarms and communication system alarms, according to the flight phase inhibition and the priority level. The ATC MSG illuminated pushbutton switches use signals from the FWCs to provide the flight crew with a visual alert in case of ATC message reception. Aircraft Condition Monitoring System ACMS provides engine reports or APU reports to the ATSU to be used as downlink reports. Clock The clock provides the ATSU with the date and time. Data Loading System The ATSU uses the data loading system services for core application software and database uploading. The loading can be done through a portable data loader or the MDDU with the data loader selector switch on the ATSU position. Printer The ATSU acquires the printer status to determine whether it is operational or not. Landing Gear The ATSU receives information from the Landing Gear Control Interface Unit (LGCIU) to determine whether the aircraft is on the ground or in flight. 2022-12-13 B1-11k Turbine Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems CASA Part Part 66 - Training Materials Only Page 116 of 136 Cabin Terminals The cabin terminals consist of the Passenger Flight Information System (PFIS) and the Cabin Passenger Management System (CPMS). For both systems, this interface supports the exchange of ARINC 619 messages hosted in the cabin terminals. The cabin terminals use the ATSU as an ACARS router. ATIMS components and interfaced units 2022-12-13 B1-11k Turbine Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems CASA Part Part 66 - Training Materials Only Page 117 of 136 Air Traffic and Information Management Air Traffic and Information Management System Functions The concept of Communication Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) covers the main evolutions of the way the airspace will be used in the years to come. Using CNS concepts, the ATIMS provides the following: Air traffic control Airline operational control. Air Traffic Control Functions Air Traffic Control includes the following: CPDLC application for data link communications Automatic Dependent Surveillance (ADS) application for the aircraft path surveillance ATS Facility Notification (AFN) application. Also, the ATIMS provides airline information services, which include the standard Airline Operational Control (AOC) applications. These data link applications are used by the airline for maintenance, flight operation and administrative purposes. Air traffic and information management system functions 2022-12-13 B1-11k Turbine Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems CASA Part Part 66 - Training Materials Only Page 118 of 136 Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications Application The aim of this application is to provide dialog between ATC controllers and flight crew, using datalink communication instead of voice communications. Each CPDLC message is made up of a set of message elements which correspond to the existing phraseology used by current ATC procedures. The uplink and downlink messages are displayed on the Data Control and Display Unit (DCDU). A typical message on a data control and display unit (DCDU) 2022-12-13 B1-11k Turbine Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems CASA Part Part 66 - Training Materials Only Page 119 of 136 Automatic Dependent Surveillance Application The ADS function provides the ATC ground centre with aircraft surveillance data, navigation and position-fixing systems, including aircraft identification, through specific reports determined by an ADS agreement. The terms of the agreement are exchanged between the ground station and the aircraft by means of a contract or a set of contracts. There are three types of contracts: Periodic Event On-demand. ATS Facility Notification Application The purpose of this application is to establish contact with the ATC ground centre, then to provide the ATC centre with the aircraft registration and the datalink applications available on the aircraft with the corresponding addresses. The ACARS solution was developed and implemented by ARINC (Aeronautical Radio Incorporated) in the mid-1970s. A substantial amount of information transmitted between Airline Operations Controllers (AOC) and aircraft are routine in nature and can be communicated by automated systems rather than by voice communications, which are slow and distract the flight crew from their primary task of flying the aircraft. Information transmitted from the aircraft is used to plan aircraft turnarounds and can be stored in airline computer systems for use in planning logistics support with respect to maintenance, replenishments and passenger consumables. Air traffic and information management system architecture 2022-12-13 B1-11k Turbine Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems CASA Part Part 66 - Training Materials Only Page 120 of 136 ACARS utilises the aircraft VHF radio system to transmit data between the aircraft and operators AOC facilities. 2022-12-13 B1-11k Turbine Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems CASA Part Part 66 - Training Materials Only Page 121 of 136 Airline Operational Control Airline Operational Control Applications The Standard Airline Operational Control (AOC) applications are datalink applications used by the airline for maintenance, flight operations and administrative purposes. They are uploaded into the Air Traffic Services Unit (ATSU) by means of software disks and are composed to meet standards of airline requirements. There are two types of AOC applications: Remote AOC application Hosted AOC application. Remote AOC Applications For remote AOC applications, the ATSU routes data to and from AOC peripherals. This routing is in charge of receiving ground messages and routing them to the right AOC peripheral and acquiring messages or reports from these peripherals and sending them to the ground. The remote AOC applications are integrated with the following: Flight Management, Guidance and Envelope Computers (FMGECs) Central Maintenance Computers (CMCs) Aircraft Condition Monitoring System (ACMS) Cabin Management Terminals. The CMCs, FMGECs, ACMS DMU and Cabin Terminals are called “remote AOC peripherals.” 2022-12-13 B1-11k Turbine Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems CASA Part Part 66 - Training Materials Only Page 122 of 136 Hosted Applications The hosted applications depend on airline definitions and are uploaded into the ATSU. These applications include standard and customised functions. The main functions are the following: Receiving the airline uplink messages and routing them to the corresponding remote AOC peripheral Acquiring the downlink messages from the remote AOC peripherals and sending them to the ground according to the airline routing policy. The main ground users of these applications are the airline maintenance centre, airline flight operations and passenger services. 2022-12-13 B1-11k Turbine Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems CASA Part Part 66 - Training Materials Only Page 123 of 136 Future Air Navigation System The air transport industry has developed a new concept for air traffic management that involves significant changes to airplanes, infrastructure and ground systems. This system is known as the Future Air Navigation System (FANS), which is becoming increasingly attractive as an option for coping more efficiently with current traffic levels as well as with the increased traffic levels anticipated in the future. Operator benefits offered by FANS include reduced fuel burn and flight time through direct routing and increased payload capability for take-off-weight-limited flights. If FANS were implemented, operators would be able to take advantage of several needed improvements: Reduced separation between airplanes (laterally and longitudinally) More efficient route changes Satellite communication No altitude loss when crossing tracks More direct routings. Future air navigation system concept 2022-12-13 B1-11k Turbine Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems CASA Part Part 66 - Training Materials Only Page 124 of 136 Future Air Navigation System Architecture FANS is an advanced version of ATIMS which adopts an additional feature called Air Traffic Management (ATM) and combines Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) systems together via datalink. Air Traffic Management (ATM) optimizes the use of four-dimensional airspace (including time) to improve the efficiency of airline operations and ATC. The CNS/ATM acronym states what is behind its concept. This is expected to result in a reduction of separations between aircraft and more generally improved ATC routings considering factors including overall traffic and ATC restrictions or constraints. In contrast, through a satellite data link, airplanes equipped with FANS can transmit automatic surveillance reports with actual position and intent information at least every one to five minutes. The position is based on the highly accurate Global Positioning System (GPS). Digital data communication between the flight crew and the air traffic controller drastically reduces the possibility of error and allows greatly reduced airplane separations. This results in a reduction of separations between aircraft and improved ATC routings considering factors including the overall traffic, ATC restrictions or constraints. Automatic Dependant Surveillance Broadcast (ADSB) provides this using the same transponder as the Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) and broadcasts identification, position, altitude, velocity and other data every half a second Automatic dependant surveillance broadcast (ADSB) 2022-12-13 B1-11k Turbine Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems CASA Part Part 66 - Training Materials Only Page 125 of 136 There are three stages of FANS development: Pre-FANS, with communications (COM) and AOC functions FANS A (pre-FANS + ATC functions) FANS B (FANS A + improved ground network + Traffic alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS)). 2022-12-13 B1-11k Turbine Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems CASA Part Part 66 - Training Materials Only Page 126 of 136 Network Information Systems Introduction to Network Information Systems The network information system is composed of two systems: Aircraft Information Network System (AINS) for maintenance and operations Cabin Information Network System (CINS) for passenger information. Network information services 2022-12-13 B1-11k Turbine Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems CASA Part Part 66 - Training Materials Only Page 127 of 136 Aircraft Information Network Services Application Aircraft Information Network Services (AINS) give access to flight crew applications and to maintenance applications. Flight Crew applications include the following: Operation manuals and Minimum Equipment Lists (MEL) Electronic logbook E-mail functions, which enable reception of graphical weather, charts and maps. The maintenance applications include the following: Online electronic maintenance manuals An electronic logbook and MEL System performance monitoring Flight operations monitoring Data loading. 2022-12-13 B1-11k Turbine Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems CASA Part Part 66 - Training Materials Only Page 128 of 136 Cabin Information Network Services Application Cabin Information Network Services (CINS) give access to the cabin crew applications and passenger applications. Crew applications include the following: Crew e-mails Electronic logbook Electronics manuals (cabin crew operating manual) Cabin inventory Cabin management Credit card validation. Passenger applications include the following: Internet access E-mail and Short Message Service (SMS) E-commerce Access to news and sports Live television Entertainment. Network information services 2022-12-13 B1-11k Turbine Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems CASA Part Part 66 - Training Materials Only Page 129 of 136 Aircraft Information Network Services Components Aircraft Network Server Unit The Aircraft Network Server Unit (ANSU) provides system processing, data storage and network communication services to devices and systems. It is primarily dedicated to applications and services for aircraft operation and maintenance. High-speed data ports are used to connect the ANSU to wired peripherals: Cockpit CAPT plug Cockpit F/O plug Cockpit PC and printer plug. Server Interface Units The Server Interface Unit (SIU) acts primarily as firewall (open world to avionics world) to protect avionics equipment. The SIU interfaces with the existing aircraft avionics equipment to collect and send aircraft data within the network. Terminal Wireless LAN Unit (TWLU) and Antenna The TWLU and its antenna are used to bridge a wireless connection between the on-board Local Area Network (LAN) and the ground-based LAN (typically at an airport). The function of the TWLU is to operate only while the aircraft is on the ground. Aircraft information network system (AINS) 2022-12-13 B1-11k Turbine Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems CASA Part Part 66 - Training Materials Only Page 130 of 136 Aircraft wireless LAN units locations 2022-12-13 B1-11k Turbine Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems CASA Part Part 66 - Training Materials Only Page 131 of 136 Cabin Information Network System Components Cabin Network Server Unit The Cabin Network Server Unit (CNSU) administers system-processing, data storage and network communication services to devices and systems. The CNSU is dedicated to cabin and passenger applications (e-mail, internet/intranet). Ethernet Switch Unit The Ethernet Switch Unit (ESU) allows wired network connection between the connected systems based on ARINC/IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standard protocols (TCP/IP). Cabin Wireless LAN Unit and Antenna The cabin wireless LAN unit (CWLU) and antennae allow a wireless network connection between devices within the aircraft and those connected to the wired Ethernet LAN. Cabin information network (CINS) interfaces 2022-12-13 B1-11k Turbine Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems CASA Part Part 66 - Training Materials Only Page 132 of 136 The CINS has interfaces with the following: Aircraft Information Network System (AINS) Flight Attendant Panel (FAP) In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) system Cabin Telephone Unit (CTU) Satellite Communication (SATCOM) system Landing Gear Control and Interface Unit (LGCIU) Central Maintenance Computer (CMC). The telephone system is connected to the Satellite Communication System (SATCOM) via the inflight entertainment system controller and the Cabin Telecommunication Unit (CTU). Phone call flowchart 2022-12-13 B1-11k Turbine Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems CASA Part Part 66 - Training Materials Only Page 133 of 136 Passenger Visual Information System The Passenger Visual Information System (PVIS) supplies the passengers with in-flight visual information. The PVIS gives real-time flight and destination data to the passengers through the Inflight Entertainment System (PES) video display units. This data is given to the passengers as aircraft position data on maps and as aircraft status data as text. In-flight entertainment display 2022-12-13 B1-11k Turbine Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems CASA Part Part 66 - Training Materials Only Page 134 of 136 Airshow displays The PVIS gives following information to passengers: Flight status (e.g., altitude, outside temperature, ground speed, longitude and latitude A/C position) Maps with the aircraft flight course Airport gate maps and other related details Real-time video and audio details of the countries along the flight path. For this application to gather the required information, the data bus interfaces with the following: Flight Management Guidance and Envelope Computer (FMGEC) Air Data Inertial Reference System (ADIRS) The position and altitude of the aircraft, outside temperature, ground speed, distance and estimate of the time until arrival at the destination, total flight time Inflight entertainment system Central Maintenance Computer (CMC) For connection to the Onboard Maintenance System (OMS) Multi-purpose Disk Drive Unit (MDDU) This permits flight data to be uploaded or downloaded. 2022-12-13 B1-11k Turbine Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems CASA Part Part 66 - Training Materials Only Page 135 of 136 Aeroplane Maintenance Information Maintenance information is designed for line maintenance, hangar maintenance and engineering staff use. Previously it was delivered on paper or magnetic or Compact Disk (CD) media by the aircraft manufacturer. It contains the following: Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) Illustrated Parts Catalogue (IPC) Trouble Shooting Manual (TSM) Aircraft Wiring List (AWL) Aircraft Wiring Manual (AWM) Aircraft Schematic Manuals (ASM) Electrical Standard Practices Manual (ESPM) Power Plant Illustrated Parts Catalogue (PIPC). On modern aircraft, these manuals are available onboard at the Maintenance Access Terminal (MAT) via the Onboard Maintenance System (OMS) and are kept updated by the aircraft information network server and the TWLU (Terminal Wireless LAN Unit) when in the terminal area. It is capable of analysing an aircraft’s fault history and consequently identifying and prioritising preventive maintenance actions. This feature is designed to minimise pilot reports and consequently departure delays. Typical maintenance information page 2022-12-13 B1-11k Turbine Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems CASA Part Part 66 - Training Materials Only Page 136 of 136