Loss-of-Control Prediction and Prevention for NASA's Transport Class Model

In an effort to improve the overall safety of the current and future air transportation system, researchers have been investigating the causes and series of events that can potentially lead to aircraft loss of control (LoC) as well as methods to prevent the occurrence of such events. Motivated by this challenging problem, this paper presents preliminary work on the development of technologies for in-flight LoC prediction and prevention. The developed scheme is based on a quantitative approach for LoC characterization introduced by the Boeing Company and NASA Langley Research Center, and is designed to arrest the development of an LoC sequence through an integrated LoC prediction and prevention control system. The paper also presents initial piloted simulations that analyze the ability of the developed system to assist the pilot in flying the aircraft through adverse environmental conditions, and to preserve safe aircraft operation by preventing erroneous crew input that could potentially lead to an LoC situation.