The number of accidents in the takeoff phase, especially in general aviation, is significant. Many pilots do not recognize deficits in acceleration until too late in the takeoff roll.
This paper presents a proposal for a simple instrument to alert a pilot to shortfalls in takeoff acceleration. The system presents this speed on an LCD bargraph arranged around the circumference of the airspeed indicator. Additionally, the system can annunciate critical points along the runway so that the pilot can make a decision to reject the takeoff while sufficient distance remains.
The system requires only a wheel sensor and optionally sensors for air temperature and pressure altitude. Other system components include a small processor unit, the airspeed display and a small keyboard display unit to enter aircraft weight and runway length. The unit is appropriate to all classes of airplanes.
