Flight Management System

A flight management system (FMS) is a flight computer system that uses a large database to allow routes to be preprogrammed and fed into the system by means of a data loader. The system is constantly updated with respect to position accuracy by reference to conventional navigation aids, inertial reference system technology, or the satellite global positioning system. The sophisticated program and its associated database ensures that the most appropriate navigation aids or inputs are automatically selected during the information update cycle. A typical FMS provides information for continuous automatic navigation, guidance, and aircraft performance management, and includes a control display unit (CDU). [Figure 1-15]

FMS Control Display Unit. This depicts an aircraft
established on the Atlantic City, NJ, RNAV (GPS) Rwy 13
instrument approach procedure at the Atlantic City
International Airport, KACY. The aircraft is positioned at the
intermediate fix UNAYY inbound on the 128 degree magnetic
course, 5.5 nautical miles from PVIGY, the final approach fix.

Avionics and Instrumentation

The proliferation of advanced avionics and instrumentation has substantially increased the capabilities of aircraft in the IFR environment.