Flight Management System

Flight Management Systems ( FMS ) are electronic aids for flight control and air navigation.

The first FMS were developed in the late 1970s. The first mission took place in 1981 in the Boeing 767 This FMS based on the combination of inertial navigation system INS and the Performance Data Computer.

Entries are made using the Control and Display Unit (CDU ) or Multifunctional Control and Display Unit ( MCDU ).

FMS lateral navigation make the accurate offer optimized vertical profiles and a better overview of the pilots by maps of the Multi Function Displays ( MFD ) of the electronic flight information system EFIS. Pilots can perform so well during the flight planning and optimization. With the introduction of area navigation ( RNAV ) direct air routes and airways were shortened, possible new approach as well as types and GPS approaches.

The flight management system determines the position of the aircraft usually via inertial navigation systems, but these constantly updated with DME beacon navigation (VOR) and / or GPS.

Modern flight management systems combine navigation with the flight control system and autopilot, as in the Flight Management and Guidance System ( FMGS ) from Airbus. Depending on the model also be starting and approach calculations, vertical flight profile management ( altitude, climb and descent ) and fuel management. That with the MCDU also operated datalink and communication system ( ACARS ) can provide the FMS flight plan, wind or other data.