Flight Management System


In the context of aerospace engineering, a Flight Management System (FMS) is a specialized computer system that automates a wide variety of in-flight tasks, reducing the workload on the flight crew to the bare minimum. It uses a large database to allow it to handle tasks that were previously done by hand, such as computing optimal flight levels and speeds, and calculating optimal routes and fuel consumption. The FMS is an integral part of a modern airliner's avionics. A FMS can provide long-range navigation capability that, combined with the advent of satellite navigation, has revolutionized air traffic management and reduced the workload in the cockpit. They can also be coupled to the aircraft's autopilot to provide 'lateral navigation' guidance. The FMS is also linked to the Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) to allow it to communicate with the airline's operations center and with air traffic control in areas where there is no VHF coverage.


Your Previous Searches
Random Picks

  • Unmanned Vehicles: Unmanned vehicles, also known as drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are aircraft that are operated without a human pilot onboard. They can be remotely controlled by a human operator or can fly autonomously using pre-programmed fligh ... Read More >>
  • Project-based Learning: Project-based learning is a teaching method that involves students in a hands-on, collaborative, and interdisciplinary approach to learning. In the context of space and astronautical engineering, project-based learning can involve designing ... Read More >>
  • EMC Test Facilities: EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Test Facilities are specialized laboratories designed to test and evaluate the ability of electronic equipment to function properly in the presence of electromagnetic interference (EMI). These facilities ... Read More >>
Top News

Easter's date remains divisive. Some church leaders want that to change...

Eastern and Western churches will celebrate Easter on the same day this year, while marking 1,700 years since the Council of Nicaea unified Christian doctrine...

News Source: ABC News on 2025-04-19

In a city of stars, Los Angeles astronomy club makes sure to keep looking up...

LOS ANGELES — While Los Angeles is home to the biggest stars in the world, a monthly get-together is proving that the city’s rich and famous have nothing on the universe....

News Source: NBC News on 2025-04-18

This week on "Sunday Morning" (April 20)...

A look at the features for this week's broadcast of the Emmy-winning program, hosted by Jane Pauley....

News Source: CBS News on 2025-04-17

Scientists detect strongest hints yet of life on a distant planet...

Scientists have detected unique chemical patterns similar to those produced by the Earth's algae and seaweed — raising the possibility of the presence of a warm ocean, perhaps teeming with life, on ...

News Source: NBC News on 2025-04-17

Is there life on another planet? Scientists find the strongest evidence yet...

Near a planet far, far away astronomers have found traces of chemicals that on Earth are only produced by living beings....

News Source: Al Jazeera English on 2025-04-17