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.
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