Flight Management System(FMS)

Definition

A computer system managing navigation, performance, and flight planning. The FMS calculates optimal routes, manages fuel predictions, and couples to the autopilot for automated lateral and vertical navigation.

Related Terms

Autopilot

An automated flight control system that maintains aircraft attitude, heading, al...

Lateral Navigation(LNAV)

GPS-based lateral guidance for non-precision approaches. LNAV approaches use a m...

Vertical Navigation(VNAV)

Automated vertical flight path management by the FMS or GPS. VNAV can provide ve...

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