Lecture 11: Flight Management System

(FMS)

By: Zuliana Ismail,2010

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Introduction

• Modern aircraft are filled with the latest technology.

• Technology which greatly reduces workload if the systems are understood and used properly.

• The heart of all these systems is the FMS.

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What is FMS?

• FMS is stand for Flight Management System (FMS) is a specialized computer system that automates a wide variety of in-flight tasks.

• FMS acts as the ‘brain’ of the aircraft navigation system.

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FMS Components

• From the cockpit, the FMS is normally controlled through a Control Display Unit (CDU) which incorporates a small screen and keyboard.

• The FMS sends the flight plan for display on the EFIS, Navigation Display (ND)

Control Display Unit

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FMS Components

Control Display Unit Navigation Display

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FMS database

FMS Contains two types database which are:

– NAVIGATION DATABASE

– PERFORMANCE DATABASE

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FMS navigation database

• All FMS contain a navigation database.

• The navigation database contains the elements from which the flight plan is constructed.

• Navigation Database include– Waypoints,

– Airways (highways in the sky)

– Radio navigation aids (DME,VOR,ILS)

– Airports (Runways), Holding patterns

– And a variety of other related information

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FMS performance database

• During preflight, other information relevant to managing the flight plan is entered.

• This can include performance information such as – Maximum take-off weight,

– Fuel weight

– Center of gravity.

– It will include altitudes including the initial cruise altitude.

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Flight Management Computer Input/output

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FMS Operation

• Pilot key in input route information to CDU of FMS

• The navigation and aircraft performance database must be verified.

• Routing must be confirmed accurate and correct and any ATC changes to expected routing must be entered manually.

• The pilot becomes a manager of this sophisticated system, monitoring progress and updating or changing parameters as necessary.

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FMS Advantages

• FMS are designed to :– Improve Navigation– Aid Fuel Efficiency– Reduce Crew Workload– More Accurate

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FMS Advantages

• FMS are designed to:– Navigation

• A principal task of the FMS is to determine the aircraft's position and the accuracy of that position.

• Given the flight plan and the aircraft's position, the FMS calculates the course to follow.

• Autopilot can be set to follow the course.

– Aid Fuel Efficiency• It calculates performance data and the most fuel-efficient route

to be flown based on typical aircraft parameters such as weight, cruise altitude and actual aircraft position, regardless of weather conditions.

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FMS Advantages

• Reduce Crew Workload– Allows pilots more time to analyze and make

decisions. (drink coffee too)

• More Accurate.– Computer generated efficiency profiles are more

accurate.– Navigation accuracy is improved through

integration and cross referencing of multiple sources.

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FMS Disadvantages

• Error Data Entry– Reliant on pilot input.

– There is potential of misinterpretation or erroneous data entry.

• Loss of situational awareness– Loss of situational awareness. Pilots may become so

involved in operating and monitoring the system that they forget to look outside.

• Expensive.

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Question Bank

1. a) Describe about FMS?

b) Explain advantages and disadvantages of FMS