20flight Management System
20flight Management System
FMS
COMPONENTS
A typical FMS consists of: Flight Management Computer Control Display Unit Visual Display (EFIS)
HOW IT WORKS
The Flight Management Computer is supplied with information from:
Navigation systems Inertial reference system Air data computer Engine and system status Aircraft specific performance database Route, procedure and terrain database EGPWS TCAS Datalink Pilot inputs
It analyzes these inputs and continually reevaluates changing parameters to provide the autopilot, flight director, and auto-throttles with commands which optimize all aspects of a flight.
OPERATION
The pilot must initialize and program the FMS with relevant route information. The navigation and aircraft performance database must be verified as current and correct. (performance must reflect the specific aircraft) An initial position must be entered. (Lat and Long) A GPS augmented system will take less time to initialize. The required route must be entered. This can include specific departure, en-route, arrival, and approach procedures. (manually entered or previously stored) Routing must be confirmed accurate and correct and any ATC changes to expected routing must be entered manually en-route. The pilot becomes a manager of this sophisticated system, monitoring progress and updating or changing parameters as necessary.
WHAT IT DOES
The FMS is capable of :
Calculating optimum rate of climb/descent, altitude, power setting. Controlling the aircraft to meet these optimum parameters through autopilot and auto-throttle. Guiding pilot controlled flight path through a flight director, and target speed and engine setting bugs. Cross referencing multiple navigation sources to continually update position. Automatically tuning en-route navaids. Alerting pilots of systems status and malfunctions.
ADVANTAGES
The workload reduction associated allows pilots more time to analyze and make decisions. (drink coffee too) Computer generated efficiency profiles are more accurate. Navigation accuracy is improved through integration and cross referencing of multiple sources. Improves situational awareness.
DISADVANTAGES
Reliant on pilot input. Intricacies of system leave room for misinterpretation or erroneous data entry. Loss of situational awareness. Pilots may become so involved in operating and monitoring the system that they forget to look outside. Expensive.