Lecture 11: Flight Management System

(FMS)

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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