Lecture 11: Flight

Management System (FMS)

By: Zuliana Ismail,201

 Introduction

Home • Modern aircraft are filled with the latest

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technology.
• Technology which greatly reduces workload if
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the systems are understood and used properly.
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• The heart of all these systems is the FMS.
 What is FMS?

Home • FMS is stand for Flight Management System (FMS) is a

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specialized computer system that automates a wide
variety of in-flight tasks.
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• FMS acts as the ‘brain’ of the aircraft navigation system.
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 FMS Components

Home • From the cockpit, the FMS is normally

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controlled through a Control Display
Unit (CDU) which incorporates a
Next small screen and keyboard.

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Control Display Unit

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

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Control Display Unit Navigation Display

 FMS database

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FMS Contains two types database which are:
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– NAVIGATION DATABASE
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– PERFORMANCE DATABASE
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 FMS navigation database

Home • All FMS contain a navigation database.

Previous • The navigation database contains the elements from
which the flight plan is constructed.
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• Navigation Database include

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– Waypoints,
– Airways (highways in the sky)
– Radio navigation aids (DME,VOR,ILS)
– Airports (Runways), Holding patterns
– And a variety of other related information
 FMS performance database

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• During preflight, other information relevant to
Previous managing the flight plan is entered.
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• This can include performance information such
as
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– Maximum take-off weight,
– Fuel weight
– Center of gravity.
– It will include altitudes including the initial cruise
altitude.
 Flight Management Computer
Input/output
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 FMS Operation

Home • Pilot key in input route information to CDU of

FMS
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• The navigation and aircraft performance
Next database must be verified.
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• 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.
 FMS Advantages

Home • FMS are designed to :

Previous – Improve Navigation
– Aid Fuel Efficiency
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– Reduce Crew Workload

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– More Accurate
 FMS Advantages

Home • FMS are designed to:

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– Navigation
• A principal task of the FMS is to determine the aircraft's position
Next and the accuracy of that position.
• Given the flight plan and the aircraft's position, the FMS calculates
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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.
 FMS Advantages
Home • Reduce Crew Workload
Previous – Allows pilots more time to analyze and make
decisions. (drink coffee too)
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Help • More Accurate.

– Computer generated efficiency profiles are more
accurate.
– Navigation accuracy is improved through
integration and cross referencing of multiple
sources.
 FMS Disadvantages

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• Error Data Entry
Previous – Reliant on pilot input.
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– There is potential of misinterpretation or erroneous
data entry.
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• 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.
 Question Bank

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1. a) Describe about FMS?
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b) Explain advantages and disadvantages of
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