Definition
On an electronic flight display, a trend vector forecast that shows where a parameter — such as airspeed, altitude, or heading — will be in six seconds if the current rate of change continues unchanged.
Plain English
A short line on the display that predicts where your speed, altitude, or heading is heading in the next six seconds, based on how fast it is changing right now.
Context Anchor
Seen on glass-cockpit displays as part of trend vectors for values like airspeed, altitude, and heading.
Derivation
Projection comes from an older word meaning “to throw forward.” That helps here because the display is taking the present movement of a value and “throwing” it forward six seconds to show a short prediction.
Why Pilots Care
Gives pilots early warning of deviations so they can make small corrections before a problem grows.
Analogy
It is like glancing at where a moving car will be a few seconds from now if it keeps the same speed and direction.
Grounding Statement
The display is not showing a new measurement; it is showing a short prediction based on the way the value is changing right now.
Intuition Check
Projection does not mean a guaranteed future value here. It means a six-second estimate based on the current trend.
Example Sentence 1
As he leveled off, the pilot used the 6-second projection on the altitude tape to stop the climb right at 5,000 feet.
Example Sentence 2
During the ILS approach the 6-second altitude projection helped maintain the proper descent rate.