Definition
Visual images, drawings, diagrams, or illustrations created, stored, displayed, or manipulated by a computer. In aviation maintenance, computer graphics include the technical illustrations, exploded-view diagrams, schematics, and interactive figures used in digital maintenance manuals, illustrated parts catalogs, and training materials.
Plain English
Pictures and diagrams produced and shown by a computer, rather than printed on paper.
Context Anchor
Seen in maintenance training, electronic manuals, computer-based design work, and software that displays aircraft parts or systems.
Derivation
From the Latin computare meaning 'to count or calculate' and the Greek graphikos meaning 'pertaining to drawing or writing.' Together, the term describes drawings produced by a calculating machine — a useful reminder that these images are generated and stored electronically rather than drawn by hand.
Why Pilots Care
Helps mechanics and pilots understand complex systems quickly without relying only on text.
Intuition Check
Computer graphics does not mean only decorative pictures or animation. In aviation maintenance, it usually means useful visual information made or shown by a computer.
Example Sentence 1
The technician zoomed in on the computer graphics in the digital maintenance manual to see the wiring diagram more clearly.
Example Sentence 2
Computer graphics on the engine display showed real-time fuel flow during the flight.