Definition
On an electronic flight display, to remove or hide selected information from the screen so that only the data relevant to the current phase of flight or pilot selection remains visible. Decluttering is typically a pilot-selectable function that suppresses items such as terrain shading, traffic symbols, weather overlays, or navigation data to reduce visual workload.
Plain English
Hiding some of the information on the cockpit display so the screen is easier to read and only shows what the pilot needs right now.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument flying when using glass cockpit displays, moving maps, and other cockpit screens that can show many symbols, labels, and data fields at once.
Derivation
From the prefix 'de-' meaning 'remove' and 'clutter' meaning 'a disorderly collection of things.' Literally 'to remove the clutter' — which is exactly what the function does on a busy display.
Why Pilots Care
Reduces the chance of missing critical cues when instrument workload is high.
Intuition Check
Declutter does not mean deleting information from the airplane’s systems. It means temporarily hiding or reducing display items so the screen is easier to read.
Example Sentence 1
On final approach, the pilot pressed the declutter button to remove the weather overlay and focus on the approach course.
Example Sentence 2
During the missed approach the crew decluttered the primary flight display to focus solely on attitude, altitude, and airspeed.