Definition
An electronic flight display (EFD) is a cockpit instrument screen that uses computer-generated graphics to present flight information — such as attitude, airspeed, altitude, heading, and navigation data — on a single integrated display, replacing the individual mechanical gauges found in traditional cockpits.
Plain English
It is a digital screen in the cockpit that shows the pilot the key flight information all in one place, instead of using lots of separate round dials.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft with glass cockpit systems and in instrument flying discussions about how flight information is shown to the pilot.
Derivation
Electronic refers to the computer-driven nature of the display, and flight display simply means a screen showing flight information. The term emphasizes that the instrument data is generated and rendered electronically rather than produced by mechanical movement.
Why Pilots Care
Reduces pilot workload by combining multiple instruments into one easy-to-scan view and improves situational awareness.
Intuition Check
Do not read “display” as just a passive screen. In this context, an EFD is part of the aircraft’s flight instrument system and presents information the pilot uses to control and navigate the airplane.
Example Sentence 1
After transitioning from a steam-gauge trainer to a glass cockpit, the pilot spent several hours learning the EFD layout before flying solo.
Example Sentence 2
On the approach, the EFD showed both the flight instruments and the navigation course.