Definition
A cockpit display system that presents flight information — such as attitude, altitude, airspeed, heading, and navigation data — on electronic screens rather than on individual mechanical instruments. EFIS typically includes a Primary Flight Display (PFD) showing flight parameters and a Multi-Function Display (MFD) showing navigation, engine, and system data.
Plain English
A glass-screen cockpit that replaces the old round dial gauges with digital displays, putting all the key flight information on one or two screens.
Context Anchor
Seen in modern cockpits, flight deck descriptions, instrument checks, and discussions of glass cockpit equipment.
Derivation
From 'electronic' (using electronic circuits and screens), 'flight instrument' (the gauges that show flight information), and 'system' (the integrated package). The name signals the shift from mechanical, individually-powered instruments to a single integrated electronic display system.
Why Pilots Care
It reduces instrument scan time and provides more situational awareness through integrated data and alerts.
Intuition Check
EFIS does not mean one single instrument. It means a system of electronic displays and supporting equipment that presents flight information to the pilot.
Example Sentence 1
The new training aircraft is equipped with EFIS, so the student will learn to scan a glass cockpit from day one.
Example Sentence 2
EFIS allows the display of weather and traffic data overlaid on the navigation screen.