Definition
An aircraft instrument suite that presents flight, navigation, and engine information on electronic displays (typically LCD screens) instead of individual mechanical gauges. An EFIS integrates data from sources such as the pitot-static system, attitude and heading reference systems, and air data computers, and shows it on a Primary Flight Display (PFD) and Multi-Function Display (MFD).
Plain English
EFIS is the modern 'glass cockpit' setup. Instead of a panel full of round dial gauges, the pilot sees airspeed, altitude, attitude, heading, and other flight information drawn on one or two large electronic screens.
Context Anchor
Seen in glass-cockpit airplanes and in pitot-static system discussions, because airspeed, altitude, and vertical-speed information may be shown on EFIS displays.
Derivation
Electronic refers to the use of digital screens and computer processing rather than mechanical movements. Flight Instrument Systems means the collection of displays and sensors that show the pilot how the aircraft is flying. The name simply describes what it is: flight instruments delivered electronically.
Why Pilots Care
EFIS gives pilots a clearer, more compact view of critical flight data, reducing scan time and improving awareness during instrument flight.
Analogy
An EFIS is like replacing several separate dashboard gauges with a screen that gathers the same important information in one place.
Intuition Check
EFIS is not the pitot-static system itself. It is the electronic instrument and display system that may use pitot-static air-pressure information to show items such as airspeed and altitude.
Example Sentence 1
The Cessna 172 on the flight line is equipped with an EFIS, so airspeed and altitude appear as moving tapes on the Primary Flight Display rather than on round dials.
Example Sentence 2
During the instrument scan, the pilot checked the EFIS for altitude and heading before turning.