Definition
An electronic display that shows the pilot real-time engine and related system information, such as RPM, manifold pressure, fuel flow, fuel quantity, oil temperature, oil pressure, and cylinder head temperature. In glass-cockpit aircraft, the EIS replaces the individual round-dial engine gauges traditionally found on the instrument panel and presents the same data on a screen, often as a vertical strip of bars and digital readouts.
Plain English
The screen (or part of a screen) that shows you what the engine is doing — how fast it's turning, how much fuel it's burning, oil pressure and temperature, and so on.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft with electronic displays, especially when discussing what engine information may be lost or limited after an alternator, generator, or electrical power failure.
Why Pilots Care
Allows continuous monitoring of engine health and immediate detection of powerplant issues, critical for safe operation when electrical power fails and displays may go blank.
Analogy
It is similar to the dashboard gauges in a car, but for an aircraft engine. It does not make the engine run; it shows the pilot what the engine is doing.
Intuition Check
Do not confuse an engine indicating system with an engine control system. The EIS mainly shows engine information; it does not normally control the engine for the pilot.
Example Sentence 1
After takeoff, the pilot scanned the EIS and confirmed oil pressure, oil temperature, and fuel flow were all in the green.
Example Sentence 2
After alternator failure, the pilot switched to the backup battery to keep the EIS operational for the remainder of the flight.