Definition
An electronic flight display (EFD) system is an integrated cockpit display arrangement that uses high-resolution computer screens to present flight, navigation, engine, and system information that was previously shown on individual mechanical instruments. It typically combines a primary flight display (PFD) showing attitude, airspeed, altitude, heading, and vertical speed, with a multi-function display (MFD) showing navigation, engine data, and other system information. The system is driven by digital data from solid-state sensors rather than mechanical gyros and pitot-static linkages.
Plain English
It is the modern glass-screen cockpit setup that replaces the old round dial gauges. Instead of looking at a dozen separate instruments, the pilot reads everything off one or two large screens.
Context Anchor
Seen in modern cockpit instrumentation, especially when discussing glass cockpits, primary flight displays, and multi-function displays.
Derivation
Electronic' because the displays are driven by digital electronics rather than mechanical movements. 'Flight display' simply means the screen that shows flight information. The phrase came into common use as glass cockpits replaced traditional analog panels in light aircraft from the early 2000s onward.
Why Pilots Care
It reduces workload by combining multiple instruments into one clear view, improving situational awareness and decision speed.
Analogy
It is like a car dashboard that has been replaced by a computer screen showing speed, directions, fuel, and warnings in one organized place.
Intuition Check
Do not think of an electronic flight display (EFD) system as just a single screen. The screen is what the pilot sees, but the system also includes the equipment that gathers, processes, and presents the information.
Example Sentence 1
The student transitioned from a six-pack panel to an electronic flight display system and spent several lessons learning the new scan pattern.
Example Sentence 2
During the instrument approach, the student cross-checked the EFD system against the standby instruments.