Definition
Aircraft flight instruments that present attitude, airspeed, altitude, heading, navigation, and engine information on electronic displays (typically LCD screens) rather than on individual mechanical gauges. These systems integrate data from multiple sensors and show it on one or more glass panel displays, often consisting of a Primary Flight Display (PFD) and a Multi-Function Display (MFD).
Plain English
Flight instruments that show information on screens instead of separate round dials. One screen can display what used to take six or more mechanical instruments.
Context Anchor
You may see this term when reading about how navigation guidance, such as a course needle, can be shown on cockpit displays instead of on a separate round instrument.
Derivation
Electronic' comes from the use of digital sensors and displays rather than mechanical linkages. The term distinguishes these systems from the older analog 'steam gauge' instruments driven by gyros, pressure lines, and mechanical pointers.
Why Pilots Care
They integrate multiple readings into one clear view, reducing workload and improving accuracy during instrument flight.
Intuition Check
Electronic flight instruments do not mean the airplane is flying itself. They are displays and measuring tools; the pilot still has to understand and use the information correctly.
Example Sentence 1
The training aircraft was equipped with electronic flight instruments, so the student learned to read attitude and airspeed from a single primary flight display.
Example Sentence 2
Before the approach the pilot verified the VOR course on the electronic flight instruments.