Definition
An integrated cockpit display system used on many transport-category aircraft that continuously shows engine performance parameters and presents prioritized warning, caution, and advisory messages to the flight crew when system limits are exceeded or abnormal conditions occur.
Plain English
A set of cockpit screens that shows how the engines are running and flashes up messages to tell the pilots when something needs their attention, ranked by how urgent it is.
Context Anchor
Seen in larger and more advanced aircraft, especially when monitoring engine start, engine operation, and system alerts in the cockpit.
Derivation
The name describes its two jobs in plain English: 'Engine Indicating' (showing engine readings such as thrust, temperature, and fuel flow) and 'Crew Alerting' (telling the crew about problems). Boeing introduced the term in the 1980s with the 757 and 767 to replace dozens of separate gauges and warning lights with a single consolidated display.
Why Pilots Care
It provides real-time awareness of engine and system health, allowing pilots to respond promptly to issues that could affect flight safety.
Intuition Check
This is not just an engine gauge. It both shows engine information and alerts the crew when an aircraft system needs attention.
Example Sentence 1
During the engine start, the captain monitored the EICAS display to confirm that oil pressure rose within limits.
Example Sentence 2
An alert on the Engine Indicating And Crew Alerting System indicated a potential hydraulic system fault during cruise.