Definition
An electronic computer that processes pilot inputs and aircraft sensor data to command the movement of flight control surfaces in a fly-by-wire or augmented flight control system. The FCC interprets control wheel, column, and pedal inputs, applies control laws and protections, and sends electrical signals to the actuators that move the ailerons, elevators, rudder, and other surfaces.
Plain English
A computer that sits between the pilot's controls and the moving parts on the wings and tail. When the pilot moves the stick, the computer decides exactly how much each surface should move, and sends the signal to make it happen.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft flight-control system descriptions, maintenance procedures, fault messages, and checks on aircraft that use electronic flight controls.
Why Pilots Care
The FCC is central to stable, precise handling and envelope protection; a malfunction can limit control authority or trigger reversion to a degraded mode.
Intuition Check
Do not think of an FCC as a cockpit display or a normal laptop. It is a built-in aircraft computer dedicated to calculating and sending flight-control commands.
Example Sentence 1
When the captain pulled back on the sidestick, the FCC commanded the elevators to deflect upward by the calculated amount.
Example Sentence 2
During the approach the FCC automatically adjusted the elevator trim to maintain the selected speed.