Definition
A combined cockpit system in which the flight director computes and displays the pitch and bank commands needed to fly a selected flight path, and the autopilot can be coupled to those commands to fly the airplane automatically through the flight control system. The flight director shows the pilot what to do; the autopilot, when engaged, does it.
Plain English
Two linked systems that work together. One shows the pilot the exact attitude needed to follow a chosen course, climb, descent, or approach. The other can be switched on to physically move the controls and fly that path for the pilot.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft with flight guidance systems, especially when setting climbs, descents, headings, approaches, or other planned flight paths.
Derivation
Flight director comes from 'directing' the pilot — telling them where to point the airplane. Autopilot combines 'auto' (self-acting) with 'pilot' — a system that flies the airplane on its own. Pairing the two means the same commands can either guide the human pilot or be handed off to the machine.
Why Pilots Care
The system reduces workload and improves precision during instrument flight or long cruise segments.
Intuition Check
Do not assume the autopilot is always flying just because flight director guidance is displayed. The flight director can show commands while the pilot still has to hand-fly them unless the autopilot is turned on and connected.
Example Sentence 1
After leveling at cruise altitude, the pilot engaged the autopilot and let it follow the flight director commands to hold heading and altitude.
Example Sentence 2
With the FD/AP engaged, the airplane followed the flight director bars through a smooth climb to the assigned altitude.