Definition
An electronic flight instrument system that processes flight data and displays steering commands on the attitude indicator, showing the pilot the pitch and bank attitudes required to fly a selected flight path. The system computes commands based on inputs such as heading, course, altitude, and navigation signals, and presents them through command bars (or a single cue) that the pilot follows by hand or that an autopilot follows automatically.
Plain English
A system that does the math for you and shows on your attitude indicator exactly how much to pitch and bank to fly the path you have selected. You just match the airplane to what it shows.
Context Anchor
Seen during instrument flying on the attitude display or primary flight display, especially during climbs, descents, turns, course tracking, and instrument approaches.
Derivation
The name describes the function: the system directs the flight by giving the pilot specific steering commands rather than just raw data. It tells you what to do, not just what is happening.
Why Pilots Care
Reduces pilot workload and improves track accuracy when flying by reference to instruments or during low-visibility approaches.
Grounding Statement
The flight director gives steering guidance on the display; it does not move the controls by itself unless another system, such as an autopilot, is connected to follow it.
Intuition Check
Do not assume a flight director automatically flies the airplane. It gives visual guidance; the pilot still flies the airplane unless an autopilot is coupled to follow the same guidance.
Example Sentence 1
She engaged the flight director system before starting the approach so the command bars would show her the correct pitch and bank to track the glideslope.
Example Sentence 2
With the autopilot engaged, the FDS provided the steering cues that kept the aircraft centered on the localizer and glideslope.