Definition
An integrated set of avionics that command and control the aircraft's flight path, typically combining the autopilot, flight director, autothrottle (when fitted), and the mode control panel through which the pilot selects pitch, roll, speed, and vertical-path targets. The flight guidance system computes the steering commands needed to capture and hold those targets and either displays them to the pilot (flight director) or sends them directly to the servos (autopilot).
Plain English
It is the part of the aircraft's automation that figures out how to fly a chosen heading, altitude, or path, and then either shows the pilot what to do or flies the aircraft itself.
Context Anchor
Seen in FMS and glass-cockpit discussions, especially when the FMS is connected to the flight director, autopilot, or automatic speed control.
Derivation
Guidance' comes from the Old French 'guider,' meaning to lead or direct. In aviation, the system literally guides the aircraft along a chosen path — leading it to the target altitude, heading, or course the pilot has selected.
Why Pilots Care
Reduces pilot workload and improves accuracy when following routes and approaches in instrument conditions.
Intuition Check
Do not read “guidance” as general advice or a suggestion. In this context, it means specific steering commands based on the targets the pilot or FMS has selected.
Example Sentence 1
After leveling at cruise, the pilot used the flight guidance system to capture the assigned heading and altitude.
Example Sentence 2
During the approach, the flight guidance system provided vertical and lateral commands to the autopilot.