Plain English Meaning

A flight computer that the pilot programs with the planned route. It then keeps track of where the aircraft is, works out the best speeds and altitudes, manages fuel, and steers the autopilot along the route.

Full Definition

A computerized avionics system that automates a wide range of in-flight tasks, including navigation, performance calculations, fuel management, and guidance of the autopilot along a pre-programmed route. The pilot enters the flight plan and aircraft data through a control display unit, and the system uses inputs from sources such as , inertial , and to continuously compute and the most efficient route, , and .