Definition
A high-resolution radar display used by an air traffic controller to monitor aircraft on simultaneous parallel ILS approaches to closely spaced runways. The display provides automated visual and aural alerts when an aircraft deviates from its assigned final approach course or penetrates the no transgression zone between approach paths.
Plain English
A special radar screen and alerting tool that controllers use to watch planes landing at the same time on parallel runways. It warns the controller right away if a plane drifts off its approach path toward the other runway.
Context Anchor
Seen in procedures and discussions involving air traffic control monitoring of simultaneous approaches to parallel runways.
Derivation
Final refers to the final approach segment of an instrument approach. Monitor means to watch closely. Aid means a tool that helps. Together: a tool that helps controllers closely watch aircraft on final approach.
Why Pilots Care
The system helps controllers maintain safe spacing between aircraft, lowering the chance of conflicts during busy or complex landings.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as a cockpit flight-mode display. In this FAA context, FMA means an air traffic control monitoring display used during final approach.
Example Sentence 1
During simultaneous ILS approaches to runways 28L and 28R, the monitor controller watches each aircraft on the FMA and is ready to issue a breakout if either jet drifts toward the no transgression zone.
Example Sentence 2
Simultaneous approaches require constant FMA monitoring to keep each plane on its assigned path.