Definition
A symbol displayed on a primary flight display or head-up display that shows the actual path the aircraft is flying through the air, accounting for pitch, bank, wind, and angle of attack. It indicates where the aircraft is truly going at that moment, not merely where the nose is pointed.
Plain English
A small marker on the cockpit display that shows where the aircraft is actually heading right now, taking into account the wind and how the aircraft is moving through the air.
Context Anchor
Seen on advanced cockpit displays, especially during instrument flying, approaches, and visual guidance to a runway.
Derivation
From 'flight path' (the actual track the aircraft moves along) and 'vector' (from Latin vehere, 'to carry') — a quantity with both direction and magnitude. Together: a symbol that shows the direction the aircraft is being carried through the air.
Why Pilots Care
It enables accurate energy management and descent path control, reducing the risk of landing short or long.
Grounding Statement
If the FPV symbol is on the runway aiming point, the aircraft’s current path is taking it toward that point.
Intuition Check
Do not read the FPV as the nose position. The FPV shows where the aircraft is actually going, which may be different from where it is pointed.
Example Sentence 1
On final approach, the pilot placed the flight path vector on the runway threshold to confirm the aircraft was tracking to the touchdown point.
Example Sentence 2
With the FPV held steady on the runway threshold, the aircraft maintained a consistent descent angle.