Definition
A diagram that uses standardized symbols and connecting lines to show the sequence of operations, decisions, and data flow within a computer program or logical process.
Plain English
A picture-map of the steps a program follows, drawn with boxes and arrows so you can see what happens first, what happens next, and where the process branches based on yes/no decisions.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft electronics, maintenance, and training material when a software-controlled system is being explained or checked.
Derivation
From 'program' (a planned sequence of steps) plus 'flowchart' (a chart showing how something flows). Together it means a chart showing how the steps of a program flow from one to the next.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots and technicians who work with modern avionics, autopilots, or flight management systems may encounter program flowcharts in manuals when learning how a system decides what to do. Understanding the chart helps in diagnosing why a system behaved a certain way.
Intuition Check
Do not read “program” here as a training course or schedule. Here it means the set of instructions followed by a computer or electronic system.
Example Sentence 1
The maintenance manual included a program flowchart showing how the autopilot decides when to disengage.
Example Sentence 2
During systems training the instructor used a program flowchart to show how the flight management computer processes waypoint data.