Flight Management System



Large commercial planes a few years ago often had extra crew members. Crew members include a flight engineer responsible for managing engine performance, and fuel systems. In addition, the aircraft also have an additional navigator, they are responsible for planning the route and ensuring that the pilot follows the previously planned route, and responsible for checking the position of the aircraft. However, now computers have been developed and put into operation to replace the flight engineer and navigator to reduce their workload. An FMS can be thought of as a master computer system that has control over all other systems, computerized and otherwise. As such, it coordinates the adjustment of flight, engine, and airframe parameters either automatically or by instructing the pilot how to do so. All aspects of the flight are considered, from preflight planning to pulling up to the jet-way upon landing, including in-flight amendments to planned courses of action (Guide, 2023).

FMS is currently a very important system in aircraft with the main function that is to guide the aircraft to follow the intended flight path. Besides, FMS also connects with many other important systems. To do this the FMS must be kept up to date with Aeronautical Information Regulation and Control (AIRAC). AIRAC includes people in the system such as aircraft and pilot, air traffic control, air traffic flow management, and flight planner. AIRAC data includes information on all the navigation such as airport data, runway data, ILS procedures, departure and arrival procedures, airway and waypoints, and VOR station. This needs an update every 28 days.

With the main task of locating aircraft, FMS constantly checks the current position of the aircraft to ensure that the pilot is flying exactly on the intended flight path. To know where the aircraft is, the FMS system uses three main sources to check the position. First, use the GPS receiver to determine the current location. Or it can cross-check multiple VOR or NDM stations, along with a DME check to find the current position. Finally, the FMS can use an onboard inertial reference system (IRS) where available, usually a gyroscope or accelerometer system. If all three systems are present on the aircraft, then the FMS will determine the position of the aircraft using all three systems together.

Another powerful application where FMS can replace engineers is that it can be connected to an engine management system to determine engine performance and fuel usage. From there, a plan of the most efficient fuel use to complete the route is generated based on the weight of the aircraft and some other information. FMS can also determine the optimal climb rate after take-off and determine the most suitable cruise speed to save fuel. This, in turn, helps airlines save money by using less fuel while spending less money on maintenance because the engines are being used efficiently so they are less likely to wear out.

In short, the FMS is a computer with navigation and some amazing functions. Various navigation sensors such as the global positioning system (GPS) will automatically communicate with the FMS to provide a location reference, allowing the system to calculate the best way to reach the destination. Also provides calculations to help pilots know the aircraft's range under different conditions and predict if fuel shortages will occur.

 

References

Aeronautics guide (n.d). 2023. Aircraft Flight Management System (FMS).

https://www.aircraftsystemstech.com/p/flight-management-system-fms.html

 

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