What is the function of a Flight Management System (FMS)?

The function of a Flight Management System (FMS) is to automate navigation and performance planning. An FMS integrates various inputs from the aircraft's navigation systems, such as GPS, inertial navigation systems, and traditional navigation methods, to assist the flight crew in efficiently managing the aircraft's route, speed, and altitude. This automation significantly reduces the workload for pilots by providing route calculations, optimizing fuel consumption, and maintaining desired flight profiles.

By automating these aspects of navigation and performance planning, the FMS enables pilots to focus on other critical tasks, improving overall flight efficiency and safety. It also allows for the management of complex flight paths, including those involving waypoints, altitude changes, and speed adjustments, making it an essential component of modern aviation operations.