A flight management system (FMS) is a computer system that automates a variety of in-flight tasks in a modern airliner. It's a key part of the aircraft's avionics, along with navigation, flight planning, trajectory prediction, performance computations, and in-flight guidance.  The FMS is designed to provide virtual data and operational harmony between closed and open elements associated with a flight. It uses a predefined flight plan to calculate and display an aircraft's lateral and vertical trajectory, providing guidance throughout the flight.  The FMS's main benefit is that it reduces... Show more

A flight management system (FMS) is a computer system that automates a variety of in-flight tasks in a modern airliner. It's a key part of the aircraft's avionics, along with navigation, flight planning, trajectory prediction, performance computations, and in-flight guidance. 

The FMS is designed to provide virtual data and operational harmony between closed and open elements associated with a flight. It uses a predefined flight plan to calculate and display an aircraft's lateral and vertical trajectory, providing guidance throughout the flight. 
The FMS's main benefit is that it reduces the workload for pilots allowing them to concentrate on controlling the plane. In the past, large commercial aircraft would often have additional crew members, such as a flight engineer and a dedicated navigator. However, modern civilian aircraft no longer carry flight engineers or navigators because of the FMS. 
The FMS interface is a control display unit (CDU) that is normally located forward on the center pedestal in the cockpit. It contains a full alphanumeric keypad, a CRT or LCD display/work screen, status and condition annunciators, and specialized function keys. 
 

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