Introduction
The evolution of technology used for aircraft has led to the development of digital flight management systems (DFMS). These avionics components are responsible for storing and accessing information about the plane and its surroundings to calculate the best position, flight plan, and navigation strategy (Dou, 2020).
Historically, many of these duties were performed by people using paper-based or electronic devices. Engineers and navigators were included in the onboard crew to support pilots and use available data to determine where the plane was and where it was supposed to go (Cusick et al., 2017). The introduction of DFMS significantly contributed to aviation safety as it allowed the flight crew to access machine-made calculations that are less prone to human error and can store more information.
The Roles of Digital Flight Management Systems
The DFMS has many functions that determine the plane’s path during flight. First, DFMS contains a database of all information necessary for navigation and creating a flight plan. For instance, one may see airways, airports, runways, intersections, holding patterns, and beacons (Dou, 2020).
Moreover, it also includes various tools that allow the system to measure distance and direction. As a result, the DFMS is fully equipped to build, alter, and store flight plans before the flight starts. Then, the system acts as a navigator, assisting pilots during their flight. Pilots may use and modify this information if unforeseen circumstances impact the expected flight conditions. The database is vital for this purpose as it allows the crew to quickly access all required information without relying on an engineer with similar knowledge.
Another function of the DFMS is determining the aircraft’s position during a flight. Sensors and positioning systems analyze the plane’s location, whether the craft follows the correct course, and where it is about the critical points (Dou, 2020). Various gyros and reference systems check the accuracy of the aircraft’s movement. Then, using this data, DFMS can calculate the course and allow the crew to fly in autopilot mode (Cusick et al., 2017). Advanced aircraft may use this function to optimize flight and increase the efficiency of the craft, as well as its ascent and descent.
The Importance of Digital Flight Management Systems
The different capabilities of the DFMS are vital for increasing aviation safety. As noted above, previously used paper-based materials and human knowledge required people to perform complex calculations (Cusick et al., 2017). Adjusting a course could require significant time and pressure, increasing the risk of making mistakes (Ukwandu et al., 2022).
In contrast, digital systems employ the power of machine-based algorithms to increase the speed of calculations and lower the rate of errors. Thus, the technical performance of the DFMS is currently determining the safety of aircraft. For example, using real-time information, such systems may quickly respond to changing conditions and prevent accidents. Digital equipment increases the accuracy of calculations, corrects any variations from the path, and has the opportunity to predict threats based on the accumulated data.
Conclusion
In conclusion, digital flight management systems (DFMS) are essential to modern avionics. They contain a database of information necessary for building flight plans. As a replacement for paper-based and human-reliant systems, DFMS is practical and straightforward. The system’s accuracy, dependability, and technological advancement determine aircraft safety. Such systems also decrease the crew’s workload and allow for less control over the flight data.
References
Cusick, S. K., Cortes, A. I., & Rodrigues, C. C. (2017). Commercial aviation safety (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill Professional.
Dou, X. (2020). Big data and smart aviation information management system. Cogent Business & Management, 7(1). Web.
Ukwandu, E., Ben-Farah, M. A., Hindy, H., Bures, M., Atkinson, R., Tachtatzis, C., Andonovic, I., & Bellekens, X. (2022). Cyber-security challenges in aviation industry: A review of current and future trends. Information, 13(3), 146. Web.