ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Flight management system

Okay kiddo, do you know what a pilot does when they're flying a plane? They use a lot of instruments and controls to make sure the plane stays on course and gets to where it's supposed to go safely.

One of the most important things they use is called a Flight Management System, or FMS for short. Think of it like a really smart computer program that helps the pilot manage the entire flight from takeoff to landing.

The FMS has a lot of important information in it, like the flight plan, weather reports, and details about the airplane itself. The pilot can use the FMS to input their route and altitude, and the system will help figure out the best way to get there based on things like wind speed and direction.

The FMS also has a lot of safety features to help the pilot avoid danger. It scans for other planes in the area and will alert the pilot if there's a risk of collision. If the plane starts getting off course or there's a threat of turbulence, the FMS will automatically make adjustments to keep the plane flying smoothly.

So, basically, the FMS is like a really smart assistant that helps the pilot fly the plane and stay safe. It's an important tool that helps make sure we can all fly to different places in the world without any problems.