Definition

An Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) is an integrated system in modern aircraft that takes inputs from several system sources and processes data for flight guidance, navigation, and thrust management.

Description

The AFCS encompasses autopilot, flight director, autothrottle/autothrust, and other functions. Pilots operate the AFCS through controls and indicators that include the Flight Management System (FMS), the Guidance Panel (GP), the autopilot controls, the thrust levers, the takeoff/go-around buttons, the altitude selector, the speed selector, and other components.

Flight data and pilot inputs are processed through modular avionics units or other types of computer processors. The system can be set to follow a selected heading, GPS-based lateral navigation, or ground-based guidance such as a localizer course. Pilot selections and status for various functions are shown on the Primary Flight Display (PFD).