What is the function of the flight director?

The flight director serves as an essential tool in the cockpit, guiding pilots to fly the aircraft along a desired flight path. It does this by providing visual cues that indicate the required control inputs needed to achieve and maintain the selected flight parameters, such as altitude, heading, and glide slope during approaches. By displaying this information, the flight director helps the pilot to fly the aircraft more accurately and efficiently.

Using a flight director can enhance situational awareness, allowing the pilot to focus on other critical aspects of flying without losing track of the intended route or performance objectives. This function is particularly beneficial during complex phases of flight, such as instrument approaches, where precision is crucial.

While the flight director may interface with autopilot systems, it is not solely responsible for controlling those systems; rather, it aids the pilot in manually flying the aircraft or can provide guidance when the autopilot is engaged. Its primary role is to present the necessary flight path information, thus supporting better flight management and decision-making.