What is one role of the Flight Management System in aviation?

The Flight Management System (FMS) plays a crucial role in modern aviation by automating various aspects of flight navigation and management. One of its primary functions is to automatically select navigation sources, which helps ensure that the aircraft follows the planned flight path efficiently and accurately. By automatically selecting the best navigation source—whether it be GPS, inertial navigation systems, or ground-based navigation aids—the FMS minimizes the pilot's workload and enhances flight safety.

This capability allows for better integration of various navigation inputs, leading to optimized flight planning and execution. Such automation is vital in modern aircraft, allowing pilots to focus on other critical aspects of flight management, particularly during complex phases of flight. The FMS ensures continuous and accurate tracking of the aircraft's position and provides guidance to maintain the designated course, thereby increasing overall operational efficiency and safety.

Other roles, like providing weather updates or taking complete control of the flight, are not central to the core functions of the Flight Management System, thereby highlighting why automating navigation source selection is a distinctive and vital aspect of its operation.