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Since the volume of information now available in the cockpit cannot be presented on a single display, or would clutter a single display to the point of unintelligibility, you must decide what information is needed at any given point in your flight. You will learn how information systems can be used to enhance situational awareness and increase the safety margin. It is important to avoid the pitfalls of using enhanced weather, traffic, and terrain information to fly closer to hazardous situations. This negates any safety advantage created by advanced avionics. Advanced avionics aircraft crash due to the same causes as aircraft with traditional instrumentation. 

## Multi-Function Display 

A multi‑function display (MFD) presents information drawn from a variety of aircraft information systems. Many installations allow overlay or inclusion of systems indications in the primary flight display (PFD), in addition to the primary flight instrument indications. By allowing you to view information provided by any one or combination of the installed systems, the MFD prevents the need for a separate display for each system. As does the flight management system (FMS)/area navigation (RNAV) unit, the MFD allows you to select different pages from different chapters that display information provided by various aircraft systems. Other controls allow you to combine information from multiple systems on one page. In many installations, the MFD serves as the backup or faildown display for the PFD. You should have a working knowledge of the faildown selection procedures and how to select the necessary data displays for the current flight phase. The controls provided by one MFD are shown in Figure 5-1. 

Invest the time required to become a skilled user of the MFD. Familiarity with the capabilities of the MFD not only increases the information available, but also allows quick access to that information for safe flight decision-making. 

## Essential Skills 

1. Program the multi‑function display to show data provided by any aircraft system. 

2. Determine how many data displays can be combined in one display. 

3. Know how to select the PFD displays on the MFD, if available. 

4. Determine which data displays can be overlaid onto the PFD as well as the MFD. 

## Moving Maps 

The moving map function uses the MFD to provide a pictorial view of the present position of the aircraft, the route programmed into the FMS, the surrounding airspace, and geographical features. Moving maps offer a number of options that allow you to specify what information is presented on the MFD and how it is displayed. Moving maps typically offer several different map orientations (e.g., north up, track up), a range control that allows you to “zoom” in and out to see different volumes of airspace, and a means to adjust the amount of detail shown on the display (declutter). The moving map display does not replace looking outside the aircraft to avoid other aircraft and obstructions. 

## Using the Moving Map 

A moving map display has a variety of uses that can aid your awareness of position and surroundings during almost any phase of flight. Verification of the displayed data with a chart accomplishes three functions: 

1. Provides you practice for retention of your map reading skills. 

2. Contributes to your readiness for continued safe navigation to a destination in the event of equipment problems. 

3. Ensures that you maintain situational awareness. 

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