Certified Flight Instructor - Flight Instructor Airplane Practice Exam

During flight operations, what is the purpose of using a flight director?

1. Provide navigation information

2. Indicate engine performance

3. Assist in maintaining desired flight path

The correct answer is: Assist in maintaining desired flight path

The primary purpose of a flight director is to assist pilots in maintaining the desired flight path. It provides visual cues through the aircraft's instruments, which direct the pilot to make necessary adjustments to achieve the intended flight path. This includes guidance for maneuvers such as turns, climbs, and descents, allowing the pilot to follow specific flight commands. The flight director works in tandem with autopilot systems but is not solely reliant on automation; it serves as an additional aid for manual flying. While navigation information is crucial for flight operations, and engine performance indicators are important for overall aircraft management, the flight director’s main function is focused on guiding the aircraft along its specified trajectory in a user-friendly manner. Therefore, its utility is directly tied to sustaining the desired flight path, making this answer the most appropriate choice.