Advanced avionics systems can automatically perform many  tasks that pilots and navigators previously did by hand. For  example, an area navigation (RNAV) or flight management  system (FMS) unit accepts a list of points that define a  flight route, and automatically performs most of the course,  distance, time, and fuel calculations. Once en route, the FMS  or RNAV unit can continually track the position of the aircraft  with respect to the flight route, and display the course, time,  and distance remaining to each point along the planned route.  An autopilot is capable of automatically steering the aircraft  along the route that has been entered in the FMS or RNAV  system. Advanced avionics perform many functions and  replace the navigator and pilot in most procedures. However,  with the possibility of failure in any given system, the pilot  must be able to perform the necessary functions in the event  of an equipment failure. Pilot ability to perform in the event of  equipment failure(s) means remaining current and proficient  in accomplishing the manual tasks, maintaining control of  the aircraft manually (referring only to standby or backup  instrumentation), and adhering to the air traffic control (ATC)  clearance received or requested. Pilots of modern advanced  avionics aircraft must learn and practice backup procedures  to maintain their skills and knowledge. Risk management  principles require the flight crew to always have a backup  or alternative plan, and/or escape route. Advanced avionics  aircraft relieve pilots of much of the minute‑to‑minute  tedium of everyday flights, but demand much more initial  and recurrent training to retain the skills and knowledge  necessary to respond adequately to failures and emergencies. The FMS or RNAV unit and autopilot offer the pilot a  variety of methods of aircraft operation. Pilots can perform  the navigational tasks themselves and manually control  the aircraft, or choose to automate both of these tasks and  assume a managerial role as the systems perform their  duties. Similarly, information systems now available in the  cockpit provide many options for obtaining data relevant to  the flight. Advanced avionics systems present three important learning  challenges as you develop proficiency: The first challenge is to acquire the “how-to” knowledge  needed to operate advanced avionics systems. This handbook  describes the purpose of each kind of system, overviews the  basic procedures required to use it, explains some of the  How To Operate Advanced Avionics  Systems Which Advanced Avionics Systems To  Use and When The second challenge is learning to manage the many  information and automation resources now available to you  in the cockpit. Specifically, you must learn how to choose  which advanced cockpit systems to use, and when. There  are no definitive rules. In fact, you will learn how different  features of advanced cockpit avionics systems fall in and  out of usefulness depending on the situation. Becoming  proficient with advanced avionics means learning to use the  right tool for the right job at the right time. In many systems,  there are multiple methods of accomplishing the same  function. The competent pilot learns all of these methods and  chooses the method that works best for the specific situation,  environment, and equipment. This handbook will help you  get started in learning this important skill. Advanced avionics equipment, especially navigation  equipment, is subject to internal and external failure. You  must always be ready to perform manually the equipment  functions which are normally accomplished automatically,  and should always have a backup plan with the skills,  knowledge, and training to ensure the flight has a safe  ending. logic the system uses to perform its function, and discusses  each system’s general limitations. It is important to note  that this handbook is not intended as a guide for any one  manufacturer’s equipment. Rather, the aim is to describe the  basic principles and concepts that underlie the internal logic  and processes and the use of each type of advanced avionics  system. These principles and concepts are illustrated with  a range of equipment by different manufacturers. It is very  important that the pilot obtain the manufacturer’s guide for  each system to be operated, as only those materials contain  the many details and nuances of those particular systems.  Many systems allow multiple methods of accomplishing a  task, such as programming or route selection. A proficient  pilot tries all methods, and chooses the method that works  best for that pilot for the specific situation, environment,  and equipment. Not all aircraft are equipped or connected  identically for the navigation system installed. In many  instances, two aircraft with identical navigation units are  wired differently. Obvious differences include slaved versus  non‑slaved electronic horizontal situation indicators (EHSIs)  or primary flight display (PFD) units. Optional equipment is  not always purchased and installed. The pilot should always  check the equipment list to verify what is actually installed  in that specific aircraft. It is also essential for pilots using  this handbook to be familiar with, and apply, the pertinent  parts of the regulations and the Aeronautical Information  Manual (AIM). 1. How to operate advanced avionics systems 2. Which advanced avionics systems to use and when 3. How advanced avionics systems affect the pilot and  the way the pilot flies 1-2