What do flight directors calculate and display for the pilot to follow?

Flight directors are essential components of an aircraft's avionics system, designed to assist pilots in maintaining control during flight. They primarily calculate and display flight path corrections that the pilot should follow to achieve the desired flight trajectory. The flight director takes into account various data inputs, such as heading, altitude, and airspeed, to generate guidance cues that help the pilot navigate the aircraft along a predetermined path.

The guidance provided by flight directors may be shown in terms of pitch and roll commands, helping the pilot make precise adjustments to achieve the correct flight path. This functionality is vital during critical phases of flight, such as takeoff, approach, and landing, where maintaining an accurate trajectory is crucial for safety and performance.

While other systems may monitor flight altitude, engine performance, or weather conditions, flight directors specifically focus on guiding pilots in the management of the aircraft's flight path, making them vital to effective navigation and control.