The present invention provides systems, apparatus and means to perform various FMS
flight plan edits and definition of navigation reference fixes using interactive graphical representations displayed on an MFD rather than a text-based CDU. In two of the embodiments of the present invention, means are provided where minimal
pilot actions, i.e., shortcuts, (which may also include entry / adjustment of a numerical value) are performed on an electronic display that accomplish particular
flight plan edits as compared to several
pilot actions when using a CDU to perform the same edits. In another embodiment of the present invention, a means is provided where the
data entry method is graphical in nature rather than
alphanumeric text for inserting an
airway into a
flight plan. The
alphanumeric identifiers are represented as graphical objects which are selectable. In yet another embodiment, the present invention teaches a means for a flight plan modification consisting of the entry or bidirectional adjustment of a parallel offset value directly on an
electronic map. In another embodiment, the present invention includes the display of a
dialog box showing interactive lists of the available instrument procedures for the selected airport which is displayed on an
electronic map. The display lists remain in view after selections are made with the active selection and new selection highlighted differently in the
list. In another embodiment of the present invention, a means is provided to allow entry / adjustment of navigation reference fix input data directly on the
electronic map. Graphical navigation reference fix symbology is dynamically positioned on the electronic map while the input
data value is being adjusted.