The FMS flight plan can be easily modified in-flight.

• A. It cannot be modified in-flight
• B. It can be easily modified in-flight
• C. It requires ground support
• D. It auto-corrects without user input

Answer: (B)

Modern FMS systems are built to be flexible in flight. The flight plan lives in the FMS and can be edited directly from the cockpit control unit. You can re-route by performing Direct-To to a forward waypoint, insert or delete waypoints, or change transitions, altitudes, or speeds. Once you input and confirm the change, the FMS recalculates the remaining path, updating distance, fuel, and time estimates, and the guidance system will follow the new route as soon as you activate it. This makes in-flight modification a routine, routine practice for responding to weather, turbulence, ATC clearances, or efficiency needs. It’s typically done by the crew without ground support, though major route changes may still require ATC coordination. The system won’t auto-correct on its own; changes are input and then activated, with the FMS providing updated guidance and calculations.