What is the purpose of a flight director in navigation?

The flight director serves a critical role in navigation by assisting pilots in controlling the aircraft's flight path visually. It provides guidance cues on the cockpit displays, indicating the correct control input needed to follow a specific flight path or meet particular navigational requirements. By doing this, the flight director helps ensure the aircraft stays on course, which is particularly useful during complex maneuvers, such as during approaches or when flying in challenging weather conditions.

The cues generated by the flight director are designed to be intuitive, allowing pilots to make real-time adjustments to their inputs, enhancing situational awareness and reducing workload. This visual aspect of navigation aids pilots in maintaining precision in their flying, thereby contributing to safety and efficiency during operations.