What is EFIS?

For years, pilots of large commercial aircraft have appreciated the benefits of Electronic Flight Instrumentation Systems, commonly known as EFIS. Full EFIS systems combine data from different sources within the aircraft and provide the pilot with a unified display. This greatly simplifies the instrument scan and improves positional awareness.

Unfortunately, EFIS is rarely found in smaller General Aviation (GA) cockpits. The cost, complexity, and sheer physical size of most EFIS systems usually relegate them to jets, turboprops, and large piston-engine twins. EFIS screens of 5"x7" are not uncommon, and the system cost can exceed the entire value of some small GA aircraft!