FADEC

A full-authority digital engine control system that manages an engine’s operation, including fuel delivery, ignition, and operating limits, without direct pilot control of those functions.

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Engine control unit: An electronic controller that processes sensor inputs and commands an engine’s actuators. The FADEC’s computing hardware evaluates engine conditions and issues control commands.
Turbofan: A gas turbine engine that uses a large fan to accelerate air around and through its core. Many FADEC systems control the fuel, thrust, and limits of turbofan engines.
Hydromechanical fuel control: A system that meters engine fuel through mechanical and hydraulic components. Earlier engine controls relied on physical mechanisms rather than FADEC’s digital computation.
Aircraft engine starting: The process of bringing an aircraft engine from rest to stable self-sustaining operation. FADEC sequences fuel and ignition during an automated engine start.
Engine health monitoring: The collection and analysis of engine data to assess condition and detect developing faults. FADEC data can support condition monitoring and maintenance decisions.
Fuel metering: The regulation of fuel flow delivered to an engine’s combustion system. FADEC adjusts fuel flow to meet thrust or power demands while protecting the engine.
Gas turbine: A rotary engine that produces power by continuously compressing, burning, and expanding gas. FADEC is used to manage the operating cycle of gas turbine engines.
Supervisory engine control: An electronic control system that monitors or trims a primary controller without replacing its authority. Unlike supervisory systems, FADEC directly controls engine functions across its operating range.
Automatic thrust control: The automatic adjustment of engine thrust to meet a commanded target. FADEC can regulate thrust in response to cockpit demands and aircraft systems.
Aircraft maintenance data: Recorded information used to diagnose faults and plan aircraft maintenance. FADEC stores or reports operating and fault data that technicians use during troubleshooting.