Which of the following is a significant advantage of a full-authority digital engine control (FADEC)?

A significant advantage of a full-authority digital engine control (FADEC) is better fuel economy. FADEC systems optimize the fuel-air mixture and engine performance in real time, utilizing precise data inputs from various sensors throughout the engine. This level of automation enables the engine to operate more efficiently under varying conditions, reducing fuel consumption compared to mechanical systems that do not possess the same level of data integration and computational capabilities.

In more traditional engine control systems, adjustments are made based on less comprehensive data, which can lead to less efficient fuel usage. FADEC's ability to adapt to changing parameters—such as altitude, temperature, and load—ensures that the engine is always working within its most efficient operating range, thereby enhancing fuel economy.

While options like lower operational costs, reduced engine weight, and higher maximum thrust may be associated with FADEC, they are not direct functions of the system itself. The fuel economy improvement is a primary characteristic directly influenced by FADEC's sophisticated control capabilities.