Definition
The Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) is the official document, approved by the FAA and produced by the aircraft manufacturer, that contains the operating limitations, performance data, normal and emergency procedures, weight and balance information, and systems descriptions specific to a particular aircraft. It is required to be on board during flight and is the legal authority on how that aircraft must be operated.
Plain English
The AFM is the official handbook for a specific aircraft. It tells the pilot how the aircraft must be flown, what its limits are, what to do in normal and emergency situations, and how it performs. It is approved by the FAA and must be on board the aircraft.
Context Anchor
A pilot uses the AFM during preflight planning, aircraft checkout, performance calculations, and any time a limitation or approved procedure must be confirmed.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots must follow the AFM limits and procedures; doing so keeps the flight within the aircraft's certified safe operating envelope and satisfies regulatory requirements.
Intuition Check
Do not think of the AFM as just a helpful guide or owner’s booklet. In aviation, it is the official source for that aircraft’s limits, procedures, and performance information.
Example Sentence 1
Before departure, the pilot reviewed the AFM to confirm the maximum takeoff weight and the runway length required for the current conditions.
Example Sentence 2
The AFM lists the maximum demonstrated crosswind component for this model.