Definition
The Airplane Flight Manual is the official document, approved by the FAA and prepared by the airplane manufacturer, that contains the operating limitations, procedures, performance data, and other information required to safely operate a specific airplane. It is aircraft-specific, meaning each individual airplane has its own AFM tied to its serial number and equipment.
Plain English
It is the official handbook for a particular airplane that tells the pilot how to fly it safely, what its limits are, and what to do in normal and emergency situations.
Context Anchor
You will see AFM references in FAA handbooks, aircraft checklists, and training discussions when a procedure or limit depends on the specific airplane being flown.
Why Pilots Care
The AFM supplies the only legally approved data for determining safe operating speeds and limits; operating outside those limits can lead to loss of control or regulatory violation.
Intuition Check
Do not treat the AFM as general airplane advice. It is aircraft-specific guidance approved for that airplane make and model.
Example Sentence 1
Before the flight, the pilot opened the AFM to check the maximum crosswind component for landing.
Example Sentence 2
According to the AFM, the aircraft must remain below the maximum load factor listed in the limitations section.