Plain English Meaning
The official handbook for a specific aircraft, written by the people who built it and approved by the FAA. It tells the pilot how to operate that aircraft, what its limits are, and how it performs.
Full Definition
A document developed by the aircraft manufacturer and approved by the FAA that contains the operating procedures, limitations, performance data, weight and balance information, and systems descriptions specific to a particular aircraft. It is the authoritative source of information required to operate that aircraft safely and legally.
Context Anchor
A pilot uses the aircraft flight manual during preflight planning, training, aircraft checkout, and any time they need to confirm procedures, performance, or limits for that specific aircraft.