Definition
The manufacturer-supplied document that describes how to safely operate a specific Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA), including procedures, limitations, performance data, weight and balance information, and required equipment. For LSAs, the Aircraft Operating Instructions (AOI) serves the same function that the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) or Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) serves for standard category airplanes.
Plain English
The official handbook from the maker of a Light-Sport Aircraft that tells the pilot how to fly it, what its limits are, and how it performs. It's the LSA version of the Pilot's Operating Handbook.
Context Anchor
You will see this term when learning or flying a specific light-sport aircraft, especially before operating an aircraft that may not use the same handbook format as a standard training airplane.
Why Pilots Care
Provides the only approved source of operating limits and procedures that must be followed to keep the aircraft within its certified safe envelope.
Intuition Check
Do not treat aircraft operating instructions as casual suggestions or general advice. In this context, they are the aircraft-specific instructions the pilot is expected to know and follow.
Example Sentence 1
Before her first flight in the new LSA, she reviewed the Aircraft Operating Instructions to confirm the maximum crosswind component and stall speeds.
Example Sentence 2
During the checkout, the instructor had the student locate the emergency procedures in the aircraft operating instructions.