Definition
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFMs) are the official documents, prepared by the airplane's manufacturer and approved by the FAA, that contain the operating limitations, procedures, performance data, and systems descriptions specific to a particular airplane. The AFM is required to be on board during flight and serves as the authoritative reference for how that specific airplane must be operated.
Plain English
The official handbook from the manufacturer for a specific airplane. It tells the pilot how that airplane must be flown, what its limits are, and how it performs. It must be in the airplane when you fly.
Context Anchor
Used during preflight planning and aircraft assessment, especially when checking limits, performance, loading, and procedures before operating a specific airplane.
Derivation
Manual comes from a Latin word meaning “hand.” A manual is something kept at hand for use. In aviation, a flight manual is not casual reading; it is the official reference kept available for operating that airplane correctly.
Why Pilots Care
Regulations require pilots to follow the limitations and procedures in the Airplane Flight Manuals; using them ensures legal compliance and safe operation.
Intuition Check
Do not treat Airplane Flight Manuals as general flying textbooks. They are official operating references for a specific airplane or airplane model.
Example Sentence 1
Before her first flight in the rental Cessna, she reviewed the Airplane Flight Manual to confirm the maximum crosswind component and the short-field takeoff procedure.
Example Sentence 2
During preflight, she consulted the Airplane Flight Manuals for the correct emergency procedure after an engine failure.