Plain English Meaning
The official manufacturer's manual for a specific aircraft. It tells the pilot how that airplane works, what it can and cannot do, and the correct procedures for operating it -- from startup to emergencies.
Full Definition
AOM/POH refers collectively to the aircraft-specific manual published by the manufacturer that contains the operating limitations, procedures, performance data, and systems descriptions for a particular airplane. The Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) is the term used for general aviation aircraft manufactured after 1975 under the GAMA standardized format, while Aircraft Operating Manual (AOM) is a broader term used for some aircraft, particularly older models or those outside the GAMA format. Both serve as the authoritative reference for how to operate that specific aircraft safely and legally.