PHAK 9: Flight Manuals and Other Documents Flashcards
What key manuals and documents should a pilot know for an aircraft?
- Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)
- Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH)
- Documents on ownership, airworthiness, maintenance, and operations with inoperative equipment.
Are aircraft documents and manuals required by regulation?
Yes, they are required documents and essential for compliance with aviation regulations and safe flight.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM)
What is an Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)?
A document developed by the aircraft manufacturer and approved by the FAA that provides information and instructions for the safe operation of a specific make and model of aircraft.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM)
Is the Aircraft Owner/Information Manual the same as the AFM?
No, the Aircraft Owner/Information Manual contains general information, is not FAA-approved, and cannot substitute for the AFM or POH.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM)
What does the AFM include?
Operating procedures, limitations, and instructions specific to the make and model of the aircraft, often tied to its serial number.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM)
What regulation requires compliance with AFM information?
14 CFR Part 91 mandates that pilots comply with operating limitations specified in AFMs, markings, and placards.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM)
How has the format of flight manuals changed over time?
Originally varied by manufacturer but later standardized by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) under Specification No. 1.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM)
What is the Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH)?
A document developed by the aircraft manufacturer that contains FAA-approved AFM information and may include additional safety and operational tips.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM)
When is the POH also considered the FAA-approved flight manual?
For most light aircraft built after 1975.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM)
What are the nine standard sections in an AFM/POH?
- General
- Limitations
- Emergency Procedures
- Normal Procedures
- Performance
- Weight and Balance/Equipment List
- Systems Description
- Handling, Service, and Maintenance
- Supplements
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM)
Can manufacturers include additional sections in the AFM/POH?
Yes, such as Safety and Operational Tips or an alphabetical index.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Preliminary Pages
What unique information is included on the title page of an AFM/POH?
The serial number and registration of the specific aircraft to which the manual belongs.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Preliminary Pages
Can an AFM/POH without specific aircraft details be used for flight operations?
No, it is limited to general study purposes only.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Preliminary Pages
What does the table of contents in an AFM/POH include?
The order of the entire manual by section number and title, with each section often having its own table of contents.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Preliminary Pages
How are AFM/POH page numbers formatted?
By section and page number, e.g., 1-1, 1-2, 2-1, etc.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Preliminary Pages
How are loose-leaf AFM/POHs typically organized?
Sections are marked with divider tabs indicating the section number, title, or both.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Preliminary Pages
How is the Emergency Procedures section identified?
It often has a red tab for quick identification and reference.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): General (Section 1)
What basic information is provided in the General section of the AFM/POH?
Descriptive information on the airframe and powerplant(s), including component dimensions.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): General (Section 1)
What type of drawing is sometimes included in the General section?
A three-dimensional drawing showing aircraft component dimensions.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): General (Section 1)
List 10 examples of component dimensions found in the General section.
- Wingspan
- Maximum height
- Overall length
- Wheelbase length
- Main landing gear track width
- Rotor system diameter
- Maximum propeller diameter
- Propeller ground clearance
- Minimum turning radius
- Wing area
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): General (Section 1)
What five additional information items are included at the end of the General section?
- Definitions
- Abbreviations
- Explanations of symbology
- Terminology used in the POH
- Metric and other conversion tables (at manufacturer’s discretion)
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): General (Section 1)
What is the purpose of the General section in the AFM/POH?
To serve as a quick reference and familiarize the pilot with the aircraft.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Limitations (Section 2)
What is the purpose of the Limitations section in the AFM/POH?
To provide limitations required by regulation or necessary for the safe operation of the aircraft, powerplant, systems, and equipment.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Limitations (Section 2)
What four types of limitations are included in the Limitations section?
- Airspeed
- Powerplant
- Weight and loading distribution
- Flight
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Limitations (Section 2)
What four additional information items does the Limitations section include?
- Operating limitations
- Instrument markings
- Color-coding
- Basic placards
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Limitations (Section 2)
Why is the Limitations section critical for pilots?
It ensures compliance with safety regulations and provides essential information for safe aircraft operation.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Airspeed
How are airspeed limitations shown in the aircraft?
Through color coding on the airspeed indicator (ASI), placards, or graphs.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Airspeed
What does the red line on the ASI indicate?
The never-exceed speed (VNE)—the limit beyond which structural damage could occur.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Airspeed
What does the yellow arc on the ASI represent?
The speed range between maximum structural cruising speed (VN0) and VNE, for smooth air only and with caution.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Airspeed
What does the green arc on the ASI indicate?
The normal operating speed range, with the upper end at VN0 and the lower end at stalling speed (VS1) at maximum weight with the landing gear and flaps retracted.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Airspeed
What does the white arc on the ASI represent?
The flap operating range, with the upper end at maximum flap extended speed (VFE) and the lower end at stalling speed (VS0) with landing gear and flaps in the landing configuration.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Airspeed
What do the red and blue radial lines on the ASI indicate in small multi-engine airplanes?
- Red radial line: Single-engine minimum controllable airspeed (VMC).
- Blue radial line: Single-engine best rate of climb speed (VYSE) at maximum weight at sea level.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Powerplant
What does the Powerplant Limitations section describe?
Operating limitations on an aircraft’s reciprocating or turbine engine(s), including takeoff power, maximum continuous power, and maximum normal operating power.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Powerplant
What does the green arc on a powerplant gauge indicate?
The maximum normal operating power, which the engine can produce without restrictions.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Powerplant
What four additional limitations are described in the Powerplant Limitations section?
- Minimum and maximum oil pressures
- Minimum and maximum fuel pressures
- Required oil and fuel grades
- Propeller operating limits
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Powerplant
What instruments are required for reciprocating-engine-powered aircraft?
- RPM indicator for each engine
- Manifold pressure gauge and tachometer for aircraft with constant-speed propellers or rotor systems
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Powerplant
How are powerplant operating limits depicted on gauges?
- Red radial line: Maximum operating limit
- Green arc: Normal operating range
- Yellow arc (if present): Caution are
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Weight and Loading Distribution
What information is included in the Weight and Loading Distribution section? (3)
- Maximum certificated weights
- Center of gravity (CG) range
- Location of the reference datum used in balance computations
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Weight and Loading Distribution
Where are weight and balance computations found in the AFM/POH?
In the Weight and Balance section, not the Weight and Loading Distribution section.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Flight Limits
What is included in the Flight Limits section of the AFM/POH? (3)
- Authorized maneuvers with appropriate entry speeds
- Flight load factor limits
- Types of operation limits
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Flight Limits
What are examples of prohibited maneuvers or operations listed in the Flight Limits section? (3)
- Spins (if not authorized)
- Acrobatic flight
- Flight into known icing conditions
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Placards
What is the purpose of aircraft placards?
To provide information with a direct bearing on the safe operation of the aircraft.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Placards
Where are aircraft placards located?
In conspicuous places within the aircraft.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Placards
Where can the information on placards also be found?
In the Limitations section of the AFM/POH or as directed by an Airworthiness Directive (AD).
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Placards
What document might mandate specific placards on an aircraft?
Airworthiness Directives (AD).
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Emergency Procedures (Section 3)
What does the Emergency Procedures section of the AFM/POH include?
Checklists describing recommended procedures and airspeeds for handling emergencies such as engine failure, fire, and system failure.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Emergency Procedures (Section 3)
What additional procedures might be included in the Emergency Procedures section?
Procedures for inflight engine restarting and ditching.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Emergency Procedures (Section 3)
How are emergency checklists typically presented?
As an abbreviated checklist for immediate action items, followed by amplified checklists with additional details.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Emergency Procedures (Section 3)
Why should pilots memorize immediate action items from emergency checklists?
To ensure quick and accurate responses during critical situations before referring to the checklist.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Emergency Procedures (Section 3)
What is the purpose of the optional Abnormal Procedures subsection?
To describe recommended procedures for handling malfunctions that are not considered emergencies.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Normal Procedures (Section 4)
What does the Normal Procedures section begin with?
A list of airspeeds for normal operations.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Normal Procedures (Section 4)
What types of checklists are included in the Normal Procedures section? (12)
- Preflight inspection
- Starting engine
- Before taxiing
- Taxiing
- Before takeoff
- Climb
- Cruise
- Descent
- Before landing
- Balked landing
- After landing
- Post-flight procedures
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Normal Procedures (Section 4)
What follows the checklists in the Normal Procedures section?
An Amplified Procedures area with detailed information about the listed procedures.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Normal Procedures (Section 4)
Why is it important to use the appropriate checklists during normal operations?
To avoid missing important steps and ensure safety.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Normal Procedures (Section 4)
What does consistent adherence to checklists signify in a pilot?
Discipline and competence.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Performance (Section 5)
What is the purpose of the Performance section in an AFM/POH?
To provide information required by certification regulations and additional data to ensure safe operation of the aircraft.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Performance (Section 5)
What types of information are typically included in the Performance section? (5)
- Calibrated to true airspeed conversion
- Stall speeds in various configurations
- Takeoff and climb performance
- Cruise performance
- Landing performance
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Performance (Section 5)
How do performance charts, tables, and graphs vary?
They vary in style but contain similar basic information.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Performance (Section 5)
Where can you find additional guidance on using performance charts, graphs, and tables?
Chapter 10, Aircraft Performance.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Performance (Section 5)
Why is the Performance section critical for pilots?
It helps determine safe operational parameters under different flight conditions.
AFM: Weight and Balance/Equipment List (Section 6)
What is included in the Weight and Balance/Equipment List section?
All information required by the FAA to calculate the weight and balance of an aircraft.
AFM: Weight and Balance/Equipment List (Section 6)
What additional material do manufacturers often include in this section?
Sample weight and balance problems.
AFM: Weight and Balance/Equipment List (Section 6)
Where can you find a detailed discussion on weight and balance?
Chapter 10, Weight and Balance.
AFM: Weight and Balance/Equipment List (Section 6)
Why is the Weight and Balance/Equipment List section important?
It ensures the aircraft is operated within safe weight and balance limits.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Systems Description (Section 7)
What is covered in the Systems Description section?
The section describes the aircraft systems in a way appropriate to the pilot likely to operate the aircraft.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Systems Description (Section 7)
How might the level of detail in this section vary?
For advanced aircraft, it assumes an experienced pilot is reading the information.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Systems Description (Section 7)
Where can additional information about aircraft systems be found?
Chapter 7, Aircraft Systems.
AFM: Handling, Service, and Maintenance (Section 8)
What is included in the Handling, Service, and Maintenance section?
Maintenance and inspections recommended by the manufacturer and regulations.
AFM: Handling, Service, and Maintenance (Section 8)
What additional maintenance might be required beyond the manufacturer’s recommendations?
Maintenance required by Airworthiness Directives (ADs) for the airframe, engine, propeller, or components.
AFM: Handling, Service, and Maintenance (Section 8)
What preventive maintenance is described in this section?
Preventive maintenance that may be performed by certificated pilots.
AFM: Handling, Service, and Maintenance (Section 8)
What ground handling procedures are covered?
Procedures for hangaring, tie-down, and general storage of the aircraft.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Supplements (Section 9)
What is the purpose of the Supplements section?
To provide information for safely and efficiently operating the aircraft when equipped with optional systems and equipment.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Supplements (Section 9)
Who supplies the information in the Supplements section?
It may be supplied by the aircraft manufacturer or the manufacturer of the optional equipment.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Supplements (Section 9)
When is the information in the Supplements section added to the flight manual?
At the time the optional equipment is installed.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Supplements (Section 9)
What are three examples of equipment covered in the Supplements section?
- Autopilots
- Navigation systems
- Air-conditioning systems
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Safety Tips (Section 10)
Is the Safety Tips section mandatory in an AFM/POH?
No, it is an optional section.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Safety Tips (Section 10)
What is the purpose of the Safety Tips section?
To provide information that enhances the safe operation of the aircraft.
Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM): Safety Tips (Section 10)
What are some topics that might be included in the Safety Tips section?
Physiological factors, general weather information, fuel conservation procedures, high-altitude operations, and cold weather operations.