What is an Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM)?
The Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) is a book containing the information and instructions required to operate the aircraft safely. The pilot must comply with this AFM information. A typical AFM will contain the following: • Limitations – the ‘envelope’ of maximum speeds; maximum weights; allowable centre of gravity range; maximum engine RPM, temperatures and oil pressures, etc (for the specified powerplant); and allowable manoeuvres and other limits, within which the aircraft must be operated to be safe. • Operating procedures – aircraft procedures, speeds and configurations used to: • Achieve expected performance and behaviour in Normal situations. • Achieve safe outcomes in some specified Abnormal or Emergency situations (such as a forced landing after engine failure). • Performance – the required variation of the aircraft’s maximum allowable weights, as affected by air pressure and temperature, in order to: • Take-off or land in available runway distance. • Climb at the minimum require
