title: Aircraft flight manual
text: # Aircraft flight manual
  
  An aircraft flight manual (AFM) is a paper book or electronic information set containing information required to operate an aircraft of certain type or particular aircraft of that type (each AFM is tailored for a specific aircraft, though aircraft of the same type naturally have very similar AFMs). The information within an AFM is also referred to a Technical Airworthiness Data (TAWD). A typical flight manual will contain the following: operating limitations, Normal/Abnormal/Emergency operating procedures, performance data and loading information.
  
  An AFM will often include:
  
  * V speeds
  * Aircraft gross weight
  * Maximum ramp weight
  * Maximum takeoff weight
  * Manufacturer's empty weight
  * Operating empty weight
  * Centre of gravity limitations
  * Zero-fuel weight
  * Takeoff distance
  * Landing distance
  
  Originally, an AFM would follow whichever format and order the manufacturer felt appropriate. Eventually, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association came to an agreement to standardize in a GAMA Specification No. 1 the format of AFM's for general aviation airplanes and helicopters known as the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH).
  
  The chapters of a POH always follow the format of:
  
  * General
  * Limitations
  * Emergency Procedures
  * Normal Procedures
  * Performance
  * Weight and Balance/Equipment List
  * Systems Description
  * Handling, Service, and Maintenance
  * Supplements
  