What is an approved Flight Manual (AFM) or Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH)?

• A. Required documents that must be carried in an aircraft that list the operating limitations specific to that aircraft and its engines.
• B. A generic maintenance manual for the aircraft type.
• C. A pilot's personal notes.
• D. A checklist for the approach procedure.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that an approved Flight Manual or Pilot’s Operating Handbook is the official, aircraft-specific reference for operating that airplane. It’s a document licensed by the aviation authority and required to be on board. It lists the operating limitations that apply to that particular aircraft and its engines—things like permitted airspeeds, weight and balance limits, center of gravity range, and engine/system limitations. It also provides the performance data used for flight planning and normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures.

This isn’t a generic maintenance manual, nor is it a pilot’s personal notebook. It isn’t just a checklist for a specific approach procedure. Those items exist separately, while the AFM/POH remains the authoritative source for what you may and may not do with that specific aircraft.