Flight Manuals & Documents
In the military, you are provided with your MDS flight manual, checklists and Flight Crew Information Files, but once you leave the military you need to know what new documents you will be reviewing.
Here Is A List Of Documents You May Run Across
CFRs
Code of Federal Regulations
The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) is the codification of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the departments and agencies of the Federal Government. It is divided into 50 titles representing broad areas subject to federal regulation.
Title 14 CFR, Chapter 1 covers all of aviation and this is where you would want to start if you are looking for the basic rules and regulations of flight.
Military Equivalent:
- USAF Operations Procedures (11-202 v3)
- General NATOPS
- Army Regulations 95-1
Ops Specs
Operation Specification
The Ops Specs are an FAA approved document that officially allows the company to operate as a Part 121 or Part 135 operation. It details the operations, training and deviations from other CFRs that have been approved by the FAA.
Military Equivalent:
- USAF MAJCOM SUP Operations Procedures (202 v3, MDS v3)
- General NATOPS
- Army Regulations 95-1
GOM
General Operations Manual
The GOM is a FAA approved document that every certificate holder must have. It lays out the “how” a company will comply with the Ops Specs and various regulatory guidance out there.
Military Equivalent:
- Unit Specific SOPs
- USAF MAJCOM SUP Operations Procedures (MDS v3)
- General NATOPS
- Army Regulations 95-1
AFM
Airplane Flight Manual
The AFM is a document created and provided by the aircraft manufacturer that has been approved by the FAA. It Includes all the instructions and information that is required to operate the aircraft to include checklists, Operational Limits, Performance Data, etc.
Military Equivalent:
- USAF “Dash 1” Flight Manual
- NATOPS Flight Manual
- Army Operator’s Manual
POH
Pilots Operating Handbook
The POH is another version of an AFM. It is normally an expanded version of the flight manual with more information. If an aircraft has a POH instead of an AFM, a statement must be inserted in the document stating what information has been FAA approved.
Military Equivalent: Same as AFM
OM & PIM
-Owners Manual
-Pilot Information Manual
The Owners Manual is often included with AFMs and includes a lot of the extra information provided in a POH.
The PIM is a kind of generic version of the POH that can be purchased. Many pilots purchase these to study from because the AFM and POH assigned to the aircraft is not supposed to be removed from the aircraft.
Military Equivalent: None
QRH
Quick Reference Handbook
This is your official aircraft checklist. This is normally divided up into Normal, Emergency, and Abnormal checklists.
Military Equivalent: Abbreviated Checklist
MMEL
Master Minimum Equipment List
Yep, this is the same as what you are familiar with in your aircraft. Though, you may be surprised what can be inoperative and still be considered safe for flight.
Military Equivalent: Minimum Equipment List (MEL)
Maintenance Logbooks
These logs will look different then what you are used to seeing. They are not as thoroughly documented as those in the military and they are not always available at the aircraft.
Military Equivalent: Aircraft Maintenance Forms
Certificate of Registration
All aircraft must be registered with the FAA before they can legally be flown. The owner will receive a Certificate of Aircraft Registration and this document must be carried in the aircraft at all times. This is where the aircraft receives its tail or “N” number.
Military Equivalent: Aircraft Tail Number
Airworthiness Certificate
This certificate is issued by the FAA after the aircraft has been inspected, is in safe operating condition and is found to meet all CFR Part 21 requirements. This certificate is required to be displayed so crew and passengers can access it.
Military Equivalent: None
AD
Airworthiness Directive
An Airworthiness Directive (AD) is used as a primary safety function of the FAA. It creates requirements to correct unsafe conditions, due to design defects or other causes, found in an aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance. ADs are used to notify operators of these unsafe conditions and they specify the conditions under which the product may continue to be operated.
Aircraft Maintenance Logbooks should indicate what ADs are complied with or the status of them.
Military Equivalent: Headquarters Directives
AC
Advisory Circular
The FAA provides information and guidance via an Advisory Circular (AC) to inform pilots and operators of nonregulatory material of interest. An AC is not considered regulatory unless it is incorporated into an official regulation by reference.
Military Equivalent: None, maybe Special Interest Items
Service Bulletin
Manufacturers issue aircraft Service Bulletins to inform owners and operators about critical and useful information on aircraft safety, maintenance, or product improvement. Compliance with Service Bulletins may or may not be mandatory, but you should never ignore them when it comes to safety.
Military Equivalent: None