Subject: Airplane Flight Manual Date: 10/16/12
Initiated By: ANM-110 AC No: 25.1581-1 Change: 1
1. Purpose. This change adds information that was re-located from AC 25-7B Change 1, Flight Test Guide for Certification of Transport Category Airplanes, and revises guidance associated with the maneuvering speed limitation as a result of Amendment 25-130 to Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 25.
2. Applicability.
a. The guidance provided in th is docume nt is directed to airplane manufacturers, modifiers, and operators of certain transport category airplanes.
b. The guidance in this AC is neither m andatory nor regulatory in nature and does not constitute a requirement. You may follow alternate FAA-approved design recommendations.
c. While these guidelines are not m andatory, they are derived from extensive FAA and industry experience in determining compliance with the relevant regulations. On the other hand, if we become aware of circumstances that convince us that following this AC would not result in compliance with the applicable regulations, we will not be bound by the terms of this AC, and we may require additional substantiation or design changes as a basis for finding compliance.
d. This ma terial does not change, create any additional, authorize changes in, or permit deviations from, regulatory requirements.
3. Principal ch anges. This change adds material that was moved to this AC from AC 25-7B Change 1. Guidance associated with the maneuvering speed limitation was revised to reflect a change to § 25.1583(a)(3) by Amendment 25-130 to 14 CFR part 25. Additional minor changes were made to update regulatory references, distinguish between regulatory requirements and means of compliance guidance, and for editorial reasons.
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PAGE CONTROL CHART Remove Pages Dated Insert Pages Dated Cover 7/14/97 Cover 10/16/12 ii-viii 7/14/97 ii-vii 10/16/12 2-21 7/14/97 2-23 10/16/12 Appendix 1 pages 2-8 7/14/97 Appendix 1 pages 2-8 10/16/12 John Piccola Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directo rate Aircraft Certification Service
Subject: AIRPLANE FLIGHT MANUAL Date: 10/16/12 Initia ted By: ANM-110 AC No: 25.1581-1 Change: 1
1. Purpose. The primary purpose of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved transport category Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) is to provide an autho ritative source of information considered necessary for safely operating the airplane. This advisory circular (AC) identifies the information that must be provided in the AFM under the airworthiness regulations and provides guidance as to the form and content of the approved portion of an AFM.
2. Applicability.
This AC is not mandatory and does not constitute a regulation. It describes acceptable means, but not the only means, for demonstrating compliance with the applicable regulation(s). The FAA will consider other methods of demonstrating compliance that an applicant may elect to present. If we become aware of circumstances that convince us that following this AC would not result in compliance with the applicable regulations, we will not be bound by the terms of this AC, and we may require additional substantiation or design changes as a basis for finding compliance. This material does not change, create any additional, authorize changes in, or permit deviations from existing regulatory requirements.
3. Related Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR). Sections 21.5, 25.1581,
25.1583, 25.1585, 25.1587, and 36.1581 of CFR parts 21, 25, and 36 identify the inf ormation that must be provided in the AFM. Section 25.1581 also requires furnishing in the AFM “other information that is necessary for safe operation because of design, operating, or handling characteristics.” Additionally, 14 CFR parts 91, 121, 125, and 135 provide operational requirements that may affect AFM contents.
4. Definitions.
a. Airplane Fl ight Manual (AFM). An FAA-approved document that contains information (operating limitations, operating procedures, performance information, etc.) necessary to operate the airplane at the level of safety established by the airplane’s certification basis.
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b. Flightcrew Operating Manual (FC OM). A document developed by a manufacturer that describes, in detail, the characteristics and operation of the airplane or its systems.
c. Safe Operation. For the purposes of this AC, safe operation means operation of the airplane in a manner that is mandatory, or is recommended, for compliance with the airworthiness requirements.
d. Lim itation. For the purposes of this AC, an AFM limitation establishes the approved bounds of operation of the airplane or its systems.
e. Airplane F light Manual Warnings, Cautions, and Notes. The AFM contains operating procedures and techniques that m ay be categorized as warnings, cautions, and notes as defined in the following paragraphs. The following definitions should not be confused with the color requirements prescribed in § 25.1322 for warnings and cautions associated with flightcrew alerting systems.
(1) W arning. An operating procedure or technique that may result in personal injury or loss of life if not followed.
(2) Caution. An operating procedure or technique that m ay result in damage to equipment if not followed.
(3) Note. A n operating procedure or technique needing special emphasis.
f. Procedure. A procedure is a step-by-step method used to accomplish a specific task.
(1) Em ergency. A procedure requiring immediate flightcrew action to protect the airplane and occupants from serious harm.
(2) Abnormal or Non-norm al. A procedure requiring flightcrew action, due to failure of a system or component, to maintain an acceptable level of airworthiness for continued safe flight and landing.
(3) Norm al. A procedure associated with systems that are functioning in their usual manner.
g. Revision. A change to the content of the AFM through the addition, deletion, or modification of material.
h. Appendices and Supplem ents. Additions to the AFM that may or may not supersede existing AFM material.
(1) Appendix. An addition to the AFM to cover the installation of optional equipment or specific operations (engine i noperative ferry, reduced power or thrust takeoff, configuration deviation list (CDL), etc.).
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(2) Supplement. Information that supe rsedes or is in addition to the basic AFM resulting from the issuance of a supplemental type certificate (STC), or from approved changes to AFM limitations, procedures, or performance information without an STC.
i. FAA-Approval. The application of FAA certification procedures and the approval by a representative of the Administrator.
5. Discussion. The AFM provides information to safely operate the airplane under normal, abnormal, and emergency conditions. The AFM contains the operating limitations, operating procedures, and performance information for the airplane.
a. Historically, the AFM was often the only source of information available to the flightcrew for safely operating a transport category airplane. Consequently, the form and contents of these earlier AFMs were designed to meet the needs of the flightcrew. For example, very detailed operating procedures were presented in a form easily used in the cockpit (e.g., checklist format).
b. As more complex equipment was incorporated into transport category airplanes, many airplane and equipment manufacturers developed separate operating manuals for onboard use by the flightcrew. These operating manuals are generically referred to within this AC as Flightcrew Operating Manuals (FCOM). By locating information such as cockpit checklists, systems descriptions, and detailed procedures in the FCOM, the bulk and complexity of the AFM can be kept manageable. As a result, the AFM for many transport category airplanes used primarily in air carrier operations has evolved into more of a reference document than a document used frequently by the flightcrew. In recognition of the usefulness and convenience provided by these FCOMs, the normal operating procedures information in the AFMs for these transport category airplanes should be limited to those procedures considered “peculiar” to the operation of that airplane type or are otherwise necessary for safe operation.
c. The AFM content should be limited to the sm allest practicable amount of material that is appropriate for the intended operation of the airplane. In general, the systems descriptions and procedures provided in the AFM for most large transport airplanes (i.e., those used in air carrier operations for which separate operating manuals are provided) should be limited to that which is uniquely related to airplane safety or airworthiness. Since the AFM still serves as the sole operating manual for transport category airplanes not used primarily in air carrier operations, the AFMs for these airplanes should contain detailed operating information.
d. Widespread use of computers has led to the capability of replacing or supplementing parts of the conventional paper AFM with a computerized version. Guidance for FAA approval of computerized AFM information is presented in Appendix 1 of this AC.
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Table of Contents Paragraph Page
1. General Guidelines1
a. Segregation of Approved and Unapproved Material1
b. Provisions for Approval1
c. Configurations Addressed2
d. Weight and Balance Information Sources2
e. Airplane Flight Manual Units2
2. Airplane Flight Manual Contents2
a. Introductory Section2
(1) Title Page3
(2) Log of Revisions3
(3) Revision highlights3
(4) Log of Pages3
(5) Compatibility Listing of Appendices and Supplements3
(6) Table of Contents3
(7) List of Abbreviations3
b. Limitations Section3
(1) Weight Limitations3
(2) Noise Limitations4
(3) Operating Limitations4
(4) Center-of-Gravity Limits6
(5) Fuel Limitations6
(6) Powerplant Limitations6
(7) Airspeed and Mach Number Limitations7
(8) Maneuvering Load Factor Limitations8
(9) Kinds of Operations8
(10) Minimum Flightcrew8
(11) System and E quipment Limitations8
(12) Miscellaneous Limitations9
c. Operating Procedures Section9
(1) Procedures Categories9
(2) Format9
(3) Procedures Development9
(4) Procedures Content9
(5) Emergency Procedures11
d. Performance Section11
(1) General ................................................................................................................. 1 2
(2) Performance Procedures13
(3) Power or Thrust Setting13
v Table of Contents (Continued)
Paragraph Page
(4) Minimum Control Speeds13
(5) Stall Speeds13
(6) Takeoff Speeds13
(7) Takeoff and Accelerate-Stop Distances13
(8) Climb Limited Takeoff Weight14
(9) Miscellaneous Takeoff Weight Limits14
(10) Takeoff Climb Performance15
(11) Takeoff Flight Path Data15
(12) En Route Flight Path Data16
(13) Climb Limited Landing Weight16
(14) Miscellaneous Landing Weight Limits16
(15) Approach Climb Performance16
(16) Landing Climb Performance16
(17) Landing Approach Speeds16
(18) Landing Distance16
(19) Performance Limits and Informa tion Variation with Center-of-Gravity17
(20) Noise Data17
(21) Miscellaneous Performance Data17
e. Loading Instructions17
(1) Loading Instructions Presented in a Separate Document17
(2) Weight and Balance Data18
3. Configuration Deviation List (CDL)18
4. Specification and Submittal of AFMs, Revisions, Appendices, and Supplements19
5. Approval of AFMs, Revisions, Appendices, and supplements19
a. FAA Approval of an AFM Developed by a U.S. Manufacturer19
b. Foreign Civil Airworthiness Authority (FCAA) Approval of an AFM
Developed by a U.S. Manufacturer19
(1) Types of Approval19
(2) Approval In Absence of a Form al Agreement Between Authorities20
c. FAA Approval of an AFM Developed by a Foreign Manufacturer20
(1) Compliance Assessment20
(2) Approval Process20
d. Approval of Minor AFM Revisions by Designated Engineering
Representatives (DERs)21
(1) Additional DER Qualifications21
vi Table of Contents (Continued)
Paragraph Page
(2) DER/Airplane Manufacturer Review Process21
(3) Material Eligible for DER Approval22
(4) Material Ineligible for DER Approval22
APPENDIX 1
Paragraph Page
1. PurposeA1-1
2. ApplicabilityA1-1
3. DefinitionsA1-1
a. Computerized AFMA1-1
b. Computerized AFM Software ApplicationA1-1
c. Computerized AFM InformationA1-1
d. Software EnvironmentA1-1
e. Hardware EnvironmentA1-2
f. Commercial-Off-the-Shelf (COTS) Com puterA1-2
g. CalculationA1-2
h. First Principles CalculationA1-2
4. General GuidelinesA1-2
a. Official ReferenceA1-2
b. Approved and Unapproved InformationA1-3
c. Software Usage AspectsA1-4
5. Computerized Airplane Flight Manual ContentsA1-4
a. GeneralA1-4
b. Limitations SectionA1-4
c. Operating Procedures SectionA1-4
d. Performance SectionA1-5
(1) Performance InformationA1-5
(2) On-board Performance InformationA1-5
(3) Configuration Deviation Li st (CDL) and Master Minimum
Equipment List (MMEL)A1-5
(4) Acceptance of Corrective FactorsA1-5
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Table of Contents (Continued)
Paragraph Page
(5) Supplementary Performance InformationA1-5
(6) FAA Approval of Supplementary ApplicationsA1-5
6. Software integrity, development, and documentation requirementsA1-5
a. Software IntegrityA1-6
(1) Computation of Hazardously Misleading Primary InformationA1-6
(2) Level of IntegrityA1-6
(3) Notation of FAA-Approved Soft ware Application PartsA1-6
(4) Means to Check Program and DataA1-6
(5) Use of Commercially Available SoftwareA1-6
b. Software DevelopmentA1-6
(1) Software Development ProcessA1-6
(2) Plan for Software Aspects of Certification
c. Hardware and Software EnvironmentA1-7
d. Revisions to a Computerized AFM Sof tware ApplicationA1-7
e. Submittal and FAA-Approval of SoftwareA1-8
f. Documentation RequirementsA1-8
(1) Approval PlanA1-8
(2) Software Development PlanA1-8
(3) Software DescriptionsA1-8
(4) Data Verification DocumentA1-9
(5) Operating InstructionsA1-9
(6) Software Configura tion ReferenceA1-9
7. Provisions for FAA post certification access to computerized
AFMA1-9
8. Provisions for public access to computerized AFMA1-9
1. General Guidelines. Previously approved AFMs are unaffected by this AC. When such manuals are amended, the concepts of this AC should be applied, if practicable.
a. Segregation of Approved and Unapproved Material. Section 25.1581 requires that FAA-approved information be segregated, identified, and clearly distinguished from each unapproved part of the AFM. Unapproved material should be labeled that it is for guidance information only and located in a different section than the approved material. Information that may not be required for operation under 14 CFR part 25, but is approved by the FAA (e.g., stopping performance with autobrakes), should be placed in the same section as other approved material. Information that is neither required by 14 CFR part 25 nor approved by the FAA (e.g., takeoff or landing performance on runways contaminated by standing water, slush, or snow) should be labeled as guidance information and placed in a different section than any approved material.
b. Provisions for approval of and revisions to the AFM are as follows:
(1) Each page of the approved porti on should bear the notation, “FAA Approved,” a unique date of approval or revision number for that page, the airplane type or model designation, and an appropriate document identification number. For AFM pages produced by an STC applicant, both the STC applicant’s name and the airplane type or model designation should appear.
(2) Submit all AFMs, revisions, appendices, and supplements requiring FAA approval using approval procedures acceptable to the FAA. A log of currently approved pages in the AFM should be furnished by the applicant in each copy of the manual. A location should be provided on the log for the approval signature and the approval date. Alternatively, a specific approval page can be furnished for the approval signature, the approval date, and the current revision status.
(3) When revisions are incorporated, a means of indicating those parts of the information that have been changed should be provided. For example, vertical bars placed in the margin of the revised page may be used for this purpose. Each revised page should be identified in the same manner as the original, with the exception of the new date and revision notation, as applicable.
(4) Appendices and supplements should be incorporated in the AFM in a separate section appropriately identified at the end of the basic manual. Supplements should normally follow appendices. Format, page identification, organization, and other details should be the same as that of the basic manual.
(5) Appendices and supplements may be de veloped by the TC holder, STC applicant, or the operator, and should be submitted to the FAA for approval. Usually, the TC holder writes
appendices to the AFM, and an STC applicant or operator supplements the AFM. However, an STC applicant may elect to produce a completely new AFM.
(6) It may be necessary to provide a gr eater amount of descriptive and procedural information in appendices and supplements than that appearing in the basic AFM, if the appendix or supplement is the only source for this information.
(7) For airplanes manufactured in the U.S. for foreign operators, appendices and supplements containing the information required by the Foreign Civil Airworthiness Authority (FCAA) may be incorporated into an FAA-approved AFM. Approval of these appendices and supplements should be in accordance with paragraph 5b of this AC.
c. The AFM may address either a single airplane model (i.e., hardware build) or several models of the same airplane type. If information is provided for more than one model, the AFM should clearly identify which operating limitations, operating procedures, and performance information apply to each model (e.g., by model designation, serial number, etc.). If the AFM format is such that different pages apply to different airplanes, the log of pages should clearly identify the specific pages of the AFM that apply to each airplane.
d. Any required weight and balance in formation that is not included in the AFM must be incorporated by reference in the Limitations Section of the AFM per § 25.1583(c). The separate weight and balance document and revisions must be FAA-approved using appropriate approval procedures acceptable to the FAA.
e. Airplane Flight Manual Units. The AFM units should be consistent with the flight deck instrumentation, placards, and other measuring devices for a particular airplane. Multiple scales may be used on AFM charts to show different units, e.g., pounds and kilograms. However, the charts should be constructed to minimize any misunderstanding or interpolation problems by, for example, using a transfer scale so that principal values of each of the units are on major grid lines or index marks.
2. Airplane flight manual contents. The AFM should be divided into the following sections, as appropriate for the specific airplane type or model. For purposes of standardization, it is recommended that the sequence of sections and of items within sections follow this outline.
a. Introductory Section. The intent of the introductory material is to identify the revision status and control the applicability and content of the AFM. The normal content of this section is as follows:
(1) Title Page. The title page should in clude the manufacturer’s name, the airplane model designation, the commercial designation or name, if any, assigned to the airplane, and an appropriate document identification number. Provision should be made for including the approval date of the basic document and the signature, name, and title of the FAA approving official.
(2) Log of Revisions.
(3) Revision highli ghts, if appropriate.
(4) Log of Pages (including all informati on necessary to determine which pages apply to a given airplane model (i.e., hardware build)).
(5) Compatibility listing of appendices and supplements produced by the airplane manufacturer.
(6) Table of Contents (alternatively, a Table of Contents for each section may be placed at the beginning of that section).
(7) List of Abbreviations.
b. Limitations Section. The purpose of the Limitations Section is to present those operating limitations appropriate to the airplane model as established in the course of the type certification process in determining compliance with the applicable provisions of parts 25, 34, and 36. The operating limitations should be expressed in mandatory, not permissive, language.
The terminology used in the AFM must be consistent with the relevant regulatory language.
Limitations prescribed by operating rules may be incorporated as appropriate.
(1) Weight Limitations. In accord ance with §§ 25.25(a), 25.1519, and 25.1583(c), the maximum certified takeoff and landing weights must be provided. The maximum taxi/ramp weight, maximum zero fuel weight, and any other fixed limit on weight should also be included.
Any limitations on airplane loading associated with the stated weight limitations must be included in the AFM or addressed in a separate weight and balance document. Separate takeoff and landing weight limits may be listed corresponding to each applicable constraint (e.g., structural or noise requirements, customer option, etc.), if the instructions in the Limitations Section clearly state that the most restrictive of these takeoff and landing weight limitations represent the maximum certified weights.
(a) For those performance weight limits that vary with runway length, altitude, temperature, or other variables, the variation in weight limitations may be presented as graphs or charts in the Performance Section of the AFM and included as limitations by specific reference in the Limitations Section.