POH vs AFM

• POH, Pilot’s Operating Handbook, is the generic manual for a model of aircraft.
• AFM, Airplane Flight Manual, is specific to one aircraft, with serial number and signature of FAA inspector.

The old planes only have a generic POH; planes after 1979 must have an FAA-approved AFM. "AFM" is the regulation; "POH" does not appear in FAR.

Now in many cases, POH and AFM are used interchangeably.

The typical AFM/POH contains the following sections:

• General;
• Limitations;
• Emergency Procedures;
• Normal Procedures;
• Performance;
• Weight and Balance/Equipment List;
• Systems Description;
• Handling, Service, and Maintenance; and Supplements。