Figure 9-5. Placards are used to depict aircraft limitations.
Flight Limits
Flight Limits list authorized maneuvers with appropriate
entry speeds, flight load factor limits, and types of operation
limits. It also indicates those maneuvers that are prohibited,
such as spins or acrobatic flight, as well as operational
limitations such as flight into known icing conditions.
Placards
Most aircraft display one or more placards that contain
information having a direct bearing on the safe operation of
the aircraft. These placards are located in conspicuous places
and are reproduced in the Limitations section or as directed by
an Airworthiness Directive (AD). [Figure 9-5] Airworthiness
Directives are explained in detail later in this chapter.
Emergency Procedures (Section 3)
Checklists describing the recommended procedures and
airspeeds for coping with various types of emergencies or
critical situations are located in the Emergency Procedures
section. Some of the emergencies covered include:
engine failure, fire, and system failure. The procedures
for inflight engine restarting and ditching may also be
included. Manufacturers may first show an emergency
checklist in an abbreviated form with the order of items
reflecting the sequence of action. Amplified checklists that
provide additional information on the procedures follow
the abbreviated checklist. To be prepared for emergency
situations, memorize the immediate action items and, after
completion, refer to the appropriate checklist.
Manufacturers may include an optional subsection
entitled Abnormal Procedures. This subsection describes
recommended procedures for handling malfunctions that are
not considered emergencies.
Normal Procedures (Section 4)
This section begins with a list of the airspeeds for normal
operations. The next area consists of several checklists that
may include preflight inspection, before starting procedures,
starting engine, before taxiing, taxiing, before takeoff, climb,
cruise, descent, before landing, balked landing, after landing,
and post flight procedures. An Amplified Procedures area
follows the checklists to provide more detailed information
about the various previously mentioned procedures.
To avoid missing important steps, always use the appropriate
checklists when available. Consistent adherence to approved
checklists is a sign of a disciplined and competent pilot.
Performance (Section 5)
The Performance section contains all the information required
by the aircraft certification regulations and any additional
performance information the manufacturer deems important
to pilot ability to safely operate the aircraft. Performance
charts, tables, and graphs vary in style, but all contain the
same basic information. Examples of the performance
information found in most flight manuals include a graph or
table for converting calibrated airspeed to true airspeed; stall
speeds in various configurations; and data for determining
takeoff and climb performance, cruise performance, and
landing performance. Figure 9-6 is an example of a typical
performance graph. For more information on use of the
charts, graphs, and tables, refer to Chapter 10, Aircraft
Performance.
Weight and Balance/Equipment List (Section 6)
The Weight and Balance/Equipment List section contains
all the information required by the FAA to calculate the
weight and balance of an aircraft. Manufacturers include
sample weight and balance problems. Weight and balance is
discussed in greater detail in Chapter 10, Weight and Balance.
Systems Description (Section 7)
This section describes the aircraft systems in a manner
appropriate to the pilot most likely to operate the aircraft.
For example, a manufacturer might assume an experienced
pilot will be reading the information for an advanced aircraft.
For more information on aircraft systems, refer to Chapter
7, Aircraft Systems.
60
50
40
70
30
2,400 2,200 2,000 1,800 1,600 0° 20° 40° 60°
Stall speed (knots)
Gross weight (pounds) Angle of bank (degrees)
0° Flaps
0° Flaps
40° Flaps
Maximum weight - 2,440 (pounds)
Calibrated stall speed
Indicated stall speed
EXAMPLE
Gross weight: 2,170 pounds
Angle of bank: 20°
Flap position: 40°
Stall speed, indicated: 44 knots
40° Flaps
Figure 9-6. Stall speed chart.
Figure 9-7. Supplements provide information on optional equipment.
Handling, Service, and Maintenance (Section 8)
The Handling, Service, and Maintenance section describes
the maintenance and inspections recommended by the
manufacturer (and the regulations). Additional maintenance
or inspections may be required by the issuance of ADs
applicable to the airframe, engine, propeller, or components.
This section also describes preventive maintenance that
may be accomplished by certificated pilots, as well as the
manufacturer’s recommended ground handling procedures. It
includes considerations for hangaring, tie-down, and general
storage procedures for the aircraft.
Supplements (Section 9)
The Supplements section contains information necessary
to safely and efficiently operate the aircraft when equipped
with optional systems and equipment (not provided with the
standard aircraft). Some of this information may be supplied
by the aircraft manufacturer or by the manufacturer of the
optional equipment. The appropriate information is inserted
into the flight manual at the time the equipment is installed.
Autopilots, navigation systems, and air-conditioning
systems are examples of equipment described in this section.
[Figure 9-7]
Figure 9-8. AC Form 8050-3, Certificate of Aircraft Registration.
Safety Tips (Section 10)
The Safety Tips section is an optional section containing a
review of information that enhances the safe operation of the
aircraft. For example, physiological factors, general weather
information, fuel conservation procedures, high altitude
operations, or cold weather operations might be discussed.
Aircraft Documents
Certificate of Aircraft Registration
Before an aircraft can be flown legally, it must be registered
with the FAA Aircraft Registry. The Certificate of Aircraft
Registration, which is issued to the owner as evidence of
the registration, must be carried in the aircraft at all times.
[Figure 9-8]
The Certificate of Aircraft Registration cannot be used for
operations when:
• The aircraft is registered under the laws of a foreign
country
• The aircraft’s registration is canceled upon written
request of the certificate holder
• The aircraft is totally destroyed or scrapped
• The ownership of the aircraft is transferred
• The certificate holder loses United States citizenship
For additional information, see 14 CFR part 47, section 47.41.
When one of the events listed in 14 CFR part 47, section
47.41 occurs, the previous owner must notify the FAA by
filling in the back of the Certificate of Aircraft Registration,
and mailing it to:
FAA Aircraft Registration Branch, AFS-750
P.O. Box 25504
Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0504
A dealer’s aircraft registration certificate is another form of
registration certificate, but is valid only for required flight
tests by the manufacturer or in flights that are necessary for