Airplane Flight Manual

FAR 23.2620 — Airplane Flight Manual

FAR 23.2620 requires an Airplane Flight Manual with each airplane, covering limitations, procedures, performance, and loading. Study guide for pilot students.

In Plain English

FAR 23.2620 requires the manufacturer (the applicant for certification) to provide an Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) that is delivered with each airplane. This is the document you'll rely on as pilot in command to operate the aircraft within its certified envelope.

The AFM must contain:

Operating limitations (airspeeds, weight, CG, systems limits)
Operating procedures (normal, abnormal, and emergency)
Performance information (takeoff, climb, cruise, landing data)
Loading information (weight and balance)
Any other information needed for safe operation due to the airplane's design, operating, or handling characteristics

Certain sections must be FAA-approved:

For low-speed Level 1 and 2 airplanes: the operating limitations section.
For high-speed Level 1 and 2 and all Level 3 and 4 airplanes: limitations, procedures, performance, and loading sections.

Why it matters: the AFM is the legal source for limitations and performance. Operating outside AFM limits is operating outside the airplane's certification.

Would you catch this on the written? Try 5 questions below — no signup

Regulation Text

14 CFR § 23.2620

§ 23.2620 Airplane flight manual. The applicant must provide an Airplane Flight Manual that must be delivered with each airplane. (a) The Airplane Flight Manual must contain the following information— (1) Airplane operating limitations; (2) Airplane operating procedures; (3) Performance information; (4) Loading information; and (5) Other information that is necessary for safe operation because of design, operating, or handling characteristics. (b) The following sections of the Airplane Flight Manual must be approved by the FAA in a manner specified by the Administrator— (1) For low-speed, level 1 and 2 airplanes, those portions of the Airplane Flight Manual containing the information specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section; and (2) For high-speed level 1 and 2 airplanes and all level 3 and 4 airplanes, those portions of the Airplane Flight Manual containing the information specified in paragraphs (a)(1) thru (a)(4) of this section. [Doc. No. FAA-2015-1621, Amdt. 23-64, 81 FR 96689, Dec. 30, 2016, as amended by Doc. No. FAA-2022-1355, Amdt. 23-65, 87 FR 75710, Dec. 9, 2022]

Read the reg? Now prove it

Would you catch these on the written?

Five FAA-written-style questions. Instant explanations, every answer cites its source — no account needed.

Live demo · no account needed

1/5

You are flying VFR in Class E airspace at 8,500 feet MSL during the day. What are your minimum visibility and cloud clearance requirements?

Keys A–D answer · Enter continues

PPL5 sample questions — in the app, the drill engine covers 88 PPL topics and every answer cites its source

Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1What document must be delivered with each Part 23 airplane, and what must it contain?

Per FAR 23.2620, the manufacturer must deliver an Airplane Flight Manual containing operating limitations, operating procedures, performance information, loading information, and any other information needed for safe operation.

Q2Which sections of the Airplane Flight Manual must be FAA-approved for a high-speed Level 2 airplane?

Under FAR 23.2620(b)(2), for high-speed Level 1 and 2 airplanes (and all Level 3 and 4 airplanes), the limitations, operating procedures, performance, and loading sections must be FAA-approved.

Q3For a low-speed Level 1 airplane, which portion of the AFM specifically requires FAA approval?

FAR 23.2620(b)(1) requires that, for low-speed Level 1 and 2 airplanes, only the airplane operating limitations section of the AFM must be FAA-approved.

Practice this with our AI examiner

Examiner Reed adapts to your responses and probes deeper on weak spots — full ACS coverage, not a script.

Studying for a checkride?

§23.2270 Emergency Conditions

Occupant protection and survivable emergency-landing conditions

§23.2310 Seaplane & Amphibian Buoyancy

80% excess buoyancy and flotation after likely hull or float flooding

§23.2335 Lightning Protection

Airplane protection from catastrophic lightning effects

§23.2500 Airplane-Level Systems

System safety requirements at the complete-airplane level

§23.2145 Stability