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AFM versus POH applicability

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 1 of 37 on Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications. ACS element AM.I.I.K19 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONAccording to FAA-H-8083-30B, how do the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) and the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) generally differ in the aircraft they apply to?

  1. AThe AFM is serial number specific; the POH is model specific
  2. BThe AFM is model specific; the POH is serial number specific
  3. CBoth are serial number specific, but only the POH is listed in the TCDS
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. The AFM is serial number specific; the POH is model specific

  • A — correct The handbook notes that the AFM is generally serial number specific, whereas the POH is model specific.
  • B — incorrect This reverses the handbook's statement; it is the AFM that is tied to a specific serial number.
  • C — incorrect The POH is model specific, and the handbook says these operating manuals are usually listed in the TCDS without singling out the POH.

BACKGROUND

Manufacturers provide required information in several kinds of manuals. FAA-H-8083-30B chapter 2 describes the operating instructions, the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) or the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH), which give the pilot the information needed to operate the aircraft properly. These manuals are usually listed in the aircraft's type certificate data sheet (TCDS) and are therefore a required item for the aircraft to be considered airworthy. The handbook notes that the AFM is generally serial number specific, whereas the POH is model specific, and that after 1978 the POHs generally took on both roles. Maintenance manuals, by contrast, are the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), focused on the whole aircraft, and the Component Maintenance Manual (CMM), focused on a specific component.

STUDY TIP

Associate "AFM" with a specific airframe serial number and "POH" with a model line; both are normally required by the TCDS.

KEY POINTS

  • The AFM and POH are the operating instructions for the pilot.
  • The AFM is generally serial number specific; the POH is model specific.
  • Operating manuals listed in the TCDS are required for airworthiness.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch02 "Operating Instructions--The Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) or the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH)"
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SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-30B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – General, 14 CFR part 43 and part 65. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.