CASA Flight Manual Management

Certificates of Airworthiness Manual
5. Flight Manual Management

5.1 Introduction
Approved by Executive Manager, SD&FT, Version 4.0 November 2009

5.1 Introduction
5.1.1 Overview of Flight Manual Management
New legislation has been enacted to simplify the requirements and administrative
procedures related to AFMs and harmonise them with typical international practice as far
as practicable.
This chapter:
● Allows readers to determine whether an AFM is required for a particular aircraft type
● Details the division of responsibilities in relation to the provision and approval of an
AFM
● Provides procedures for the type certification process, including procedures for:
❍ Approving information to be inserted in AFMs
❍ Approving the AFM for the aircraft type
● Provides procedures for AFM management for CoA issue, particularly procedures to
be followed to satisfy the requirements for an individual aircraft.
■
5.1.2 Background to Flight Manual Management
The ICAO Annex 8 requires that each aircraft be provided with a flight manual, placards or
other documents stating the approved limitations within which the aircraft is considered
airworthy (as defined by the appropriate airworthiness requirements) and additional
instructions and information necessary for the safe operation of the aircraft.
The ICAO Annex 6 requires the flight manual to be updated by implementing changes
made mandatory by the State in which the aircraft is registered.
Notes:
CAO 20.7.4 1. Aircraft loading data approved by a Weight Control Officer, and additional operational
performance data — for example, as per CAO 20.7.4— is not required to be
contained in the AFM, but may be contained in the folder containing the AFM or in a
suitable document available to the pilot.
2. RSOL pages are no longer required.
3. Equipment lists are not required in the AFM unless they are contained in the AFM
provided by the manufacturer in accordance with the applicable airworthiness
standards of the country of manufacture.
CAR 55(4)
5-1
5.1 Introduction
4. Flight manual amendments are now not normally issued by the Authority. If an
amendment is required by the manufacturer or the TC holder, the CoR holder is
responsible for incorporating the amendment. If the Authority should require an
amendment to the AFM, this would be by an AD or a direction under regulation 55(4)
of CAR 1988 requiring the CoR holder to incorporate an amendment in the AFM.
5. If required as part of the incorporation of a modification or STC, it is the CoR holder’s
responsibility to insert a supplement in the folder containing the AFM or in a suitable
folder available to the pilot if no AFM is required.
6. Flight manual amendments and supplements associated with manufacturers’
amendments which have been approved by the relevant NAA, or modifications and
STCs that have been approved by the Authority or the relevant NAA, are approved
data for insertion in AFMs and may be inserted in the AFM without further approval. In
all other cases, CoR holders should refer to the CASA field office for advice.
7. Flight manual supplements are no longer owner-specific — for example MOGAS
supplements are now specific to the particular aircraft.
8. As there are no longer unique Australian AFM requirements, there is no requirement
for the Authority to approve a certain manufacturer’s amendments for Australian AFMs
before the amendment is issued by the manufacturer.
■
5.1.3 Requirement for an Aircraft Flight Manual
All aircraft must have the information necessary for the safe operation of the aircraft
available in the aircraft to the operating crew. However, this does not necessarily have to
be in the form of a flight manual. It may be placards, POH, operating manuals, pilot’s
notes etc.
Note: Whether an AFM is required is determined by what the manufacturer was

required to supply with the aircraft in accordance with the relevant
airworthiness standards when the aircraft was delivered. This can be
determined by reference to the manufacturer, the TC holder, or the authorised
distributor, or in many cases from the TCDS for the aircraft. The CASA AFM
Database located in the A&EG public folder – G:\Aircraft Flight Manuals
(AFMs) stores the amendment status for AFMs identified by the Authority for
aircraft registered in Australia that are required to have an AFM.
The following aircraft may not be required to have an AFM.
5-2
5.1 Introduction
● Aircraft up to a MTOW of 2722 kg (6000 lb) manufactured and flown prior to 1 March
1979
● Historic and ex-military aircraft
● Amateur-built aircraft
● Experimental aircraft
CAO 95.8
● Hang gliders operated under CAO 95.8
CAO 95.10
● Ultralight aircraft operated under CAO 95.10
CAO 95.12,
95.12.1 ● Gyroplanes operated under CAO 95.12 and CAO 95.12.1
CAO 95.32
● Weightshift aircraft and powered parachutes operated under CAO 95.32
CAO 95.55
● Ultralight aircraft operated under CAO 95.55
CASR Part Gliders, powered sailplanes and manned free balloons are required to have an AFM if
21 and required by the applicable airworthiness standards. Refer to CASR Part 21 and
CAO 101.54
CAO 101.54.
All other aircraft are required to have an AFM.
For aircraft operated under an AOC, the AFM need not be carried in the aircraft, provided
an operations manual is carried that contains the operational information that is contained
in the AFM. An Exemption is no longer required. All other aircraft for which an AFM is
required must carry the AFM.
Change of CoR holder has no effect on the validity of the AFM.
Change of registration requires the Amendment Record Sheet (A4 or A5) to be revised to
reflect the new registration mark, and a copy supplied to the CASA field office.
5-3
5.2 Division of Responsibilities
5.2.1 Certificate of Registration Holder
The CoR holder has the responsibility to ensure that all required information in the form of
flight manuals, placards or other documents, is provided in the aircraft for the operating
crew, and that the data:
● Is approved by the manufacturer and the relevant NAA, or by the Authority
● Is applicable to the particular serial number aircraft
● Contains the limitations and conditions for safe operation of the aircraft
● Includes in the folder containing the AFM any required supplements to reflect the
actual configuration of the aircraft.
The CoR holder is required to keep the AFM current. This may require subscription to the
manufacturer’s update service, if available.
The CoR holder is required to supply the Authority with a copy of the Amendment Record
Sheet (A4 or A5) at CoA issue, or a copy of the Amendment Record Sheet when any
amendments are made to the AFM or supplements are incorporated. The copy must be
supplied within 48 hours of the first flight of the aircraft after a change has been made, and
it will be placed on the particular aircraft file held at the CASA field office.
■
5.2.2 CASA Airworthiness and Engineering Branch Office
The CASA A&EB Office is responsible for:

● Identifying AFMs for the type submitted as part of the type certification process
● Approving amendments and supplements to AFMs for the type, if not already
approved
● Maintaining the Aircraft Flight Manuals Database
● Providing Technical Specialist advice on the adequacy of AFMS
● Approving AFMS for Australian aircraft that have been issued with an Australian Type
Certificate
5-4
5.2.3 CASA Field Office
The CASA Field Office is responsible for:

● Supplying to the CoR holder, upon request, with an Amendment Record Sheet (A4 or
A5) for completion and insertion in the folder containing the AFM, if an AFM is required
● If issuing a CoA, and an AFM is required, ensuring an approved AFM is available, is
applicable to the particular serial number aircraft, is current and contains the
appropriate supplements in the folder containing the AFM
● Maintaining AFM status on the file for the particular serial number aircraft held at the
CASA field office
● Conducting surveillance on AFMs.
■
5.2.4 Industry Persons Authorised to Issue Certificates of Airworthiness
CASR
Part 21 The IoA holder under CASR Part 21 is responsible for:
● At CoA issue, if an AFM is required, ensuring that an approved AFM is available and
current, is applicable to the particular serial number aircraft and contains the
appropriate supplements in the folder containing the AFM
● Advising the CASA field office of the AFM status for the Aircraft File.
■
5.2.5 Industry Persons Authorised to Approve Flight Manual Supplements
CAR 35 The IoA holder under CAR 35 is responsible for:

● Preparing flight manual supplements required as a result of a modification or approved
under CAR 35
● Approving such supplements if authorised to do so under the IoA.
5-5
5.3 Type Certification Procedures Airworthiness and Engineering
Branch
5.3 Type Certification Procedures Airworthiness and Engineering Branch
5.3.1 Flight Manual Management in the Certification Process
Determine if an AFM is required by the applicable

airworthiness standards
If an AFM required, applicant is responsible to supply

the Authority with a copy of the manufacturer's AFM for
the aircraft type and model
The applicant is responsible for arranging the supply to

the Authority with all the manufacturer’s instructions for
continued airworthiness, including AFM amendments
and supplements
Technical Library to catalogue and store the master AFM
Enter AFM status on the database
Approve amendments and supplements if not already

approved
5.3.2 Actions by Certification Section, Airworthiness and Engineering Branch
CASR The procedures for application for a TC or TAC under CASR Part 21 are described in
Part 21 ACs, including procedures for:
● The applicant when submitting a manufacturer’s AFM for the type containing the
information required by the applicable design standard, such as FAR Part 23, etc
● The TC holder when supplying the Authority with any updates or revisions or
supplements.
The Initial Airworthiness Group will process all such data.
5-6
5.3 Type Certification Procedures Airworthiness and Engineering
Branch
5.3.3 Industry Persons Authorised to Approve Flight Manual Supplements
CAR 35 Persons holding an IoA under CAR 35 may approve flight manual supplements
associated with the design of modifications they have approved under CAR 35 if
authorised to do so under the IoA. This FMAI is then available for insertion in AFMs by
the CoR holder, if applicable to the particular aircraft.
All other proposed flight manual information is to be submitted to A&EB for assessment
and approval by A&EB
Note: In accordance with the guidelines given in AC 21.15 Supplemental Type

Certificates – Certification, most modifications requiring a flight manual
supplement must be processed as an STC.
5-7
5.4 Individual Aircraft Flight Manual Process
5.4.1 Flight Manual Management for CoA Issue
Applicant to present AFM to person issuing the CoA
Confirmation that an AFM is required
Confirmation that AFM is the approved AFM, is current,

and has the appropriate supplements included in the
folder containing the AFM
IF CASA TO ISSUE CoA IF AUTHORISED PERSON TO

ISSUE THE CoA
Place copy of completed
Amendment Record Sheet on Send copy of completed
the CASA office aircraft file Amendment Record Sheet to
the CASA office to be placed on
the aircraft file
Return AFM to CoR

holder
5-8
5.4.2 Actions by Certificate of Registration Holder
Determine if an AFM is required
Obtain basic document from manufacturer
Obtain blank Amendment Record Sheet from the Authority, or similar

sheet
Assemble the AFM in a folder with all appropriate amendments and

supplements
Place completed Amendment Record Sheet in the front of the folder |

containing the AFM
Present the AFM to the person issuing the CoA
Prior to application for issue of a CoA, the CoR holder or his/her nominated representative
will have performed the following actions in accordance with CAAP 54-1, Flight Manuals
for Individual Aircraft.
1. Determined whether an AFM is required or not. (This is determined by reference to

the manufacturer, his/her agent, the TC holder, or from the TCDS for the aircraft.)
5-9
2. If an AFM is required, obtained the AFM or POH with the appropriate approved
sections, issued by the manufacturer or TC holder in accordance with the relevant
airworthiness standards applicable to the aircraft.
3. Ensured that the document is current and the folder contains any approved
amendments or supplements to reflect the actual configuration of the aircraft.
4. Obtain a copy of the Amendment Record Sheet (A4 or A5), or similar form prompting
for the same information, from the Authority, and filled it out with the appropriate
information, and inserted in the document.
5.4.3 Actions by CASA Field Offices
1. On request from the CoR holder or his/her nominated representative, supply the
following for insertion in the AFM:
❍ A blank Amendment Record Sheet (A4 or A5).
AWI
If the CoR holder elects to have the CoA issued by the Authority
The following procedure relates to the AFM submitted by the CoR holder or his/her
nominated representative. This procedure should normally be completed within two
working days.
1. Confirm whether or not an AFM is required.

This can often be determined from the TCDS, or you may seek the advice of the Team
Leader A&EB Certification Support.
The classes of aircraft that may not require an AFM are listed in 5.1.3 Requirement for
an Aircraft Flight Manual.
If an AFM is not required, ensure that the required placards or other documents are in
place. Any additional document beyond the manufacturer’s minimum requirements is
not CASA approved, and may only be used if it does not contain any information which
conflicts with the mandatory information.
2. If an AFM is required, ensure that the document contains any required amendments or
supplements.
3. Check the status of the AFM for the type by using the AFM Database in the public
folder G:\Aircraft Flight Manuals in the Public Folder.
4. When satisfied, place a copy of the Amendment Record Sheet (A4 or A5) on the file
for the particular aircraft held at the CASA field office.
5-10
5. Explain to the applicant that the CoR holder has the responsibility to ensure that the
AFM will be kept current, by subscription to the manufacturer’s update service or by
some other means.
6. Return the AFM to the applicant.
Note: The Authority no longer holds a copy of the AFM for each individual
aircraft.
If the CoR holder elects to have the CoA issued by an authorised person.
1. On receipt of the copy of the Amendment Record Sheet (A4 or A5) from the authorised
person who issued the CoA, file them on the particular aircraft file.
Amendments
CAR 55 Regulation 55 of CAR 1988 requires the CoR holder to maintain the AFM so that it
contains current FMAI applicable to the particular aircraft. The Authority has no
responsibility to approve amendments to individual AFMs.
Place any notification of amendment to an AFM received from a CoR holder on the
particular aircraft file held at the CASA field office.
■
5.4.4 Actions by Industry Persons holding an IoA to Issue Certificates of
Airworthiness
If the CoR holder has elected to have the CoA issued by such a person, industry IoA
holders should follow the following actions,.
The CoR holder or his/her nominated representative completes the actions as set out in
5.4.2 Actions by Certificate of Registration Holder.
1. The authorised person confirms whether or not an AFM is required.

The classes of aircraft that may not require an AFM are listed in 5.1.3 Requirement for
an Aircraft Flight Manual.
If an AFM is not required, the authorised person ensures that the required placards or
other documents are in place. However, if a document purporting to be an AFM is
presented, even though not required, it would not normally be assessed, but may be
used as a reference document, provided the CoR holder ensures it does not contain
any information that conflicts with the certification limitations and conditions.
The authorised person should refer to the CASA field office if advice is required.
5-11
2. The authorised person checks the amendment status of the AFM provided for the
type, by reference to the manufacturer, databases from aircraft technical publishing
houses, etc.
3. When satisfied, the authorised person returns the AFM to the applicant. He/she also
supplies the CASA field office with a copy of the Amendment Record Sheet (A4 or A5)
to be placed on the particular aircraft file at the CASA field office.
4. The CoR holder is responsible for maintaining a current AFM, by subscription to the
manufacturer’s update service or by some other means. The authorised person must
explain this to the applicant, and keep a record that the advice was provided.
5-12
5.5 Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) – CASA Approval Page
5.5.1 A4 Page
5-13
5.5.2 A5 Page
5-14

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Certificates of Airworthiness Manual

5. Flight Manual Management

5. Flight Manual Management

5.1.1 Overview of Flight Manual Management

Note: Whether an AFM is required is determined by what the manufacturer was

The following aircraft may not be required to have an AFM.

All other aircraft are required to have an AFM.

Change of CoR holder has no effect on the validity of the AFM.

5.2 Division of Responsibilities

5.2.1 Certificate of Registration Holder

The CASA A&EB Office is responsible for:

5.2.3 CASA Field Office

The CASA Field Office is responsible for:

CAR 35 The IoA holder under CAR 35 is responsible for:

5.3 Type Certification Procedures Airworthiness and Engineering Branch

5.3.1 Flight Manual Management in the Certification Process

Determine if an AFM is required by the applicable

If an AFM required, applicant is responsible to supply

The applicant is responsible for arranging the supply to

Technical Library to catalogue and store the master AFM

Enter AFM status on the database

Approve amendments and supplements if not already

5.3.2 Actions by Certification Section, Airworthiness and Engineering Branch

The Initial Airworthiness Group will process all such data.

5.3.3 Industry Persons Authorised to Approve Flight Manual Supplements

Note: In accordance with the guidelines given in AC 21.15 Supplemental Type

5.4 Individual Aircraft Flight Manual Process

5.4.1 Flight Manual Management for CoA Issue

Applicant to present AFM to person issuing the CoA

Confirmation that an AFM is required

Confirmation that AFM is the approved AFM, is current,

IF CASA TO ISSUE CoA IF AUTHORISED PERSON TO

Return AFM to CoR

5.4.2 Actions by Certificate of Registration Holder

Determine if an AFM is required

Obtain basic document from manufacturer

Obtain blank Amendment Record Sheet from the Authority, or similar

Assemble the AFM in a folder with all appropriate amendments and

Place completed Amendment Record Sheet in the front of the folder |

Present the AFM to the person issuing the CoA

1. Determined whether an AFM is required or not. (This is determined by reference to

5.4.3 Actions by CASA Field Offices

1. Confirm whether or not an AFM is required.

6. Return the AFM to the applicant.

1. The authorised person confirms whether or not an AFM is required.

5.5 Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) – CASA Approval Page

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