Airplane flight manual

This regulation requires Part 121 air carriers to maintain current, approved airplane flight manuals for each aircraft type they operate (with an exception for older nontransport category planes certificated before 1965).

The airline must carry an approved flight manual aboard each aircraft. They have two options: carry the standard airplane flight manual, or carry the manual required by § 121.133 if it includes all necessary flight manual information clearly marked as such.

If choosing the § 121.133 manual option, airlines may modify operating procedures sections and reformat performance data (except fuel efficiency compliance information) from the original flight manual, but only if:

• The FAA approves the changes
• The content is clearly identified as flight manual requirements

This flexibility allows airlines to integrate flight manual requirements into their operations manuals while ensuring crews have access to critical aircraft limitations and performance data.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*