POH

The General section provides the basic descriptive information on the airframe and powerplant(s). Some manuals include a three-dimensional drawing of the aircraft that provides dimensions of various components. Included are such items as wingspan, maximum height, overall length, wheelbase length, main landing gear track width, diameter of the rotor system, maximum propeller diameter, propeller ground clearance, minimum turning radius, and wing area.
This section serves as a quick reference and helps a pilot become familiar with the aircraft.
The last segment of the General section contains definitions, abbreviations, explanations of symbology, and some of the terminology used in the POH. At the discretion of the manufacturer, metric and other conversion tables may also be included.

(From FAA Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge Chapter 9: Flight Manuals and Other Documents)

The Limitations section contains only those limitations required by regulation or that are necessary for the safe operation of the aircraft, powerplant, systems, and equipment. It includes operating limitations, instrument markings, color-coding, and basic placards. Some of the limitation areas are airspeed, powerplant, weight and loading distribution, and flight.

(From FAA Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge Chapter 9: Flight Manuals and Other Documents)

Checklists describing the recommended procedures and airspeeds for coping with various types of emergencies or critical situations. 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.

(From FAA Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge Chapter 9: Flight Manuals and Other Documents)

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.

(From FAA Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge Chapter 9: Flight Manuals and Other Documents)

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.

For more information on use of the charts, graphs, and tables, refer to FAA PHAK Chapter 10, Aircraft Performance.

(From FAA Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge Chapter 9: Flight Manuals and Other Documents)

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 FAA PHAK Chapter 10, Weight and Balance.

(From FAA Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge Chapter 9: Flight Manuals and Other Documents)

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 FAA PHAK Chapter 7, Aircraft Systems.

(From FAA Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge Chapter 9: Flight Manuals and Other Documents)

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.

(From FAA Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge Chapter 9: Flight Manuals and Other Documents)

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.

(From FAA Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge Chapter 9: Flight Manuals and Other Documents)

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.

(From FAA Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge Chapter 9: Flight Manuals and Other Documents)