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FAA and EASA aircraft operations manuals
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FAA and EASA aircraft operations manuals
The standardized templates for FAA and EASA aircraft operations manuals are strictly structured around distinct regulatory frameworks: the FAA utilizes the GOM (General Operations Manual) framework mapped to 14 CFR parts, while EASA enforces a standardized four-part OM (Operations Manual) A, B, C, D structure under ORO.MLR.100. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Because "aircraft manuals" can refer to either the manufacturer's technical documents or an operator's flight procedures, the industry breaks templates down into these two main categories. [1, 2]
1. Commercial Flight Operations Manuals (The Primary Templates)
If you are setting up an air carrier, corporate flight department, or commercial operation, your manual must follow these regulatory templates:
EASA Operations Manual (OM) Template [1]
Per EASA Air Operations requirements (ORO.MLR.100), a commercial manual template must be split into four distinct sections: [1]
- Part A: General – Covers non-type-specific rules, organizational structure, safety management systems (SMS), and crew composition.
- Part B: Aircraft Operating Matters – Contains type-specific information, including checklists, limitations, and normal/abnormal procedures.
- Part C: Route, Role, and Aerodrome – Outlines route instructions, aerodrome dimensions, maps, and specific regional requirements.
- Part D: Training – Includes flight crew, cabin crew, and operations personnel training syllabi and requirements. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
The FAA Regulations do not dictate an absolute alphanumeric ABCD split like EASA, but require a comprehensive General Operations Manual built around: [1]
- Administration & Management – Management duties, operational control, and hazardous materials programs.
- Flight Operations Procedures – Preflight planning, adverse weather operations, and fuel requirements.
- Crew Member Member Qualifications – Rest and duty rules, training curriculums, and checkride criteria. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
2. Technical & Manufacturer Aircraft Manuals
If you are looking for templates related to the structural, mechanical, or physical operation of the aircraft itself, the templates adhere to ATA iSpec 2200 or S1000D international specifications: [1, 2]
| Manual Type [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] | Core Template Requirements | Controlling Authority |
|---|---|---|
| AFM (Airplane Flight Manual) | Certified performance boundaries, operating limitations, and basic weight and balance. | Jointly certified via FAA-EASA TIP. |
| FCOM (Flight Crew Operating Manual) | Comprehensive system descriptions and step-by-step pilot operating procedures. | Manufacturer (Boeing, Airbus, etc.) |
| AMM (Aircraft Maintenance Manual) | Step-by-step instructions for servicing, repairing, and troubleshooting physical systems. | Regulated under FAA Part 145 / EASA Part 145. |
3. Where to Find Official Templates
- Official EASA Guides: EASA regularly publishes pre-built Flight Test Operations Manual Guides and generic Alternative Design Organisation Approval (ADOA) Templates. [1, 2, 3]
- Commercial Authoring Suites: Because manual formatting changes constantly with regulatory updates, most operators do not use static Word files. They utilize regulatory compliance template storefronts like Web Manuals Store or Sofema Aviation Services which update the underlying text automatically when EASA or the FAA issues new mandates. [1, 2, 3]
- SMS Frameworks: For the required Safety Management System (SMS) portions of your manual, you can find editable framework baselines directly through the FAA Advisory Circular 120-92B toolki