Where may an aircraft's operating limitations be found?

• A. In the current, FAA-approved flight manual, approved manual material, markings and placards, or any combination thereof
• B. In the aircraft's insurance policy only
• C. In the pilot's personal logbook
• D. In the air traffic control tower's filing cabinet

Answer: (A)

Operating limitations come from official, approved sources and must be known from the documents that accompany the aircraft. The current, FAA-approved flight manual, any approved manual material, and the markings or placards on the airplane (or a combination of these) define the exact limits under which the aircraft may safely be operated. These limits cover what the aircraft can and cannot do, such as maximum and minimum speeds, weight and balance, structural limits, and system or procedural restrictions, and they’re kept up to date by the manufacturer and the FAA. The flight manual provides the comprehensive details, while placards give quick, at-a-glance reminders during preflight and flight. Other sources like an insurance policy, a pilot’s personal logbook, or an air traffic control filing cabinet do not contain or authorize those operating limits, so they aren’t used to determine legal operating restrictions. Always refer to the most current combination of manual material and placards to ensure compliance.