The Flight Crew Operating Manual (FCOM) is a key document issued by the aircraft manufacturer. It serves as a guideline for operators to create their own Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in line with necessary requirements. This manual provides essential information on how to use the aircraft’s systems, enhancing both safety and efficiency. Each FCOM is tailored for a specific aircraft model, operation type, and configuration.
The primary purpose of the FCOM is to offer crucial operating limitations, procedures, performance data, and systems information that flight crews need. This ensures they can operate the airplane safely and efficiently during all expected airline operations. Additionally, it acts as a comprehensive reference during transition training and a review guide for recurrent training and proficiency checks. The FCOM also includes important operational data from the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to meet legal standards and establishes standardized practices to improve operational philosophy.
Typically, an FCOM is organized into multiple volumes. These may include sections on operational limitations, normal and supplementary procedures, and dispatch performance data. There are also details about system information, which are usually divided into controls, indicators, and system descriptions. A Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) is often included, containing all necessary checklists for both normal and non-normal procedures, along with in-flight performance data. The Flight Crew Training Manual (FCTM) is another key category that complements the FCOM.
