An Operations Manual (OM) is crucial for operational personnel. It outlines procedures, instructions, and guidance necessary for carrying out their duties effectively. According to ICAO Annex 6, this manual may include some content from the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM), but it goes beyond that to cover how flights are conducted.
The Operations Manual can be divided into separate parts, focusing on specific operational aspects. At a minimum, it should include:
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Operations Administration and Supervision
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Responsibilities of operations personnel regarding flight operations.
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Emergency and safety equipment checklist with usage instructions.
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Minimum equipment list for different aircraft types and authorized operations, including RNP (Required Navigation Performance) airspace requirements.
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Safety precautions for refueling when passengers are onboard.
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Accident Prevention and Flight Safety Program
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Details about accident prevention efforts, including safety policy and personnel responsibilities.
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Personnel Training
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Information on flight crew training programs and requirements.
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Details on cabin crew duties training programs.
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Fatigue and Flight Time Limitations
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Rules for limiting flight time and duty periods while ensuring adequate rest for flight and cabin crew.
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Flight Operations
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Flight crew details for each operation, including command succession.
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In-flight and emergency duties assigned to crew members.
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Instructions for calculating fuel and oil quantities based on operational circumstances, including potential engine failures.
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Oxygen usage conditions and determination of required oxygen amounts.
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Instructions for mass and balance control.
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Ground de-icing/anti-icing operation guidelines.
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Specifications for the operational flight plan.
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Procedures for normal, abnormal, and emergency situations, including checklists and aircraft systems information.
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Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for each flight phase.
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Instructions on normal checklist use and timing.
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Emergency evacuation and departure contingency procedures.
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Guidelines for altitude awareness and automated callouts.
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Autopilot and autothrottle instructions in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC).
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Clarification of ATC clearances, especially regarding terrain clearance.
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Departure and approach briefings, route familiarization, and stabilized approach procedures.
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Limitations on high descent rates near the surface and conditions for instrument approaches.
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Crew workload management during night and IMC operations.
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Training requirements to avoid controlled flight into terrain and policies for ground proximity warning systems (GPWS).
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Information on civil aircraft interception and solar cosmic radiation exposure.
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Aeroplane Performance
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Operating instructions related to climb performance with all engines running.
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Route Guides and Charts
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A guide ensuring the flight crew has communication, navigation, and aerodrome information necessary for safe operations.
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Minimum Flight Altitudes
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Methods for determining and stating minimum flight altitudes for routes.
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Aerodrome Operating Minima
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Methods for establishing aerodrome operating minima for intended landing or alternate aerodromes.
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Adjustments to minima in case of facility degradation.
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Search and Rescue
- Visual signal codes for survivors and pilot procedures after an accident.
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Dangerous Goods
- Guidelines for transporting dangerous goods and emergency actions.
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Navigation
- List of required navigational equipment, including RNP operations.
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Communications
- Guidelines on maintaining a radio listening watch.
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Security
- Security instructions and search procedure checklists.
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Human Factors
- Training programs aimed at enhancing human performance knowledge and skills.
EU-OPS Requirements
The structure of the Operations Manual aligns with EU-OPS 1.1045, comprising four key parts:
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Part A: General/Basic – Non-type-related policies and procedures for safe operation.
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Part B: Aeroplane Operating Matters – Type-related instructions addressing differences among aircraft types.
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Part C: Route and Aerodrome Instructions – Necessary information for specific operational areas.
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Part D: Training – Instructions for personnel training required for safety.
Subsidiary Documentation
Most operators create additional documents like a Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) or Emergency and Abnormal Checklist (EAC) for easy access by flight crew.
Amendment of the Operations Manual
The operator is responsible for updating the Operations Manual in both hard and electronic formats. This task is crucial for ensuring all copies remain current. Typically, there’s a formal process for issuing urgent changes and reissuing complete manuals at least once a year.
