Where are the official aircraft limitations for the A320 documented and how do crews use them?

• A. Documented in the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) and placards; used to ensure performance and safety limits are not exceeded.
• B. Only in the cabin crew manual and rarely used in flight.
• C. In the training syllabus and not applicable to actual operations.
• D. In the maintenance log only and not used by flight crews.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that official limitations for the A320 are the ones published in the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) and on cockpit placards. The AFM is the definitive source, issued by the manufacturer and approved by aviation authorities, and it lays out the permitted operating envelope—max and min limits for airspeed and Mach, engine limits, weight and balance, environmental conditions, takeoff and landing data, and the proper procedures to stay within those boundaries. In-cockpit placards provide quick-reference values that pilots must see during operation, such as V speeds, maximum and minimum configurations, and other critical limits.

Crews use these together throughout the flight. Before takeoff, they consult the AFM to determine permitted takeoff data, weight limits, and performance calculations. During taxi, takeoff, climb, cruise, approach, and landing, they monitor actual conditions against these limits and follow the procedures designed to keep the aircraft within the approved envelope. If a situation would push the aircraft toward or beyond a limit, they apply the corresponding AFM procedures, or in some cases reject takeoff or divert, as required.

Other documents—like the cabin crew manual, training materials, or the maintenance log—do not contain the live, official operating limits used for flight operations.