An Operations Manual will mean different things to different organisations, but it will have all an impact on your operation. Your Operations Manual must suit your business. Aviation Manuals Australia we ask you to get involved in the writing of the Operations Manual to ensure that it is fit for purpose.
If you have an accident or an incident that the ATSB investigate, they will check to see if you were operating in accordance with your Operation Manual.
The ATSB will not apportion blame but may highlight deficiencies in how your operated as contributing factors.
Other people may use this as the basis for their action against you.
If you have an accident an incident and you are not operating in accordance with your Operation Manual, they may limit their liability.
It is the document that shows how you intend to comply with the current legislation.
It is used during an audit to confirm that you are doing what you say you are doing, if not you will be issued with a Safety Finding.
This is why it is so important to get your Manuals right in the first place.