FAA "Flight Manual" / "POH" (Pilots Operating Handbook) - History/Definitions/Remarks:

FAA / CAA - History --
From: http://www.archives.gov/research/guide-fed-records/groups/237.html#237.3
Civil Aeronautics Authority established as an independent agency by the Civil Aeronautics Act (52 Stat. 973), June 23, 1938, to promote and regulate civil aeronautics, as well as to ensure its safety. Assumed functions transferred from Bureau of Air Commerce (See 237.2), August 22, 1938, and from Bureau of Air Mail. Abolished, and superseded in Department of Commerce by the Civil Aeronautics Board (See RG 197) and the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA), pursuant to Reorganization Plans Nos. III and IV of 1940, both effective June 30, 1940. CAA abolished by act of August 23, 1958 (72 Stat. 810), with functions transferred to the Federal Aviation Agency. See 237.1.

Ref: https://www.faa.gov/about/history/brief_history/
In 1967, a new U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) combined major federal responsibilities for air and surface transport. FAA's name changed to the Federal Aviation Administration as it became one of several agencies within DOT. At the same time, a new National Transportation Safety Board took over the CAB's role of investigating aviation accidents.
Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) --
From: https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals...
The aircraft speed, fuel capacity, and weight & balance information come from an FAA Approved Flight Manual. The standardized POHs for airplanes built after March 1, 1979 are also FAA Approved Flight Manuals. They provide general information, aircraft limitations, normal procedures, emergency and abnormal procedures, aircraft performance charts and information, and weight and balance information. The POH also contains information on aircraft systems, handling, service, and maintenance plus supplements and safety and operational tips.
Required Documentation for flight --