Standardization News

A series of proposed new ASTM International standards will help instrument manufacturers create modern and safe flight instruments designed for light sport aircraft and other similarly equipped and sized aircraft. The proposed standards are being developed by Subcommittee F39.03 on Design of Avionics Systems, part of ASTM International Committee F39 on Aircraft Systems.

"The creation of airspeed, altitude and fuel quantity indication standards will allow manufacturers of this equipment to show compliance to a recognized standard without significantly impacting the cost of the product," says Andrew Barker, president/CEO, TruTrak Flight Systems, and chair, F39.03.

The following proposed standards are being developed:

Barker notes that the products covered by the proposed standards are solely used in small aircraft. The initial plan is for the light sport market to adopt the standards, once approved, with usage gradually expanding to include the entry-level end of certified aircraft.

"Eventually, the hope is that many of the old existing general aviation aircraft may benefit from the new technology and lower the cost of instruments designed to meet these new standards," says Barker.

Primary users of the proposed standards will include aircraft instrument manufacturers and regulatory bodies. Aircraft manufacturers may also require instruments to meet the standard for use in their aircraft.

All interested parties are invited to join in the standards developing activities of F39.03.

CONTACT Technical Information: Andrew Barker, TruTrak Flight Systems • Springdale, Ark.• Phone: 479-751-0250 | O ASTM Staff: Christine DeJong • Phone: 610-832-9736