Standardization News

A new ASTM standard addresses airworthiness requirements for design loads and conditions of small aircraft. The goals of the standard (soon to be published as F3116/F3116M, Specification for Design Loads and Conditions) will help increase safety, lower certification costs and support innovation.

"The standard will help design safe, structurally sound fixed-wing aircraft," says ASTM member and task group chairman Richard Manwell, a senior engineering specialist in aerosciences at Textron Aviation. A wide range of aircraft - from lightweight propeller-driven to light business jets - will be covered by the standard, which will serve as a globally acceptable means of compliance for the loads aspects of design and certification.

The standard will benefit many companies or organizations related to business aviation, flying clubs, flight training, agricultural aviation and more.

"People who design and certify airplanes will benefit greatly from this standard, particularly those who calculate design loads for which aircraft structural integrity is designed," says Manwell. This includes large manufacturers who produce numerous aircraft along a diverse product line as well as small companies that produce limited numbers of aircraft.

Manwell also notes that the standard will allow faster implementation of technological advances into the regulatory environment. Regulatory bodies will also be able to accept the standard as a recognized and approved means of compliance to the safety intent of their regulations.

F3116 was developed by Subcommittee F44.30 on Structures. All interested parties are invited to participate in the development of F44.30 standards. The subcommittee particularly invites manufacturers of general aviation and very light aircraft to get involved.

To purchase standards, visit www.astm.org and search by the standard designation, or contact ASTM Sales (tel +1.877.909.ASTM; sales@astm.org). ASTM welcomes participation in the development of its standards.

CONTACT Technical Information: Richard Manwell, Textron Aviation-Aerosciences • Wichita, Kan. • tel +1.316.517.0068 | ASTM Staff: Christine DeJong • tel +1.610.832.9736 | Upcoming Meeting: Oct. 28-30 • October Committee Week • Tampa, Fla.