Standardization News

A new standard developed by ASTM International’s general aviation aircraft committee (F44) will provide general instructions for damage tolerance evaluation of structures for normal category aeroplanes. The new standard can be used as one means of compliance to the requirements of damage tolerance evaluation of structures of normal category aeroplanes.
 
According to ASTM member AKM Mahfuzul Haque, information in the new standard, soon to be published as F3720, can be used in conjunction with the small aeroplane structural durability standard (F3115) previously approved by F44.
 
“Those wishing to show that their aeroplane design meets the FAA regulations can use this consensus-based standard to show that their design has damage tolerance capability,” says Haque, senior specialist engineer, Textron Aviation.
 
Haque notes that FAA instructions on damage tolerance exist for large transport aeroplanes, while the new standard is tailored for small, general aviation aircraft.
 
“The new standard provides instructions for demonstrating freedom from widespread fatigue damage, defining an operational life, setting structural inspection intervals, and showing residual strength capability, or ability to carry required loads in the presence of large damage,” says Haque.
 
ASTM welcomes participation in the development of its standards. Become a member at www.astm.org/JOIN.
 
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