At the Popular Rotorcraft Association (PRA) Board of Director's July 29 meeting during the international convention at Mentone, Indiana, the Board voted to endorse the ASTM Gyroplane Design and Performance Standard (ASTM standard F-2352). The PRA Board endorses this standard as a guideline for desired design and performance of gyroplanes.

This is not a requirement placed on any gyro or person. The intent of this endorsement is to encourage production and construction of safer gyroplanes, and to inform and educate the gyro community on desirable traits for safer gyros.

This ASTM standard would be a regulatory requirement only for those manufacturers selling gyroplanes under the new U.S. Light Sport Aircraft rules. However, gyroplane manufacturers and designers are encouraged to promote their compliance with this standard for the models they provide. Consumers, builders, re-designers and pilots are encouraged to consider the criteria in the ASTM standard as guidance for safer gyro operation.

The ASTM Gyroplane Design and Performance standard was developed in conjunction with the other ASTM standards for the new U.S. LSA rules. This gyroplane standard was developed by a dedicated ASTM subcommittee comprised of numerous gyroplane manufacturers, designers, users and regulators from around the world. Compliance with this gyroplane standard, especially on the important issues of stability and control, will provide gyroplanes with safety, stability and performance strongly comparable with the safest fixed-wing aircraft.

The FAA has accepted this standard under the new LSA rules.

The FAA and the sport gyroplane community hope that this standard will influence and continue the much improving gyroplane safety record.

FMI: prahq@medt.com, www.pra.org, www.astm.org