Tue, Oct 03, 2006
If you're planning to
build your new light sport aircraft from a kit, ASTM International
has you covered. A new standard developed by ASTM International
Committee F37 on Light Sport Aircraft covers the instructions a kit
producer must provide to a consumer regarding how to assemble and
safely flight-test a recreational aircraft to ensure compliance
with applicable ASTM standards.
The new standard, F 2563, Practice for Kit Assembly Instructions
of Aircraft Intended Primarily for Recreation, is under the
jurisdiction of Subcommittee F37.70 on Cross Cutting.
According to Scott Toland, Aero Sports Connection, the standard
was developed in response to a Federal Aviation Administration
ruling for production of aircraft intended to be flown under a
newly available FAA airworthiness certificate called "experimental
light sport aircraft — kit built."
"Aircraft kits must include an assembly manual that conforms to
this standard in order to be eligible for the airworthiness
certificate," said Toland. "Aircraft kit producers will use this
standard to write their assembly instructions, which will in turn
be used by consumers."
Assembly instructions prescribe the necessary mechanical skills
and training required to successfully complete the kit. In
addition, necessary tools, fixtures, inspections, measurements and
other pertinent required items should be listed in the
instructions. Aircraft users may not be able to obtain flight
authorizations from the Civil Aviation Authority without proof of
compliance with this standard.
While the standard is now published, Toland says that
participation is always welcome on the subcommittee.
"We particularly encourage consumer feedback when the assembly
instructions get used," said Toland. "That may show us ways to make
the standard even better."
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