EAA Praises Process, Society

The Experimental Aircraft Association is commending aviation industry representatives regarding progress made in light-sport aircraft manufacturing standards, as several important milestones were reached during a session hosted by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International in Kansas City (MO).

A major section of the manufacturing standards for airplanes, titled "Standard Practice for Quality Assurance in the Manufacture of Light Sport Airplanes" was completed during the session. These important provisions ensure that each new light-sport airplane will be constructed within established quality assurance standards. Manufacturers will be able to use the document to set up their own quality-control systems.

"Light-sport aircraft standards are a whole new way of establishing safe, consistent manufacturing standards for this category," said Earl Lawrence (pictured), EAA Vice President of Industry and Regulatory Affairs, who serves as Chairman of the ASTM Committee developing the light sport aircraft standards. "EAA supports this process because it is uniquely efficient. It brings together the aviation industry and the Federal Aviation Administration to create standards that maintain safety while being practical for manufacturers. Approval of these consensus quality standards is a huge step forward."

Among other items that progressed during the meeting in Kansas City were design, performance and engine standards for light-sport aircraft. These standards are expected to be completed sometime in July, following approval by industry and government officials involved in the process. (Powered parachute standards were already approved earlier this year.)

Much of the ASTM standards effort is expected to be completed when the final Sport Pilot/Light-Sport Aircraft rule is issued by FAA, an announcement that is expected later this summer, possibly at Oshkosh. After the final light-sport aircraft rules are published, the consensus standards can be adjusted to meet the requirements in the rules.

"A benefit of using the ASTM process is that any refinements can be accomplished quickly," Lawrence said. "EAA favors this process because it invites input at every level to make sure that the aircraft manufacturing and maintenance standards are of the highest quality. Creating safe, fun aircraft in which people can have confidence is the goal of this enormous industry and FAA effort."

FMI: www.eaa.org