Small Aircraft Structure Evaluation
A proposed ASTM International standard would address requirements to evaluate small aircraft components as low stress structures. ASTM’s general aviation aircraft committee (F44) is developing the proposed standard.
The proposed standard (WK61232) would address requirements for users to designate aircraft components as low stress structures, allowing the user to forgo certain structural durability assessments that are required as part of the ASTM standard specification that covers structural durability for small aeroplanes (F3115M).
“In particular, a user would not be required to perform a cyclic test of the component that is designated as low stress, saving cost and schedule during a new product development and certification effort,” says ASTM International member Terry Ercolani.
According to Ercolani, engineer—senior specialist with Textron Aviation, the standard would be most useful to small airplane manufacturers, along with aircraft design regulatory agencies that manufacturers work with to achieve certification.
Ercolani notes that the committee is always interested in new participants, especially those with aircraft structural durability expertise in both metallic and composite construction
