Standard Practice for Structural Compliance of Very Light Aeroplanes

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The purpose of this practice is to establish simplified methods that can be used to satisfy the materials, processes, and methods of fabrication requirements of Specification F3114 and the fatigue strength evaluation requirements of Specification F3115 for very light aeroplanes as defined in 1.1.  
4.2 EASA CM-S-006 provides additional guidance regarding the relevant requirements for aeroplanes defined in 1.1.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers simplified methods for satisfying structural requirements of very light aeroplanes. The material was developed through open consensus of international experts in general aviation. This information was created by focusing on Level 1 Normal Category aeroplanes which have a single engine, a maximum take-off mass of not more than 750 kg (1654 lbm), a stalling speed in the landing configuration of not more than 83 km/h (45 knots) Calibrated Airspeed (CAS), an unpressurized fuselage, and are non-aerobatic. The content may be more broadly applicable; it is the responsibility of the applicant to substantiate broader applicability as a specific means of compliance. The topics covered within this practice are: Parts of Structure Critical to Safety, Material Strength Properties and Design Values, Design Properties, and Special Factors.  
1.2 An applicant intending to propose this information as Means of Compliance for a design approval must seek guidance from their respective oversight authority (for example, published guidance from applicable Civil Aviation Authorities (CAAs)) concerning the acceptable use and application thereof. For information on which oversight authorities have accepted this practice (in whole or in part) as an acceptable Means of Compliance to their regulatory requirements (hereinafter “the Rules”), refer to the ASTM Committee F44 web page (www.astm.org/COMMITTEE/F44.htm).  
1.3 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
31-Jul-2019
Drafting Committee
F44.30 - Structures

Relations

Effective Date
01-Jan-2020
Effective Date
01-Nov-2016
Effective Date
01-Apr-2016
Effective Date
01-Nov-2015
Effective Date
15-Sep-2015
Effective Date
01-May-2015
Effective Date
01-Mar-2015
Effective Date
01-Dec-2014
Effective Date
01-Aug-2019
Effective Date
01-Aug-2019

Overview

ASTM F3380-19: Standard Practice for Structural Compliance of Very Light Aeroplanes outlines simplified methods for meeting structural requirements of very light aircraft. Developed by ASTM International’s Committee F44 on General Aviation Aircraft, this practice focuses on Level 1 Normal Category aeroplanes-single-engine, non-aerobatic types with an unpressurized fuselage, a maximum take-off mass not over 750 kg (1654 lbm), and a stalling speed not exceeding 83 km/h (45 knots) CAS.

This standard was developed through international consensus to provide industry stakeholders with practical approaches for demonstrating compliance with essential structural requirements, including the evaluation of materials, manufacturing processes, and fatigue strength. It serves as a key reference for manufacturers, engineers, regulators, and applicants seeking design approval for very light aeroplanes, particularly those aiming to use ASTM standards as Means of Compliance to regulatory requirements.

Key Topics

  • Parts of Structure Critical to Safety

    • Requires investigation of the wing main spar, horizontal tail, and their attachment points to ensure stress levels meet the safe limits specified.
    • Stresses exceeding allowable values must be substantiated through fatigue testing or calculation, ensuring structural integrity and airworthiness.
  • Material Strength Properties and Design Values

    • Material specifications must be accepted by the relevant Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
    • Design values may need adjustment based on construction methods, material variability, environmental factors, and quality control procedures.
  • Special Factors for Composite Structures

    • Additional test factors are specified to account for material variability, moisture absorption, and temperature.
    • Guidance provided for assessing the coefficient of variation in material strength and determining appropriate safety factors.
  • Statistical Evaluation

    • Methods for establishing confidence estimates for material properties, including testing at specified service temperatures and the use of safety super factors when statistical justification is limited.

Applications

ASTM F3380-19 provides practical value across several key applications in the aviation industry:

  • Aircraft Manufacturers and Designers

    • Enables streamlined compliance assessment for very light aeroplanes, resulting in more efficient certification processes and cost savings.
    • Guidance on acceptable material strength and design practices helps reduce the need for duplicative testing.
  • Regulatory Authorities

    • Supports oversight in the certification of small aeroplanes by offering consistent, internationally recognized methodologies.
    • Acts as a documented Means of Compliance, which can be adopted in whole or in part by CAAs in various jurisdictions.
  • Engineering and Certification Consultants

    • Offers a structured approach to addressing fatigue analysis, material selection, and composite structure evaluation.
    • Enhances the reliability and safety assurance of very light aircraft designs through quantifiable and reproducible methods.
  • Educational and Training Programs

    • Source for example cases and best practices in structural compliance for emerging engineers and regulatory professionals within the field of light aviation.

Related Standards

ASTM F3380-19 aligns with several other important standards and reference documents in the field of light aircraft compliance:

  • ASTM F3114 - Specification for Structures (referenced for materials, processes, and methods of fabrication)
  • ASTM F3115 - Specification for Structural Durability for Small Aeroplanes (referenced for fatigue strength evaluation)
  • CMH-17 - Composite Materials Handbook (for composite material values and design considerations)
  • ANC-18 - Design of Wood Aircraft Structures (referenced for wood material criteria)
  • EASA CM-S-006 and EASA CS-VLA/Amendment 1 - Guidance and certification specifications from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency

For further guidance or application as a regulatory Means of Compliance, applicants are encouraged to consult relevant Civil Aviation Authorities and refer to the ASTM Committee F44 web page.


Keywords: ASTM F3380-19, structural compliance, very light aeroplanes, general aviation, composite structures, fatigue strength, materials testing, aircraft certification, ASTM standards, small aeroplane compliance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM F3380-19 is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Practice for Structural Compliance of Very Light Aeroplanes". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 The purpose of this practice is to establish simplified methods that can be used to satisfy the materials, processes, and methods of fabrication requirements of Specification F3114 and the fatigue strength evaluation requirements of Specification F3115 for very light aeroplanes as defined in 1.1. 4.2 EASA CM-S-006 provides additional guidance regarding the relevant requirements for aeroplanes defined in 1.1. SCOPE 1.1 This practice covers simplified methods for satisfying structural requirements of very light aeroplanes. The material was developed through open consensus of international experts in general aviation. This information was created by focusing on Level 1 Normal Category aeroplanes which have a single engine, a maximum take-off mass of not more than 750 kg (1654 lbm), a stalling speed in the landing configuration of not more than 83 km/h (45 knots) Calibrated Airspeed (CAS), an unpressurized fuselage, and are non-aerobatic. The content may be more broadly applicable; it is the responsibility of the applicant to substantiate broader applicability as a specific means of compliance. The topics covered within this practice are: Parts of Structure Critical to Safety, Material Strength Properties and Design Values, Design Properties, and Special Factors. 1.2 An applicant intending to propose this information as Means of Compliance for a design approval must seek guidance from their respective oversight authority (for example, published guidance from applicable Civil Aviation Authorities (CAAs)) concerning the acceptable use and application thereof. For information on which oversight authorities have accepted this practice (in whole or in part) as an acceptable Means of Compliance to their regulatory requirements (hereinafter “the Rules”), refer to the ASTM Committee F44 web page (www.astm.org/COMMITTEE/F44.htm). 1.3 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 The purpose of this practice is to establish simplified methods that can be used to satisfy the materials, processes, and methods of fabrication requirements of Specification F3114 and the fatigue strength evaluation requirements of Specification F3115 for very light aeroplanes as defined in 1.1. 4.2 EASA CM-S-006 provides additional guidance regarding the relevant requirements for aeroplanes defined in 1.1. SCOPE 1.1 This practice covers simplified methods for satisfying structural requirements of very light aeroplanes. The material was developed through open consensus of international experts in general aviation. This information was created by focusing on Level 1 Normal Category aeroplanes which have a single engine, a maximum take-off mass of not more than 750 kg (1654 lbm), a stalling speed in the landing configuration of not more than 83 km/h (45 knots) Calibrated Airspeed (CAS), an unpressurized fuselage, and are non-aerobatic. The content may be more broadly applicable; it is the responsibility of the applicant to substantiate broader applicability as a specific means of compliance. The topics covered within this practice are: Parts of Structure Critical to Safety, Material Strength Properties and Design Values, Design Properties, and Special Factors. 1.2 An applicant intending to propose this information as Means of Compliance for a design approval must seek guidance from their respective oversight authority (for example, published guidance from applicable Civil Aviation Authorities (CAAs)) concerning the acceptable use and application thereof. For information on which oversight authorities have accepted this practice (in whole or in part) as an acceptable Means of Compliance to their regulatory requirements (hereinafter “the Rules”), refer to the ASTM Committee F44 web page (www.astm.org/COMMITTEE/F44.htm). 1.3 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ASTM F3380-19 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 49.020 - Aircraft and space vehicles in general. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ASTM F3380-19 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM F3060-20, ASTM F3060-16a, ASTM F3060-16, ASTM F3114-15, ASTM F3060-15b, ASTM F3060-15a, ASTM F3060-15, ASTM F3060-14, ASTM F3264-23, ASTM F3115/F3115M-23. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ASTM F3380-19 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F3380 − 19
Standard Practice for
Structural Compliance of Very Light Aeroplanes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3380; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.1 This practice covers simplified methods for satisfying
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
structural requirements of very light aeroplanes. The material
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
wasdevelopedthroughopenconsensusofinternationalexperts
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
in general aviation. This information was created by focusing
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
on Level 1 Normal Category aeroplanes which have a single
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
engine, a maximum take-off mass of not more than 750 kg
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
(1654 lbm), a stalling speed in the landing configuration of not
more than 83 km/h (45 knots) Calibrated Airspeed (CAS), an
2. Referenced Documents
unpressurized fuselage, and are non-aerobatic. The content
2.1 ASTM Standards:
may be more broadly applicable; it is the responsibility of the
F3114 Specification for Structures
applicant to substantiate broader applicability as a specific
F3115 Specification for Structural Durability for Small Air-
means of compliance. The topics covered within this practice
planes
are: Parts of Structure Critical to Safety, Material Strength
F3060 Terminology for Aircraft
Properties and Design Values, Design Properties, and Special
2.2 Other Documents:
Factors.
ANC-18 Design of Wood Aircraft Structures
1.2 An applicant intending to propose this information as
CMH-17 Composite Materials Handbook
Means of Compliance for a design approval must seek guid-
EASACM-S-006 CertificationMemorandum-Certification,
ance from their respective oversight authority (for example,
Type Design Definition, Material and Process Qualifica-
published guidance from applicable Civil Aviation Authorities
tion for Composite Light Aircraft
(CAAs)) concerning the acceptable use and application
EASA CS-VLA/Amendment 1 Certification Specifications
thereof. For information on which oversight authorities have
for Very Light Aeroplanes
accepted this practice (in whole or in part) as an acceptable
3. Terminology
Means of Compliance to their regulatory requirements (here-
inafter “the Rules”), refer to the ASTM Committee F44 web
3.1 Definitions:
page (www.astm.org/COMMITTEE/F44.htm).
3.1.1 A and B Values—See CMH-17.
1.3 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded
3.2 See Terminology F3060 for additional definitions and
as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are
abbreviations.
provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
the ASTM website.
Issued June 1944 by the Army-Navy-Civil Committee on Aircraft Design
Criteria (USA). Available from Smithsonian Library, https://library.si.edu/digital-
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F44 on General library/book/designofwoodairc00fore.
Aviation Aircraft and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F44.30 on Available from SAE International (SAE), 400 Commonwealth Dr.,Warrendale,
Structures. PA 15096, http://www.sae.org.
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2019. Published September 2019. DOI: Available from European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Konrad-
10.1520/F3380–19. Adenauer-Ufer 3, D-50668 Cologne, Germany, https://www.easa.europa.eu.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3380 − 19
4. Significance and Use 7. Special Factors
4.1 The purpose of this practice is to establish simplified
7.1 For composite structures, a special test factor that takes
methods that can be used to satisfy the materials, processes,
into account material variability and the effects of temperature
and methods of fabrication requirements of Specification
and absorption of moisture must be used.
F3114 and the fatigue strength evaluation requirements of
7.2 For the substantiation of composite structures, unless
Specification F3115 for very light aeroplanes as defined in 1.1.
more rational means are agreed by the CAA, one of the
4.2 EASA CM-S-006 provides additional guidance regard-
following may be used:
ing the relevant requirements for aeroplanes defined in 1.1.
7.2.1 An additional factor of 1.2 for moisture conditioned
specimen tested at maximum service temperature, providing
5. Parts of Structure Critical to Safety
that a well established manufacturing and quality control
5.1 At
...

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