US LSA Rules for Kit Assembly Instructions

ASTM Light Sport Aircraft Standard on Kit Assembly Instructions Now Available

Tue, 03 Oct '06

[/url]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."