ASTM International Committee on Light Sport Aircraft To Meet in Germany

WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, PA — ASTM International Committee F37 on Light Sport Aircraft will meet from March 30 to April 1, 2009, at the Messe Friedrichshafen Exhibition Grounds in Friedrichshafen, Germany, in conjunction with AERO Friedrichshafen 2009.

The three days of F37 technical meetings will include discussions on changes to key LSA standards and proposals for new documents. It will also include several other activities, including a workshop on "Overview and Application of ASTM International Standards for Light Sport Aircraft;" an industry panel discussion on "The Impact of Global Standardization for Light Sport Aircraft;" and CAA presentations. F37 subcommittees on glider, airplane, powered parachute, weight shift, lighter than air, and cross cutting issues will also hold meetings. The meetings will wrap up with a workshop titled "International Regulatory Summit on Light Sport Aircraft." This forum, intended only for aviation authorities, invites regulators into private trainings and closed-door discussions with key F37 members and U.S. FAA standards coordinators.

Recognized and used as the basis for regulation or certifications around the world, the standards developed by ASTM Committee F37 govern the safe design, manufacture, and flight of light sport aircraft. Light sport aviation regulations reference ASTM International standards as acceptable methods of test, material specifications, and/or operational guidance required for regulatory compliance. F37 meetings are the premier venue for airing technical discussions in the recreational aircraft industry.

Since the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration enacted regulations for light sport aircraft (LSA) in 2004, more than 87 aircraft models manufactured on five continents have been certificated in the U.S. Several more countries have created similar regulations using international industry consensus standards as a certification basis. The International Regulatory Summit on Light Sport Aircraft is an opportunity for aviation regulators to learn of the latest developments affecting this fast-growing segment where regulatory innovation is creating a new model for aviation development, management and safety.

More information on ASTM Committee F37 is available at www.astm.org/COMMIT/F37.htm.