Fri, May 16, 2003
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."
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