ASTM F3174_F3174M-21 - Standard Specification for Establishing Operating Limitations and Information for Aeroplanes

1.1 This specification covers airworthiness requirements for establishing general limitations and information to be contained in the aeroplane flight manual. This specification specifies what information shall be provided and does not state how such information shall be presented unless this is necessary for the clarity of the purpose of the specification. Refer to Specification F3117/F3117M for means and methods of presentation. The material was developed through open consensus of international experts in general aviation. This information was created by focusing on Level 1, 2, 3, and 4 Normal Category aeroplanes. 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 specification are: Limitations for Airspeed, Weight and Center of Gravity, Auxiliary Power Units, Minimum Flight Crew, Maximum Passenger Seating Configuration, Kinds of Operation, and Maximum Operating Altitude.

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 CAAs) concerning the acceptable use and application thereof. For information on which oversight authorities have accepted this specification (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). Annex A1 maps the Means of Compliance described in this specification to EASA CS-23, amendment 5, or later, and FAA 14 CFR Part 23, amendment 64, or later.

1.3 Units—This specification may present information in either SI units, English Engineering units, or both; the values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents. Each system shall be used independently of the other; combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the 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.