ASTM F2242-05(2018)

Standard Specification for Production Acceptance Testing System for Powered Parachute Aircraft

ABSTRACT
This specification covers the minimum requirements for production acceptance testing of a powered parachute aircraft. The test includes ground and flight testing. In ground testing, the aircraft shall undergo inspection verification and engine break-in. In flight testing, on the other hand, the aircraft shall be inspected for performance while on a specified flight time, including takeoff and landing, and shall undergo instrument verification. In addition, this specification also provides for post flight acceptance testing, which shall include a review of all flight critical attachments and structures.
SCOPE
1.1 The following requirements apply for the manufacture powered parachute aircraft. This specification includes the production acceptance test requirements for powered parachute aircraft.  
1.2 This specification applies to powered parachute aircraft seeking civil aviation authority approval, in the form of flight certificates, flight permits, or other like documentation.  
1.3 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 requirements prior to use.  
1.4 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-Oct-2018
• ICS: 49.020 - Aircraft and space vehicles in general
• Technical Committee: F37 - Light Sport Aircraft
• Drafting Committee: F37.30 - Power Parachute

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F2242-05(2013) - Standard Specification for Production Acceptance Testing System for Powered Parachute Aircraft
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018
• Referred By: ASTM F2426-13(2018)e1 - Standard Guide on Wing Interface Documentation for Powered Parachute Aircraft
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018
• Referred By: ASTM F3060-20 - Standard Terminology for Aircraft
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018
• Referred By: ASTM F2244-14(2022) - Standard Specification for Design and Performance Requirements for Powered Parachute Aircraft
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018
• Referred By: ASTM F2563-16 - Standard Practice for Kit Assembly Instructions of Aircraft Intended Primarily for Recreation
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018

Overview

ASTM F2242-05(2018), titled Standard Specification for Production Acceptance Testing System for Powered Parachute Aircraft, is an internationally recognized standard published by ASTM International. This document defines the minimum requirements for production acceptance testing of powered parachute aircraft, encompassing both ground and flight phases. Compliance with this standard is essential for manufacturers seeking civil aviation authority approvals, including flight certificates, permits, and other regulatory documentation for powered parachute aircraft.

The specification supports the quality assurance process and helps ensure each aircraft produced meets defined performance and safety benchmarks, covering essential inspections, testing protocols, and documentation procedures.

Key Topics

• Scope and Purpose

  • Establishes baseline requirements for production acceptance testing specific to powered parachute aircraft.
  • Applies to aircraft under consideration for civil aviation authority approval.
  • Emphasizes the necessity for adherence to safety, health, and environmental practices.

• Production Acceptance Testing

  • Ground Testing:
    • Requires a documented procedure for comprehensive inspection verification before flight.
    • Mandates an engine break-in process with verification that all engine readings are within accepted operational ranges.
  • Flight Testing:
    • Sets out a minimum test flight time (e.g., 15 minutes), including takeoff, landing, and control verification for various flight maneuvers.
    • Stipulates instrument verification during flight, ensuring all instruments (such as engine gauges and compass) operate within normal parameters.
  • Post-Flight Acceptance:
    • Requires post-flight reviews of all flight-critical attachments and structures, with written documentation and sign-off by reviewing personnel.

• Documentation and Failures

  • Enforces strict record-keeping protocols, correlating test outcomes with individual aircraft.
  • Specifies the need for a process to review and address any failures during acceptance testing, including clear release criteria for any retested aircraft components.

Applications

ASTM F2242-05(2018) is primarily applicable to:

• Manufacturers of Powered Parachute Aircraft

  • Enables manufacturers to establish a robust production acceptance testing system that aligns with industry best practices and regulatory expectations.
  • Provides guidance necessary for consistent and traceable inspection, engine break-in, and flight testing.

• Civil Aviation Authorities

  • Assists regulators in verifying that aircraft submitted for approval or certification have successfully undergone standardized acceptance tests, reducing safety risks.

• Quality Assurance and Safety Teams

  • Serves as a reference for developing internal procedures for inspection, testing, documentation, and review of powered parachute aircraft.
  • Helps establish post-production accountability and traceability for each unit delivered.

Related Standards

Organizations and professionals engaged with powered parachute and light sport aircraft may also reference:

• ASTM F37 Committee Standards: Covering light sport aircraft and related topics.
• Special Airworthiness Certification Standards: For broader categories of light sport aircraft.
• Other ASTM Aircraft Testing Specifications: Including standards focused on inspection, maintenance, and operational verification.
• World Trade Organization (WTO) Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Principles: Ensuring international alignment in standardization practices.

ASTM F2242-05(2018) delivers a framework that supports safety, performance consistency, and regulatory compliance in the production of powered parachute aircraft, reflecting both industry needs and international best practices. This standard is widely referenced to ensure high reliability and operational safety of light sport aviation equipment.

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:F2242 −05 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Specification for
Production Acceptance Testing System for Powered
Parachute Aircraft
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2242; 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 flight test program for verifying the initial (first run) production
aircraft meets certain operational performance requirements
1.1 The following requirements apply for the manufacture
that have been set forth by the manufacturer in its Aircraft
powered parachute aircraft. This specification includes the
Operating Instructions.
production acceptance test requirements for powered parachute
aircraft. 3.2 In addition, this specification provides minimum re-
quirements to verify that each subsequent production airplane
1.2 This specification applies to powered parachute aircraft
has no obvious defects that would prevent the safe operation of
seeking civil aviation authority approval, in the form of flight
the airplane.
certificates, flight permits, or other like documentation.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4. Production Acceptance Testing, Ground Testing
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.1 Inspection Verification—There shall be a written proce-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
dure in effect to verify all top-level inspections have been
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
completed and no discrepancies remain open.
mine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
4.2 Engine Break-In—There shall be a written procedure in
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
effect to perform the engine break-in. This procedure may
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
include all engine gage verification of operation. All engine
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
readings shall achieve the normal accepted range of readings
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
commensurate with a new engine. If not performed during
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
engine break-in, then this verification must be performed under
separate procedures. All engine gages shall be verified to be
2. Terminology
operating.
2.1 Definitions:
2.1.1 powered parachute, n—aircraftcomprisedofaflexible
5. Production Acceptance Testing, Flight Testing
or semi-rigid wing connected to a fuselage in such a way that
5.1 Every production aircraft shall be flight tested to the
the wing is not in position for flight until the aircraft is in
following minimums:
motion. This aircraft has a fuselage with seats, engine, and
5.1.1 Powered Parachutes—Fifteen minutes flight time,
wheels (or floats), such that the wing and engine cannot be
including at least one takeoff and landing, trimming of flight
flown without the wheels (or floats) and seat(s). Unique to the
controls, and verification of control for left turn, right turn, and
powered
...