ASTM International Committee F37 on Light Sport Aircraft will meet 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 training 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 United States. 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. Meeting schedules and detailed information regarding the workshops are posted under the “Additional Information” section. Meeting logistics (including weather, dress, accommodations, location) and a complete schedule are available on the F37 meeting registration site.  Click here to register online through the ASTM Web site.

ASTM International welcomes and encourages participation in the development of its standards. ASTM’s open consensus process, using advanced Internet-based standards development tools, ensures worldwide access for all interested individuals. For more information on becoming an ASTM member, please contact Dan Schultz, ASTM International (phone: 610-832-9716; dschultz@astm.org). 

Release #8180/Feb2009