This specification covers airworthiness design criteria for aeroplane handling characteristics in flight and on ground and water. The applicant for a design approval shall seek the individual guidance of their respective civil aviation authority (CAA) body concerning the use of this specification as part of a certification plan.

General requirements address general control forces such as takeoff, climb, level flight and descent; longitudinal control; directional and lateral control; minimum control speed; aerobatic maneuvers; control during landings; elevator control force in maneuvers; trim and stability requirements; ground and water handling characteristics; high speed characteristics; and vibration and buffeting.

1.1 This specification establishes the airworthiness design standards associated with general airplane-handling characteristics in flight and on ground and water.

1.2 This specification is applicable to aeroplanes.

1.3 The applicant for a design approval shall seek the individual guidance of their respective civil aviation authority (CAA) body concerning the use of this specification as part of a certification plan. For information on which CAA regulatory bodies have accepted this specification (in whole or in part) as a means of compliance to their small aircraft airworthiness regulations (hereinafter referred to as “the Rules”), refer to the ASTM Committee F44 webpage (www.ASTM.org/COMITTEE/F44.htm) which includes CAA website links.

1.4 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard.

1.5 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.