This specification prescribes airworthiness design requirements for the establishment of operating limitations and information for the operation of aeroplanes. It addresses the general limitations and information to be contained in the aeroplane flight manual. 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.

The requirements described in this specification cover: airspeed limitations, operating maneuvering speed, flap extended speed, minimum control speed, weight and center of gravity, auxiliary power unit limitations, minimum flight crew, maximum passenger seating configuration, kinds of operation, and maximum operating altitude.

1.1 This specification establishes the airworthiness design requirements associated with the establishment of operating limitations and information for the operation of aeroplanes. It covers the need 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 for means and methods of presentation.

1.2 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 aeroplane airworthiness regulations (hereinafter referred to as “the Rules”), refer to ASTM Committee F44 webpage (www.ASTM.org/COMITTEE/F44.htm), which includes CAA website links.

1.3 This specification is applicable to small aeroplanes.

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 non-conformance 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 limitations prior to use.