Loading...
Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) on ASTM standards and related intellectual property is prohibited. Violations will result in suspension of access.
Oct 14, 2025
ASTM International general aviation aircraft committee (F44) has approved a new standard that will provide a means of compliance for certification of inflatable restraints, popularly known as airbags. The standard (soon to be published as F3703) will be useful to aircraft original equipment manufacturers applying for the type certificate (TC) and supplemental type certificate (STC) from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
ASTM member Jay Yeakle says that FAA special conditions have been employed as the existing regulations did not envision this technology in aircraft.
According to Yeakle, TC and STC applicants currently must engage with certification agencies to receive a special condition to install inflatable restraints in general aviation aircraft. The new standard will capture much of the same information that can be found in the special conditions and will present it in a way that can be accepted by authorities.
“Manufacturers will be able to use the proposed standard in their certification plans rather than engaging the regulatory bodies for FAA special conditions,” says Yeakle. “This provides a more efficient path to certification, reduces regulatory workload, and should speed the certification process.”
“By approving this standard through the F44 committee, it can be adopted internationally as an industry standard developed in coordination with several certification agencies,” says Yeakle.
“This new standard is one of several being considered by the structures subcommittee (F44.30) to address cabin safety,” says Yeakle. “Anyone interested in cabin safety for general aviation is encouraged to participate in the standards developing activities of F44.30.”
ASTM welcomes participation in the development of its standards. Become a member at www.astm.org/JOIN.
November / December 2025
