Sep 01, 2006

A new ASTM International standard, F 2490, Guide for Aircraft Electrical Load and Power Source Capacity Analysis, has been accepted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a means of compliance with 14 CFR 23.1351(a) (2), Electrical System Capacity for Part 23 (and Predecessor) Aircraft. Guide F 2490 was developed by Subcommittee F39.01 on Design, Alteration, and Certification, which is under the jurisdiction of Committee F39 on Normal and Utility Category Airplane Electrical Wiring Systems.
 
The FAA participates as a member of F39 to develop their standards, which satisfy the FAA’s goal for electrical wiring system standards for normal and utility, acrobatic, and commuter category airplanes.
 
Committee F39 is developing a second proposed standard, WK9078, Practice for Design, Alteration and Certification of Aircraft Electrical Wiring Systems, using FAA Advisory Circular 43-13-1B Chapter 11, Aircraft Electrical Systems as core material. This proposed practice contains processes and criteria for designing, selecting, installing, modifying, and certifying aircraft electrical systems. The material in AC43-13-1B is being updated and supplemented with information from international regulatory authorities and other industry committees such as the FAA Aging Transport Rule-making Advisory Committee. It should enter the balloting process this fall.
 
A third document addressing the inspection of general aviation electrical wiring systems is in the early stages of development. This standard will provide maintainers with an inspection checklist that highlights what needs to be inspected and an explanation of how to perform these inspections to capture the greatest benefit.
 
F39 was formed to address the growing safety concerns surrounding aircraft wiring systems. The committee is dedicated to working cooperatively with both industry and regulators to develop a set of clear, concise and complete standards pertaining to the entire life cycle of the small aircraft wiring systems. This effort will foster better design and improved maintenance and inspection of wiring systems. All interested parties are encouraged to participate in this effort.

ASTM International standards are available from Customer Service (phone: 610/832-9585; https://www.astm.org/contact/) or at http://www.astm.org.

For further technical information, contact Richard Peri, Aircraft Electronics Association, Washington, D.C. (phone: 202/589-1144; ricp@aea.net). Committee F39 meets Oct. 3-4, during in Kansas City, Mo. For membership or meeting information, contact Daniel A. Schultz, manager, Technical Committee Operations, ASTM International (phone: 610/832-9716; dschultz@astm.org).

Release #7475