ASTM F2746-14 (2023) PDF

Full title and description

Standard Specification for Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) for Light Sport Airplane — ASTM F2746−14 (reapproved 2023). This specification defines the minimum content, structure, and presentation requirements for a Pilot’s Operating Handbook delivered by the manufacturer for a light sport airplane, including required sections, performance and limitation data, instrumentation and equipment listings, revision tracking, and references to OEM component information.

Abstract

This specification establishes the minimum information that must be provided in a POH for a light sport airplane (LSA). It prescribes the POH structure (title page, revision record, table of contents, introduction, and numbered sections such as General Information, Limitations, Emergency Procedures, Normal Procedures, Performance, Weight and Balance, and Systems), the required performance and limitation data (airspeeds, weights, fuel capacities, climb and cruise performance, stall speeds, etc.), required instrumentation and equipment, guidance on presentation (consistent style, units, and use of indicated airspeed), and requirements for revision control and continued airworthiness information. The document is the F2746−14 edition reapproved in 2023.

General information

• Status: Active — original 2014 adoption, reapproved 2023 (current edition designation F2746−14 (Reapproved 2023)).
• Publication date: Reapproved/published January 1, 2023 (original approval 2014).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 49.020 — Aircraft and space vehicles (aviation standards category).
• Edition / version: F2746−14 (Reapproved 2023).
• Number of pages: 3 pages (concise specification).

Scope

This specification provides the minimum POH content requirements for a powered, fixed‑wing light sport airplane as defined by applicable regulations and limited to VFR operation. It applies to POHs provided by the manufacturer with a new aircraft or kit sold to a first end user and does not claim to address every safety concern; users must determine applicability with respect to regulatory and operational requirements. Units in the standard are given in SI with inch‑pound conversions for information.

Key topics and requirements

• Required POH structure: title page, record of manual revisions, table of contents, introduction, and numbered sections for General Information, Limitations, Emergency Procedures, Normal Procedures, Performance, Weight & Balance, Systems, and others.
• Performance and limitation data: gross weight, top and cruise speeds, climb rates, stall speeds (flaps up/down), fuel capacities and usable fuel, maximum engine power at stated RPM, range with required reserves, and other essential performance figures.
• Instrumentation and equipment minimums: flight and navigation instruments (airspeed indicator, altimeter, etc.), powerplant instruments (tachometer, fuel quantity, engine instruments), switches and protections, and occupant restraints.
• Presentation requirements: consistent style and format, units (SI primary), indicated airspeeds (IAS) for speeds, and options to include OEM component manuals by reference or by inclusion.
• Revision control and continued airworthiness: requirements for tracking revisions, distributing updates to owner of record, and linking to continued operational safety and manufacturer quality practices (references to ASTM practices such as F2295 and F2972).

Typical use and users

Primary users are LSA manufacturers and OEM technical writers who prepare the POH for new aircraft or kits, certification and conformity personnel, registrars and aviation authorities reviewing documentation, maintenance organizations and flight instructors who rely on POH data for safe operation, and owners/operators who use the POH as the aircraft’s primary operational reference. The specification is used during aircraft design, production handover, and continued airworthiness planning.

Related standards

Commonly referenced ASTM documents and related standards include: F2245 Design and Performance of a Light Sport Airplane (airworthiness design data referenced by POH content), F2295 Practice for Continued Operational Safety Monitoring, F2972 Manufacturer’s Quality Assurance System for Light Sport Aircraft, and other F37 committee standards and practices addressing LSA design, performance, and continued airworthiness. National aviation regulation texts and LSA certification guidance are also complementary references.

Keywords

Pilot’s Operating Handbook, POH, light sport airplane, LSA, operating handbook, performance data, limitations, continued airworthiness, ASTM F2746, F37 committee.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM F2746−14 (Reapproved 2023) is a short specification that defines the minimum content, structure, and presentation requirements for a Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) supplied with a light sport airplane.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers required POH sections (title page, revision record, table of contents, introduction, General Information, Limitations, Emergency and Normal Procedures, Performance, Weight & Balance, Systems, etc.), essential performance and limitation figures, minimum instrumentation and equipment listings, formatting and units guidance, and revision/continued airworthiness practices.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: LSA manufacturers and OEM technical writers preparing POHs, aviation authorities and certification reviewers, maintenance and training organizations, and aircraft owners/operators who rely on the POH for safe operation.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The document is the F2746−14 edition that was reapproved in 2023 (active/reapproved). Users should confirm with ASTM or their regulatory authority for any newer revisions or work items under development. ASTM has active work items related to F2746 updates.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the ASTM F37 committee suite of Light Sport Aircraft standards and is routinely used together with standards such as F2245 (Design and Performance of a Light Sport Airplane), F2295 (Continued Operational Safety Monitoring), and F2972 (Manufacturer’s Quality Assurance requirements).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH), light sport airplane, LSA, performance, limitations, POH structure, continued airworthiness, ASTM F2746.