ASTM F3115/F3115M-23e1 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM F3115/F3115M-23e1 — Standard Specification for Structural Durability for Small Aeroplanes. This specification provides airworthiness-related requirements and guidance on structural durability for the design of small aeroplanes, developed by ASTM Committee F44 for use as means of compliance with applicable small-airplane airworthiness rules.

Abstract

This specification addresses structural durability considerations (fatigue, fail-safe strength, damage tolerance, and residual strength) for metallic, composite, and bonded structures of small aeroplanes (Levels 1–4 Normal Category). It is intended to be used with oversight guidance from relevant civil aviation authorities when proposed as a Means of Compliance for design approvals.

General information

• Status: Superseded — replaced by ASTM F3115/F3115M-26 (active, published 01 January 2026).
• Publication date: Published / issued 01 January 2023 (designation F3115/F3115M-23e1).
• Publisher: ASTM International (Committee F44, Subcommittee F44.30).
• ICS / categories: 49.020 — Aircraft and space vehicles in general.
• Edition / version: F3115/F3115M-23e1 (editorial amendment of the 2023 release; later superseded by -26).
• Number of pages: 6 pages.

Scope

The specification addresses airworthiness requirements related to structural durability for the design of small aeroplanes, with content focused on Levels 1 through 4 Normal Category aeroplanes. It presents requirements and guidance for metallic, composite, and bonded structures that must withstand repeated variable-magnitude loads in service, and includes mapping guidance to recognized regulatory requirements (for example, EASA CS‑23 and FAA 14 CFR 23 structural durability provisions) where noted. Users proposing this specification as Means of Compliance must coordinate with their oversight authority.

Key topics and requirements

• Structural durability principles for small aeroplanes (fatigue life considerations and durability design intent).
• Damage tolerance and residual strength requirements and guidance.
• Fail‑safe design concepts and inspection/maintenance implications.
• Unit systems: presentation and use of SI and inch‑pound (English engineering) units as separate systems.
• Guidance on using the standard as a Means of Compliance and mapping to EASA CS‑23 / FAA 14 CFR 23 structural durability requirements (Annex/A1 mapping referenced).

Typical use and users

Design engineers, certification and compliance specialists, structural analysts, regulatory authorities, and small‑aircraft manufacturers or modifiers use this specification when developing structural durability substantiation for small aeroplanes. It is used primarily as a consensus means of compliance and as guidance when preparing certification plans and structural substantiation documentation subject to civil aviation authority approval.

Related standards

Related ASTM F44 committee outputs and terminology standards for small aircraft; documents and regulatory texts referenced for mapping include EASA CS‑23 structural durability requirements and FAA 14 CFR 23 structural durability provisions. Users should consult the current ASTM F3115/F3115M series and applicable CAA guidance for the most appropriate related documents and means-of-compliance mappings.

Keywords

structural durability; small aeroplane; small airplane; fatigue; damage tolerance; fail‑safe; residual strength; composite structure; metallic structure; Means of Compliance; EASA CS‑23; FAA 14 CFR 23; F44.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM F3115/F3115M-23e1 is a consensus specification that gives requirements and guidance for structural durability of small aeroplanes, intended to support design substantiation and to be used (with CAA coordination) as a Means of Compliance for airworthiness rules.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers durability‑related airworthiness requirements including fatigue considerations, damage tolerance, fail‑safe strength, and residual strength for metallic, composite, and bonded structures of small aeroplanes (focused on Levels 1–4 Normal Category). It also addresses unit usage and provides mapping/guidance for regulatory compliance.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Aircraft structural designers, certification engineers, regulatory compliance personnel, small aircraft manufacturers and modifiers, and aviation authorities evaluating Means of Compliance use this standard.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: F3115/F3115M-23e1 was published 01 January 2023 but has since been superseded by ASTM F3115/F3115M-26 (published 01 January 2026), which is the active version as of the most recent ASTM record. Users should reference the active -26 edition for the latest requirements and consult their CAA for acceptable means-of-compliance.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the ASTM F3115/F3115M series developed by Committee F44 (Subcommittee F44.30) and is maintained as part of the F44 suite of small‑aircraft structural and airworthiness guidance documents; revisions and redlines are published as the committee updates the specification.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Structural durability, fatigue, damage tolerance, fail‑safe, residual strength, small aeroplane, composite structure, metallic structure, Means of Compliance, F3115, F3115M.