1. Introduction to Airworthiness
Introduction to Airworthiness Requirements for Electric Propulsion
- Q1: What is one major reason flying on commercial airlines continues to be safe?
- Innovations in autonomous pilot systems
- Commitment to standard construction and maintenance procedures
- High competition in airline services
- Q2: What does the ASTM F3239 standard specifically address?
- Airworthiness requirements for electric and hybrid-electric propulsion systems
- Certification of scheduled commercial aircraft
- Safety inspections for general aviation
- Q3: Which organization certifies civilian aircraft in the United States?
- SAE International
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- International Air Transport Association (IATA)
- Q4: Which category of civilian aviation is specifically linked to FAA Title 14 CFR Part 23?
- Charter service
- General aviation
- Commercial scheduled service
- Q5: How do industry standards relate to FAA oversight?
- They support compatibility and standardization but do not replace FAA oversight
- They serve as mandatory legal codes for FAA enforcement
- They only apply to international aviation operations
- Q6: What kind of documents does the FAA publish to guide airworthiness beyond regulations?
- International codes of conduct
- Technical patent filings
- Advisory circulars, airworthiness directives, and service bulletins
- Q7: What role do consensus standards play in aviation certification?
- They provide additional guidance to complement FAA regulations
- They are used exclusively for maintenance manuals
- They dictate pricing and manufacturing costs
- Q8: Who governs the FAA?
- The United Nations Aviation Division
- U.S. Department of Transportation
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- Q9: What is one key benefit of using industry standards in aviation?
- They speed up aircraft boarding procedures
- They eliminate the need for FAA inspection
- They help maintain high safety standards through uniform procedures
- Q10: Why might students be advised to ask their instructor about state aviation laws?
- Because aviation regulation may vary across U.S. states
- Because local regulations override FAA laws
- Because each state issues its own aircraft certification
Terminology in ASTM F3239
- Q1: What are the first three sections typically found in ASTM standards?
- Scope, Referenced Documents, Terminology
- Introduction, Components, Summary
- Overview, Implementation, Definitions
- Q2: Which standard contains comprehensive definitions for airworthiness-related terms?
- ASTM F3239
- ASTM F3060
- FAA Title 14 CFR Part 23
- Q3: What is the main function of an electric engine within the propulsion system?
- Distribute electrical power across subsystems
- Provide thrust for propulsion
- Manage energy storage parameters
- Q4: Which of the following is NOT explicitly listed as a component of an electric propulsion system in ASTM F3239?
- Controller
- Sensors
- Avionics system
- Q5: Why is standardized terminology important in the aviation industry?
- It allows greater flexibility in documentation
- It facilitates communication with clarity and precision
- It minimizes the need for regulatory oversight
- Q6: What component in an electric propulsion system is equivalent to a fuel tank in a gasoline-based system?
- Electric Motor
- Disconnect Switch
- Energy Storage System (ESS)
- Q7: Which of the following best defines the Energy Distribution System (EDS) in electric propulsion?
- It delivers energy from the source to the electric engine
- It controls software-based diagnostics
- It measures thermal output during engine operation
- Q8: What issue is highlighted by the term “quantity” in the context of standardized definitions?
- Measuring battery voltage accurately
- Synchronizing controller signals with motor output
- Inconsistent interpretation of what and when to measure
- Q9: What is the practical reason battery manufacturers restrict full access to usable energy capacity?
- To prolong battery life
- To prevent overheating during emergency landing
- To meet FAA battery certification criteria
- Q10: How are “capacity” and “usable energy capacity” different in electric propulsion systems?
- They are completely synonymous
- Usable energy capacity is a subset limited by design
- Capacity only applies to fuel-cell powered systems
Requirements in ASTM F3239
- Q1: What is one reason why ASTM F3239 includes references to other standards in the powerplant installation section?
- To limit the scope of installation requirements
- To build on existing requirements without duplicating details
- To avoid FAA regulatory conflicts
- Q2: In both gasoline and electric propulsion systems, what is a shared requirement for the oil system?
- It must be integrated with the cooling system
- It can be shared across engines
- It must be independent and maintain a safe operating temperature
- Q3: What condition must the energy distribution system be able to support to meet F3239 requirements?
- Emergency landings with full payload
- Maximum continuous power for at least 30 minutes
- Full system recharge in under one hour
- Q4: Why must multiple electric engines have independent energy distribution systems?
- To maintain redundancy and safety during operation
- To reduce aircraft manufacturing costs
- To simplify FAA inspections
- Q5: According to the video, what determines where energy system independence begins and ends?
- Guidance provided in FAA advisory circulars
- Pilot discretion during certification
- Manufacturer’s design flexibility
- Q6: What types of systems are discussed in the hazard mitigation section of the standard?
- Propeller pitch and torque systems
- Electrical connectors and valves
- Protection against fire, lightning, and ice
- Q7: Why is it important to define what the pilot can replace in energy storage systems?
- It affects the resale value of the aircraft
- It determines insurance eligibility
- It ensures pilot actions don’t compromise system safety
- Q8: What does the video emphasize about the similarity of requirements between gasoline and electric systems?
- The requirements are completely different due to energy type
- Many core requirements remain the same despite the energy source
- Electric systems require fewer safety checks
- Q9: Why does the video compare standards to “puzzle pieces”?
- Each contributes to a complete system of aviation safety
- They replace the need for regulations
- They vary greatly between countries
- Q10: What is one key takeaway the video wants learners to leave with?
- The FAA no longer oversees electric aircraft
- Standard definitions are optional in aviation
- A working knowledge of standards improves aviation safety awareness
This work was prepared by Purdue University under award number 70NANB22H200 from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Institute of Standards and Technology or the U.S. Department of Commerce.