Trike (Weight-Shift) ASTM Standard Ready

bydanjohnson

Saturday, May 28, 2005 at 12:38 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The ASTM Weight-Shift Control Sub Committee successfully passed its Design and Performance Standard for trikes (weight-shift aircraft).
This standard will allow trikes to be manufactured and sold as S-LSAs, once the FAA issues its Notice of Availability, expanding the Light-Sport Aircraft category.
The U.S. Sport Pilot/Light-Sport Aircraft regulation, including the trike standard, is gaining international adoption, with Australia planning to implement it.

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The ASTM committee writing a LSA standard for weight shift aircraft, or “trikes,” succeeded with a final ballot. (Photo by Scott Johnson)

After a detailed review, ASTM’s Weight-Shift Control Sub Committee got their Design and Performance Standard through final ballot. This was reported at the mid-May ’05 ASTM Committee meeting for Light-Sport Aircraft. Once FAA issues their Notice of Availability trikes can be manufactured and sold as S-LSAs, joining fixed wing airplanes and powered parachutes. AirBorne trikes (photo) have Australian certification plus now that country plans to adopt the entire U.S. Sport Pilot/Light-Sport Aircraft regulation. To keep up with the growing list of aircraft that have received their certificates, one good source is EAA’s Sport Pilot website.