Standard Specification for Unmanned Aircraft Flight Manual (UFM) for an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS)

1.1 This specification provides the minimum requirements for an Unmanned Aircraft Flight Manual (UFM) for an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) designed, manufactured, and operated in the light UAS category as defined by a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Depending on the size and complexity of the UAS, an UFM may also contain the instruction for maintenance and continuing airworthiness for owner / operator authorized maintenance. This document has been purposefully designed within the broader context of the Committee F38 library. Although the original source materials for the content presented here were intended to function as standalone documents, the committee has consciously removed any redundant information in favor of adopting a referential "single-source-of-truth" approach. Consequently, when applying this standard, it is essential to consider and integrate all relevant Committee F38 standards to ensure its comprehensive and accurate implementation.

1.2 When intending to utilize the information provided in this document as a Means of Compliance for operational or design approval, or both, it is crucial to consult with the respective oversight authority (for example, CAA) regarding its acceptable use and application. To find out which oversight authorities have accepted this standard (in whole or in part) as an acceptable Means of Compliance to their regulatory requirements (hereinafter "the Rules"), please refer to the Committee F38 webpage (www.ASTM.org/COMMITTEE/F38.htm).

1.3 This specification defines the UFM information that shall be provided by the manufacturer of a UAS as part of the initial sale or transfer to an end user.

1.4 This specification applies to a UAS seeking a CAA approval, in the form of airworthiness certificates, type certificates, flight permits, or other like documentation as a UAS, in the configuration specified in the UFM delivered with the system.

1.5 Any modifications that invalidate or otherwise affect the accuracy of UFM operating instructions shall be approved by the manufacturer and communicated to the regulatory authority in the certificate / permit application.

1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.