Standard Specification for Continued Airworthiness of Lightweight Unmanned Aircraft Systems

1.1 This specification establishes the standard practice for the maintenance and continued airworthiness of a lightweight unmanned aircraft system (UAS).

1.2 At a minimum, a UAS is defined as a system composed of the unmanned aircraft and all required subsystems, control station, all required crew members, command and control (C2) links, and any required launch and recovery equipment.

1.3 The intended use for this specification is for civil aviation authority (CAA), self-, or third-party determinations of continued airworthiness for UAS. This specification provides the core requirements for continued airworthiness of lightweight UAS or for certain CAA operational approvals using risk-based categories, or both. Additional requirements are envisioned to address the requirements for expanded operations and characteristics not addressed by this specification.

1.4 This specification is intended to support aircraft developed in accordance with Specifications F2910, F3002, F3005, and F3298.

1.5 This specification is intended to support UAS operations. It is assumed that the risk of UAS will vary based on concept of operations, environment, and other variables. The fact that there are no human beings onboard the UAS may reduce or eliminate some hazards and risks.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7 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.