What is ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) ?

Definition

ASTM International is a global standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus standards across a wide range of industries. In the UAV sector, it creates technical guidelines that support drone safety, airworthiness, Remote ID compliance, performance testing, and pilot qualification. These standards provide a common framework for manufacturers, service providers, and regulators.

Usage

Drone manufacturers and operators use ASTM standards to benchmark safety and performance. Regulatory agencies, such as the FAA, often reference American Society for Testing and Materials protocols when reviewing waiver requests or certifying compliance. For instance, ASTM F3322 outlines how parachute recovery systems should be tested, while ASTM F3411 specifies requirements for Remote ID transmissions.

Relevance to the Industry

American Society for Testing and Materials plays a pivotal role in integrating drones into national airspace. Its standards ensure interoperability, safety, and reliability for both commercial and recreational operations. As the drone ecosystem evolves—particularly with the rise of BVLOS flights, drone deliveries, and Urban Air Mobility—ASTM standards continue to shape certification pathways and industry best practices.

How Does ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) Work?

American Society for Testing and Materials develops drone-related standards through a transparent, consensus-based process involving stakeholders from across the UAV ecosystem. These include manufacturers, aviation authorities, engineers, and end users. Here’s how the process works:

Proposal and Committee Formation

New drone-related standards typically begin with a proposal submitted to Committee F38 on Unmanned Aircraft Systems. This committee includes members from the FAA, NASA, academia, and industry. Once a proposal is accepted, a working group is formed to draft the standard.

Drafting and Technical Collaboration

Members work collaboratively to create a draft that outlines performance criteria, testing protocols, and compliance requirements. For example:

• American Society for Testing and Materials F3322 covers parachute deployment timing and descent rate
• American Society for Testing and Materials F3411 defines how Remote ID messages are formatted and transmitted
  These drafts are based on operational needs, regulatory gaps, and real-world use cases.

Balloting and Review

Next, the draft is circulated to the committee for balloting. Members submit feedback and vote on whether the document meets consensus requirements. All negative comments must be addressed before the standard can move forward. This ensures that each standard reflects technical validity and broad support.

Publication and Regulatory Adoption

Once approved, the standard is published and made publicly available. Although American Society for Testing and Materials standards are voluntary, many regulators adopt them formally. For example, the FAA references ASTM F3411 in its Remote ID framework. Manufacturers and operators often implement these standards to streamline compliance and increase operational credibility.

Ongoing Revisions and Updates

Standards are not static. American Society for Testing and Materials regularly revises them to account for changes in technology, regulation, and market demand. For instance, updates to Remote ID and UTM interface protocols are ongoing as airspace integration becomes more complex.

Industry Implementation

In the field, companies apply American Society for Testing and Materials standards throughout the product lifecycle:

• A parachute manufacturer may use ASTM F3322 to test a safety system for BVLOS approval
• A software company might adopt UTM interface standards to ensure interoperability
• Commercial pilots could use ASTM training frameworks to meet insurer or employer requirements

By establishing trusted performance benchmarks, ASTM enables the UAV industry to scale safely and confidently under clear technical guidelines.

Example in Use

“To qualify their parachute recovery system for BVLOS flights, the manufacturer followed American Society for Testing and Materials F3322 testing protocols and submitted the results to the FAA.”

Frequently Asked Questions about ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)

Are ASTM standards mandatory for drone operations?
Not technically. However, because agencies like the FAA and EASA reference ASTM standards in their rules, following them is often the most direct way to achieve regulatory compliance.

Which ASTM standards are relevant to drones?
Key examples include:

• ASTM F3322: Parachute recovery system testing

• ASTM F3411: Remote ID specifications

• ASTM WK62647 (in progress): UTM interface protocols

• ASTM F3266: Operational risk assessment framework

Why do manufacturers follow ASTM standards?
They simplify certification, reduce approval times, and improve legal defensibility. Additionally, they signal professionalism and help manufacturers meet customer and insurer expectations.